Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 135

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ISSUE 135 VOLUME 22

October 7, 2021

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

Why is Breast Cancer Mortality Higher for African-American Women Than for White Women?

BY PADMASHREE RIDA & RITU ANEJA THE CONVERSATION

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hite women in the U.S. are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than black women – but less likely to die of it. There has been a 35 percent decrease in breast cancer mortality rate from 1990-2012.

The breakdown by race over this period,

What Will Happen to Wiley’s Signature Proposal ....18

continued on page 14

Community Organizations Join Together to Fight the NYC Lien Sale ....9 OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Protecting Yourself in a Dangerous World: What to Do Before Seeking a PFA

Knowledge is Power when you use it!

Get a FREE Consultation!

Ask the Lawyer:

CARICOM SG Dr Barnett Speaks on Post Covid-19 Economic Situation ....2

Call 855-768-8845

BY JANET HOWARD 311IMMIGRATION.COM

F

inding yourself in an abusive or otherwise volatile relationship can be frightening and disconcerting. When the person you should be able to rely

OSHA and Its Fatal Four Construction Accidents ....6

continued on page 16

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

Dr Reiss: Living Well With Alzheimer’s Disease ....15

Bob Marley’s Music Still Sells 40 Years After His Passing ....13

De Blasio Blows Deadline on Overhaul for Segregated Giftedand-Talented School Programs ....7

African Migration Through the Americas ....10

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

2

Debt Reduction for Developing Countries Must Be Part of Response to Post Covid-19 Economic Situation: CARICOM SG to UNCTAD XV

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n effective response to the post Covid-19 economic situation must include significant and broad debt reduction for all developing countries, including vulnerable middle to high income states. This was one of the prescriptions put forward by CARICOM Secretary-General Her Excellency Carla Barnett as she participated in a panel discussion during the World Leaders Summit Dialogue on Inequality at UNCTAD XV in Barbados on Tuesday 5th October.

Speaking on the theme of the discussion “Is the COVID-19 crisis really a game changer?” Dr Barnett further stated that debt reduction should specifically address debts built up due to COVID-19 expenditures and climate change adaptation.

The CARICOM Secretary-General said that the meeting provided an opportunity to highlight to the global community the issues and concerns of Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS) as well as to identify some of the measures that could be taken by the international community to support efforts to build resilience and promote sustainable development among SIDS. She pointed out that SIDS experienced GDP contraction in 2020 at about three times the global rate.

“We applied funds that were budgeted for other purposes to meet the needs of the health sector for PPEs, medical equipment, testing supplies and vaccines.

We shifted funds to meet basic social safety nets. We repurposed loans and borrowed additional funds. Already high debt burdens grew even higher,” Dr Barnett pointed out.

Dr Barnett said that while the G-20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) which allowed developing countries to temporarily suspend debt service payments to their official bilateral creditors had potential, it did not cover all middle to high income developing countries, many of which are SIDS. “New debt arising from the need to address the COVID-19 crisis together with the existing debt stock will continue to appropriate a significant proportion of public resources in debt repayments, while strangling critical infrastructural public investments required for economic rehabilitation,” the Secretary-General stated in making a case for debt reduction.

The situation was even more challenging for many SIDS as they cannot access multilateral and bilateral concessional aid financing because of their relatively

Photo courtesy: CARICOM Press Room

high per capita income status.

“With the reality of our vulnerabilities exposed by the Covid and Climate crises, the call for a more appropriate basis for determining access to concessional financing takes on great urgency. We have to continue to press for the continued development and acceptance of the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI). The issue of access to concessional resources for development financing and resilience building remains a significant priority for CARICOM States, indeed, for all SIDS,” Dr Barnett stressed.

She called on the UN system to intensify collaboration with relevant regional institutions, particularly in the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, in order to make this index a reality. She also called on the IMF, the World Bank and bilateral and multilateral development partners to step away from the “blinders of GDP per capita.” GDP per capita cannot be a measure of development, let alone sustainable development, she added.

Dr Barnett said that new policy options to assist developing countries had to be

developed as the traditional policy menu of the International Financial Institutions did not adequately address the inherent vulnerabilities and fragilities of such countries. “That policy menu will certainly be inadequate as the foundation for the design of recovery models that can build transformative and resilient economies in the face of global climate change,” she said.

Looking forward to COP 26, the UN Climate Change Conference scheduled for next month in Glasgow, Scotland, the CARICOM Secretary-General stated that for SIDS like CARICOM, 1.5 to stay alive was more than a catchy slogan, “it is an existential reality.”

“We therefore have to be focused on pushing COP26 to be decisive in order to keep the pathways to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement alive and translating commitments to real action on the ground,” Dr Barnett emphasized.

She referred in particular to the pledges to the Green Climate and Adaptation Funds which she insisted must be honored and increased to ensure that the most vulnerable could adapt to and survive the effects of climate change.l

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3

THOUGHTS

Reclaiming ‘Missing’ Children: They Don’t Fail – The System Fails Them

BY RHOKEISHA FORD

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s a New York City public high school principal, I learned that a percentage of my students were literally unaccounted for. Their names appeared on my roster, but for one reason or another they did not attend school regularly or at all.

They were lost in the abyss of truancy, making them more likely to enter the notorious “school to prison pipeline.” (I also learned that there was a powerful incentive to relentlessly locate truant students – and then discharge them from the roster. Why? Because that decreased the denominator of the cohort, therefore increasing the classroom performance data of the remainder, a result that was highly valued by our superiors.)

Such chronic truancy is a national, as well as local, crisis. US Department of Education data shows that more than six million school-aged children, two million of them high schoolers, miss 15 days or more of school a year. More than a fifth of Black high schoolers, and almost that many Latinx high schoolers, are chronically absent.

