Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 142

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ISSUE 142 VOLUME 22

January 13, 2022

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

Deeper Integration of CARICOM Countries Cannot Wait CARICOM and its purposes need to be reconsidered, reworked, and redirected. No one should be satisfied with its current condition; all should be ready to revamp it.

BY SIR RONALD SANDERS

T

he destruction by tornadoes of Kentucky, a south-eastern State of the United States of America (US), on December 12, has lessons for the countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as 2022 dawns amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and weakened economies.

One of the lessons is that those member states of CARICOM that continue to insist on CARICOM remaining “a community of sovereign states”, each pursucontinued on page 5

Editorial credit: Tharun 15 / Shutterstock.com

MLK’s Vision of Love as a Moral Imperative Still Matters ....18

Supreme Court Hears Arguments Addressing the Legality of Detention Without Bond ....10

The Measure of a Man: The Great Sidney Poitier

BY VICTORIA FALK

M

r. Sidney Poitier – pioneer, trailblazer, legend – passed away at age 94. He was best known for how he transformed Hollywood films. He not only changed the way Blacks were depicted in movies, but he also changed the way they were filmed. Before the rise of acclaimed actor Mr. Poitier, Blacks and Whites were filmed using basically the same lighting. According to public continued on page 4

A Glowing Tribute to the Late Colin Moore, Esq. ....2

Call 855-768-8845

Poitier. Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

January Is Divorce Month ....16

Barrington Levy Receives Lifetime Achievement Award ....13

Knowledge is Power when you use it!

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Ask the Lawyer:

Get On the Path to Success: Become a Paralegal ....12

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

Dr. Laroche’s Mission: Get People of Color to Get Vaccinated ....14

Diana Richardson: Serving Brooklyn In a Different Way ....8

Staten Island BP Fossella and NYC Republicans Sue to Stop Noncitizen Voting as Landmark Law Takes Effect ....11

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CARIBBEAN STAR 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 630 Third Avenue, 7th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 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, 4th 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

A Glowing Tribute to the Late Colin Moore, Esq

BY CAW EDITORIAL STAFF

P

rominent Guyanese Attorney, Colin A. Moore, died of natural causes at 80-years-old on January 9, 2022. Moore will be remembered as "a Renaissance Scholar who has had a distinguished career in many areas of public service, as Adjunct Professor of Law, Congressional Aide, Attorney-at-Law, Public Speaker, Journalist, Political Analyst, Community Activist, and Cultural Innovator." Friends and supporters of Colin A. Moore took to social media to express regret over his passing and offer condolences to his family. They also shared memories and paid tribute to Moore, who Suzanne Matthews remembered as a "servant leader."

Colin A. Moore, who was born in Berbice, Guyana, on April 24, 1941, is remembered as a proud Guyanese who eagerly supported other members of the Guyanese community. Patrick Stephens of the Guyana Defense Force said: "Colin A. Moore was an intellectual yet humble, a man of good character, a pillar of society, a loving husband, and he was always a very proud Guyanese!" Moore attended cultural events sponsored by the Guyanese community and was the keynote speaker for the Guyana Festivals Committee in New York during an event with the Guyana Consulate General.

However, he advocated for AfricanAmericans, Caribbeans, and immigrants alike. In 2003, Moore was appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Immigrant's Journal, and in 2004, Senior Editor of Caribbean American Weekly.

Mr. Moore made valuable contributions to his homeland of Guyana before moving to New York. He helped create the foundations of culture in Guyana by providing subsidies to promote the Guyanese Steelband Association and other music genres. Moore also lobbied to make the date of the Berbice Slave Rebellion a national holiday in Guyana and to designate the leader of the Berbice Slave Rebellion as a national hero. In 1964, Colin A. Moore was appointed Executive Director of the National History and Culture Council in Guyana.

Colin A. Moore migrated to New York in 1970, where he attended Brooklyn

Colin Moore

Law School soon after arriving in the city. He graduated in 1978 with the degree of Jurist Doctor and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1979. Mr. Moore has lived an accomplished life and received numerous awards for community service.

However, "Colin Moore must be remembered most for his work as an advocate for Civil Rights of Blacks and minorities in New York City," said Patrick Stephens.

Colin A. Moore was the leading attorney for several high-profile cases in New York that highlighted the city's racial tensions. Cases such as the Howard Beach racial killing of Michael Griffith, the Central Park jogger case where Black and Latino youths were wrongly convicted and jailed for allegedly raping and beating a white woman; and the Gavin Cato case where a Black child was accidentally killed by a vehicle and the incident sparked the Crown Heights riots.

Of these cases mentioned above, the Central Park Jogger case received the most attention. Former President Donald Trump, at that time, insisted that the five teenagers be treated harshly as criminals, even though there was no concrete evidence against them, and the victim could not remember the incident.

The only thing that sealed their fate and led to their conviction and imprisonment was their confessions.

However, Colin A. Moore, who represented Kharey Wise, who was 16-yearsold at the time of the incident, insisted

that the "…defendants were being framed because they're Black and Hispanic, and they're very young kids."

Attorney Brian Figeroux of the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates recalled Colin A. Moore and the Central Park Jogger case. "The kids were convicted and sent to prison, only to find out through a confession and DNA that those kids were innocent. Mr. Moore fought for those kids' rights." Mr. Figeroux recalled that Mr. Moore and the other defense attorneys on the case "were ostracized and criticized by the victim and other people as being bad people defending these youths." "When you're talking about civil rights and changes, you're talking about Colin Moore, civil rights attorney extraordinaire, "said Mr. Figeroux, who expressed that Moore was loved and will be missed. Like many others in the community, he offers condolences to Colin Moore's family.

Editor-in-Chief of Caribbean American Weekly and The Immigrant's Journal Pearl Phillip, expressed her thoughts on Mr. Moore. "Mr. Moore was a brilliant mind and a teacher. He was always willing to explain and teach. I learned so much from him and respected his intelligence and dedication to the Caribbean community."

