Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 125

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ISSUE 125 VOLUME 21

June 17, 2021

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

MAYORAL ENDORSEMENTS!

Kathryn Garcia. Photo: Garcia for NYC Campaign

Maya Wiley. Photo: Maya for Mayor Campaign

Eric Adams. Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

June 22 Primary: Rank Choice These Three Candidates. See page ...6

Comprehensive Immigration Reform:

The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021

I

mmigration is an irrefutable source of our strength and is essential to who we are as a nation. The last four years of misguided policies have exacerbated the already broken immigration system and highlighted the critical need for reform. The U.S. Citizenship Act is an important first step.

President Joe Biden Editorial credit: Naresh777 / Shutterstock.com

Read more in The Immigrant’s Journal page 18

How to Not Pay Taxes Like a Billionnaire ....14

Caslida Roper-Simpson for Civil Court Judge .... 8

Help with Foreclosure & Predators .... 22

ENDORSED! #1 CHOICE FOR BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT! ... pages 4&7

Antonio Reynoso. Photo: Reynoso for Brooklyn Campaign

Knowledge is Power when you use it!

Get a FREE Consultation!

Ask the Lawyer:

Call 855-768-8845 Jamaica Consul General: Message to Diaspora ....3

Brian Figeroux, Esq., Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Louison is Dead.

His Fraud Lives On. ....17

Barbados Consul General & Chair of CARICOM Corps: We Must Asset Our Contributions and Value to America ....2

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CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Caribbean Consulates Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200

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We Must Asset Our Contributions and Value to America

Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117 The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-421-6420 Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-551-4325 Belize 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1911 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-593-0999 Dominica 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400H New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-0853 Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-599-8478 Grenada 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1101 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301 Guyana 308 West 38th Street New York, N.Y. 10018 Tel: 212-947-5119 Haiti 815 Second Avenue,6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-697-9767 Jamaica 767 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-935-9000 Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-838-6887 Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 20th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-840-2450 St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel: 212-535-5521 St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel: 212-697-9360 St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 800-786-2278 St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272 For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory

Cicely Tyson.

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

BY HON MACKIE HOLDER SPECIAL TO CAW

I

t is easy to pinpoint examples of the excellence of Caribbean people and our ineffaceable impact on the fabric of American society.

They are there in the origins of hip hop, in education, in cinema, in law, in the civil rights movement, in the black enlightenment sphere, in religion, in literature, in law and politics – they are everywhere.

Icons, some no longer with us, seniors and younger citizens of Caribbean origin and heritage, embody the spirit and character of Caribbean people and are etched in history and memory.

Marcus Garvey. Prince Hall. Sidney Poitier. Grace Jones. DJ Kool Herc.

Shirley Chisholm. Irving Burgie. Nikki Manaj. Eric Holder. James Wheldon.

Joseph Sandiford Atwell. Cicely Tyson.

Colin Powell. Tim Duncan. Z Alexander Looby. Jamaica Kincaid. Malcolm X. The list is illustrious and long.

From the inception of the founding of these United States to now, Caribbean people have shaped and influenced and, in diverse ways, built America. In numerous instances, our contributions have been and are defining. Often, we have been the first and best at what they do.

Alexander Hamilton, born in Nevis, was the first US Treasury Secretary. His ingenuity and competence was such that what he conceived as the US financial structure is still the basis of commerce and finance to this day. Additionally, he was the chief influencer and agitator for union.

Irving Burgie, of Barbadian heritage, wrote the lyrics and music to the first million selling record, Grandmaster Flash of Barbados was a founder of hiphop and, well, there is Rihanna. The name alone says all of the young woman who sits at the top of the entertainment/fashion/cosmetics word.

There is Dr. Velma Scantlebury, the first black female transplant surgeon of the USA, and Guyanese Dr. Deborah Persuad, whose research in AIDS and HIV in children has been as groundbreaking as it has been life-saving.

While we personify, and it is easy to do so, the accomplishments of Caribbean

Barbados Consul General, Hon Mackie Holder

people in America, in doing so do not let us forget the collective effect of our people on this society.

First, there is the fact that the Caribbean was the source of the first blacks to come to America.

And three exceptional examples of Caribbean indelible weight come instantly to mind. Caribbean people made immeasurable contributions to the Harlem Renaissance, the cultural firmament of black America.

Barbados’ colonizing of South Carolina is still widely evident in that State in the architecture of Charlestown, the cuisine and the indigenous Gullah people.

And one of America’s most significant economic drivers in history, a prime asset and marvel of the word, the Panama Canal, was overwhelmingly constructed by Caribbean people, mostly Barbadians and Jamaicans but citizens from most of the countries in the region.

Simply, the impact of the Caribbean people on all aspects of American life is in inverse proportion to the size of the region and our numbers in America.. It is doubtful that any area of similar small size has contributed so fulsomely and definitively to the development of America.

Today, the 13 million plus persons of Caribbean origin – 6 million outside of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic – continue to be an important and essential component of America and our concentration in certain areas is not only changing the culture and landscape but can be important in deciding and changing the trajectory of politics and policy.

In New York, the one million people from the English speaking Caribbean alone, concentrated in certain areas of Brooklyn, for instance, can be game changers.

With the past history and present imperatives, it is somewhat incongruous that it appears that the acknowledgment and celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month seems very removed from the mainstream and reduced to the Presidential Proclamation and either token efforts or minor activities highlighting the Caribbean-American nexus.

It has not helped that both Pride Month and Caribbean American Heritage Month are celebrated in June. While

Rihanna: Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

obviously not mutually exclusive, the highlighting of people, places and events that fall under the Pride banner overshadows, to the point of non-acknowledgment, Caribbean American Heritage Month. We should be so inspired to rally with pride behind Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Note even the elevation of the first female as Vice President, Kamala Harris of Jamaican heritage, has changed the conversation. Not at the national level, more troubling not at the State level and, sometimes, not even at more granular levels. Not if the media, traditional and new, are any guide and not if New York, for instance, is surveyed.

There is, therefore, much room for personal and collective celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month and its salute commensurate with the history and ongoing impact of Caribbean people.

In all ways, then, Caribbean people must lead the process to ensure our work and worth, historically and now, do not become a footnote in everyday American life.

We must assert our substantial contributions and value to American society.

With Caribbean people continuing to occupy positions of power and influence, and otherwise exhibiting excellence, this is the perfect time to rally so that the efforts that led to the 2006 official institution of Caribbean American Heritage month and its celebration do not fade.

In this vein, I wish to salute all persons with Caribbean connections who in their daily lives continue to be exemplars of the best traditions of the region in their civility, neighborliness, industriousness, dedication to achieving and who showcase the wealth of Caribbean culture, from clothes to cuisine, and in so doing instill our heritage in communities throughout the United States.

Let us rally around Caribbean American Heritage Month, and at all times, strive to keep our shared history and present inputs relevant and at the forefront of American life, where it should be. l Mackie Holder Chair of the CARICOM Consular Corp and Consul General of Barbados at New York

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3

CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Message from the Jamaica Consul General Alsion Roach Wilson, OD

M

y fellow Jamaicans in the Diaspora, I am delighted to convey warm greetings to you, on the occasion of National CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month, which, since 2006, has been celebrated annually in the month of June.

The celebration of National CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month this year comes against the backdrop of continued challenges internationally, on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, this occasion allows us to celebrate the resilience of our Jamaican Diaspora and their commitment toexcellence.

In this regard, I am pleased to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to one of the architects responsible for the establishment of this occasion, who is one of very own – Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies.

As one of the largest Caribbean immigrant communities in the US, our Jamaican Diaspora has made and continues to make noteworthy contributions to the socio-economic, cultural and political landscape of the United States. These achievements and contributions have helped to shape the legacy of our com-

Jamaica Consul General, Hon Alsion Roach Wilson

mon Caribbean American Heritage, of which we are proud.

The recent milestone accomplishment of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman of color to be elected to the second highest office in the US, follows the rich legacy of Caribbean Americans of Jamaican descent who have held public office. These include, but are not limited to: Colin Powell – former Secretary of State and first person of color to hold said Office; Susan Rice – former US Ambassador to the United Nations; Yvette Clarke – Congresswoman of the

9th Congressional District of New York; and David Paterson– New York’s first African-American Lieutenant Governor.

In the area of arts and culture, we take this opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Jamaican American trailblazers.

In this connection, we acknowledge the work of Sheryl Lee Ralph – Actress, Singer and Author, as well as one of the first official spokespersons for Caribbean-American Heritage Month in 2006. In addition, musical giants such as Harry Belafonte and Clive Campbell, are just a few of the Jamaican Americans who have exposed Jamaica’s musical prowess and talents to the American and international audience.

As your Consul General, I am truly delighted to see the continuation of the celebration of National CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month here in the United States.I am also heartened by the support from the White House towards the ongoing recognition of its significance, as well as the call to all of us here in the US to join in celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Caribbean Americans.

One Love!l

TEAM My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6 Publisher I.Q. INC. Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Pearl Phillip Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kenrick Williams Contributors Victoria Falk Linda Nwoke Jennine Estes Erin Telesford Janet Howard Mary Campbell Tarsha Gibbons Travis Morales Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com

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4

ELECTIONS 2021

Brooklyn: Why I Should Be Your Next Borough President

BY ANTONIO REYNOSO

I

'm running for Brooklyn Borough President because our borough faces tough challenges, and I believe that together we can overcome them and build our borough back better than before. We need a leader who is willing to champion bold, progressive solutions to the pressing challenges that face working families and residents across Brooklyn. During my time on the City Council, I have fought to secure affordable housing, passed legislation to improve relations between the NYPD and civilians, and spearheaded efforts to improve civic engagement. Brooklyn gave me everything I have, and now I'm running to build a Brooklyn for all of us.

I am the son of parents who emigrated from the Dominican Republic with next to nothing. Growing up, we relied on government assistance to survive. Food stamps, Section 8, Medicaid — my siblings and I would have never succeeded without it. Now, I’m a Councilmember and candidate for Borough President, running to root out the deeply rooted inequities in Brooklyn. I want to make sure that my success story is the rule, not the exception, that no matter what zip code our kids are born in, they have the resources to thrive and succeed.

My career in public service began over a decade ago. After getting my bachelor’s degree, I became a community organizer for NYC ACORN, and then joined the office of Council Member Diana Reyna as her Chief of Staff. In 2013, I ran for City Council myself, to serve the community that has given me so much.

Over the seven years that I have served on the City Council, I have sought to advance bold, progressive legislation Citywide, while improving quality of life in my district. As Chair of the Sanitation

“Here in Brooklyn, we succeed by never giving up and never giving in. Right now, we need to be tough and pull together in the aftermath of COVID to finally address our affordable housing shortage, dismantle systemic racism, save our small businesses, fix our schools, and stop overdevelopment and gentrification. Brooklyn makes us all who we are; and together, we’ll make Brooklyn stronger and fairer for everyone.” and Solid Waste Management Committee, I passed a sweeping overhaul of the corrupt and inefficient private sanitation industry. The Commercial Waste Zones bill that I sponsored drastically improved the industry’s working conditions and environmental practices, and cut down on miles of dangerous and polluting truck traffic. I was a lead sponsor of Stand for Tenant Safety, a legislative package of bills to protect tenants from harassment. In addition to my strong legislative track record, I have

been focused on supporting the creation and preservation of deeply affordable housing across my district and the institutions that support residents, like our childcare centers. I also passed the Right to Know Act to improve police-community relations through deescalation, furthering public safety.

As Brooklyn Borough President, I’ll take my activist spirit to Borough Hall to pull our communities together to rebuild in the aftermath of COVID. On the Council, my bill to bring outdoor dining

to New York City saved 100,000 restaurant jobs and provided a critical lifeline to outer borough and minority-owned small businesses. As Borough President, I’ll bring the same kind of creativity to Borough Hall to ensure a just recovery for all.

The inequities in Brooklyn extend beyond the pandemic though. That’s why I’m committed to protecting our local businesses; empowering communities, not big developers, to lead in land use decisions; building affordable housing in every neighborhood; continuing my work to create healthier communities and ending environmental racism; and bringing crime down by getting guns off our streets, reducing poverty and growing our economy for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected.

Our campaign is powered by everyday Brooklynites, and I’m proud to say that we’re not accepting donations from real estate developers or powerful special interests. We’ve also built a broad and diverse coalition, with support from: the NY Working Families Party; Congress Member Nydia Velázquez; Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Make the Road Action; Council of School Supervisors and Administrators; United Auto Workers Region 9A; State Senators Jessica Ramos, Julia Salazar, and John Liu; Assemblymembers Marcela Mitaynes and Maritza Davila; New York Communities for Change, and many more community leaders and progressive organizations. I invite you to join us in our people-powered movement to create a Brooklyn for all of us. l

Read more about my campaign at www.reynosoforbrooklyn.com

Early Voting Starts on June 12, 2021. The Primary is June 22, 2021. Make Antonio Reynoso Your #1 Choice for Brooklyn Borough President.