Punitive school disciplinary decisions often fuel this absence. I remember watching students' light bulbs dull or go out completely every time they were put out of the classroom as a form of discipline. I knew when I was about to lose them. I saw it in their eyes. I remember how enraged I would get when a student entered my office to notify me that their teacher would not allow them admission into the class because they arrived several minutes after the bell. I made it my business to sit with children who were removed or disciplined. I allowed them to share their stories and pain.

I’ve since resigned from the Department of Education and begun efforts to reach the missing children: those who don’t feel included in the traditional school setting; those afraid to come back to school, or who had home lives so difficult that school became secondary; those who became entangled in the criminal justice system.

I became deputy director of a communi-

ty-based organization. Its goal: reducing recidivism and working with the most endangered and unprotected youth in Central and West Harlem. It was led by “credible messengers” who through their own lived experiences were able to reach and truly connect with some of the most unreachable and often-forgotten youth, leading to healing and transformation.

Many of the young people I encountered at the non-profit were former students of mine, now young adults, who had either been incarcerated or impacted by the criminal justice system.

These were the young people who were often on my roster but barely came to school, or those who were often suspended, disciplined regularly, or asked to be removed from class. All possessed talents that had gone untapped, and all had a history of trauma starting from childhood or birth that had gone unidentified and untreated. All said approximately the same thing when they saw me: “Ms. Ford, you were like a mother to me, I always felt that you cared about me even though I was ‘bad.’”

Who labeled them “bad” and why into their adulthood did they accept it?

As a seasoned and master educator, I see generations of people who have been failed, misled, misguided, mis-educated, and manipulated to believe that systems we have been indoctrinated into, enslaved by, and brainwashed to believe in, really have our best interests at heart. People of color have experienced years of trauma at the hands of the archaic education and criminal justice systems.

Where do we go from here? At the outset, if I were the mayor, I would do these three things.

First, instead of convincing students that they’re failures, let’s equip them for success in life. Let’s make it mandatory that every public school student learn about financial education. This should include courses on credit, taxes, investments, entrepreneurship, land ownership, trades, farming, and sustainability. The goal should be graduating with the basic financial skills needed to be a truly productive member of society, particularly in marginalized communities.

Second, every educator should be fully trained and certified in best traumainformed practices, specifically socialemotional learning, micro-aggressions, and implicit biases. Every student also should have free and confidential access to mental health support and therapy – and these services should not be directly connected to the school personnel responsibilities as “mandated reporters” of suspected child abuse and neglect.

Third, let’s invest more in our community-based organizations, and provide them the training and resources they need.

CBOs tend to have a stronger finger on the pulse of the communities they serve. Let’s enhance their ability to work alongside schools to tackle truancy, mental health, juvenile and social justice issues.

On a national scale: We really need to stop criminalizing poverty. Poverty is the birth mother of crime, yet we invest so much more time and money trying to combat crime than we do in leveling the playing field by combating poverty. The lack of access to equitable resources and mental health issues resulting from decades of institutional racism have all contributed, resulting in the inability to heal the wounds of trauma-impacted people.

We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to these trespasses and ignore the history of American institutions and their intentions to explicitly harm and control people that have been colonized for centuries.

“Defunding the police” is an insulting distraction: The goal should instead be the complete overhaul and reconstruction of public education and the justice system.

Because when public schools fail to become incubators of citizenship and success and instead become the feeder institution for the criminal justice system, we truly need to reevaluate our government's approach, philosophy, and values. l A former New York City public high school principal and non-profit executive, Rhokeisha Ford is the founder of RNF Innovations, Inc., a consultancy and training company for community-based organization leaders. Article courtesy Urban Matters.

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4

CIVIL RIGHTS

Texas Abortion: Judge Temporarily Blocks Enforcement of Law

BY BBC WORLD NEWS

A

U.S. judge has temporarily blocked a new law in Texas that effectively bans women from having an abortion.

District Judge Robert Pitman granted a request by the Biden administration to prevent any enforcement of the law while its legality is being challenged.

The law, which prohibits women in Texas from obtaining an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, was drafted and approved by Republican politicians.

The White House praised the latest ruling as an important step.

"The fight has only just begun, both in Texas and in many states across this country where women's rights are currently under attack," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

Texan officials immediately appealed against the ruling, setting the stage for further court battles.

Judge Pitman, of Austin, wrote in an 113-page opinion that, from the moment the law came into effect on 1 September, "women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution".

"This court will not sanction one more

Editorial credit: Rena Schild / Shutterstock.com

day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right," he said on Wednesday.

Whole Woman's Health, which runs a number of clinics in Texas, said it was making plans to resume abortions "as soon as possible".

But the anti-abortion group Texas Right to Life, accused judges of "catering to the abortion industry" and called for a "fair hearing" at the next stage.

This is the first legal setback for Texas since the law was implemented.

President Joe Biden's administration took legal action after the conservativemajority Supreme Court declined to prevent Texas from enacting the law. The justice department filed an emergency

motion to block enforcement of the law while it pursues legal action.

Mr Biden, a Democrat, has described the law as an "unprecedented assault" on women's rights, but Texas Governor Greg Abbott has defended it, saying: "The most precious freedom is life itself."

The "Heartbeat Act" bans terminations after the detection of what anti-abortion campaigners call a fetal heartbeat, something medical authorities say is misleading. This effectively bans abortions from as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, at a time when most women will not be aware they are pregnant.

It is enforced by giving any individual – from Texas or elsewhere – the right to

sue doctors who perform an abortion past the six-week point. However, it does not allow the women who get the procedure to be sued.

One doctor who admitted breaking the state's new abortion legislation has already been sued.

Writing for the Washington Post, Dr Alan Braid said he "acted because I had a duty of care to this patient, as I do for all patients, and because she has a fundamental right to receive this care".

Despite the injunction, some clinics remain hesitant to resume procedures as there is some uncertainty over whether they could be sued retroactively during the ban.

The law itself includes a provision that stipulates clinics and doctors may still be liable for abortions carried out while an emergency injunction is in place, legal experts say.

But whether that provision will be enforceable is unclear, and Judge Pitman said in his ruling that it was "of questionable legality".