Staff at the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates remember Mr. Moore: "Colin Moore will be remembered as an astute attorney and a vibrant community organizer, who dedicated his life to serving the underserved communities in the New York Tri-State. He was a mentor to many of us and radiated a glow that enlightened the lives of others. Mr. Moore was a vigilant civil rights activist who remained committed to fighting civil rights injustices and oppression. We will remember him for passion and excellence in promoting social cohesion and economic development in the Caribbean Diaspora."

The Caribbean American Weekly offers heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of Colin A. Moore. The community has suffered a significant loss. Mr. Moore will always be remembered as a true Guyanese Son of the Soil. May his soul rest in eternal peace.l

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3

THOUGHTS

Four Steps to an NYC ‘Healing Revolution’

BY HERNÁN CARVENTE-MARTINEZ URBAN MATTERS

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

Pearl Phillip

I

solation. Anxiety. Depression. Grief.

These are the emotions that cloud the days and haunt the nights for so many New Yorkers in this second full winter of Covid-19.

Yet to me, and many people in my community, the constant news of people dying, the failure of social support systems, and the feeling that we have nowhere to turn to are experiences we have had to endure and live with every day, even before this pandemic ever hit us. There are reasons why we were not prepared to support communities through the mental health challenges they have had to face during a global pandemic.

Yes, we see flyers on trains and buses, and short commercials for the City’s ThriveNYC “mental first aid” campaign.

Yet we also know that there’s an underavailability of actual resources and a continued over-reliance on law enforcement to resolve what should be public health matters.

Think about the number of Black and Brown people who are in contact with law enforcement on any given day, or that are sitting in prisons across the state.

The reality is that we must do better, beefing up mental health resources instead of building up systems of enforcement and punishment.

As we continue to push for more mental health resources throughout the city, we also must pour more into the community organizations that are frontline responders to people in crisis.

I write this as a social entrepreneur and community organizer who began his career at the age of 20, after serving a four-year sentence in a New York State youth prison. Upon my release, I had to hustle and work twice as hard to be able to prove to everyone that I was no longer the young man who was capable of so much harm and violence. However, I also began to see that there were very few systems, organizations, or spaces that allowed me to truly engage in my own much-needed healing. I had to both overperform and push through my healing on my own.

Unfortunately, I struggled to do this,

TEAM

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kenrick Williams Feature Writers Linda Nwoke Victoria Falk

and I attempted suicide in November 2018. I was lucky to survive. Since then, I’ve begun a journey of healing and made it my goal to ensure that other young organizers are supported in the ways that I was not.

As a result, these four things have become clear to me. I think they should guide what I think of as a healing revolution.

First, non-profit organizations engaged in work with the community need financial resources for properly supporting the health and wellness of their frontline organizers. This could mean using money to offer retreats, a day at a spa once a month, or being able to purchase other products or services that could aid organizers in their individual healing work.

Second, in order to hold agencies and non-profit organizations accountable, there should be a data metric to determine the overall “holistic wellness” of their staff. Holistic wellness should be incentivized to become a much more intentional part of their organizational culture.

Third, in addition to traditional mental health resources (therapy, medication, Alcoholics Anonymous and other support groups), New Yorkers need non-traditional resources, too. Sometimes, healing means being connected to green spaces, having space to talk to other people, or being able to go to the gym. It’s important that we begin to see healing as an umbrella term defined at the individual level, instead of creating “one size fits all” approaches or definitions.

Fourth and finally, what I have learned in fighting for the closure of youth prisons around the country, and working with young formerly incarcerated leaders, is this: To help people in our communities heal is to also fight for transformative racial justice and economic equity. This healing movement must be led by directly impacted people, from all walks of life, who have made the strides to undergo their own healing work.

New York City needs to heal from all the effects – medical, social, economic, and emotional – of Covid-19. We also need to heal from mass incarceration, police brutality, years of racial injustice, and so much trauma inflicted by the various failures of systems across our city.

The time for a healing revolution in NYC is now. l As New York City rebuilds from the pandemic, the new mayor and City Council will need to consider a comprehensive policy agenda that recognizes the historical collective traumas that Black and Latinx communities face. This article is part of an Urban Matters series bringing together perspectives on forming such a community healing agenda and building long-term strength, vitality, and wholeness for Black and Latinx New Yorkers.

Hernán Carvente-Martinez is the founder and CEO of Healing Ninjas, Inc., a Queens-based social enterprise focused on building resources and connections for people on healing journeys.

Contributors Jennine Estes Tarsha Gibbons Janet Howard Mary Campbell Travis Morales Chris Tobias Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com

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4

IN MEMORIAM Sidney Poitier/ continued from page 1 reports, during the 1967 production of In the Heat of the Night, cinematographer Haskell Wesler adjusted the lighting for Poitier so his features could be seen as clearly as those of his white cast members. Before that, the common practice was to use the same lighting when filming Black actors and White actors on the set, despite that this would cause a glare on the Black actors' faces.

At the height of Mr. Poitier's acting career, during the 1950s and 1960s, there was a scarcity of Black leading male actors. For decades, Blacks had been seen on the big screen in menial roles that perpetuated the negative stereotypes commonly held by society. However, Sidney Poitier was very selective in the parts he decided to take on.

He refused to accept roles that negatively depicted Blacks. Instead, he typically played roles where the character was generally good and could articulate well.

He played dignified characters.

In public reports, Sidney Poitier is commonly credited with helping break down the color barrier in Hollywood. He made history by breaking from the portrayal of stereotypes and using his roles to demonstrate the growth of the Civil Rights Movement, which was growing while Poitier was elevating in his acting career.

Poitier starred in films that addressed racial issues and race relations, presenting challenges in his daily life.

Mr. Poitier was faced with bigotry from

racist Whites and complaints from Blacks that he was a sellout.

But Sidney Poitier was unmoved by the negativity and continued on his journey, which included supporting the Civil Rights Movement. Not only did Mr. Poitier participate in the 1963 March on Washington, but he also donated thousands of dollars to the cause. According to public reports, he also gave money to aid other Civil Rights volunteers.

Reportedly, the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said of Sidney Poitier, "He is a man of great depth, a man of great social concern, a man who is dedicated to human rights and freedom."