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WHEN WE STAND TOGETHER

d e m o c r at

WHEN WE RISE UP TOGETHER

WE WIN TOGETHER P a i d f o r b y R e y n o s o F o r B r o o k ly n

Why do I support Antonio Reynoso for Borough President?

Brooklyn needs a Borough President who doesn't back down, even when it’s tough. housing everywhere, fight against police brutality, and take on environmental racism. He is a true warrior for justice, he’s my friend, and I’m proud to endorse him for Borough President.”

JUMA ANE WILLIAMS P U B L I C A D V O C AT E

Build new affordable housing

End the school-toprison pipeline

Keeping our streets safe,while continuing to reform the NYPD

Give communities of color real power in development decisions

Bring back good jobs

Fight for better healthcare and cleaner air

ANTONIO IS ENDORSED BY THESE TRUSTED LEADERS & ORGANIZATIONS:

DISTRICT LEADER SHAQUANA BOYKIN

STATE SENATOR JOHN LIU

GEORGE FLOYD’S BROTHER TERRENCE FLOYD

ANTONIO REYNOSO: BUILDING A BROOKLYN FOR ALL OF US. VOTE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ON JUNE 22 OR VOTE EARLY STARTING JUNE 12

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6

ELECTIONS 2021

Mayoral Elections 2021 Endorsements

Maya Wiley. Photo: Maya for Mayor Campaign

BY CAW EDITORIAL TEAM

B

rooklyn, NY: We polled our readership, and the following three candidates secured the highest percentages, named here in alphabetical order: Eric Adams, Kathryn Garcia and Maya Wiley. This year's election is rank choice voting, and you can select up to 5 candidates. Vote these three candidates accordingly. The issues of concerns for our communities are: •Voting Rights for Green Card holders in Municipal Elections

•Desegregation of and Proper Funding of NYC Public Schools •The disparity in health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic •Public safety and protection from law enforcement in terms of stopand-frisk •Creation of jobs and support and opportunities for minority businesses Based on our interviews and observations of the candidates throughout the campaign process, we agree with our readership and support the candidates mentioned above. Here are snippets of our endorsements. Full stories can be read at our websites www.cawnyc.com and www.workersworldtoday.com. You can also listen to interviews at www.pppradio.nyc

Maya Wiley Maya Wiley has shown herself to be a principled, bold, progressive, and visionary leader. A mom and civil rights lawyer, Ms. Wiley is seeking to become the first woman and first woman of color

Eric Adams. Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

to the mayor of NYC. Wiley is confident she can function well as the next Mayor of New York City and get New Yorkers' results.

During our interview, she pledged her support for the black, brown, and immigrant communities and promised to treat these communities with the respect and dignity that is not always forthcoming.

"For me, the issues that our immigrant brothers and sisters face are central to the things that we must fix so this is a city we can all live in with dignity. That means that our people: the Caribbean Diaspora, who are our residents, our people, whether they have documentation or not, are contributing to this City, are our essential workers, are paying taxes, and deserve the full recognition of the city government for what they add to communities. For me, that includes making sure immigrants can vote in municipal elections exactly as that used to happen in our school board elections. I support that because we need to have a vote to have a voice, and anyone who is building communities in this City and being part of our solution has to have a voice."

Kathryn Garcia Kathyrn Garcia is known as a no-nonsense and no-frills manager who believes in and gets the job done. She comes up with a plan and executes it to detail and perfection. Ms. Garcia is looking to bring to the mayoral position over 14 years of government experience. Garcia is an individual that epitomizes the New York spirit – progressive, optimistic, strong, energetic, defying yet stable and welcoming—bidding to lead a city formed from the amalgamation of a variety of cultures and people from around the world, who arrive the City in search of a better life.

During her interview, Garcia emphasized: "A plan for small businesses to reopen and stay open, and a green future.

We have lost hundreds of thousands of jobs, and we need them to come back.

That means supporting small businesses, giving them access to public space for arts, culture, restaurants. I know that they need support. We need to make sure they are getting low-interest loans from the City, that they also are not being subjected to the City's fines and fees."

Kathryn Garcia. Photo: Garcia for NYC Campaign

She strongly believes in improved community policing, which drives down crime yet restores community trust in the City's law enforcement agency. "They need to not over enforce on a community just because of how they look," Garcia says. "Those that do treat people differently based on the color of their skin need to be held accountable."

Eric Adams Eric Adams has a story that many New Yorkers can relate to born in poverty, beaten at the hands of the police, and rising from the ashes to be a proud son and productive member of society. Adams' determination to be beaten by the police to become one and rise through the ranks shows his determination and focus. He has enjoyed a successful public career moving from State Senator to Brooklyn Borough President and now leading candidate for NYC Mayor. Adams has shown a strong commitment to addressing the issues of crime and gun violence.

His passion and advocacy for health is his legacy as Brooklyn Borough's President.

In a recent Town Hall meeting with the Ethnic Press media, when Caribbean American Weekly asked about advocating and supporting voting rights for Green Card holders in municipal elections, Adams said, "Yes. During the pandemic, I saw immigrants at the forefront, keeping the city moving. The basic foundation of this country is taxation with representation. Permanent residents should have representation as they are paying taxes. I definitely support voting rights for Green Card holders in municipal elections. "He also promised to create "WeRISE" agenda to raise immigrant safety and empowerment. Adams said, "My administration will lift up immigrants as high as Lady Liberty lifts her torch in our harbor, as a beacon of hope to for all who come to our shores…. We will ensure that together WeRise."l THE PRIMARY IS JUNE 22. VOTE!

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7

ELECTIONS 2021

We Endorse Antonio Reynoso for Borough President of Brooklyn

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rooklyn, NY : Martin Luther King Jr said: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Antonio Reynoso has proven to be a man willing to stand and fight for those without a voice, less fortunate, overlooked, and downtrodden. He has shown that he is ready to take the right stand even when it is unpopular and uncomfortable. He is a champion for the minority and immigrant communities. Reynoso demonstrated his measure as a leader, advocate, and champion for those in need when he left New York to go to the island of Santo Domingo, which Haiti and the Dominican Republic share to show support and solidarity with Haitians who were being mistreated and denied citizenship.

Born to immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, Antonio Reynoso, who considers himself a Caribbean man, commenced his political career over a decade ago, backed with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He knows how to engage with community members through his earlier experiences as a

Caribbean American Weekly, The Immigrant’s Journal, and Workers’ World Today are proud to endorse Antonio Reynoso as the next Borough President of Brooklyn.

Community Organizer for NYC ACORN, before joining Councilmember Diana Reyna as Chief of Staff in 2009.

He considers himself progressive and promotes his candidacy based on his personal experiences as an offspring of immigrants. His parents are immigrants who leveraged on policies in the society to raise him. His desire to serve as the next Brooklyn Borough President is a way of paying forward. Reynoso says, “This is an opportunity to give back to a community that has given him a lot. Here in Brooklyn, we succeed by never giving up and never giving in. Right now, we need to be tough and pull together in the aftermath of COVID to finally address our affordable housing shortage, dismantle systemic racism, save our small businesses, fix our schools, and stop overdevelopment and gentrification. Brooklyn makes us all who we are, and together, we’ll make Brooklyn stronger and fairer for everyone.”

Antonio Reynoso speaks at a rally commemorating the life and legacy of George Floyd.Photo: Reynoso Campaign

Reynoso is passionate and committed to continuing to make a difference in the lives of all Brooklynites. He understands our concerns – whether it’s providing Temporary Protective Status (TPS) assistance for immigrants, quality health care, in particular mental and maternal health care, an equitable education system for our kids, job creation, and meaningful

support for small business owners and budding entrepreneurs.

Reynoso is dedicated and ready to work hard from day one and every single day as Brooklyn’s next Borough President.

We are proud to endorse him and ask that you vote for him as your candidate of choice during this election. l

NYC, A New Way To Vote This June!

Rank up to five candidates, instead of voting for just one!

Vote Early: June 12 - 20 Primary Election Day: June 22 Vote Learn more: voting.nyc VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST DemNYC_RCV_Carribean_American_Weekly_10x DemNYC_RCV_Carribean_American_Weekly_10x 6.75_EN_V1.indd 1

in the June Primary Election!

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5/24/21 2:51 PM 5/24/21

ELECTIONS 2021

8

The Grassroot Campaign to Support Casilda E. Roper-Simpson for Kings County Civil Court Judge

BY ANITA MARIA SCOTT

A

grassroots campaign is any movement led by a community of like-minded individuals, diverse individuals, or even local residents seeking change without the financial, political, or other means of support by the majority, governing party, people in power, or frontline organizations and that can invigorate or harness the efforts and participation of ordinary people who seek a common goal or change to the status quo or who truly believes in and supports the ideals of an innovative leader.

Still, most grassroots campaigns have similar attributes, whereby they can unite, encourage, and usually mobilize non-participating members of a community to support and participate in a movement or disrupt the status quo of existing and popular movements.

The existing movement that Casilda E. Roper-Simpson courageously seeks to disrupt is the Democratic Machine's stronghold on Civil Court Judge elections. She is disrupting, and some may argue, which is deteriorating, the Machine's stronghold by running independently and without the Machine's support, whether financial or otherwise.

Seemingly innocuous as the people supposedly elect civil Court Judges, the Machine's stronghold is encouraged since (a) Civil Court Judge elections are usually not adequately profiled, thereby forcing voters to choose candidates at the polls with very little information as to who is running, the candidate's qualifications and community involvement, and which notorious Brooklynite is supporting such candidate; (b) ethics prohibits judicial candidates from revealing their ideologies and fiercely campaigning against adversaries; (c) those candidates supported by the Machine are empowered with significant resources and endorsements, without much thought given to the qualifications of such candidates, as long as the candidates can provide the necessary funding to the Machine, endorsing politicians and political organizations.

Casilda Roper-Simpson. Photo: Roper-Simpson Campaign

However, However, the People of Brooklyn have a choice to cast their vote in the Democratic primary on June 22, 2021, for the Civil Court.

Specifically, those seeking a truly independent judicial candidate who is not backed by the Democratic Machine and is empowered by justice, not politics, for the People of Brooklyn need not look any further than Casilda E. RoperSimpson.

Roper-Simpson was a member of the original legal team, which commenced the 1997 landmark case against the New York City Police Department in the malicious police brutality sodomy of Abner Louima. Presently, Roper-Simpson is an Administrative Law Judge, where she dispenses decisions in the public sector.

A former Senior Staff Attorney in the New York State Division of Human Rights (Prosecution Housing Litigation Unit), Counselor Roper-Simpson has been zealously advocating for the rights of litigants for more than 25 years in varied substantive areas of the law. Whether trying cases in Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, Social Services Foster Care, in New York Federal District Courts and

State Courts, as well as in Georgia (pro hac vice), Roper-Simpson has tried hundreds of cases and has particularly distinguished herself in Civil Rights & Criminal Defense. So much so, that she has consistently maintained a stellar status on the Criminal Court's 18(b) Panel for the indigent, which Roper-Simpson has always been re-certified as qualified.

As in-house counsel in middle to large law firms, Roper-Simpson has also engaged in various forms of civil litigation. Decades before the current social justice trend for the wrongfully incarcerated exonerees, Roper-Simpson spearheaded attempts that were rebuffed by the recalcitrant climate at the time. With great humility, she was so tearfully thanked by one of whom she tried to help decades earlier.

Attorney Roper-Simpson's tireless efforts commenced decades ago paved the way for Jaime A. Davidson, who was wrongfully convicted and served 29 years in prison, to have his life sentence commuted.

While Roper-Simpson has been endorsed by the Black Law Enforcement Alliance, District Leader Shaquana Boykin, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic

Club, Haitian Powerhouse, TiME television, and District Leader Anthony T. Jones, the spirit of her campaign, her captivating legal career and community involvement, the messages from her mentees who have been forever changed due to her leadership, mentorship, and enrichment, and her vow to serve the People of Brooklyn with integrity, impartiality and respect nevertheless epitomizes a grassroots movement filled with hope for a more independent court, especially during the ever-changing legal environment that in more recent times had to adapt to virtual hearings, "raisethe-age" implementation and sentencing reforms. Specifically, Roper-Simpson's movement for the Civil Court bench has not and will not be dissuaded despite the lack of support by the Democratic Machine.