"The threat of being sued retroactively will not be completely gone until [the law] is struck down for good," Nancy Northup, the president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement.l

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

6

OSHA and Its Fatal Four Construction Accidents Working with or around live wires always presents a risk to construction workers.

It's not only electricians who get electrocuted on job sites. Laborers, carpenters, plumbers and roofers also die from electrocution. A lack of fundamental knowledge of electricity contributes to these deaths. A total of 67 construction workers died by electrocution during the period at issue. They accounted for 8.6 percent of all construction industry deaths.

BY JANET HOWARD

A

s per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 4,836 workers were killed at work in its fiscal year between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016. Of those fatalities, 21.4 percent of them occurred in the construction industry. That's 937 construction industry deaths, or more than 13 every day. There were four leading causes of construction industry fatalities.

Those were falls, being struck by falling objects, electrocution and being pinned between two objects. These "fatal four" types of fatalities accounted for 62.4 percent of all construction industry deaths in the subject fiscal year.

Falls By an overwhelming margin, falls were the leading cause of construction accident deaths for the period examined. There were 364 deaths from falls that consisted of 38.8 percent of the 937 construction industry deaths. Falls occur from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, floor holes, slips and trips. OSHA reports that fall protection like safety harnesses, nets and guardrails might save the lives of nearly 400 construction workers annually.

Struck by an Object Construction workers being struck by objects and killed occurred 90 times and accounted for 9.6 percent of all construction site fatalities. These accidents usually occur when a worker is hit from above by a falling object like materials, machinery or tools. Depending on the facts surrounding the accident, a motor vehicle fatality might also be classified as being struck by an object.

Electrocution Exposure to electricity on a job site continues to be a statistically significant cause of death for construction workers.

Caught in Between Objects OSHA categorizes what are known as "caught in between" accidents as workers killed when they're pinned or compressed by equipment or objects, materials or collapsing structures. There were 67 construction accident fatalities from workers being caught in between objects. They accounted for 7.2 percent of the fiscal year's construction accident fatalities.

Compensation for Construction Accident Fatalities The federal government established OSHA for purposes of promulgating workplace standards and regulations that help prevent "fatal four" accidents. Each state also has its own workers' compensation laws that the families of construction

workers who died on the job can rely on, but there are limitations on such benefits.

The general rule is that workers' compensation benefits are the sole and exclusive remedy for a construction site death, but there are exceptions to that rule that might operate to provide additional and increased compensation under state wrongful death laws.

In any death resulting from a construction accident, OSHA standards and regulations were likely violated. A respected and experienced personal injury attorney will listen carefully to you about the facts surrounding your family member's construction accident death. Upon being retained to represent your loved one's estate and family, a professional investigation will be conducted that will identify all possible parties who might be responsible for your family member's death.

You'll then be thoroughly advised of your legal options. Beware of attorneys who might ask you for a retainer fee.

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FAMILY MATTERS & EDUCATION

7

De Blasio Blows Deadline on Overhaul for Segregated Gifted-and-Talented School Programs

BY CHRISTINA VEIGA CHALKBEAT VIA THE CITY

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ew York City Mayor Bill de Blasio appears to be dragging his feet again when it comes to making reforms to the city’s starkly segregated gifted and talented programs — and comments made Tuesday by schools Chancellor Meisha Porter at a state Senate hearing made it even more unclear when any changes might be announced.

De Blasio promised last month to present “a very different approach” for gifted programs, saying changes would be announced by the end of September.

That deadline has come and gone. On Tuesday, Porter suggested the timeline may get stretched out further, saying the city would be starting a process to engage with the public about any changes.

“We look forward to centering engagement as a part of our plan forward, and look forward to beginning and launching more information around the engage-

ment process soon,” she said in response to questions from lawmakers at the hearing, which was called to discuss how districts are spending COVID relief money.

Meanwhile, time is ticking for anxious families. Usually, the test for the program’s 2,500 kindergarten seats is given in January, and many parents spend time and money prepping their 4-year-olds for it.

Education department spokesperson Katie O’Hanlon did not answer questions about when the city would announce the

admissions process or other changes to the gifted program this year, or whether the reforms would be delayed to collect more feedback from parents and others.

“The best plans are made when everyone has a seat at the table. We are listening to our families and will offer more opportunities for community conversations,” O’Hanlon wrote in an email.

‘It’s Too Late’ With only about three months left in de Blasio’s term-limited tenure, Sen. John

Liu said the city should wait until a new mayor — and, most likely, a new chancellor — is in place to usher in reforms.

“There’s just not enough time to truly engage, unless the Department of Education and City Hall has some preconceived notion that they were going to try to steer people [to],” he said. “It’s too late.”

Porter said she disagreed.

“I think that, while the next administration is going to absolutely guide the ship forward, as it relates to gifted and talented, I think that it’s never too late to engage families in the process and in a conversation, or in recommendations that will inform the next administration,” she said.

New York City’s gifted programs have been a lightning rod of controversy.

Classrooms are deeply segregated and the focus for reform. While Black and Latino students make up almost 60% of all kindergartners citywide, their enrollment in gifted programs is only 14%. continued on page 8

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DIASPORA CONCERNS

8

The Haitian Migrant Crisis Shows Us Why We Need Immigration Reform Now

BY THE BLACK INSTITUTE

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hroughout the course of the Trump Administration, we fought against his racist immigration policies and continued efforts to build a wall along the southern border.

When Joe Biden was elected, we expected immigration policies that were fair and treated migrants with dignity.

Unfortunately, as we have seen through the images of border patrol agents on horses and thousands of migrants living under a bridge in Texas, we still have a long way to go.

Those camps are now clear, and we must ask ourselves where they have gone and what their fate will be. Figures show that since the middle of September about 4,600 Haitian migrants have been deported from the United States. Many of them came here seeking asylum from political unrest and humanitarian crisis.