The activist and actor was the top Black actor during the 1950s and 1960s. He gained the respect of Blacks and Whites alike with the strong roles he played in films like The Defiant Ones, To Sir With Love, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, In the Heat of the Night, Lilies of the Field, A Raisin in the Sun, and Porgy and Bess.

As noted in Wikipedia, in 1964, Sidney Poitier was the first African-American and first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor and the Golden Globe for Best Actor for his role in Lilies of the Field. He also received a British Academy of Film and Television Award and a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album.

Following that period, Mr. Poitier took a break from Hollywood for a few years.

However, his hiatus did not make him any less effective in his abilities to get his message across. When Mr. Poitier returned to Hollywood, his movie roles

Actor SIDNEY POITIER at the 74th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood. Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

continued to capture the attention of his fans. He also added television roles and directing to his repertoire. He directed several movies, including Buck and the Preacher with Harry Belafonte and Stir Crazy with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder.

Mr. Poitier, once again, was recognized for being a master at his craft. He

received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award and the Screen Actor Guild's Lifetime Achievement Award.

He also received an Honorary Academy Award to recognize his accomplishments as an actor and humanitarian. But of all the awards and recognition Sidney Poitier received, the most outstanding recognition came from former President Barack Obama, who bestowed upon him the highest civilian honor in the United States – the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Mr. Obama said of Mr. Poitier, "…he not only entertained but enlightened…revealing the power of the silver screen to bring us closer together."

In addition to great films, Mr. Poitier leaves behind Amazon's top-selling books.

Oprah Winfrey recognized Poitier's work in her book club and featured "Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter" and "The Measure of a Man." One reviewer described "The Measure of a Man" as "an eye-opener" and "A great read."

Oprah Winfrey reacted publicly to Sidney Poitier's death, saying, "The Greatest of the 'Great Trees' has fallen.

I treasured him. I adored him. He had an enormous soul I will forever cherish."

The American-Bahamian actor, film director, author, and activist died of natural causes on January 6, 2022. Rest in peace, Mr. Sidney Poitier. We at Caribbean American Weekly offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of the late Sidney Poitier.l

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5

DIASPORA CONCERNS CARICOM/ continued from page 1 ing separate policies – sometimes to the detriment of each other – are marching down the road to perdition, as the facts of their situation substantiate.

Many of the sovereign states of CARICOM would not be solvent if it weren’t for the official development assistance they receive. Their sovereignty is constrained by the extent of their financial and economic dependence for which they pay a price. Curiously, some of them prefer to pay a price to external powers, than to pool their individual sovereignty into a common autonomous authority with their CARICOM partners in order to build greater strength and resilience.

Why should people in other US States, such as Texas or New York, care about the devastation of Kentucky? After all, Kentucky’s representatives in the US Senate, Mitch McConnel and Rand Paul, fiercely resist the US federal government. They want to maintain power in Kentucky’s governor and legislature, just like some governments of CARICOM countries insist on their “sovereignty”.

Kentucky is a state within the Union of 50 states that comprise the US. If the US federal government does not use national resources to aid Kentucky to rebuild, the State will fall into unemployment, poverty and crime. It would eventually become a failed state. People would flee to find livelihoods elsewhere and investors would shift their money to functioning economies. The Federal government could not allow Kentucky to fail, not even with the likes of Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul favoring state power over federal authority. If Kentucky were left to fend for itself, it would become a weak link in the US chain, making the country vulnerable and exposing it to security threats.

The Federal government rallied to provide immediate relief to Kentucky, and to committing huge sums of money to its rebuilding and recovery, because the United States is one nation. It is not a group of sovereign states. If the US were just a community of independent states, as are the members of CARICOM, it would not be the world’s greatest economic and military power. Instead, 50 states would exist – some stronger and better resourced than others, but each of them much weaker individually than they are as a single nation, and certainly none of them a force in the world.

In fashioning their independence, the original 13 countries (then British colonies) debated a union with a strong federal government or a collection of independent and disparate States. They settled on a strong Federal government precisely because they recognized that only by joining their collective resources would they be sufficiently strong to resist England, France, Spain and other European powers that would have kept them dependent and in thrall.

From the beginnings of CARICOM, governments, haunted by the collapse of the West Indies Federation caused by ambitious and manipulative local politicians determined to be big fish in small bowls resisted the Union that would have

If the last two decades have proven anything, it is that individual sovereignty is not the answer to the economic progress or resilience of the member states of CARICOM. If CARICOM is to be meaningful to the lives of its member countries, deeper integration cannot wait. reduced their vulnerabilities, enhanced their resilience, and made them economically stronger.

What is striking about the years 2020 and 2021 is that the greatest success of the ‘sovereign’ states of the Caribbean Community came from joint institutions and collective action. No country in CARICOM would have battled COVID19 without the Caribbean Public Health Agency; none would have responded quickly enough to natural disasters without the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, and none would have mobilized insurance relief without the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility or the emergency resources of the Caribbean Development Bank. As it is, despite the help of regional agencies, almost all of them now have large debt burdens and recovery will be long and hard, except for Guyana with the addition of considerable oil and gas wealth to its traditional resources of agri-

Sir Sanders. Editorial credit: SirRonaldSanders.com

culture and precious metals.

Recently, Guyana’s president Irfaan Ali, talking to the private sector in his country, declared that “Regional integration and other ‘fancy talk’ cannot be taken seriously unless the current (trade) barriers are removed”. He is right about that. CARICOM claims to be a Common Market, yet the countries have erected trade barriers against themselves, while opening their markets to the European Union and the United Kingdom with little trade benefits in return. After almost 50 years of existence, CARICOM is still not a Common Market and is far away from a Customs Union. The much-vaunted ‘single market and economy’ has become a fading aspiration.

But, it is not only trade barriers that should be torn down. CARICOM and its purposes need to be reconsidered, reworked and redirected. No one should be satisfied with its current condition; all should be ready to revamp it.

It is most likely the case that CARICOM governments are still not ready for the more perfect union that could help to insulate each CARICOM country from the severe challenges that lie ahead in 2022 and beyond. However, if the last two decades have proven anything, it is that individual sovereignty is not the answer to the economic progress or resilience of the member states of CARICOM. Like Kentucky, they lack the financial and resource capacity for effective resilience.