Second, her campaign committee is composed of, supported by, and endorsed by family, friends, clients, and community members who have supported her throughout her entire career. Third, during the campaign trail, she has managed to meet, reach, and passionately encourage so many members of the Brooklyn community to not only learn about and vote in judicial races but also to support Team Roper-Simpson, since her love of community, love of the law, and substantive and practical experience legal experience coupled with her determination to be the Judge for the People of Brooklyn – not the judge who will be the puppeteer of the Democratic Machine for their political gains - has certainly provided the community with a candidate that they can believe in and will always prioritize their need for justice and fairness.

In essence, Roper-Simpson's grassroots movement and campaign has certainly invigorated the People of Brooklyn and impassioned voters to look beyond the Machine-supported candidates and instead look to her – the judicial candidate with heart, drive, passion and experience and only seek to serve you – The People of Brooklyn. I stand with you! I will be voting Line#3 on June 22, 2021, for CASILDA E. ROPER-SIMPSON FOR CIVIL COURT JUDGE.l

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9

CIVIL RIGHTS

100 Years After the Tulsa Race Massacre, Lessons From My Grandfather The groups traded shots, and mob violence followed. My family eventually returned to a decimated street.

Miraculously their home on Latimer Avenue was spared.

BY GREGORY B. FAIRCHILD THE CONVERSATION

W

hen Viola Fletcher, 107, appeared before Congress in May 2021, she called for the nation to officially acknowledge the Tulsa race riot of 1921.

I know that place and year well. As is the case with Fletcher – who is one of the last living survivors of the massacre, which took place when she was 7 – the terror of the Tulsa race riot is something that has been with me for almost as long as I can remember. My grandfather, Robert Fairchild, told the story nearly a quarter-century ago to several newspapers.

Here’s how The Washington Post recounted his story in 1996: “At 92 years old, Robert Fairchild is losing his hearing, but he can still make out the distant shouts of angry white men firing guns late into the night 75 years ago.

His eyes are not what they used to be, but he has no trouble seeing the dense, gray smoke swallowing his neighbors’ houses as he walked home from a graduation rehearsal, a frightened boy of 17.

His has since been a life of middle-class comfort, a good job working for the city, a warm family life. But he has never forgotten his mother’s anguish in 1921 as she fled toward the railroad tracks to escape the mobs and fires tearing through the vibrant Black neighborhood of Greenwood in north Tulsa.”

“There was just nothing left,” Fairchild told the newspaper.

The Washington Post article said the Tulsa race riots of 1921 were among the “worst race riots in the nation’s history.”

It reported: “The death toll during the 12hour rampage is still in dispute, but estimates have put it as high as 250. More than 1,000 businesses and homes were burned to the ground, scores of Black families were herded into cattle pens at the fairgrounds, and one of the largest and most prosperous Black communities in the United States was turned to ashes.”

Riots began after a white mob attempted to lynch a teenager falsely accused of assaulting a white woman. Black residents came to his defense, some armed.

Disturbing history Hearing about these experiences at the family table was troubling enough.

Reading a newspaper account of your ancestors’ fleeing for their lives is a surreal pain. There’s recognition of your family’s terror, and relief in knowing your family survived what “60 Minutes” once called “one of the worst race massacres in American history.”

In spite of my grandfather’s witness, this same event didn’t merit inclusion in any of my assigned history texts, either in high school or college. On the occasions I’ve mentioned this history to my colleagues, they’ve been astonished.l Read the full article at www.diversityinclusion.nyc

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10

DIASPORA CONCERNS

Supreme Court Denies TPS Holders a Chance at Permanent Status

BY GIANNA BORROTO

I

n a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled this week in Sanchez v.

Mayorkas that people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who entered the United States unlawfully are ineligible to obtain a green card in most cases. The decision has a devastating effect on thousands of long-time TPS holders who are now left without the possibility of ever obtaining permanent status in the United States.

TPS is a form of humanitarian protection granted to foreign nationals living in the United States. To be designated for TPS, a country must be undergoing armed conflict, a natural disaster, or similar extraordinary and temporary conditions that make it difficult or unsafe to return.

In the Court’s third unanimous decision in the last few weeks, Justice Kagan wrote that although federal immigration law states that TPS holders are to be “considered . . . as a nonimmigrant” when applying for a green card, they must still have gone through a process known as “inspection and admission” to be approved for a green card.

Jose Santos Sanchez, the petitioner,

EMERGENCY MEDICAID

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 1, 2021: Marchers demanding the Biden administration make progress on immigration reform Editorial credit: bakdc / Shutterstock.com

had argued that “nonimmigrants” by definition have undergone inspection and admission. But because Sanchez entered unlawfully, the Court disagreed. It contended that lawful status and admission are distinct concepts under the law.

The Court held that because of this distinction TPS holders who entered the United States unlawfully had not been inspected and admitted and are ineligible for a green card.

The petitioners in the case, Sanchez and

his wife Sonia Gonzalez, were born in El Salvador. They entered the United States unlawfully in the late 1990s and have four children, one of whom is a U.S. citizen. After a series of earthquakes in El Salvador, the U.S. government designated El Salvador for TPS in 2001. Sanchez was given TPS that year and has held it ever since, building a life for himself and his family in the United States for over two decades.

Though TPS is usually only authorized

TENANT PROTECTION

for a period of up to 18 months at a time, the government can and often does decide to extend the designation. In the case of El Salvador, the TPS designation has been extended from its initial issuance in 2001 until the Trump administration attempted to terminate it in 2018. That decision was blocked by a federal court.

Without a means to obtain a green card, the Sanchez decision leaves thousands of TPS holders like Sanchez and his family in limbo.

TPS holders often form strong ties to the United States, have U.S. citizen children, and make important contributions to their communities. However, as seen under the Trump administration, their ability to remain in the United States can be put at risk under the political whims of a hostile administration.

After the Sanchez decision, the fate of TPS holders rests with Congress. As Justice Kagan noted, the pending Dream and Promise Act of 2021 would give TPS holders what the Supreme Court was not able to find in the text of the current immigration statute—a chance at permanent residency and a path to citizenship for thousands of people who have called the United States home for decades.l

FOOD ASSISTANCE

SUPPORT. NOT FEAR.

COVID-19 TESTING, VACCINE AND CARE

FREE LEGAL HELP

All New Yorkers can access health care and social services regardless of immigration status, ability to pay or employment status.

Learn more at nyc.gov/immigrants or call 311.

Questions about immigration and use of public benefits?

Call ActionNYC at 1-800-354-0365 for connections to City-funded, free and confidential immigration legal help.

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11

FAMILY MATTERS

Child Out of Wedlock: How Do Child Custody and Child Support Work?

Often, people don't go into relationships out of wedlock planning for the long haul. When a child arrives, it may be a surprise, and one parent may find themselves less equipped for a parenting role than the other. The law, however, could help ensure that the parent who puts the greater amount of time into child-rearing is adequately supported by the other.

BY JANET HOWARD 311DIVORCE.COM

F

or couples navigating divorce, custody and child support negotiations are a normal part of the proceedings they go through. While close to 40 percent of births in the United States happen outside of marriage, however, most information available to parents tends to focus on children born within marriages. If you're an unmarried parent and are separating from your partner, you may need to know about how the law helps you gain custody, visitation, and child support.

How does being an unmarried parent affect your chances at custody?

When unmarried parents separate, the law is of the view that the lack of a legally recognized union shouldn't impact the way visitation, custody, and support are determined. The law in California, for instance, does not consider the unmarried status of parents a factor. Other relationship intricacies may be considered, however — for example, if there has been a history of consistent neglect by one parent, their behavior is likely to be

taken into consideration, should they attempt to gain custody.

The courts respect the rights and duties of both parents regardless of gender, and also focus on the child's best interests when determining custody and visitation. Hiring a family law attorney could help you seek mediation for the issues you face with your partner through the course of your separation, determine what kind of relationship you wish to have with the child, and what kind of contribution you can make to their support, all without going to trial.

If you are unable to see eye-to-eye through mediation, however, you should be able to go to court, and have your rights as a parent upheld, regardless of how short your relationship has been.

What happens with child support when you aren't married?

Child support considerations usually remain unaffected by whether parents splitting up are married or not. It is usually a computer algorithm that calculates the quantum of child support that either parent is to contribute. The algorithm takes different parts of the lives of the parents into account to come up with a number — their incomes, the taxes and payroll deductions they pay, and the amount of time they spend with the child, among other things. In general, if one parent spends a great deal of time with the child, and the other parent doesn't, the unavailable parent is ordered to compensate financially by paying greater child support.

How do you make a claim for custody or support when you aren't married?

While the courts aren't involved when unmarried parents separate, parents are able to file parentage or paternity actions in court. The mother's relationship with the child is never in question, given that she gives birth, but the father's paternity may need to be established. The father could either come forward voluntarily, or paternity could be established through appropriate legal process.

Parentage actions can be complicated, and it can help to go in with the help of a qualified family law attorney. It's important to understand, however, that as an unmarried parent you do have legal rights.l

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12

EDUCATION

A Summer of Renewal for Our Students

BY MEISHA ROSS PORTER NYC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR

T

his year has demanded that all New York City families and students do so many things differently—they’ve had to think differently, learn differently, and connect differently with teachers, peers, and the whole school community. At the Department of Education, we know we also have to think differently as we look towards the summer. For the first time ever, we are inviting all students to join us for a free, funfilled, enriching summer program: Summer Rising.

This year, we will serve any student in grades K-12 in July and August who wants to participate, and I am excited to be partnered with the Department of Youth & Community Development to reimagine what summer can be. Our children’s days will be filled with innovative academic support, social-emotional learning, and engaging enrichment activities.

These programs will be designed by school teams in partnership with local community-based organizations and offered in hundreds of sites across all five boroughs.

After all the trauma and disruptions caused by the pandemic over the past 15 months, our children need a chance to reboot their education in fun and supportive ways as we approach the full reopen-

ing of our schools in September. It is time to begin regaining what the pandemic took away. Summer Rising is an opportunity to do just that, creating spaces for students to learn, grow, play, and explore the City around them – from field trips to Central Park and museums to dance and art classes.

Summer Rising will also provide an enormous relief to families by keeping children safe, supported, and productive this summer. After enduring months when so many of our students were isolated from their teachers and peers, the opportunity to rebuild those face-to-face relationships will do so much to support their healing process and prepare them for returning to school in the fall.

All K–8 students participating in programs will have access to academic class-

es and enrichment programming, including field trips, arts activities and outdoor recreation. Students will also engage in daily community building and social emotional learning activities. We know some students with disabilities may require additional supports to participate in Summer Rising, and those supports will be provided as needed.

In addition, Summer Rising is a chance for high school students to complete courses in progress, make up credits to march towards graduation, and participate in academic acceleration opportunities.

They will also be able to engage in important work experience and internship opportunities, like the Summer Youth Employment Program.

As always, health and safety remain a top priority. Summer Rising will follow

the rigorous health protocols that succeeded in keeping our schools among the safest places in the city this school year.

To support these efforts, parents will need to complete a testing consent form for their child so we can keep everyone healthy and safe!

Summer Rising will be the start of revitalizing the powerful joy of learning together as we head toward a strong reopening of our schools and warm homecoming for our students in the fall. I strongly urge the families of every child who can join us over the summer to sign up now.

To learn more about the options available for your child or to sign up, go to nyc.gov/summerrising. All programs are free, in-person, and have something to offer for everyone.l

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

13

Common Problems When Dealing with a Workers' Compensation Claim ered. In many cases, medical benefits are granted before a ruling is even made on the claim.

Secondly, you have non-medical benefits, which are not quite as immediate.

These benefits often become available after your claim is granted and you fill out some additional paperwork, which means that it can take weeks or even months to start receiving non-medical benefits.

BY JARED RICHARDSON

W

orkers' compensation can be incredibly helpful if you were injured on the job, but that is only when it works out in your favor.

Some claims are rejected, while others are accepted, yet not every successful claim results in the injured party getting the benefits that they need and deserve.

If you are considering a workers' comp claim and are worried about possible problems that you may encounter during the process, here are several common questions and answers: What if your claim is rejected?

Many individuals worry about what would happen if their claim were rejected, but there is fortunately a system in place that can assist with that. There is an appeal process that allows individuals to strengthen their cases and ask for approval again, which means that you will be able to include any details that you may have missed the first time around.

Furthermore, the denial of your claim should be accompanied by specific rea-

soning as to what went wrong and what you might be able to do in the appeal to change the ruling. If you feel that your claim was rejected unfairly, then it might be time to get some legal help and hire an employment lawyer to assist you.

What if you don't get your benefits in a timely fashion?

If your claim was granted, but your benefits aren't arriving as quickly as they should, then you may need to take legal

action to speed up the process. However, benefits are divided into two separate categories, so it's important to understand how they are different and how that might affect the problems that you are experiencing.