Last week in The Grio, Blue Telusma wrote about the issues at the border, and reminded us all that immigration is a black issue, and that we must all speak out and support the Haitian community.

Editorial credit: Luigi Morris / Shutterstock.com

Her commentary is important, as it points out how many were not concerned about what was happening at the border because of what we’ve faced in our own communities over the last year.

It is an outlook that cannot continue, especially as we witness the current state of the border.

Immigration reform has been a core issue since our founding in 2010, as we have worked to bring attention to the issues faced by Caribbean and African immigrants. The number of Black immigrants in our country continues to grow every year, yet the difficulties they face are rarely mentioned or reported on.

They live in our cities, and many of

them are our neighbors.

Yet, Black immigrants are continuously treated with disrespect and our community must do more to support them.

We cannot ignore what is happening with Haitian migrants, and we cannot ignore the similar conditions that future migrants will likely face.

The time for concrete, real immigration reform is now, no matter what Congress or the President may say. There is no more time to wait, let’s get it done. l

De Blasio Blows Deadline continued from page 7 The greatest share of students in gifted classes are Asian American, at 43%. White students are also overrepresented at 36% of enrollment. Just over a quarter come from low-income families, compared with almost 70% citywide. There are almost no students with disabilities or who are learning English as a new language in gifted classrooms.

Mayor Sat on Recommendations Admission has long been determined by a test given to rising kindergartners when they’re about 4-yearsold, which many blame for driving segregation.

Most academic experts agree that tests given to such young children aren’t likely to measure a student’s abilities, but are more likely to reflect a family’s advantages, economic and otherwise.

De Blasio’s pledge for reform came after he sat for years on recommendations for making the programs fairer, made by a committee he appointed in 2017.

He promised to make changes after a pause in the typical admissions process last year that de Blasio said would be temporary. The city was forced to admit students based on a lottery, after a citywide panel refused to extend a contract to give rising kindergartners the admissions test typically used.

Officials at the time had promised to present more permanent reforms and kick off a public engagement process — which some parents who are worried about potential reforms say never formally happened.l This story was originally published by Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news organization covering public education. Republished by The CITY on October 5, 2021.

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9

HOME OWNERSHIP

Community Organizations Join Together to Fight the NYC Lien Sale

BY VICTORIA FALK

T

hroughout the course of the Trump Administration, we fought against his racist immigration policies and continued efforts to build a wall along the southern border.

The Abolish the New York City Lien Sale Coalition is made up of independent organizations from around New York City who oppose the current taxation system. The group aims to develop an alternative system of tax collection that supports community land trusts. Included in the coalition are the following organizations: New Economy Project, the East New York Community Land Trust, Community Service Society of New York, The Bronx CLT, East Harlem/El Barrio Community Land Trust, New York City Community Land Initiative, Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, Western Queens CLT, Brooklyn Level Up, The Coalition For Community Advancement, and TakeRoot Justice.

Next Tax Lien Sale With the next New York City tax lien sale coming up this December of 2021, the

Abolish the New York City Lien Sale Coalition has been ramping up its efforts to educate the community on how the system works and find alternative solutions. Community events have included free workshops, roundtables, and online forums, like the one held last month in September via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Moderator, Albert Scott, referred to the tax lien system as “hurtful and harmful” and said it works to “displace communities of color, immigrant communities.

This is a “destructive tool looking to destroy and displace generational wealth,” said Mr. Scott.

Home wners at Risk According to the Abolish the New York City Lien Sale Coalition, thousands of tenants and homeowners are at risk due to the upcoming New York City lien sale.

Reportedly 11, 000 to 13,000 homes are up for sale.

Organizers of the public forum encouraged homeowners to complete the Covid-19 Form, indicating they experienced economic hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic to gain favor and leniency in this situation. “This is a Christmas gift we don’t want,” said forum moderator Scott regarding the tax lien sale coming in December 2021. He

encouraged community members who attended the public forums to participate in upcoming hearings about the New York City tax lien sale and to testify that they disagreed with the forthcoming tax lien sale.

During recent public forums, the Abolish the New York City Tax Lien Sale Coalition provided history on the city’s tax lien sale. Reportedly, the system was adopted by former Republican Mayor of New York City – Rudy Guliani, 24 years ago. The system still stands in New York City, although no other state is known to use this system.

Get Assistance Don’t become a victim of this antiquated system. If you are a tenant or a homeowner who may be affected by the upcoming lien sale scheduled for December of 2021, do not wait until the last minute to seek assistance.

Schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney, such as Brian Figeroux of Figeroux and Associates, to find out what could be done, if anything, before you lose your home. Call (718) 555-8845 or visit www.Askthelawyer.us today.l

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KYZ2021_4.875x6.75.indd 1 9/13/2021 9/13/2021 VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES,KYZ2021_4.875x6.75.indd VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

1:11:17 PM

IMMIGRATION

10

African Migration Through the Americas

BY THE MIGRANT POLICY INSTITUTE

W

ASHINGTON: Though dwarfed by the movements of Central and South American and Caribbean migrants through the Americas northwards, a growing number of Africans are transiting the region, hoping to apply for asylum in the United States. They form part of a rising trend of migrants from other regions, including from the Caribbean and Asia, who travel through South and Central America to reach the U.S. border.

Africans of 35 nationalities were intercepted by U.S. authorities in fiscal 2019, with nationals of Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ghana and Somalia most frequently encountered by U.S. and Mexican enforcement in recent years. This small but growing migration flow, which has been increasing since 2013, is occurring against the backdrop of decreasing numbers of African migrants intercepted while trying to enter Europe irregularly, as the European Union and its member states harden their borders.

A new Migration Policy Institute (MPI) report, African Migration through the Americas: Drivers, Routes and Policy Responses, examines the factors contributing to growing African migration and how transit country policies shape

migration journeys. While COVID-19 briefly brought this movement to a pause, African migration through the Americas, which typically begins in Brazil or Ecuador, is likely to continue to grow, especially as migration channels to Europe become more inaccessible and community networks in the United States continue to expand, researchers Caitlyn Yates and Jessica Bolter find.