In this connection, the CARICOM Treaty needs revision now. The mistakes of its last revision should not be repeated. Implementation machinery must be established to oversee the completion of a Common Market, including freedom of movement of all people just as there is freedom of movement of capital. There should also be clear compensatory mechanisms for those states that dismantle protectionist policies. Countries that cannot sign up to these necessary actions should not delay the integration of others; they should step aside and consider joining later.

If CARICOM is to be meaningful to the lives of its member countries, deeper integration cannot wait.l Sir Ronald Sanders is currently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the Organization of American States.

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FAMILY MATTERS

6

Getting Divorced? Take Time to Write a Parenting Plan age your children are.

BY JANET HOWARD 311DIVORCE.COM

Medical Issues You also need to talk about how or if your children use prescription medications, how mental health care issues will be addressed, and any other medical issues that could come up. You also should decide whose health insurance will be used for your children, and how premiums and copayments will be made.

E

ven an amicable divorce can be busy, stressful, and painful for your children, as well as for you and your spouse. That’s why writing a parenting plan is one of the most important things you can do right now to help ease them through this difficult transition. A parenting plan will increase the certainty and improve the care your children receive after the divorce by spelling out exactly how important childcare issues will be dealt with. It will prevent potential conflicts that could arise in the future, and give your children the stability they need.

Your parenting plan should include agreements for: Custody The first thing you have to decide is whether or not you will share custody of your children. If you both do not wish to, you need to decide which one of you will be the primary caregiver, which can be a very difficult decision to make. Your children need you to resolve this issue, though, however difficult the decision is.

On a related note, you should also decide

if the custody agreement will be an informal one or a legally binding one.

Child Visitation If you decide on a shared custody agreement, the next thing you need to do is work out a visitation schedule.

Determine when the children will be with each parent. Will they live with one parent on weekdays and the other on weekends? Do they live with one during the school year and the other during the summer? Whatever you agree too, be sure your agreement has the ability to accommodate any unexpected developments.

You also need to work out which one of you will have your children for which of

the holidays and special occasions.

Childcare You will also need to come to an agreement about who will be trusted to provide babysitting and daycare services for both parents. Either relatives or professional services could be used but, either way, it is important that both you and your spouse trust whoever is selected.

Schooling Will your children go to a public or private school? How will college be paid for? Both you and your spouse need to answer these questions and any other school-related questions, no matter what

Communication It is not surprising if you and your spouse are having trouble communicating in the middle of your divorce. If this is the case, you should agree on how the two of you communicate about important issues.

Maybe only communicating by email is best, or only through a third party. Use whatever works best for keeping the communication neutral and free of negative emotions.

It can be difficult to come to an agreement on how to deal with your children while your marriage is coming to an end.

It is worth the trouble, though. If you work out an agreement now, your children will quickly be able to find a sense of stability and a sense of the new normal.l

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EDUCATION

7

College Students With Young Kids – Especially Mothers – Find Themselves in a Time Crunch

BY CLAIRE WLADIS THE CONVERSATION

W

e found that college students who have children had significantly less time for college than their childless peers – about 4.3 hours less per week, to be specific – and that this “time poverty” is greatest for mothers of preschool-age children.

That’s according to a 2021 study of 11,195 U.S. college students.

Our study found other trends as well.

Student parents also often had to care for children while they were studying. The most “time-poor” parents sacrificed a great deal more of their free time for their studies than childless students who had more time and could complete an academic degree more rapidly.

Among all student parents, those with the youngest children – and mothers in particular – had the least time for college and were likelier to enroll in college part time.“ For example, parents with children less than a year old spent a higher proportion of their free time – time left over after all necessary tasks – on their

education than any other group. This was perhaps an attempt to make up for the fact that they had less time for their studies.

In addition, despite having less available time for their studies in the first place, mothers on average spent more time on their education than fathers. For example, among parents with children ages 1-5, mothers had 8.4 fewer hours per week to spend on their studies than fathers with children of the same age.

Still, these mothers spent almost two more hours per week on their education than fathers.

Why it matters This time difference matters, because college students with children are more likely to drop out and take longer to complete their degrees than college students without children, even though on average they have higher GPAs, according to a study we published in 2018.

In our 2021 study, having less time for college explained much of the difference in time spent on education between college students who have children and those who don’t, as well as between mothers and fathers. It also explained differences among these groups in parttime enrollment.

However, mothers and fathers who lived with other adult family members who could help with child care were able to devote more time to their college work. They also spent less time studying while simultaneously caring for children, and they enrolled in college full time more often. Each additional adult family member living with a student parent increased the time they spent on their studies by over 1.5 hours each week. It also increased the time student parents spent studying without children present by 5 percentage points and their probability of enrolling full time by over 2 percentage points. This suggests that access to child care is critical to the progress of student parents.

Improving outcomes for student parents is important not just for students but for their families. One reason for this is that achieving a college degree is linked to better economic and educational outcomes for their children.

What still isn’t known We don’t yet know which kinds of supcontinued on page 8

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NYC POLITICS

8

From the Assembly Chambers to Borough Hall: I'm Here for You In a Different Way

T

o my extended family of the 43rd Assembly District (Constituents of Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Garden, East Flatbush and Wingate), I write this letter to you today with bittersweet news that I want you to hear from me directly. After six years serving as your Assemblywoman, I will be leaving this role to serve you in a different way; as Brooklyn’s next Deputy Borough President.

It has been a deep honor to represent the 43rd Assembly District, a vibrant community that has raised me, with its own distinct presence, so rich in culture, and an unyielding spirit like no other. Your willingness to take a chance on my leadership means the world to me and the bond we have built has been incredibly special. I will be the first to admit I am not like the traditional elected official — I am shaped differently and move through political spaces in my own way, yet I am so grateful for your ongoing commitment and support over the years.

When I ran for Assembly in 2015, I knew I wanted to serve the community, I knew I wanted to impart change and I

College Students With Kids/ continued from page 7

more my destiny has in store for me not only for Central Brooklyn but for the entire Borough, and I hope you continue this journey with me.