Firstly, you have medical benefits, which should be granted immediately.

As long as you have properly documented the entire process and filled out a workers' comp claim as early as possible, your medical bills should be cov-

How can you maximize your chances of getting a successful claim?

Ultimately, your best course of action is going to be to talk to a lawyer that is specialized in the field. Not only can they help you understand the law and what you are required to do in a workers' comp claim, but they can also help you get a better idea of just how strong your case is and how much you stand to win.

If you aren't sure that you want to commit to a lawyer and the fees that such a course of action would entail, then you can probably get a free consultation to determine the best course of action and whether you even need serious legal aid in the first place.l

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IN THE NEWS

14

US Super-Rich 'Pay Almost No Income Tax'

BY BBC NEWS

D

etails claiming to reveal how little income tax US billionaires pay have been leaked to a news

website.

ProPublica says it has seen the tax returns of some of the world's richest people, including Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Warren Buffett.

The website alleges Amazon's Mr Bezos paid no tax in 2007 and 2011, while Tesla's Mr Musk paid nothing in 2018.

A White House spokeswoman called the leak "illegal", and the FBI and tax authorities are investigating.

ProPublica said it was analyzing what it called a "vast trove of Internal Revenue Service data" on the taxes of the billionaires and would release further details over coming weeks.

While the BBC has not been able to confirm the claims, the alleged leak comes at a time of growing debate about the amount of tax paid by the wealthy and widening inequality.

ProPublica said the richest 25 Americans pay less in tax — an average of 15.8% of adjusted gross income — than most mainstream US workers.

Bezos. Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Jesse Eisinger, senior reporter and editor at ProPublica, told the Today Programme: "We were pretty astonished that you could get [tax] down to zero if you were a multi-billionaire. Actually, paying zero in tax really floored us.

Ultra-wealthy people can sidestep the system in an entirely legal way."

"They have enormous ability to find deductions, find credits and exploit loopholes in the system," he said.

So while the value of their wealth grows enormously through their ownership of shares in their company, that's not recorded as income.

Buffett. Editorial credit: Kent Sievers / Shutterstock.com

But there's more than that, he said: "They also take aggressive tax deductions, often because they have borrowed to fund their lifestyle."

He said US billionaires buy an asset, build one or inherit a fortune, and then borrow against their wealth.

Because they don't realise any gains or sell any stock, they're not taking any income, which could be taxed.

"They then borrow from a bank at a relatively low interest rate, live off that and can use the interest expenses as deductions on their income," he said.

Musk. Editorial credit: Nick_ Raille_07 / Shutterstock.com

Biden’s plans The website said that "using perfectly legal tax strategies, many of the uberrich are able to shrink their federal tax bills to nothing or close to it" even as their wealth soared over the past few years.

The wealthy, as with many ordinary citizens, are able to reduce their income tax bills via such things as charitable donations and drawing money from investment income rather than wage income.

ProPublica, using data collected by Forbes magazine, said the wealth of the 25 richest Americans collectively jumped by $401bn from 2014 to 2018 —but they paid $13.6bn in income tax over those years.

President Joe Biden has vowed to increase tax on the richest Americans as part of a mission to improve equality and raise money for his massive infrastructure investment program.

He wants to raise the top rate of tax, double the tax on what high earners make from investments, and change inheritance tax.

However, ProPublica's analysis concluded: "While some wealthy Americans, such as hedge fund managers, would pay more taxes under the current Biden administration proposals, the vast majority of the top 25 would see little change."

One of the billionaires mentioned, the philanthropist George Soros, is also alleged to have paid minimal tax. His office had not replied to a BBC request for comment but said in a statement to ProPublica that Mr Soros did not owe tax some years because of losses on investments.

The statement also pointed out that he had long supported higher taxes on America's wealthiest people.l

This is an excerpt.

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No. 32

Are Judicial Foreclosures on the Rise Amid the COVID 19 Pandemic?

BY NORMA LEWIS, LLM

I

a judicial foreclosure, the property owner gives a mortgage and note to a lender in exchange for a loan.

The real property is collateral for the loan. Suppose the borrower fails to repay the loan or otherwise defaults on the loan by failing to follow the loan terms. In that case, the lender may file a foreclosure action in the appropriate New York State Court, which would be the Supreme Court in the county in which the property is located.

Most foreclosure cases in New York State are of the judicial type. Another type of non-judicial foreclosure involves a mezzanine loan. A mezzanine loan consists of a security interest in the company's stock shares that owns the real estate in question, similar to a coop loan.

Because New York State currently has a moratorium, due to the effects of

and a notice of Lis Pendens.

the Covid-19 pandemic, on judicial foreclosures. Under this Administrative Order, "no auction or sale of property in any residential or commercial matter shall be scheduled to occur before October 15, 2020." However, not every foreclosure case in New York is a judicial foreclosure or requires the lender to go through the Court. Non-judicial foreclosures occur most commonly in proceedings instituted

on behalf of cooperatives.

Now let's explore the Judicial Foreclosure Process in New York State: To commence judicial foreclosure litigation here in New York State, there are (3) three court pleadings that the lender usually prepares to initiate a foreclosure lawsuit, i.e., the complaint, a summons,

What is the Complaint for Foreclosure?

The "complaint," sometimes called a "petition," for foreclosure sets out the claims of the foreclosure lawsuit. It generally describes the following: •the mortgage •the promissory note •the property to be foreclosed.

•the default •the amount due, and •the defendants, along with their interest in the property.

The complaint will also state the type

continued on page 3

Types of Property Deeds Survivorship Deeds A survivorship deed is used to transfer ownership of a property to a surviving spouse. It is used most commonly when property is purchased by couples and one of the spouses dies. This type of property deed allows the surviving spouse to avoid probate.

BY SUSAN M. KEENAN

T

he legal documents used to transfer titles to real estate are referred to as property deeds.

The names of the legal owners to real estate are placed directly onto the property deeds. Each time a piece of real estate is sold, a new property deed must be issued. The two most commonly used types of property deeds are warranty and quit claim deeds.

Warranty Deeds Commonly used in most real estate transactions, warranty deeds provide guarantees that the property being sold is free and clear of any encumbrances or claims. The grantor, or seller of the property, warrants that he is the rightful owner of said property and that he holds the title to it. Therefore, he offers the assurance that he has the right to transfer the title to the property. The guarantee that the property is free and clear is limited to that particular transaction only. Each time a property is sold, a new deed must be issued.

Quit Claim Deeds Used when special circumstances exist, quit claim deeds do not offer any guarantees that the property is free and clear.

However, the grantor of the real estate guarantees that he owns the property and has the right to transfer it with a quit claim.

Circumstances when quit claim deeds are used include: •Property ownership is transferred into a living trust.

•A spouse is removed from inclusion on the deed.

•A property is transferred as part of an inheritance.

Life Estate Deeds A life-estate deed is designed to transfer the title to real estate directly to a new owner upon the previous owner’s death. It is sometimes used when a parent promises a child that he will receive the property when the parent dies. A life-estate deed includes the stipulation that the parent can remain in the home until the time of his death.

Life estate deeds are utilized less frequently than other types of property deeds.

If you have questions or want to set up a deed transfer, consult with a well-qualified real estate lawyer. Help is just a phone call away. Call us at 855-768-8845. n

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2

EQUITY SMART REALTY

Advantages of a Listing Agent

B

efore listing your home for sale, many home sellers are tasked with the decision to hire an agent or make the venture alone.

While the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) avenue might save you a little money by avoiding the commission cost of a listing agent, a real-estate transaction is best navigated with the guidance of an expert.

Recent data from the National Association of Realtors reveals that only 7% of FSBO attempts were actually successful in 2017. Typically, these sales were made when sellers already had a buyer in mind. Finding the right listing price is considered the most difficult task for this type of sale.

Before attempting to join this small percentage of those who sell their homes without expert help, consider the advantages of hiring a professional real estate agent.

Setting the Price Choosing a price point is more involved than having a home appraised and asking that amount. In fact, while an appraisal is a good starting point, an expert can access a CMA or comparative market analysis to analyze current trends in the area including

what similar homes sell for, current market trends, interest of local buyers, and how long homes are listed.

With this important information, a real estate expert can price your home to ensure a profitable sale with a quick turnaround.

Suggest Renovations A real estate agent is efficient in finding flaws in your property that may slow down a transaction or effect bids from buyers.

For instance, if you live in an area that experiences heavy rain fall, a new roof or air-tight windows and doors may be necessary before listing. Homes for sale in regions with intense summers and brutal

winters can benefit from an updated HVAC system. If you decide to purchase a new unit, make sure to keep warranty paperwork on hand to pass on to the next owner. Small incentives like this can make the difference between receiving unimpressive offers and making a sale.

Be sure to brag about recent upgrades in your listing. Buyers know what they’re looking for, and an agent understands how to advertise your property so they can find it.

Dealing with Negotiations Once you have accepted an offer from a home buyer, there is still one roadblock in the way before you head to close. Most offers are contingent on a home inspection, meaning an independent professional will inspect the property for flaws or defects that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Keep in mind, some states require you to disclose information about known problems that may affect the value of your home. If you fail to inform them, you may be held legally responsible for fines and fees or the rescission of a sale. Your real estate agent is an expert on the sometimescomplicated responsibilities that sellers face and can ensure your deal won’t fall through.

If unexpected problems are discovered, it’s common for a new offer to be written up. An agent will use his expertise to negotiate with the buyer’s agent to maintain fair terms.

Free Consultation Need assistance? We will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appointment today. call us at 855-7688845. n

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The Immigrant’s Journal Vol. 140

Our leaders who stood for Unity & Justice

FREE

Protecting God’s Children From Distant Lands

www.ijlef.org

June 2021

26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11242 Tel: 718-243-9431 Fax: 718-222-3153 Email: immjournal @aol.com

Arleigh Louison is Dead. The Devastation of His Fraud Lives On.

BY MARY CAMPBELL

F

ederal law enforcement agents arrested Arleigh Louison on July 18, 2019. He was indicted in Vermont on 12 counts of making false statements and submitting over 1,800 fraudulent immigration applications to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

“A federal grand jury returned a 12count indictment against Arleigh Louison, 53, of Brooklyn, New York, charging him with running an immigration fraud scheme that included the filing of false statements with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, including over 1,800 fraudulent applica-

The late “Untouchable” Arleigh Louison. Photo: Facebook

tions for over 1,000 petitioners within the last four years. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agents arrested Louison in Brooklyn, New York, and executed a federal search warrant at his office,” said the U.S. Department of Justice press release.

“The indictment charges that the false statements were made in connection with Form I-360 petitions for status adjustments under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In short, the indictment charges that Louison presented or caused the presentment of adjustment of status petitions containing false statements to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Service Center in St. Albans, Vermont claiming that the continued on page 3

Getting Your Marijuana Record Expunged

BY NORMA LEWIS, LM

T

here was quite a bit of excitement, relief, and joy, and a few spiffs smoked when New York legalized recreational marijuana.

Several advocates and lawmakers welcomed it as one of the most progressive cannabis laws in the country. That's in part because it automatically clears the criminal records of people with certain marijuana-related offenses.

"For generations, too many New Yorkers have been unfairly penalized for the use and sale of adult-use cannabis, arbitrarily arrested and jailed with harsh mandatory minimum sentences," Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said in a news release. "After years of tireless advocacy and extraordinarily hard

work, that time is coming to an end in New York State."

To right the wrongs of our failed drug war against the sale and recreational use of cannabis sativa, also known as "marijuana", on March 31, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) into law. The

law eliminates penalties for possession of less than three ounces of cannabis.

Provisions in the law legalizing the personal possession of up to three ounces of cannabis and/or up-to 24 grams of concentrates for those ages 21 and older took immediate effect.

The new law also establishes procedures for the automatic review and expungement of the criminal records of those with low-level cannabis convictions. Under the law, the smell of marijuana alone is no longer probable cause for a search by law enforcement. Use of cannabis in public may be subject to civil penalties.

Possession of marijuana in excess of three ounces is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by no more than one year of imprisonment and a fine not to

exceed $1,000. Possession of marijuana in excess of 8 ounces – 16 ounces is a Class E felony and is punishable by no more than four years of imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $5,000.

Possession of marijuana in excess of 16 ounces – 10 pounds is a class D felony and is punishable by no more than seven years of imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $5,000. Possession of marijuana in excess of 10 pounds is a class C felony and is punishable by no more than 15 years of imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $15,000.