Because this is a small and newer phenomenon, most Latin American countries do not prioritize Africans in their migration management policies and their responses are generally limited to facilitating transit northward and, in rare cases given their limited capacity, carrying out enforcement. Permanent settlement through humanitarian protection or other legal statuses is rarely made accessible to Africans, and many face unique challenges, including racial discrimination and language barriers, throughout their journey.

To better support this population, as well as the migration management capacities of transit and destination countries, the report recommends that: •The U.S. government create resettlement opportunities for African migrants in transit who are in need of humanitarian protection.

Many Africans traveling through the Americas

tions than other migrants. Officials in immigration, law enforcement and public service agencies should make English and French interpretation available and undergo anti-discrimination training.

to the U.S.-Mexico border would qualify as refugees under U.S. law. To protect them from the dangers of the journey and to alleviate some pressure on the U.S.Mexico border, the U.S. government should set up one or multiple centers where Africans’ protection cases can be adjudicated along the route.

•Transit countries take steps to reduce linguistic barriers and discrimination in immigration processes. African migrants are often denied access to services and information about their immigration options or are otherwise mistreated due to language barriers and discrimination. In Mexico, for example, Africans have experienced worse detention condi-

•Transit countries increase access to humanitarian protection. While countries such as Panama and Costa Rica have developed systems to screen African migrants, administer vaccines and provide basic services, migrants are typically not aware of options beyond transit permits that would enable them to stay in these countries legally and seek protection. African migrants should be informed of their right to seek asylum in transit countries.

“While African migration through the Americas has been a somewhat overlooked migration dynamic to date, it is likely to be an enduring one and countries in the region will need to take a balanced approach to managing it through a combination of transit facilitation, enforcement mechanisms and avenues to access humanitarian protection and other legal statuses, all while safeguarding migrants’ rights,” the authors write.l The MPI is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank in Washington, D.C. dedicated to analysis of the movement of people worldwide.

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11

JOBS & RECESSION

Preventing Burnout try attending a wine and painting class or spending a quiet weekend morning getting some art on your canvas.

Or, if you love staying active, you can consider joining a boxing class or a yoga class. This can provide you something to look forward to and be a way to maintain self-worth without it being tied solely to your work and productivity.

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

W

ith hustle culture on the rise and social media glorifying being a workaholic, it's hard not to get caught up in the grind as well.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with hard work and a few long days here and there. Yet, a person can't survive on caffeine and fumes alone for long.

So how can you work for what you want and avoid burning out?

Take Short Breaks It may seem counterintuitive to take breaks when you want to get your work done, but taking time for your brain to take a rest is imperative. Your brain doesn't work optimally for more than 90 minutes at a time on a single task, so taking a break every 50-90 minutes can make you more productive and better able to do the work you need to do.

You don't have to take long breaks. 1520 minutes a few times throughout the day suffice, in addition to a more extended break for lunch.

So what should you do for your break?

Experts say that it doesn't matter, as long as you're not focusing on work. You can take a few moments to read, scroll through social media, or take a walk.

This time away from your workstation might be just what you need to bring your brain back into gear so you can focus on your next task ahead.

Take Long Breaks Most companies offer paid time off after

a certain amount of time, and you should take advantage of this. You can spend your time at home, go on a weekend getaway, or travel to a new country for a week or two if it's within your budget.

Working day in and day out week after week can be very exhausting, leading to not having an appropriate work/life balance.

Take the time that you earned and use it on yourself. You owe yourself that much.

Practice Good Sleep Habits One common aspect of hustle culture is praising working late into the night and getting up early to focus on your goals.

However, this can lead to negative consequences such as poor health, and of course, burnout.

Try to limit your caffeine intake to the morning and early afternoon so that you don't find your sleep disrupted when you desperately need it. Also, consider limiting your use of technology before you go to bed, as the blue light from screens is

known to cause problems with falling and staying asleep during the night.

Schedule Time With Friends Burnout can easily rob you of joy. It can leave you feeling upset, isolated, and lost. So, to prevent feeling isolated, it's essential to make time for the things that are truly important to you, such as spending time with friends and family.

So schedule a lunch or dinner with a friend every so often. After a particularly stressful day of work, recharging with a positive social interaction can be just what you need to take the edge off and prevent burning out.

Spend Time On Your Hobbies When work is particularly stressful, it's easy to lose yourself in the daily grind and neglect your own needs. But it's important not to let your passions fall to the wayside.

Not everything you do has to be monetized in some way. For example, say you love painting. In that case, you can

Reach Out to Loved Ones Don't keep it to yourself if you feel that you may be on the road to burnout. Talk to a friend or trusted family member and tell them how you're feeling. When under stress, it can be hard to want to get out of your head, but sometimes that's just what you need. With an outside perspective, you may discover solutions and opportunities that you never realized that you had before.

Take Care Of Yourself The most important thing you can do when facing burnout is to care for yourself the best that you possibly can. Selfcare involves eating well, getting enough exercise, getting enough sleep, and reducing or completely cutting out substances such as nicotine or alcohol.

It's easier to prevent burnout than to recover from it, so make sure that you're taking breaks, practicing self-care, and maintaining a good work/life balance.

When you feel burnout creeping in, don't be afraid to reach out to others or take the necessary time off.

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nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

nSPORTS

Bob Marley’s Music Still Sells 40 Years After His Passing

nHOROSCOPE

Kitchen Corner

Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry

BY STEPHANIE KOURNEY JAMAICANS.COM

T

he continuing influence of Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley on the reggae community cannot be questioned. The recordings of Bob Marley and The Wailers continue to sell 40 years after his death, and the group’s 1977 release of “Jammin” has now been certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the United Kingdom. The recording was honored because it has sold more than 600,000 units to date.