When I look back and think on all of the things we have been able to accomplish during my tenure as a state legislator, I feel a sense of pride. Together, we got 15 laws signed by the governor, a tremendous feat, and remember all of this happened because of you:

Newly-elected Borough President Antonio Reynoso with his new Deputy Diana Richardson. Photos: Diana Richardson

knew I wanted to make a real difference.

Through my years of service, I have learned so much — I now have a stronger understanding of the interconnectivity of people and government. I have advocated for this community with clean hands and a clean heart, with everything I have inside of me, but I believe that there is

Assembly Committees Assembly Membership Committees: Chair of the Commission on Government Administration, Chair of the Subcommittee on Gun-violence & Violence Prevention - BPHA Caucus, Member of Committee on Banks, Member of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities & Commissions, Member of the Committee on Education, Member of the Committee on Labor, Member of the Committee on Mental Health, Member of the Committee on Small Business, Member of the Black, Puerto Rican,

ports might work best to improve outcomes for college students who are parents, but there are several potential solutions.

On-campus child care at colleges in the U.S. currently serves only about 5% of student parents’ needs and has declined over the last several decades.

One possible approach could be to invest more systematically in on-campus child care centers at colleges to support student parents. Another approach could be to increase federal financial aid awards to automatically cover the costs of child care that student parents need in order to study or attend class.

What’s next Time poverty may be a challenge also for students who are not parents. Currently, we are looking at time poverty rates for other groups, such as students who enroll in online courses, women and students of color, to explore the extent to which time poverty is unequally distributed, and whether it may explain inequitable college outcomes for these groups. This may help us to understand whether different groups finish college at different rates because of differences in how much time they have to devote to their studies.l Claire Wladis is a Professor of Urban Education, CUNY Graduate Center

continued on page 9

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The Law Offices of Figeroux & Associates, 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY. Visit www.311bankruptcy.com continued on page 9 VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

NYC POLITICS

9

Diana Richardson/ continued from page 8 Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, Member of the Legislative Women's Caucus & Member of the Taskforce on Women's Issues.

Community Violence Intervention Co Championed the 2021 Community Violence Intervention Act-A5505 (Richardson). This trailblazing piece of legislation was the first in the nation to be enacted. It proclaimed gun violence a public health issue while creating a dedicated funding stream for hospital based and community-based violence prevention programs.

Rent Laws Richardson championed the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 - Inclusion of A6465 (Richardson).

Criminal Justice & Gun Violence Developed the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus 2021 Gun Violence Legislative Package, where 8 bills passed including the Passage of A7243 (Richardson) Requires the division of criminal justice services to publish quarterly reports providing information related to firearms, rifles and shotguns used in the commission of crimes in the state of New York & A7957 (Richardson) - Authorizes the court to order the search and seizure of

firearms in connection with an order of protection. Sponsor of Resolution Proclaiming June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the New York State Assembly. Co-Championed the 2020 Police Accountability Legislative Package Education Additionally, Richardson delivered millions of dollars in aid to the public schools in her district—funding capital and technology improvements, and advocating for civic education.

In the Community ·Brought a sense of pride back to the community ·Empowered community residents through civic education ·Empowered Community residents to elevate their voices and advocate for themselves ·Thousands of cases and issues resolved Considering all that we have accomplished together, the memories we have formed and shared together have formed a special place in my heart including, the

block parties, faith services, senior events, and community activities. I appreciate our endless conversations talking out ways to solve problems, and our ability to learn from one another, and to grow from both our differences and the commonalities we share.

The connection I have to my district is very deep, and I know that many of you may be saddened by this news. Please know, that I do not make the decision to transition to this new role lightly. It is important that I remind you that there was a time when I was unknown to many and yet our partnership flourished and became strong.

I look forward to working alongside Borough President Antonio Reynoso to continue to uplift our communities and build a stronger Brooklyn for all of us. I am not leaving you – I am still here and will now serve you in a different way, from a different seat and at a different angle. While I will go on to serve the entire Borough, never forget that I am your neighbor and your ally. Leadership is visible, and you will never have to look hard to find me.

You will hear from me in the coming days.

Onward and Upward, because in unity there is strength, Forever Your Favorite Assemblywoman Diana C. Richardson l

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10

IMMIGRATION

Supreme Court Hears Arguments Addressing the Legality of Detention Without Bond

BY CAROLINE WALTERS AND KATE MELLOY GOETTEL , AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL LEGAL STAFF

T

his week the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two related immigration cases. Each asks whether certain noncitizens are entitled to bond hearings before a judge after the government has detained them for a prolonged amount of time.

The question of prolonged detention for certain noncitizens has been before the Supreme Court before. But this case is different—it asks the Court to consider what procedures are required for those noncitizens with removal orders who have a reasonable claim for protection from removal but endure detention for months to years waiting for a court to decide that claim.

This question is particularly important.

As Justice Gorsuch recognized, U.S. constitutional requirements of due process place great value on physical liberty.

Both the Garland v. Gonzalez and

Johnson v. Arteaga-Martinez cases involve noncitizens who have been ordered removed from the United States but are seeking withholding of that removal because they fear persecution in their home country. For that reason, the government cannot remove them from the United States until a judge has made a decision on their claim for protection.

The attorneys in both cases argued that in a past decision—Zadvydas v. Davis— the Supreme Court determined that noncitizens who are detained after they have received a removal order cannot be

held longer than six months. The government can only hold the noncitizen if it can show they will be removed in the “reasonably foreseeable future.”

The government’s position is that although review of the detention may be required after six months, noncitizens in this situation should not be given an opportunity to explain their case before a judge through a bond hearing. Instead, the government argues that internal administrative review by a government officer is a sufficient process to decide whether a noncitizen should be released.

Significantly, the government officer conducting the review is from the same agency that is responsible for detaining the noncitizen in the first place.

More than one Justice questioned whether such an internal process was sufficient, given the long U.S. legal history of affording a more substantial and neutral process—specifically an opportunity to be heard before a judge—when prolonged detention is at stake.

Justice Breyer expressly listed that the government grants such hearings in criminal cases, cases of mental capacity, historically for debtors in debtors’ prisons, and for persons challenging extradition. Justice Breyer summarized his concern with the government’s position in this way: I looked at every case we could find. I didn’t find any that said you don’t get eventually a bail hearing when you’re detained for a reasonably long length of time.