The recently passed law decriminalizes marijuana in New York and allows those previously convicted of certain marijuana-related crimes to seek postcontinued on page 2

Are You In An Abusive Relationship?ou Can Get a Green Card Through VAWA ....4

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COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

2

Comprehensive Immigration Reform: The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021

P

resident Biden sent a bill to Congress on day one to restore humanity and American values to our immigration system. The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 establishes a new system to responsibly manage and secure our border, keep our families and communities safe, and better manage migration across the Hemisphere.

The U.S. Citizenship Act will: 1. Provide Pathways to Citizenship & Strengthen Labor Protections ●Create an earned roadmap to citizenship for undocumented individuals. The bill allows undocumented individuals to apply for temporary legal status, with the ability to apply for green cards after five years if they pass criminal and national security background checks and pay their taxes. Dreamers, TPS holders, and immigrant farmworkers who meet specific requirements are eligible for green cards immediately under the legislation. After three years, all green card holders who pass additional background checks and demonstrate knowledge of English and U.S. civics can apply to become citizens.

Applicants must be physically present in the United States on or before January 1, 2021. The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may waive the presence requirement for those deported on or after January 20, 2017 who were physically present for at least three years prior to removal for family unity and other humanitarian purposes.

Lastly, the bill further recognizes America as a nation of immigrants by changing the word “alien” to “noncitizen” in our immigration laws.

Editorial credit: Stratos Brilakis / Shutterstock.com

●Keep families together. The bill reforms the family-based immigration system by clearing backlogs, recapturing unused visas, eliminating lengthy wait times, and increasing per-country visa caps. It also eliminates the so-called “3 and 10-year bars,” and other provisions that keep families apart. The bill further supports familes by more explicitly including permanent partnerships and eliminating discrimination facing LGBTQ+ families. It also provides protections for orphans, widows, children, and Filipino veterans who fought alongside the United States in World War II. Lastly, the bill allows immigrants with approved family-sponsorship petitions to join family in the United States on a temporary basis while they wait for green cards to become available. ●Embrace diversity. The bill includes the NO BAN Act that prohibits discrimination based on religion and limits presi-

dential authority to issue future bans. The bill also increases Diversity Visas to 80,000 from 55,000. ●Promote immigrant and refugee integration and citizenship. The bill provides new funding to state and local governments, private organizations, educational institutions, community-based organizations, and not-for-profit organizations to expand programs to promote integration and inclusion, increase English-language instruction, and provide assistance to individuals seeking to become citizens. ●Grow our economy. This bill clears employment-based visa backlogs, recaptures unused visas, reduces lengthy wait times, and eliminates per-country visa caps. The bill makes it easier for graduates of U.S. universities with advanced STEM degrees to stay in the United States; improves access to green cards for workers in lower-wage sectors; and

eliminates other unnecessary hurdles for employment-based green cards. The bill provides dependents of H-1B visa holders work authorization, and children are prevented from “aging out” of the system. The bill also creates a pilot program to stimulate regional economic development, gives DHS the authority to adjust green cards based on macroeconomic conditions, and incentivizes higher wages for non-immigrant, high-skilled visas to prevent unfair competition with American workers. ●Protect workers from exploitation and improve the employment verification process. The bill requires that DHS and the Department of Labor establish a commission involving labor, employer, and civil rights organizations to make recommendations for improving the employment verification process.

Workers who suffer serious labor violations and cooperate with worker protection agencies will be granted greater access to U visa relief. The bill protects workers who are victims of workplace retaliation from deportation in order to allow labor agencies to interview these workers. It also protects migrant and seasonal workers, and increases penalties for employers who violate labor laws.

2. Prioritize Smart Border Controls ●Supplement existing border resources with technology and infrastructure. The legislation builds on record budget allocations for immigration enforcement by authorizing additional funding for the Secretary of DHS to develop and implement a plan to deploy technology to expedite screening and enhance the ability to identify narcotics and other contraband at every land, air, and sea port of entry. This includes high-throughput scanning technologies to ensure that all commercial and passenger vehicles and freight rail traffic entering the United States at land ports of entry and rail-border crossings along the border undergo pre-primary scanning. It also authorizes and provides funding for plans to improve infrastructure at ports of entry to enhance the ability to process asylum seekers and detect, interdict, disrupt and prevent narcotics from entering the United States. It authorizes the DHS Secretary to develop and implement a strategy to manage and secure the southern border between ports of entry that focuses on flexible solutions and technologies that expand the ability to detect illicit activity, evaluate the effectiveness of border security operations, and be easily relocated and broken out by Border Patrol Sector. To protect privacy, the DHS Inspector General is authorized to conduct oversight to ensure that employed technology effectively serves legitimate agency purposes.

continued on page 3

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COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM atives and creates a Central American Family Reunification Parole Program to more quickly unite families with approved family sponsorship petitions.

US Citizenship Act 2021/ from page 2 ●Manage the border and protect border communities. The bill provides funding for training and continuing education to promote agent and officer safety and professionalism. It also creates a Border Community Stakeholder Advisory Committee, provides more special agents at the DHS Office of Professional Responsibility to investigate criminal and administrative misconduct, and requires the issuance of department-wide policies governing the use of force. The bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the impact of DHS’s authority to waive environmental and state and federal laws to expedite the construction of barriers and roads near U.S. borders and provides for additional rescue beacons to prevent needless deaths along the border. The bill authorizes and provides funding for DHS, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and nongovernmental experts, to develop guidelines and protocols for standards of care for individuals, families, and children in CBP custody. ●Crack down on criminal organizations. The bill enhances the ability to prosecute individuals involved in smuggling and trafficking networks who are responsible for the exploitation of migrants. It also expands investigations,

intelligence collection and analysis pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act to increase sanctions against foreign narcotics traffickers, their organizations and networks. The bill also requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and DHS, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to improve and expand transnational anti-gang task forces in Central America.

3. Address Root Causes of Migration ●Start from the source. The bill codifies and funds the President’s $4 billion fouryear inter-agency plan to address the underlying causes of migration in the region, including by increasing assistance to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, conditioned on their ability to reduce the endemic corruption, violence, and poverty that causes people to flee their home countries. It also creates safe and legal channels for people to seek protection, including by establishing Designated Processing Centers throughout Central America to register and process displaced persons for refugee resettlement and other lawful migration avenues—either to the United States or other partner countries. The bill also reinstitutes the Central American Minors program to reunite children with U.S. rel-

●Improve the immigration courts and protect vulnerable individuals. The bill expands family case management programs, reduces immigration court backlogs, expands training for immigration judges, and improves technology for immigration courts. The bill also restores fairness and balance to our immigration system by providing judges and adjudicators with discretion to review cases and grant relief to deserving individuals.

Funding is authorized for legal orientation programs and counsel for children, vulnerable individuals, and others when necessary to ensure the fair and efficient resolution of their claims. The bill also provides funding for school districts educating unaccompanied children, while clarifying sponsor responsibilities for such children. ●Support asylum seekers and other vulnerable populations. The bill eliminates the one-year deadline for filing asylum claims and provides funding to reduce asylum application backlogs. It also increases protections for U visa, T visa, and VAWA applicants, including by raising the cap on U visas from 10,000 to 30,000. The bill also expands protections for foreign nationals assisting U.S. troops. l

Arleigh Louison/from page 1 petitioners were victims of abuse. The indictment also charges that these petitioners, who paid Louison for his services, did not discuss abuse with Louison, were not abused as described in the petitions, and did not authorize the statements made in the petitions Louison submitted to USCIS. The indictment also charges that Louison fabricated fee waiver petitions on behalf of these individuals without their knowledge.”

Problems for Victims/Clients Louison has since passed. However, he has left a carnage of victims facing deportation and a myriad of immigration issues. What does this mean? Since Arleigh Louison was arrested for immigration fraud, the files of all his clients will be reviewed by the Immigration & Customs Enforcement agents (ICE).

Additionally, every single client will be served a Notice to Appear (NTA) and be interviewed by ICE agents with the sole purpose of seeking admission to initiate deportation proceedings. The NTA is the first step taken by the American government to remove an immigrant from the country. If you were a client of Louison, it is imperative that you consult with an AILA attorney and do not meet with ICE alone. You should also seek the advice of more than one counsel. Get a FREE case evaluation. ASK THE LAWYER – call 855-768-8845.

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4

HOW TO GET A GREEN CARD

3 Signs You Are in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship thing you want, such as more attention or affection. Or perhaps your partner has a double standard. For example, they may think it's OK for them to make you look bad in public. Yet, if you complain about it they'll accuse you of disgracing them.

Such situations may make you feel worthless. You may feel confused about whether your perception is based on reality. This may weaken your confidence and damage your self-image.

BY MARY CAMPBELL

S

ometimes relationships end up being a source of pain. You may feel you're not getting the security and comfort of having a partner. Instead, your life may start to feel like it's a series of traumas. In such situations, you may often end up doubting yourself. You may feel confused about why your partner treats you so bad. At the same time, you may still hold on to the positive aspects, making it hard for you to make a decision.

If you're not sure if your relationship is abusive, here are three signs to look out for. These are by no means the only symptoms. But, they signal a high-level of danger to your physical and emotional health.

You're Not Allowed to Have an Opposing Opinion People will always disagree on certain things. Conflict is not a bad thing if it's an avenue to learn, grow, and exchange ideas. However, certain people can only accept their own points of view.

If you keep getting dismissed or

demeaned in arguments, you're being abused. It doesn't matter if your views are accurate or not. Nobody has the right to make you feel inferior.

Sadly, certain people don't know how to deal with opposing opinions. This may cause them to lash out. They may also use your disagreements as a chance to take out their frustrations.

You Can't Raise Issues About How You Feel Similar to the point above, you may end up being attacked when you raise an issue. This may be a demand for some-

You Find Yourself Hurting Your Partner In certain cases, you may end storing up feelings of anger and humiliation. When you can't take anymore, you may end up lashing out at your partner. This may increase conflict and you may end up getting hurt even more.

The key here is to not allow your partners behavior to turn you into something you're not. Don't let their abuse be an excuse for acting against your own beliefs. Instead, assess your situation.

Decide if you want to continue being in a situation that causes you to lose self-control.

Dealing with emotional abuse is hard.

At the same time, staying a victim will only make your life worse. If you feel abused, take action to change the situation. Most importantly, connect with yourself and learn to understand your own actions. Do things that make you feel loved and respected. That will make it harder for you to stay in situations that threaten your well-being. Be prepared for an uphill battle. But, remember, you're fighting for your life.

Immigrants and Domestic Violence Immigrants in the US. have the right to live life free of abuse. Due to the victim’s immigration status, abusive partners

Marijuana Record Expunged/ from page 1 conviction relief (PCR) from the court.

While this has far-reaching consequences for every New Yorker, it is crucial for non-citizens whose status can be jeopardized by a marijuana-related criminal conviction.

GREEN CARD SLAVERY? Don’t put up with ABUSE anymore! Whether married or not, whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Green Card Holder, we can get a Green Card for you and your children PLUS a divorce.

Call 718-222-3155 now for a FREE consultation!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

•First, with the passage of the New York Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), there are still significant immigration consequences for marijuana violations including in some circumstances deportation, being denied admission to the U.S., being denied permanent residency or a green card, or being denied naturalization.

•Second, those who have already been convicted of possessing marijuana of up to one ounce or publicly using marijuana can seek relief to have those convictions expunged or vacated. In both cases, the convictions will be effectively removed

have additional ways to exert power and control over their victims. If you are an immigrant or refugee in an abusive relationship, you may face unique issues that make it hard to reach out for help.

VAWA As a victim or survivor of domestic violence, there are laws that can allow you to gain legal status in the United States.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was created in 1994 by then Senator Joe Biden, to protect victims of domestic violence, and offers specific protections for people without legal status in the US. VAWA also protects men and children who are victims of domestic violence.

As part of the perpetration of domestic violence, abusers often may refuse to assist you with applying for immigration status, may promise to apply for you, but never actually help, or threaten to contact immigration and report you. VAWA helps victims of domestic violence allowing them to self-petition for their own legal status without the abuser’s help or knowledge.

A specialized immigration attorney should always be your first point of contact when it comes to immigration questions and concerns. You can also listen to Ask the Lawyer Radio Program on WVIP 93.5FM on Thursdays, 10pm11pm and Sundays, 11pm to 12am. The program provides great information and also an opportunity for a FREE, no obligation legal consultation. The number to call is 855-768-8845. You can also visit www.askthelawyer.us Domestic violence is against the law regardless of one’s immigration status.

Be a loving family member, good friend, and caring neighbor: please share this information. l from your criminal record. However, an expunged conviction can still be the basis for negative immigration consequences, including deportation and removal. On the other hand, a vacated conviction cannot. Thus a legal immigrant previously convicted on marijuana charges should, if possible, seek vacatur of their previous charges to protect their immigration status. They may need to hire a lawyer to file a 440 Motion/Application in the District Attorney's office or county of the underlying arrest.