The official announcement of the platinum certification was made on September 17, 2021 and was the fourth Bob Marley single to receive this certification by the BPI. “Jammin” is included on the “Exodus” album and also appears on “Legend,” a compilation album. It came out a year after Marley was shot in 1976 by an unknown individual who had broken into his home, and contains the line, “No bullet can stop us now.”

“Jammin” was re-released in 1987 and was listed in the Netherlands in the Dutch Top 100 ranking. In 2000, American rapper MC Lyte, who made an appearance on the gold-selling album “Chant Down Babylon” produced by Stephen Marley, gave it a remix. This new version of the song was ranked at Number 42 in the UK in 2000. Marley’s “Three Little Birds” was certified platinum in August of 2018, while “Is This Love?” and “Could You

Rome, August 20th 2021: covers and CD by reggae legend BOB MARLEY. He helped develop and spread reggae music around the world, outside of Jamaica.

Editorial credit: Kraft74 / Shutterstock.com

Be Loved?” received the certification in May 2020.

Bob Marley has amassed nine gold albums, a doubleplatinum album, and a multi-platinum-selling album in the UK but has never received a gold or platinum certification in the United States.

The Marley family has carried on the legendary tradition, with Rita Marley performing the iconic “Jammin” at the “Marley Magic: Live in Central Park at Summerstage” tribute concert, while Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers performed it at their concerts. The group’s live version is included on “Live Vol. 1” and “Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers Live” concert CD/DVDs as well.

Bob Marley is one of Jamaica’s reggae pioneers. He was born in Nine Mile in 1945 and began his professional career in 1963 when he formed Bob Marley and The Wailers. His unique style fused reggae, ska, and rock steady, and his contributions to music made Jamaica famous throughout the world. In addition to his music stardom, Marley is known for his Rastafari beliefs, advocacy and support for social reforms, legalization of marijuana, and Pan-Africanism. He died in 1981 of melanoma at the age of 36.l

Y

ummy vegan curry dish.

Serve with basmati rice and naan bread.

—Sherri Zeringue D'Argenio, AllRecipes.com Ingredients 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk 1 sweet potato, cubed 1 tablespoon garam masala 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground turmeric ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon red chile flakes 1 cup baby spinach Directions Step 1 Heat oil in a skillet over medium

heat and cook onion, garlic, and ginger until softened, about 5 minutes. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, coconut milk, and sweet potato. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 2 Season with garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chile flakes, and salt. Add spinach right before serving.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 293 calories; protein 5.1g; carbohydrates 22.3g; fat 21.6g; sodium 515mg.l

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 20 mins Total: 30 mins Servings: 6

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14

HEALTH but about 20-40 percent in black women.

Triple negative breast cancer is particularly hard to treat because it does not respond to targeted treatments that have proven to be effective in treating breast cancers that test positive for certain receptors on cancer cell surfaces.

Breast Cancer Mortality continued from page 1 however, shows a different story. Death rates for black women decreased by 23 percent, while the death rates for white women declined by 42 percent.

A big, but not the only, reason for this is that white women tend to more frequently get two subtypes of breast cancers, called ER-positive or HER2-positive, for which we now have very effective targeted treatments.

Black women, however, are two to three times more likely than white women to get an aggressive type of breast cancer called triple negative breast cancer, for which there are still no approved targeted treatments.

Researchers do not yet know all the reasons why this is so, but are looking for answers.

Research has vastly improved breast cancer treatments and survival rates over the years, with a five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer at 98.9 percent, but the gap in mortality rates between black and white women has stubbornly persisted.

We study breast cancer, with a special emphasis on health disparities. Here are some of the trends we see.

Disturbing numbers First, some statistics that lay out the extent of the problem. About 1 in 8 American non-Hispanic white women,

and about 1 in 9 African-American women will suffer from breast cancer in their lives.

While breast cancer is slightly less prevalent in African-American women, it is much more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage in them. About 37 percent of white patients and about 47 percent of black patients will have cancers that have spread from their breast to nearby lymph nodes at diagnosis. When the disease has spread, it typically presents a greater treatment challenge. In fact, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer patients with distant metastasis, or disease that has traveled to another organ such as the liver or bone, is 26.9 percent, as compared to 98.9 percent for those with a localized disease.

In addition, the aggressive triple negative type of breast cancer accounts for 12-20 percent of tumors in white women,

Internal environment Beyond triple negative cancer itself, there also seem to be racial differences in what we call the tumor microenvironment of the cancer cells. Tumor microenvironment is the immediate cellular environment of the cancer cells, including surrounding blood vessels, immune cells, signaling molecules and the tissue matrix that surrounds tumor cells (i.e., the extracellular matrix). Since the tumor microenvironment can affect behavior of the tumor cells and their response to treatments, these racial differences could impact tumor biology and disease progression. Studies have also uncovered racial differences in gene expression patterns of cancer cells, in which genes are over-expressed or under-expressed in the tumor cells of black versus white women.

One of the common abnormalities found in cancer cells proliferating within tumors is that they often gain or lose stretches of DNA, which could include multiple genes, or even whole chromosomes that carry hundreds of genes. As a result, cancer cells may harbor higherthan-normal or lower-than-normal copies

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of genes compared to healthy cells.

Daughter cells that arise from such cancer cells form a “clone of cells” that could be genetically different from other such clones within the tumor.

When this gain or loss occurs at a fast rate, it results in a tumor with astounding clonal diversity. Such tumors are more likely to harbor clones that can spread very efficiently through the body or resist treatments very staunchly, resulting in a higher risk of death for the patient.

Scientists have discovered that breast tumors in black women tend to be more clonally diverse, and therefore harder to treat, than those in white women. The discovery of these biological factors is fairly recent, and research is still ongoing.

Beyond tumor biology Having other diseases, such as diabetes, also could be not only a risk factor for developing breast cancer but also for poorer outcomes, research has shown.

Some statistics point to problems outside of the sphere of medicine, however.