Also at issue in Garland v. Gonzalez is whether the immigration statute allows continued on page 11

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11

IMMIGRATION

Republicans Sue to Stop Noncitizen Voting as Landmark Law Takes Effect

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

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ew York Republicans have filed a lawsuit to prevent the implementation of Intro 1867, the noncitizen voting law passed by the New York City Council, which went into effect on Monday, January 10. Mayor Eric Adams, the city Board of Elections, and the City Council are named defendants.

"The right to vote is one of our most sacred privileges and obligations. Last night, legislation became law that makes a total mockery of the concept of American citizenship," said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, the lead plaintiff in the case. "This unconstitutional act cheapens what it means to be a citizen and is an insult to every immigrant who has followed the law, taken citizenship classes, and swore an oath to our nation."

Mayor Adams announced he would not veto the measure after being concerned about certain aspects of the Bill. In a statement released to the press on January 8, Adams said, "I believe that

New Yorkers should have a say in their government, which is why I have and will continue to support this important legislation. While I initially had some concerns about one aspect of the Bill, I had a productive dialogue with my colleagues in government that put those concerns at ease. I believe allowing the legislation to be enacted is by far the best choice and look forward to bringing millions more into the democratic process."

The Bill, which the Council approved in December 2020, would allow just over 800,000 legal permanent residents and certain immigrants with work authorization living in New York City to vote in municipal elections. However, they will not be allowed to vote in state or federal elections.

Supporters argue that the law expands the franchise to immigrants who are a vital part of the city and pay local, state, and federal taxes. On the other hand, its critics claim the measure is unconstitutional and makes a "mockery" of US citizenship. The law will allow noncitizens to vote, starting with the 2023 city elections. l

Supreme Court/ continued from page 10 relief in such cases on a class wide basis, or only in individual cases. This argument is based on the text of Section 1252(f)(1) of the immigration statute.

Under the government’s position, noncitizens could only bring similar constitutional and statutory challenges individually through what is known as a habeas corpus action, making relief unattainable for many.

Specifically, as Justice Sotomayor recognized, noncitizens overwhelmingly: are not represented by lawyers, do not speak English as a first language, and most are impoverished. In challenging the government’s argument on individual relief, Justice Sotomayor concluded: It’s hard to see how impoverished people, unfamiliar with the workings of this government, of this country, are going to find lawyers. It seems like a theoric [sic] offering to say that an individual hearing is of any benefit to them, counsel.

Essentially, requiring individuals to raise constitutional and statutory claims on their own may mean that these important legal questions don’t get raised at all.

In a study of nearly 500 habeas corpus cases filed between 2010 and 2020 in a federal court in Louisiana, only 15% of detained non-citizens who filed habeas petitions had counsel. Countless more likely couldn’t file a habeas petition due to their lack of counsel. The same report detailed that most habeas petitions were

pending for an average of six months, prolonging detention and refuting the justices’ idea that a habeas petition can act as a backstop for already-prolonged detention.

Additionally, if the Supreme Court accepts the government’s position, this interpretation of the statute would apply not only to this case, but to constitutional and statutory challenges in other immigration cases, including those outside of the detention context. This result could have disastrous consequences for noncitizens.

It likely will be many months before the Supreme Court issues a decision on these cases, but it is encouraging to see the Justices challenging the government’s justifications for both the prolonged detention itself, as well as any limitations on the ways to get relief from such detention.l

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12

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

Goal for 2022: Become a Paralegal attorneys, opposing counsel, vendors, staff members, clients, and others. The work is varied, and each day brings new challenges.

BY THE CHAMBER COALITION

A

career as a paralegal (also known as a legal assistant) can be a wonderfully fulfilling profession. Paralegals perform legal, regulatory, and business-related research for lawyers working at their organization.

Most of the time, paralegals work for law offices, non-profits, corporations' legal departments, or courts. These professionals also provide legal support services to attorneys. They assist lawyers in filing motions, memoranda, pleadings, and briefs in various court systems and accompany lawyers to see clients and go to court. Here are five great things about being a paralegal: 1. Rise in Pay Paralegal compensation has risen steadily in the past decade. As paralegals perform a broader and more complex range of tasks (paralegals even represent clients in court in certain countries and administrative tribunals), their earnings continue to rise. The average paralegal salary hovers at around $50,000 per year, but paralegals often make more through bonuses. Overtime hours can also add significant cash to a paralegal's paycheck.

2. Explosive Employment Outlook The paralegal field is one of the fastestgrowing professions on the globe. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, predicts the employment of paralegals and legal assistants by over 25 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations. Among the factors driving this growth is client demand for cheaper, more efficient delivery of legal services. Since hourly rates charged by attorneys are typically double or triple the rates of paralegals for the same task, law firm economics mandates the increased use of paralegals to minimize costs. As a result, a paralegal career is one of the hottest non-lawyer jobs in the legal industry.

3. Easy Career Entry Unlike lawyers who must complete seven years of formal education and pass the bar exam to practice law, you can become a paralegal in as little as a few months of study.

4. Intellectual Challenge Paralegal work is intellectually challenging and involves a range of high-level skills. The most successful paralegals are problem-solvers and innovative thinkers.

Paralegals must become subject matter experts in their specialty areas and master legal procedure, research, drafting, and other skills. They must stay on top of ever-changing laws and new legal trends and developments while interfacing with

5. Rising Prestige As paralegals perform more complex and challenging work, paralegal prestige is rising. Paralegals are no longer simply lawyer's assistants; they assume corporate management roles, leadership roles in law firms, and entrepreneurial roles in independent paralegal businesses. Over the years, paralegals have transcended the image of glorified legal secretaries to become respected legal team members.

Ready to Take the Leap?

A career as a paralegal can be rewarding professionally and personally and offers a unique opportunity to help others; options vary, depending on the paralegal's practice area. Paralegals in the public interest sector help poor and disadvantaged segments of the population with legal issues ranging from protection from domestic abuse to assistance preparing wills. Ready to take the leap, the next step? Call us at 718-722-9217 or visit www.freeparalegal.org to complete your registration which includes payment.l

Need Assistance? Call 718-722-9217.