•If you face a challenge to your legal status due to a previous marijuana conviction or are having trouble with any other immigration issue, please call the attorneys at the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. They will help you through the process of vacating your previous charges, protecting your rights, and giving you the best chance possible at maintaining your legal residency and applying for U.S. citizenship.l

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3

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Judicial Foreclosures/ continued from page 1 ing; For example, the complaint will ask for the right to sell the property and apply the sale proceeds to the mortgage debt. The complaint may also request a deficiency judgment if the proceeds at the foreclosure sale do not fully cover the total debt amount.

What is a Summons in a Foreclosure Lawsuit?

In a judicial foreclosure, a summons is issued by the Supreme Court for each Defendant named in the foreclosure lawsuit. Once prepared and dated, the Summons should be filed in the Supreme Court of the county where the property is located. Typical defendants in a foreclosure lawsuit are the: •homeowners (borrowers) •lienholders •judgment holders, and •occupants (if any).

The Summons notifies Defendant their right to file an answer to the suit and how many days Defendant has to respond, which is usually 20 to 30. As per CPLR[1] §3012(d), a party may extend the time to appear or plead or compel acceptance of a pleading untimely served, upon such terms as may be just and upon the showing of reasonable excuse for delay or fault.

Additionally, the parties stipulate to extend the time to answer if it is so war-

ranted. The Summons is generally issued to the Defendant in his/ her native language. If you want to answer the complaint's claims and fight the foreclosure, you must file your answer within this time frame once you duly served.

What is a Notice of Lis Pendens?

"Lis pendens" is a Latin phrase that means "suit pending." When a lender starts a foreclosure, a notice of lis pendens is recorded in the County Clerk's records. The notice of Lis Pendens' purpose is to inform the public that a lawsuit involving the property is pending. In other words, the lis pendens serves as actual and constructive notice to the world that there is a pending lawsuit concerning the real property.

The notice of lis pendens is typically a one- or two-page document that includes the legal description of the property and states that a foreclosure has been started.

How to answer the Foreclosure complaint?

In your answer, you need to address all of the allegations in the complaint. For each

numbered paragraph in the complaint, you should admit, deny, or say you don't have sufficient information to admit or reject (and therefore you deny) the allegations contained in that particular paragraph. You may also ask that the lender prove its causes of actions, like how much it says you owe and the fees it says are due.

Remember that if you admit an allegation, the lender doesn't have to prove it. You'll also need to raise any defenses, and affirmative defenses in your answer, such as the lender doesn't have standing (the right to foreclose) or improper service of process. Also, as well as any counterclaims, like the servicer violated federal mortgage servicing laws when you applied for a loan modification, if applicable.

Suppose this is your first foreclosure lawsuit, and you decide to answer the foreclosure complaint without an attorney's assistance and represent yourself in court proceedings. In that case, you'll need to devote a substantial amount of time to conducting research, getting your paperwork in order, and preparing your arguments.

Because the law is complicated and court procedures vary quite a bit, it's a good idea to hire a skilled attorney to assist you in the process.

In conclusion, because your home is your castle and you may have invested a significant amount of money and resources before default, you should consult with a professional attorney to assist you in the judicial foreclosure process. n

Call Equity Smart Realty at 888-670-6791 for a FREE consultation.

Creditors’ Harassments!

Lawsuits! Foreclosures!

Get the legal help you need NOW! Call 718-222-3155!

FREE BANKRUPTCY CONSULTATION Documents Required: Save Your: *Home *Business *Car

*Health *Peace of Mind/Health *Marriage/Relationship

*List of debts *Your most recent tax returns *Correspondence from creditors *Lawsuit documents *Social Security and ID *List of assets

Filing a Chapter 7, 11 or 13 bankruptcy may be your only choice!!!

The Law Offices of Figeroux & Associates, 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY. Visit www.311bankruptcy.com VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

4

HOME OWNERSHIP

Saving Your Home from Foreclosure and Predators

BY ERIN TELESFORD

T

he greatest financial crisis in the United States was the last recession which spanned from December 2007 to June 2009. During this time, unemployment rates were raised by about 6.1% resulting in a loss of consumer spending and business investments. Before the recession, many Americans bought houses using mortgages they couldn’t afford, eventually causing them to fall into poverty and their homes into foreclosure.

The effects of the Great Recession did not recover once the economy stabilized in 2009. According to The State of Working America, “In October 2010, 16 months after the official end of the recession, the economy still had 5.4% fewer jobs than it did before the recession started.” The unemployment levels are little to no better in 2019, and speculation that another economic collapse has come into the news.

The devastation of the Great Recession implored many people to take better action with their finances and mortgages in fear of another financial crisis that could cause them to lose their homes. However, many Americans lack knowledge on the options available for them in lieu of another recession and end up needing to file for bankruptcy when financial hardship arises.

Much of the recent financial problems lower-income individuals and families face are a result of their inability to afford or

deal with unexpected major expenses such as job loss or medical bills. When these expenses become detrimental, one decision could be to file for bankruptcy.

According to a study published recently, 46 percent of bankruptcies were related to outstanding medical conditions. The major cited reasons in this category included injury or illness, medical expenses not covered by insurance or losing at least two weeks’ worth of work because of illness.

Other causes of bankruptcy include reduced income, job loss, credit debt, illness/injury, unexpected expenses and divorce. In the same time period, the percentage of filers age 55 or older more than doubled; those filers now account for about 20 percent of all bankruptcy petitioners.

The study also found that 60 percent of bankruptcy filers have salaries of less than $30,000.

Bankruptcy is not a moral decision. It is a legal choice made when the debt situation is hopeless. Filing for bankruptcy can save your home and also stop wage garnishment. This can be troublesome due to

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the racial inequality involved with lawyers who specialize in bankruptcy.

In an interview with Brian Figeroux, Esq., on the radio show, Ask the Lawyer, he stated that you must ”know the motives of the person giving you advice. There have been cases where people of color in America, specifically black Americans, encountered lawyers and investors who claim to want to help them save their homes when, in reality, 10 out of 10 times, they are trying to hoodwink you.”

Figeroux also warned about a New York Times article which stated that white attorneys were not giving the best advice to black clients.

According to the New York Times article, “Blacks Face Bias in Bankruptcy,” by Tara Siegel Bernard, blacks are about twice as likely as whites to wind up in the more onerous and costly form of consumer bankruptcy as they try to dig out from their debts, a new study has found. The disparity persisted even when the researchers adjusted for income, homeownership, assets and education. The evidence suggested that lawyers were disproportionately steering blacks into a process that was not as good for them financially, in part because of biases, whether conscious or unconscious.

The vast majority of debtors file under Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code, which typically allows them to erase most debts in a matter of months. It tends to have a higher success rate and is less expensive than the alternative, Chapter 13, which requires debtors to dedicate their disposable income to paying back their debts for several years.

The study of racial differences in bankruptcy filings was written by Robert M. Lawless, a bankruptcy expert and law professor, and Dov Cohen, a psychology professor, both with the University of Illinois; and Jean Braucher, a law professor at the University of Arizona.

A survey conducted as part of their research found that bankruptcy lawyers were much more likely to steer black debtors into a Chapter 13 than white filers even when they had identical financial situations. The lawyers, the survey found, were also more likely to view blacks as having “good values” when they expressed a preference for Chapter 13.

As communities of color, we have to be aware of what is happening. Persons are coming into our communities, offering to purchase our homes for cash. These persons are not trying to help you. Your property is an investment. It is the path to wealth-building and transferring wealth from one generation to another. Do not be fooled.

Figeroux's real estate office, Equity Smart Realty, Inc., was created because he “saw how our people suffered” from these types of scams and wants to be truthful with the black community in order to prevent the wrongful foreclosure of our community’s houses through bankruptcy consultation.

For a free bankruptcy or save your home from foreclosure consultation with the Law Firm of Figeroux and Associates, call 855768-8845.n

7 Things You Need to Know Before Switching Careers to Real Estate

I

f you’ve been thinking of changing careers and earning your real estate license, there are a few things you should know before taking the leap: 1. You Decide How Successful You Are That’s right! You will get out of a real estate career exactly what you put into it.

This is a career that rewards hard work.

Your income potential as a real estate agent is basically unlimited. But it goes both ways…part-time effort will likely lead to part-time pay.

2. You’re Going to Need a Plan When newly licensed real estate agents fail, it’s usually because they didn’t think about that period of time between passing their exam and cashing their first commission check. You need to set goals, as well as develop a business plan and marketing plan.

3. You Should Have a Small Nest Egg The period of time between earning a license and getting a commission check is not a set amount of time. You’re going to need to be able to cover the costs of your day-to-day life, as well as business startup costs.

4. You’re Going to Be the Boss Now If you’re used to the typical company structure with a boss telling you what you’re responsible for, this can sometimes be a shock. The broker you work for will likely keep an eye on how you’re performing. But for the most part, it’s up to you. You need to be disciplined enough to take control of your career and make the most of your time.

5. You May Have to Work Some Weekends If you are planning to work in residential real estate sales, you will likely need to dedicate at least a portion of your weekend to work. People shop for homes in their free time. And their free time is typically on nights and weekends. As a result, buyers and sellers expect their real estate agent to be available for showings, open houses, and office visits on the weekend.

6. You Need to Set Yourself Apart So what are you going to do to set yourself apart from someone’s neighbor, brother, or best friend from college? The most successful real estate agents know the value of differentiation. You need to develop a brand that sets you apart from the rest of the market.

7. Real Estate Is an Incredibly Rewarding Career It isn’t easy, and it is incredibly competitive. There also isn’t a guaranteed weekly paycheck. But all of these challenges are what make real estate such a rewarding career. The rewards are worth it. n

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LANDLORDS USING CONSTRUCTION AS A FORM OF TENANT HARASSMENT IS ILLEGAL. Renters have rights, including not being intimidated or harassed by landlords.

Construction can be used as a form of tenant harassment. This can include cutting off essential services like heat, hot water, or gas and doing excessively noisy work at odd hours.

The Office of the Tenant Advocate. Enforcing tenants’ rights when landlords are wrong.

TO FILE A COMPLAINT, CALL 311 AND ASK FOR DOB’S OFFICE OF THE TENANT ADVOCATE.

WWW.NYC.GOV/BUILDINGS

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Join the Fastest Growing Industry: Enroll in our Paralegal Certi昀cate Program Why you Should Enroll in this Program: Fastest Growing Industry with Jobs Available Path to Law School Business Purpose: Start up or Expand your Business Advocacy: Labor Rights, Civil Rights and Immigration Fastest Growing Industry Jobs Available

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nHEALTH

nENTERTAINMENT

nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

What to Do When Someone You Love is Battling Depression

BY CHRIS TOBIAS SPECIAL TO CAW

D

epression can be a terrible disease that affects every area of life, making it difficult to hold down a job, maintain relationships, stay healthy and perform regular daily tasks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made things worse for persons previously suffering from depression. COVID-19 has also claimed some new victims.

Watching someone you love struggling with depression can make you feel helpless, but there are several ways you can help.

Take the Pressure Off Many people with depression feel guilty for the way they feel and worry about how their condition is affecting their family. Try to avoid blaming your loved one or pressuring them to get better, as guilt and shame will only worsen the symptoms of depression and make it harder to recover.

Listen to Them Taking the time to listen can make a huge difference, especially if your loved one has no one else to talk to. Depression is often the result of suppressed feelings and emotions; talking about these feelings can be a cathartic experience and may even be the key to recovery.

Allow Them to Find Their Own Solutions Well-meaning friends and family sometimes make the problem worse by offering unsolicited advice. However, depression is a complex condition and there are no simple solutions or shortcuts to recovery. Recovering from depression involves a personal journey; each person will find their own solutions throughout the process.

Ask What You Can Do to Help Rather than offering advice, ask your loved one what you can do to help. Just letting them know that you are there and you're willing to help in any way they need can make all the difference for many people.

Know When to Seek Help Sometimes people are unable to find a way through depression on their own, so it's important to know when to seek help.

When your loved one is battling depression, it's normal for them to withdraw a little and lose interest in things they once found enjoyable. However, complete withdrawal is a warning sign that professional help is needed.

Finally, it's important to remember that recovery from depression will take time.