In the U.S., about 23.1 percent of black women live in poverty, compared to 9.6 percent of white women. Studies have shown that a lack of resources makes a huge difference in survival rates, treatment responses, and progression of disease. Poor women are less likely to have good quality health insurance, to get as much information on early detection and screening, and to have access to the best health care and latest treatments.

Another factor, that is both biological and environmental, is obesity. According to the National Cancer Institute, fat tissue actually makes the hormone estrogen.

Exposure to high levels of estrogen over a lifetime increases the risk of breast cancer.

Further, in the U.S., obesity is strongly linked to poverty, according to the National Institutes of Health. In other words, since black women are more likely to be poor, they are more likely to be obese – which makes them more likely to develop breast cancer.

The higher incidence of poverty among African-Americans also affects access to high-quality, timely care compared to white women.

The search for advances In future years, we hope we will find specific mechanisms that explain the observed racial differences in breast cancer mortality. Eventually, we believe it will be possible to give each patient customized targeted treatments based on their genetic profile and other factors.

There are many factors that will need to be addressed to create racial equity in breast cancer outcomes. Bridging the gap will require a wide range of experts: clinicians, bioinformaticians, diagnosticians and epidemiologists from the science side, but also social scientists and public health experts. Only by joining together can we make sure that all breast cancer patients get the treatment that is best for them.l Padmashree Rida is a Research Scientist, Georgia State University. Ritu Aneja is a Professor of Biology, Georgia State University.

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15

GENERATIONS

Living Well With Alzheimer’s Disease: What We Can Do Now and A Look at a Promising Future

BY ALLISON B. REISS, M.D.

O

ne of the most compelling challenges of our time is the increasing number of people being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As the elderly population expands, AD takes a huge toll on society, families and our health-care systems. There is no cure for AD and it leads inevitably to greater and greater loss of brain function and memory. New treatments are urgently needed since current AD therapies offer only minimal benefits and do not stop nerve cells from dying or repair brain damage. Under the microscope, AD is characterized by the appearance in the brain of two abnormal proteins: amyloid-beta and tau. Many drug companies have developed antibodies of various kinds designed to clear these proteins from the brain in the hope that this would improve symptoms and slow the progression of AD. Unfortunately, while this approach works in animal models, it does not work in humans where the disease is much more complicated. The latest drug to reduce beta-amyloid in the brain is aducanumab. This antibody was

approved by the FDA under an accelerated approval pathway, but its effectiveness is being seriously questioned and it comes with potential serious side effects, high cost and the need for monitoring with MRI scans.

Despite all of these issues, there is a lot that we know about AD and we are learning more every day. As a researcher with years of experience in the field, I strongly believe that real progress is coming. In order to protect the brain, it is best to take action early and new tests using blood and saliva are making it easier to find people who are vulnerable to AD before they show symptoms. This is important if we want to change the course of the disease and avoid its worst outcomes.

Scientists all over the globe are exploring new ways to approach AD. As we accept the idea that the proteins that build up in the brain in AD are not a cause, but a result of the damage, we can shift our focus to the earlier processes where we can interfere with the expanding snowball of injury before it is too late.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will host a free virtual Alzheimer’s educational conference for

New York and New Jersey residents on Tuesday, October 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST as part of its 2021 national Educating America Tour. The conference, which is free and open to everyone, will allow participants to learn from, and ask questions of, health, caregiving and long-term care experts. To register, go to www.alzfdn.org/tour.

In my talk, I will describe some of the cutting edge investigations that are taking place. I am hopeful that we can get scientists and clinicians to work together toward a breakthrough that I think will come from studies of the difference between healthy and AD brain cells at a molecular level. Then we can find out what makes the AD nerve cells stray off the healthy path and devise corrective therapies. I will also cover the key things we can do to preserve our brain health through the years. A healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, regular exercise, social interaction and control of blood pressure can make a real difference that cannot be matched by any pill. Do not underestimate your own power to take charge of your health. I am so excited to share the prospects for better times ahead for AD patients and their loved ones.l Allison B. Reiss, M.D. is an Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine Head, Inflammation Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island Member, Advisory Board, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

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16

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS Protecting Yourself in a Dangerous World continued from page 1 on to have your back turns on you, it is easy for your emotions to run wild, but losing control is the last thing you need.

If you want to protect yourself from the danger, you need a plan of action, and a protection from abuse (PFA) order. A protection from abuse order can provide a legal shield, one that your abuser must respect or face possible jail time. And while this type of protection is not perfect, it can be a vital first step in extricating yourself from a dangerous situation.

Whether your abusive relationship has been going on for years or is still relatively new, the sooner you seek a protection from abuse (PFA) order the better, and safer, you can be. Even so, asking the court for a PFA should not be a snap decision, and it is important to plan carefully.

This careful planning can increase the effectiveness of your PFA while affording you an extra layer of personal and legal protection.

If you are planning to file a protection from abuse (PFA) order, it is important to gather the documentation you will need to defend the action in court. While you may be able to get a temporary restraining order based on your word alone, when your court date arrives the judge will be looking at the evidence you provide. Having that evidence in hand before you file, and before you leave the home you share with your abuser, will

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make everything that follows much easier.

That brings up another important preparatory step - leaving the situation. If you share a home or apartment with your abuser, finding a safe place to stay after the protection from abuse (PFA) order has been filed can be a smart decision.

That safe place could be the home of a trusted friend, a shelter for battered women or even a hotel.

If you have children, you will need a plan for taking care of them. If you plan to stay with a friend, you will need to arrange childcare while you are working.

If your plan includes a shelter, you will need to make sure the place you have in mind can accommodate your children as well as yourself.

Once you have made your plans and filed your protection from abuse order,

you will want to be even more careful, especially if your partner is violent or explosive. While a protection from abuse order can convince some abusive partners to back off and leave their victims alone, others may react with even more rage.

Filing a protection from abuse (PFA) can provide an important protective shield when you are being abused, but as with any legal maneuver the right preparation will be key. If you are planning to file a PFA, following the steps outlined above can keep you safer and protect you in a dangerous world.