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nHEALTH

nENTERTAINMENT

nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

Barrington Levy Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

nSPORTS

nHOROSCOPE

Kitchen Corner

Smoked Salmon Poke Bowl

BY STEPHANIE KORNEY JAMAICANS.COM

J

Jamaican dancehall singer Barrington Levy, 57, was recognized for his long and impressive career in the music industry with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Caribbean Food & Rum Festival on December 12, 2021, at the Hollywood Arts Park in Hollywood, Florida.

Following his 40-minute performance in which he had the crowd dancing to some of his biggest hits, including “Murderer,” “Under Mi Sensi,” “Too Experienced,” “Here I Come,” and “Prison Oval Rock,” Levy received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s Consul General for the Southern United States. His song “Better Than Gold” has been featured in the soundtrack of “The Harder They Fall,” a top-10 trending film from Netflix.

Commenting on the award, the Grammy-nominated Levy told his fans at the festival that it was the first thing his country ever gave him and that he appreciated Consul General Mair for presenting it to him.

Levy was born in Clarendon, Jamaica, and has been a reggae and dancehall performer for 45 years. Over the years, he has created more than 35 albums on labels such as VP Records, MCA, Greensleeves, and Tuff Gong. Levy has traveled around the world on tour to the appreciation of his millions of fans in Europe and North America.

Levy. Photo: Jamaicans.com

In 2015, he was nominated for a Grammy Award for the Best Reggae Album for “Acousticalevy” In 2018, he took to social media to tell his fans he had a “virus.” This was his way of publicizing his new single entitled “Virus,” but his announcement caused some confusion, and he had to return to social media to explain the meaning to his fans. He told an interviewer from Caribbean National Weekly that he was referring to the “love virus” and that “we still need to spread that love.” The song has become one of his most popular releases and collected over one million views in a year.

Caribbean Food & Rum Festival, which featured entertainment by Soca Queen Alison Hinds and the international Third World band in addition to Barrington Levy, had been rescheduled from its original date in September 2021 due to a surge of COVID-19 cases in Florida.l

T

he best thing about making poke bowls is the ability to customize toppings around the main ingredient. In this case, it's smoked salmon. The smoked salmon is marinated with six ingredients for only 30 to 45 minutes, so you'll have dinner ready in a jiff.

By Diana71, AllRecipes.com Ingredients ¼ cup soy sauce 3 green onions, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon black sesame oil 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon grated ginger ½ teaspoon garlic, minced 12 ounces smoked salmon, chopped 2 cups cooked brown rice ¼ cup diced mango ¼ cup diced cucumber ¼ cup diced avocado ¼ cup sliced fresh strawberries 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds, or to taste Directions Step 1 Combine soy sauce, green onions,

sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined. Add salmon and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 2 Divide brown rice among 4 serving bowls. Top with salmon, mango, cucumber, avocado, and strawberries. Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top.

Editor's Note: Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of marinade ingredients. The actual amount of marinade consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 283 calories; protein 19.8g; carbohydrates 28.5g; fat 9.9g; cholesterol 19.5mg; sodium 1576.2mg.l Prep: 15 mins Additional: 30 mins Total: 45 mins Servings: 4

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14

HEALTH

Top NYC Doctor on a Mission to Get People of Color Vaccinated

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EW YORK, NY: Despite the surge in the variants and increasing deaths across the nation and around the world, people of color still lag when it comes to getting vaccinations against COVID-19.

To make matters worse, Black, Hispanic and Native American people are about four times more likely to be hospitalized and nearly three times more likely to die of COVID-19 than white people.

African Americans have nearly the lowest rates of vaccination among any ethnic group. In fact, white Americans are being vaccinated at a rate three times higher than Black Americans. New Centers for Disease Control figures show that of those who have received at least the first dose of a vaccine, 5.4 percent are Black people, compared to 60 percent who are white. According to recent studies, about 35 percent of Black Americans said they don’t plan to get the vaccine, citing fears about safety and concerns that the vaccinations are ineffective.

In September, 75 percent of the adult population in the United States has received at least one dose of a COVID19 vaccine. While this progress represents a marked achievement in vaccina-

Are you looking to get into the health & wellness business?

Contact:

tions that has led to steep declines in COVID-19 cases and deaths, vaccination coverage—and the protections provided by it—remains uneven across the country. With the continued spread of the more transmissible Delta variant, cases, hospitalizations and deaths are rising, largely among unvaccinated people.

While as of late July 2021, white adults accounted for the largest share (57 percent), Black and Hispanic people remain less likely than their white counterparts to have received a vaccine, leaving them at increased risk, particularly as the variant spreads.

Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York, has joined the battle against vaccine hesitancy and is doing his part to educate his patients and others about the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

“There is an urgency to spread the message that COVID vaccines are saving lives. It is critical that people of color get the correct information that these vaccines are making the difference between life and death. Many are getting misinforcontinued on page 15

Stacy Young Board Certified Holistic Health Coach Tel: 917-459-8431

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HEALTH

15

Get Vaccinated/ continued from page 15 mation and have based their decisions on not getting the vaccinations on untruths or unfounded fears. However, in the medical community we are seeing the heartbreaking results of the decisions as emergency rooms across the nation are filled to capacity and the death counts rise and all of this could be prevented,” says Dr. Laroche.

Reaching high vaccination rates across individuals and communities will be key for achieving broad protection through a vaccine, mitigating the disproportionate impacts of the virus for people of color, and preventing widening racial health disparities going forward. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say vaccine equity is an important goal and defined equity as preferential access and administration to those who have been most affected by COVID-19.

As of September 8, 2021, CDC reported that race/ethnicity was known for 59 percent of people who had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Among this group, nearly two thirds were white (60 percent), 10 percent were Black, 17 percent were Hispanic, 6 percent were Asian, 1 percent were American Indian or Alaska Native, and less than 1 percent were Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, while 5 percent reported multiple or another race. However, CDC data also show that recent vaccinations are

reaching larger shares of Hispanic and Black populations compared to overall vaccinations. Among vaccines administered in the past 14 days, 26 percent have gone to Hispanic people and 15 percent to Black people. These recent patterns suggest a narrowing of racial gaps in vaccinations.