Your loved one will have good days and bad days, but the more support they have, the easier it will be to recover.l

nSPORTS

nHOROSCOPE

Kitchen Corner

Jamaican Coconut Curry Fish Recipe

I

celebrated my birthday recently. I was offered an invitation to go out to dinner, but last minute decided to cook. Went to our local fishermen’s beach, in Negril Jamaica, to get 2 nice fish straight off the boat. Then I made some coconut milk from coconut off the tree. Proceeded to make coconut curry fish with okra and a lot of spices. Served with basmati rice, and just because it was my birthday, I wanted garlic mash potatoes. With that a grated raw beetroot salad with fresh sugar pine in it, ginger and carrots. It made for a perfect meal to share with a friend. Here is my Coconut Curry Fish Recipe.

—LeeAnne Criscenti, Jamaicans.com Ingredients 2 Fresh whole snappers, cleaned (You can also use cod or any white fish) 2 Whole scotch bonnet peppers in total, pierced to release flavor and heat 7 Whole garlic cloves, total 2 Tablespoons Jamaican curry powder ½ cup onion, diced 1 cup okra, sliced 2-3 Sprigs fresh thyme 1 Scallion, chopped 1-Inch piece ginger, minced ½ cup coconut milk, fresh or canned Coconut oil for frying Directions 1. Make 3 cuts into each side of the fish.

This allows the flavors to penetrate. Dry with paper towels and season with salt

and pepper to taste.

2. Add coconut oil to a large frying pan, about 1/2-inch deep.

3. Make a cut into the side of 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper to release its flavor and heat and add to the frying pan along with 6 whole garlic cloves.

4. Cook garlic and pepper on medium heat for about 1 minute to allow their flavors to season the oil.

5. Turn up heat and add fish and heat, turning, until both sides are partially cooked.

6. Remove fish, garlic, and pepper from the pan and set aside.

7. Tip off about half of the oil from the pan, then place back on low heat.

8. Add remaining garlic, onion, ginger, scotch bonnet pepper, and curry powder.

Cook on low until browned.

9. Add coconut milk and cook until the mixture has been reduced by about onethird.

10. Return fish to frying pan, along with the okra, remaining scotch bonnet pepper, fresh thyme, scallion, and a little salt to taste.

11. Cook on a low-to-medium heat, turning fish carefully with a spatula about every 15-20 minutes. In total, the fish cooks in the coconut milk for 45 minutes to an hour.

12. Serve with basmati rice, garlic mashed potatoes, and a raw salad.

That’s it. Enjoy!!l

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I was worried about my prostate so I got it checked.

I’m glad I did.

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Prostate Health Guide www.ProstateHealthGuide.com

Men’s Health Resource Center www.MensHealthResourceCenter.com

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27

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Why Smothering Ruins Relationships love them every five minutes, asking where they think the relationship is headed after only two dates or asking if they are OK because they haven't said much for the past ten minutes.

BY MARY CAMPBELL

H

ave you ever been in love before? If you aren't quite sure, the answer is that you have never been in love. If you've experienced being in love, you will know it isn't quite as romantic or glorious as you think it will be before it happens to you. In truth, love can make you feel terribly insecure. You wonder if the object of your affections returns the intensity of the sentiment you feel. It's also common to feel some jealousy when your sweetheart is not with you. For instance, you imagine them in someone else's arms and it makes your stomach form uncomfortable knots.

Self-Sabotage Not everybody responds admirably to the feelings of jealousy and insecurity that can come to the surface when we are in love. Instead, many people end up behaving in ways that ultimately end up sabotaging their romantic relationship. One of the worst things you can do if you want your relationship to last is to smother your partner. Billions of people have ended relationships because their partner was making them feel suffocated. You may even have done this yourself in a previous relationship.

Smothering Behavior What, then, constitutes smothering? It's

not the easiest question to answer. That's because everybody has their own needs when it comes to personal space.

Generally, though, you will suffocate your partner if you don't allow them enough alone time. This can include things like insisting that your partner spends all of their free time with you, calling too much, or texting them several times a day. It could even include commenting on everything they post on social media.

Stay Relaxed You can also behave in a way that many would consider too clingy during those times when you are together with your partner. Examples include sulking if they talk to a member of the opposite sex while you're out together, wanting to know who just called them, saying you

Feeling Controlled Why is being clingy and smothering your romantic partner such a bad idea? If you've ever had an overly-clingy partner, you will already know the answer to this question. How did you feel when that man/woman would not stop texting you or questioning your actions during times when you were not with them? When someone smothers you it makes you feel that they don't trust you, or they wouldn't feel the need to breathe down your neck.

It can make the relationship seem like a chore if you constantly feel obliged to explain yourself. It can also cause feelings of resentment because it seems the other partner is trying to control you.

Not Very Alluring Smothering your partner will also make you seem less sexy and mysterious in your partner's eyes. There is a straightforward explanation of why this is so. If you are always present, either physically or digitally, you are not giving your partner the chance to miss your company and wonder what you're doing. What's more, if your life revolves around your romantic partner and you don't fill it with other

interests, how will you ever bring something new to the table in terms of conversation topics?

Dignified Conduct The fact is that clingy behaviour kills your sex appeal completely. It doesn't matter if you have model looks, a nice personality, and financial success if you don't know how to give your partner space or conduct yourself in a dignified fashion around them. Clingy behaviour hints at a lack of self-worth. It's highly off-putting and it can sour even the sweetest of romantic relationships.

Question Yourself You may now be wondering how you can avoid behaving in a clingy way? One way to keep yourself in check is to question whether you'd like to be the recipient of the same behaviour you are exhibiting. If it is something that could put you off, you should probably reconsider doing it.

A Universal Feeling A dislike of feeling smothered in relationships is universal. It's not exclusive to any gender or sexual orientation.

Therefore, the ultimate rule is simple: If you don't like to be on the receiving end of certain behaviours, don't inflict them on others. l

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28

TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE

Plan to Travel More in 2021

BY VICTORIA FALK

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ummer has begun, and many people are hoping for better days after the lockdown in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With more persons vaccinated and the opening up of businesses and resorts with health and safety precautions in place, it’s time to make that dream trip or vacation a reality. A word of advice, delay travel until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC's recommendations for unvaccinated people. People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization can travel safely within the United States. CDC will update these recommendations as more people are vaccinated, as rates of COVID-19 change, and as additional scientific evidence becomes available. This guidance applies to travel within the United States and U.S. territories.

Here are a few tips on how you can accomplish your travel goals for summer 2021: Focus on the benefits of travel. Travel makes people happier, healthier, and more productive. Trips add to the person’s lifestyle and help improve worklife balance.

Imagine yourself there. Write down your travel goals and be specific. Don’t just say you want to travel more. Write down where you want to go, when, and what activities you’d like to do when you

get there. Play out the fantasy of that fabulous vacation in your head. If you can visualize yourself having fun in that location, you are more likely to make it there.

Do your research. Gather information about your dream vacation. Please find out how much it costs to stay at a quality hotel/resort and prepare your budget.

Find out what special activities and events will be taking place when you plan to visit.

Start a vacation fund. Save for this fantastic vacation now so you’ll have money on hand when you see incredible travel deals. The best travel deals are time-limited, so if you’re not financially prepared when the values appear, then you will

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Get an accountability partner. Tell at least one other person about your travel plans so you’ll have someone who’ll remind you, “You, said this is the year you would definitely take a great vacation. What happened?” Even better, find an accountability partner with similar travel goals so they will have a vested interest in getting you to travel. l For all your travel needs, contact Victoria Falk, award-winning CEO of Passionate Travel at 1-800-890-7492.

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29

GENERATIONS

Addressing Concerns on COVID-19 Youth Vax

BY LINDA NWOKE

D

id you know that recent reports between March and April cited an increase in the hospitalization rates of teenagers aged 12 and above with Covid-19? This report made Rochelle Walensky, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urge parents with eligible children to get them vaccinated against a potentially severe illness.

According to the report, one-third of infected adolescents are treated at the intensive care unit. More than 70% of the hospitalized teens had at least one underlying condition; a minimum of 2 out of 3 teens in the situation was black or Hispanic.

"I am deeply concerned by the numbers of hospitalized adolescents and saddened to see the numbers of adolescents who required treatment in intensive care units or mechanical ventilation…parents should get their teens vaccinated," Walensky said.

As part of the campaign to address the concern, a series of program activities was organized from June to the 7th, dubbed 'Youth Vaccine Week' in New York City. The program aimed to raise

awareness through information, engage in outreach activities and provide support around vaccinations.

The City partnered with cultural institutions and community-based organizations to organize activities across the city that educate the public and families on the safety and efficacy of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, authorized for people 12 years and older.

The roundtable The New York City Health Department and MOIA (Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs ) Host Community also held a roundtable to address some of the frequently asked questions and concerns often raised about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine among youths. This was to serve as a contribution to the ongoing creating

awareness campaign.

Facilitated by May Malik, Deputy Commissioner, the NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, asked participants questions about safety, accessibility, engagement, and challenges regarding the vaccine among their target audience.

It is essential to remember that in New York City, the 'no need for appointment' to get vaccinated campaign has been in effect for several weeks. In particular, scheduled appointments are not required at City vaccination sites to get a vaccine.

However, if preferred, make appointments by calling 877-VAX-4NYC or visiting vax4nyc.NYC.gov.

However, the improvement in accessibility hinges on a few documentation requirements; for instance, you must complete a NY State COVID-19 Vaccine

Form and present the completed form with proof of age (such as IDNYC- additional guidelines for getting an IDNYC card is on the nyc.gov website).

For underage children between 12 to 17, parents or guardians must provide consent either in-person, over the phone, or in written form.

Moreover, underage kids between 1215 must be accompanied by an adult to the vaccination site (additional information on requirements is on the NYC Department of Health website).

Some of the resource persons, Dr. Daniel Stephens, Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Family and Child Health and T'Shone Skeete, Group Leader and test & trace Advocate, the Child Center of NY, shared insights from working with children, teens, and young people regarding the vaccine.

Dr. Daniel Stephens expressed excitement at the progress made over a year since the pandemic broke. As a pediatrician, he understands parental anxiety over the vaccine. He explained that despite the skepticism, the vaccine remains safe and a better alternative to kids contracting the illness.

In confirmation, T'Shone Skeete shared continued on page 30

GET BACK TO FAMILY

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and will help us all get back to the people and activities we have missed.

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Get facts. Get Get 琀e vax. vax To get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to find a vaccination site to get your COVID-19 vaccine.

Health

Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner

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30

GENERATIONS

for children and young people is similar to adults who took the vaccine and consistent with evidence that the vaccine offers protection for at least six months after completing the vaccination dose.

He discouraged the use of any pain relief before receiving the vaccine to increase efficiency.

Youth Vax/continued from page 29 his experience getting the vaccine, how he confronted his fear of needles and took the challenge of taking the vaccine. "…I overcame and conquered my fear and did it by telling myself to relax, relax, relax." An experience he documented in his Tik Tok video to encourage other youths.

Key Concerns on Youth COVID -19 Vaccination Addressing some of the common questions parents ask about the vaccine, Dr. Daniel reiterated that the vaccine production follows the highest medical standards. Yet, the focus should be on the ability of the vaccine to protect the child and their loved ones. "… It is important to remember that children have been ill due to COVID... Children live in context; they live in New York and can pass the virus to others. So, the vaccine will serve the purpose of both protecting the child and young person, and preventing them from passing it on to other loved ones in the family."

He explains that getting teens and youths vaccinated contributes to an actual reduction in disease burden since the disease exists in a spectrum of mild to extreme illnesses. Hence, the functional advantage of taking the vaccine is that we see a return to children being able to participate in activities after all the restrictions caused by COVID. "After vaccination, young people can meet with

others and participate in group activities.

It is just as important and valid as a benefit which goes beyond the medical benefits." Says Dr. Stephens.

Using the shield-armor analogy, T'Shone shared his strategy for explaining the importance of taking the vaccine, especially to the young ones. "…Think of your amour as your immune system … think of the vaccine as the shield.

Even though you have your armor, why don't you use your shield? And that can protect you even more".

He also explained other ways to engage youths through virtual town halls on zoom, engaging interactive and funfilled activities, inviting health personnel to address concerns, and using real-life experiences.

Above all, social media has proven to be the most effective outreach strategy for reaching young people. "Social

media is the biggest platform, using the hashtag, Instagram, short clip, videos something funny and informational.

Without social media, we won't have the necessary information. Videos must be bright and colorful, including music with dance. So social media is the biggest way to reach the youth," says T'Shone.

Responding to other issues, Dr. Stephens addressed concerns about clinical trials in children, side effects, and duration of immunity. He explained the reason behind the medically protective class group, which led to the stratified eligibility to the vaccine, "It's about safety and protecting our protective classes because they are younger, the clinical trials with young people are considered underage, and it takes time. By the end of the year, we may see it with younger people of below 12 years".