Domestic violence is never okay, no matter the circumstances. If you or someone you know is in desperate need of help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.l

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17

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

BY CAW STAFF WRITER

A

ccording to the website, www.domesticviolence.org, domestic violence takes place in our nation every minute of every day, occurring just about every 15 seconds.

Most Americans don’t realize just how real domestic violence is and how many lives are affected by it.

Most of these cases are left behind closed doors. That’s why the Domestic Violence Awareness Month was introduced to not only educate and raise that awareness but bring the support and strength that domestic violence victims need.

Domestic violence awareness month was first introduced back in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic violence. It was created not only to bring more awareness to others but to connect and unify the millions of affected victims that had been battered due to domestic violence. Its hope is to break the chains of violence that currently have such a strong grip on our nation.

Every year, right around 10 million people become victims of domestic violence, which equates to just about 20

people every minute. Those are some pretty big and startling numbers.

It affects not only women, but men and children, of all different races, status, religions, and culture. No one is immune to it.

Domestic violence shows itself in a number of different forms, whether it’s punching, slapping, choking, or threatening, manipulating, yelling and many others. No matter the situation, domestic violence is never okay.

The Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA) Protects Immigrants Immigrants are particularly vulnerable because many may not speak English, are often separated from family and friends, and may not understand the laws of the United States. For these reasons, immigrants are often afraid to report acts of domestic violence to the police or to seek other forms of assistance. Such fear causes many immigrants to remain in abusive relationships.

Immigrants in the US. have the right to live a life free of abuse. Due to the victim’s immigration status, abusive partners 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 is a landmark piece of legislation seeking to improve criminal legal, and community-based responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the United States. This federal law provides numerous forms of protection for noncitizen women—and men—who are the victims of domestic violence or other qualifying

crimes. There are three forms of protection: “U” visas for victims of crime, “T” visas for victims of severe forms of trafficking, and “self-petitions” under the VAWA. Any victim of domestic violence — regardless of immigration or citizenship status — can seek help. An immigrant victim of domestic violence may also be eligible for immigration-related protections. If you are experiencing domestic violence in your home, you are not alone. A specialized immigration attorney should always be your first point of contact regarding immigration questions and concerns. You can also listen to Ask the Lawyer Radio Program on WVIP 93.5FM on Thursdays, 10pm-11pm, and Sundays, 11pm to 12am. The program provides excellent 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

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18

CONVERSATIONS

Maya Wiley Won’t Be New York’s Next Mayor. What Will Happen to Her Signature Proposal?

BY JESSICA WASHINGTON THE FULLER PROJECT

W

hat’s next for former New York City mayoral candidate and civil rights lawyer Maya Wiley? She says she isn’t going to run for governor. But she still wants to see her plan to provide universal community care for children and older adults realized.

“There is no reason why our child care plan can’t become reality,” said Wiley, who came in third in the June Democratic mayoral primary won by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “It’s just a matter of political will.”

During the campaign, Wiley put forth an ambitious child and elder care platform, which would have given $5,000 to 100,000 “high need” families in New York City to help with the costs of providing care to children, older adults and other family members. Wiley’s plan, developed in deep consultation with community activists and other stakehold-

ers, would have also created community care centers in every borough.

“Even before COVID … families, and particularly women, were overwhelmingly bearing the burden of trying to figure out quality childcare in order to be able to work,” Wiley told THE CITY and The Fuller Project. “It’s not just about whether there is a [care] subsidy, which we need, but that there’s a place where people can go and that place is also in [the] community.”

In 2019, a city comptroller report found that half of New York’s community districts were infant care deserts. In 10 neighborhoods, including Bushwick in Brooklyn and Sunnyside in Queens, there were more than 10 times as many infants as child care slots.

Wiley says she has spoken to Adams since the election, but that they’ve yet to discuss her child care platform, which would have drawn money from the NYPD’s budget, among other sources.

Adams, a former cop who has spoken out against the “defund the police” movement seeking to redistribute police

Former NYC mayoral candidate and civil rights lawyer Maya Wiley. All photos courtesy: Wiley Campaign

department funding to social programs, has suggested he is open to using federal stimulus funds to increase the NYPD’s budget.

“We should utilize the money to stabilize crime in the city,” Adams said at a news conference after his primary victory, according to the New York Post.

“That’s an area where Eric and I differ,” said Wiley, whose plan would have shifted $300 million from the NYPD and Department of Corrections budgets by reducing future hiring of police officers and corrections officers. That would have decreased the number of NYPD

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officers by 2,500 over two years.

‘Historic Inflection Point’ Adams has pledged universal child care — proposing tax breaks to building owners who provide free child care space, expanding a tax credit for low-income families, and opening community-based health and care centers in low-income neighborhoods.

Other candidates including runner-up Kathryn Garcia, who pledged to make child care free for parents with children 3 and under making less than $70,000 a year, and New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer also promised investments in child care. Stringer’s plan would have invested $500 million in five years to tackle child care deserts and expanded access to the city’s child care voucher program for children 3 and under.

Adams is unlikely to divert the kind of money Wiley proposed shifting from policing into community-based care.

But All our Kin, a nonprofit focused on family child care providers, says the money already in the city’s budget and the federal child care block grants would give an Adams administration an “enormous” opportunity to improve New York’s care systems.

“We’re looking at a historic inflection point for child care in New York City,” said Jessica Sager, All our Kin’s cofounder and CEO. “Eric Adams has said it is a moral imperative for us to provide universal child care. And we’re so excited about that.”

Adams’ campaign declined to comment for this story.

Wiley says she took a break after an “exhausting” campaign. However, after the general election in November, the former MSNBC contributor expects to help push for the ideas in her care proposal.

“The child care proposal I put forward as a candidate for mayor was not just the Maya Wiley proposal,” Wiley said. “It really was about a plan and a vision for the future of the city and for our people.”l This story was published in partnership between THE CITY and The Fuller Project. Published October 4, 2021 by THE CITY.

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