He clarified that the side effect profile

Call to Action While 8% have collected at least one dose, only 2% have collected two doses in the past month so far in the city. There is much optimism that people will realize that the vaccine's benefit far outweighs any concern in the long run, including the fear that it causes heart disease in children. This theory is being investigated.

"In a small number, there have been cases of myocarditis, but there is not a link to show causality between the vaccine and effect. The CDC is investigating the issue, but what we know is that myocarditis is an effect of COVID".

Meaning that the virus can lead to a heart condition if contracted before the vaccination.

The message to all eligible New Yorkers, 12 years and older, is to get a COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and the people you care about!

In the words of a young person, T'Shone Skeete, who faced a similar situation, "Get vaccinated so that we can all go back to normal. The vaccine is one way out in getting back to normal." l

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31

GENERATIONS

The FDA’s Big Gamble on the New Alzheimer’s Drug

BY C. MICHAEL WHITE THE CONVERSATION

T

he Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set off a firestorm of debate when it approved a new drug, aducanumab, for Alzheimer’s disease via an accelerated approval pathway. This decision ignored the recommendation of the FDA’s external advisory panel to reject the drug.

The FDA grants accelerated approvals for drugs to treat serious illnesses for which there are no known, or at least very few, treatments. The type of data used to support accelerated approvals is very different from the typical benchmark safety and efficacy data required for approval. As a pharmacist and researcher, I have documented several reasons drug research conducted in a laboratory environment differs substantially from what is ultimately seen in people. The challenge lies in striking a balance between taking the time to ensure a treatment works and meeting urgent patient need.

Using a different standard The FDA created an accelerated approval pathway for drugs treating serious diseases for which many patients feel a desperate need for more options. This has included treatment for advanced-stage cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV, among others.

When considering accelerated approval, the agency examines a drug’s efficacy using what’s called a “surrogate endpoint.” While most drug trials meas-

ure success based on clinical endpoints that determine whether a drug helps people feel better or live longer, like reducing heart attacks or strokes, surrogate endpoints measure biomarkers that suggest potential clinical benefit. These surrogate endpoints are viable substitutes for hard clinical endpoints because they’re proven to be directly linked to the desired clinical outcomes. For example, the clinical endpoints of reducing heart attacks and strokes could

use reduced blood pressure and lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol as surrogate endpoints.

While many hypotheses on the correct surrogate endpoints to treat certain diseases have panned out, several others have been shown to be off-base or only partially correct. A great example is homocysteine, an amino acid once thought to be a driver of cardiovascular diseases which since has been shown to be a marker of disease only. People with elevated levels of homocysteine are more likely to have cardiovascular disease, but lowering levels doesn’t make heart attacks and strokes less likely to occur. All those who rushed the science and purchased dietary supplements to lower their homocysteine were flushing their money down the drain.

Testing the amyloid beta hypothesis Though the effect of aducanumab, the Alzheimer’s drug developed by biotechnology company Biogen, on hard clinical endpoints are lackluster, it has been shown to reduce the formation of amycontinued on page 32

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32

HEALTH

have been shown in some circumstances to not pan out in the future.

Other initially promising experimental drugs targeting amyloid beta for Alzheimer’s also fell short in reducing hard clinical endpoints in their clinical trials. After one of these drugs, solanezumab, failed to achieve study aims, additional data analysis post-trial suggested it might be effective in a select population with mild Alzheimer’s.

Researchers conducted an additional large clinical trial focusing on that subpopulation, but again failed to demonstrate significant benefits. No one knows if aducanumab will find significant benefits when the new clinical trial completes or if it will fail as solanezumab did.

If amyloid beta turns out to be simply a marker and not a cause of Alzheimer’s, it will be a costly mistake: Aducanumab is estimated to cost over US$56,000 a year.

only robs individuals of their autonomy but also places a huge burden on family members and the U.S. economy: $355 billion is spent annually on caring for people with Alzheimer’s. Current FDAapproved treatments are only modestly effective at controlling disease symptoms, and none target a possible underlying cause.

The accelerated approval pathway allows patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s to access aducanumab while a larger and more definitive clinical trial is conducted. Biogen says it hopes to have the clinical trial completed by 2030.

If the study does not find reductions in the hard clinical endpoints, the drug will be withdrawn.

If aducanumab is ultimately found to be effective, many patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s will reap the benefits in reductions in hospitalizations, doctor visits, nursing home costs and societal burden.

If aducanumab is found to be ineffective, however, Medicare, insurers and patients will have spent tens of millions of dollars on a drug that not only did not work but also exposed patients to adverse events, including the risk of bleeding in the brain..

Was the FDA’s ruling a mistake?

Over 6 million Americans now have Alzheimer’s disease, and deaths from Alzheimer’s have risen over 145% over the past 20 years. Alzheimer’s disease not

Should physicians prescribe aducanumab, and should insurers pay for it?

For patients in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease, there is reason to try

The FDA’s Big Gamble/ continued from page 31

loid beta plaques in patients with earlystage Alzheimer’s. Amyloid beta denotes proteins that clump together to form plaques commonly seen in patients with Alzheimer’s. It’s been hypothesized that these plaques drive the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Animal models have shown that interfering with amyloid beta plaque formation could lead to improvements in functioning The data linking amyloid beta plaques to hard clinical endpoints is not a slamdunk. Unlike hypertension and elevated LDL cholesterol, which has been proved to be linked to cardiovascular events, amyloid beta has not seen such definitive results.

Two large clinical trials assessing aducanumab have been conducted, one that started with a higher dose and one that started with a lower dose that was later increased. Both trials were stopped early, and the lower-dose trial found no benefits. The higher-dose trial found modest benefits in maintaining mental functioning, but the trial did not have enough patients to show that these benefits were due to the drug and not to chance. After the fact, the researchers combined data from patients who received high-dose aducanumab in both trials and found an improvement in mental functioning.

However, many experts running clinical trials bristle at combining trial outcomes like this: These after-the-fact analyses

aducanumab based on the current clinical trial data and the lack of alternatives. But in advanced disease, it is unlikely that aducanumab or any drug targeting amyloid beta will provide benefits.

In a cost-effectiveness assessment of aducanumab, the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, an independent organization assessing the value of medical treatments, suggested an annual price range from $8,300 to $23,000. This is a far cry from the $56,000 a year the company is expecting to charge, and that doesn’t account for the thousands of dollars in additional testing required to reduce the risk of brain swelling and bleeding.

The annual cost of the drug will likely greatly exceed the cost savings in other areas like reduced doctor visits and hospitalizations. Until further results are released, such high costs could lead private insurers to not cover or charge higher copays for the drug. Given the average age of those with Alzheimer’s disease, however, most people receiving aducanumab will be eligible for Medicare and will most likely be covered. Whether the drug will actually treat the disease – the biggest issue in question – remains uncertain.

Let us all hope that the FDA’s gamble pays off.l C. Michael White is a Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut

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33

HEALTH

Caffeine May Raise Risk of Inherited Glaucoma

BY LAIRD HARRISON WEBMD HEALTH NEWS

P

eople who drink a lot of caffeine have a higher risk of glaucoma, but only if their genes already make them susceptible to the eye disease, researchers say.

People with a parent or sibling diagnosed with glaucoma should consider limiting caffeine to the amount in two cups of coffee a day, says Louis Pasquale, MD, an ophthalmology professor at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

“It’s a suggestion,” he says. “It’s not something set in stone, but if you’re interested in reducing your risk of the disease, it’s something I would definitely entertain.”

Pascale and his colleagues reported their findings in Ophthalmology.

Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve, often from increased pressure from a buildup of fluid inside the eye. It can cause blindness.

The disease is more common in people with close family members who have it.

And researchers have identified variants in multiple genes that are more common in people with glaucoma.

In previous studies, people who take large doses of caffeine have had temporary increases in eye pressure. So

researchers have wondered whether getting caffeine over a long period of time could pose a risk.

To help answer that question, Pasquale and his colleagues looked at the records of more than 100,000 people. The records came from the UK Biobank, a large survey conducted in the United Kingdom. The records included information on patients’ genes, how much tea or coffee they drank, their eye pressure, and whether they had glaucoma.

Looking at all the participants together, the researchers did not find any increased risk of glaucoma from caffeine. In fact, they found that people who got the most caffeine actually had slightly lower eye pressure.

But when they looked only at people

whose genes were associated with glaucoma, they found that caffeine was linked to higher average eye pressure and also to a higher risk of glaucoma.

That was particularly true when they looked at the 25% of people who got more than 321 milligrams of caffeine — the equivalent of three cups of coffee — a day. When these people were also in the top 25% of genetic risk for increased eye pressure, they had a much higher risk of glaucoma. They were almost four times more likely to have the disease than people who did not consume caffeine and were at the lowest 25% genetic risk.

The researchers found that the combination of caffeine and genes increased the risk of glaucoma more than the genes alone.

The researchers could not find a statistical link to higher eye pressure or glaucoma for coffee, only for tea. But that is likely because of a statistical problem, says study co-author Anthony Khawaja, associate professor at the University College London Institute of Ophthalmology. “The answer is quite simple—the UK is a tea drinking nation!” he says in an email. There were probably not enough people in the database who drink large amounts of coffee to analyze their glaucoma risk.

People in both the top 25% for genetic risk and top 25% for tea drinking (3 to 6 cups of tea a day), were almost three times as likely to have glaucoma compared to those in the lowest 25% for tea drinking and lowest 25% for genetic risk.

However, this type of study cannot prove that caffeine increases the risk of glaucoma or high eye pressure, even among people with a genetic risk, Pasquale says. He and his colleagues would like to do a follow-up study in which they give caffeine to groups of people with different genetic risks, then compare the effects on eye pressure.

Patients should not rely on changing their caffeine consumption as a way of treating their glaucoma, says Asaf Achiron, MD, an ophthalmologist at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel, who has studied the relationship of lifestyle and eye pressure. Caffeine did not have a big effect for most people in the study, he points out.

“Glaucoma is a complex disease. In some cases it continues to progress even when [eye pressure] is lowered by the drops so clearly there are more issues here than pressure,” he says in an email.

Still, the finding might be worth mentioning to patients, he says. “I don't discuss tea with my patients just measure their [eye pressure]. Perhaps I should.” l

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34

IN THE COMMUNITY

Introducing AdvantageCare Physicians’ Diabetes Education Center

BY DR. SEEMA MASSAND

M

ore than 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes and nearly 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes. This disease is so prevalent that if you aren’t dealing with it yourself, then you know someone who is. People of African descent are especially at high risk for developing diabetes by the time they reach mid-life due to a variety of factors including, age, genetics, weight, and diet. So, it’s important we tackle this health crisis as a community.

We know managing diabetes is important, even more so during times like these. Unfortunately, the pandemic has limited some people’s access to receiving quality care whether in person, or virtually. That’s why AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY), a primary and specialty care practice serving half a million patients across the New York metropolitan area, has launched a first-of-its-kind program to better educate our patients on diabetes and encourage patients to continue their quality care.

We have teamed up with our talented staff to create an all-new Diabetes Education Center on ACPNY.com. The goals of our Diabetes Education Center

NYC, YOU’RE RIGHT, YOU SHOULD KNOW!

Dr. Seema Massand

are to improve overall patient engagement, achieve better patient outcomes, close gaps in care and offer a multidisciplinary approach to achieving compliance with medication, adherence to a plan, and HbA1c testing. Adopting a digitally focused approach allows us to reach a wider audience, while giving people a better understanding of diabetes and care.

Our new Diabetes Education Center also offers a variety of helpful and easy

to understand articles, videos, and checklists about diabetes, as well as the ability to submit questions and sign up for our new diabetes e-newsletter. This new content is segmented to speak to three distinct audiences by providing general diabetes information for all patients, guidance for those living with diabetes or prediabetes on how to best manage their condition, and advice on how you can support a friend or family member who has diabetes.

How do you SIGN UP to get a COVID-19 VACCINE?

Think of our Diabetes Education Center as a complement to care provided by a dedicated team of health care providers in your community, but also a way to keep this important discussion going. If you or a loved one has been impacted by diabetes, sign up today to receive education materials and updates from ACPNY’s Diabetes Education Center at acpny.com/livewell/diabetes. l Dr. Massand is the Vice President of Clinical Quality at AdvantageCare Physicians.

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COV I D1 9 VACC I NES I GNUP

New Yorkers are eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of insurance or immigration status.

THIS IS HOW: # 1 MAKE AN APPOINTMENT OR WALK-IN FOR A VACCINE

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Go to nyc.gov/vaccine昀nder or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to schedule an appointment or check nyc.gov/vcc for a list of sites offering vaccines without an appointment.

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GET VACCINATED Roll up your sleeve and get vaccinated! Get your vaccination card before you leave and make an appointment for your second dose, if needed.

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