In addition to getting vaccinated, Dr. LaRoche stresses the importance of keeping up with regular health care visits, including vision checks, to prevent blindness caused by glaucoma. In most cases of glaucoma, there is no pain, and the loss of vision occurs slowly from peripheral to central. Many people do not even realize it’s happening until they have lost a substantial amount of peripheral vision. But he wants you to know there is a way to prevent the devastating effects of glaucoma: Don’t skip your eyecare visits.

People at risk for glaucoma include the elderly, Black people, people with elevated eye pressure, primary relatives

with glaucoma, persons with high myopia, high hyperopia, history of eye trauma and diabetes.

The elevated intraocular pressure from glaucoma damages the optic nerve mechanically and creates decreased blood flow to the eye. The most identifiable cause of glaucoma is the enlarged lens or cataract in the eye. Early cataract surgery and trabecular bypass has become the best option to stop vision loss in patients with glaucoma. The current use of eyedrops and laser help to lower intraocular pressure but do not address the causative mechanism of the glaucoma being the enlarged lens.

Incisional cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery is often needed to truly stabilize glaucoma.

All people should be screened regularly for glaucoma as part of a medical eye exam. Screening should consist of an eye examination consisting of gonioscopy (examination of the drainage angle), intraocular pressure measurement with

Goldmann applanation tonometry and a dilated optic nerve examination. If there appears to be any damage to the optic nerve or abnormal pressure, then a visual field test should be performed, and optic nerve photos taken. Persons with thin corneas should be more aggressively monitored and treated for glaucoma as the disease tends to be worse in these patients.

If you have eye pressure or glaucoma and feel that you may be losing vision, Dr. Laroche recommends that you seek the care of a glaucoma specialist for a second opinion. DON’T GO BLIND FROM GLAUCOMA! People with conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that could lead to blindness if left unchecked need to stay particularly vigilant with their checkups. The pandemic shouldn’t keep you from visiting your doctor, and everyone should get vaccinated for the Covid 19 virus. He also encourages people to wear face masks on visits and maintain social distancing, even if they are in a health clinic, and if you’re high-risk, consider adding eye protection when in public spaces.

“Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses. As much as 80 percent of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts.l

“GETTING VACCINATED PUT ME ON PACE TO BEAT COVID.” - Kojo, Bronx

People who are fully vaccinated and boosted are much less likely to get sick or spread COVID-19.

GET VACCINATED AND BOOSTED TODAY! To find a vaccination site, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC.

Health

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16

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

January Is Divorce Month

BY LINDA NWOKE 311DIVORCE.COM

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he United States ranks as the country with the sixth highest divorce rate in the world, with an average of over 2 million divorces per year, calculated at the rate of 200 dissolved marriages per hour, granted every 13 seconds.

Did you also know that individual states and not federal law apply to divorce within the United States? For instance, there are variations by the state in the divorce process serving requirements, waiting periods/cooling-off periods, property distribution, divorce filing fees, child support, legal separation requirements, and so on. California insists on six months and a one-day cooling-off period. Nevada can dissolve a marriage within six weeks. Florida has one of the highest filing fees for divorce in America and New York bars serving divorce papers on Saturday and Sunday if the couple observes a religious holiday.

tion are the changes in attitudes towards marriage, especially between the Baby Boomers generation and the millennial/generation X. However, one trend that has not declined is the high volume of divorce filings that takes place within January every year. Online media sites like Google trends and Pinterest reveal a significant increase in divorce, especially within the first two weeks of January.

Divorce Trends There is evidence that divorce rates have significantly dropped over the years by 8%, according to CDC; specifically, there have been fewer divorces and annulments between 2007 and 2017.

Plausible explanations for this observa-

Possible Reasons for January Divorces Anecdotal data have shown that dates between January 6th and January 12th record the highest days for divorce filings, which has led to January identified within legal circles as the month of divorce. Divorce does not take place

overnight, and most divorced couples started pursuing the dissolution of their marriage before the time of filing the papers. The myth surrounding January as a divorce month can be associated with a few considerations from the emotional, logical, psychological, and economic perspectives.

Consistent with the findings of some researchers, cultural celebrations and expectations often influence the decision to delay taking a decisive action to dissolve a marriage. Researchers like Julie Brines and Brian Serafini found what to be the first evidence of a pattern of filing for divorce and seasons. In their study, they found a significant increase in divorce filing cases between March and August, specifically the periods after

winter and summer holidays; however, after August, the number of divorce filings dropped until after December. They claim that the winter and summer holidays are culturally sacred times for most families. Therefore, most couples with children often delay filing for a divorce until after festivities like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, which are all family celebrations. They do this for emotional reasons since they want to give their children their last memory as a happy family.

Similarly, the associated high-stress level caused by the financial demand and incompatibility endured during the Christmas festivities often serves as a trigger for the actual action to file for divorce among strained couples. For couples who are thinking about divorce, the most plausible time to file a divorce falls within the week of January 5th up to two weeks after. Typically, this is the period when professionals such as lawyers, judges, and other agencies required to initiate the divorce process, return to work after the festivities. Consequently, practical/logistic reasons contribute to the timing.

Another possible explanation is the psychological association between the beginning of the year and our desire to have a new start. The New Year is a time continued on page 17

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.

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17

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS January is Divorce Month continued from page 16 when we make resolutions, and often, people resolve to live a better life, with a focus on eliminating stress.

Relationships are considered a stressor, and most emotionally strained couples usually identify their relationship with a partner as a stressful situation. Thus, the beginning of the year serves as an excellent time to start anew, when people work towards eliminating any obstacle towards their happiness. The filing of divorce papers often serves as a determined effort towards achieving the desire to live a happier and fulfilling life.

Finally, financial gains from payments and tax cuts can be of consideration to either couple seeking for dissolution; consequently, the economic benefit might be a marginal reason.

Causes of Divorce While any or some of these factors might be contributing to the high rise of divorce filings in January, several factors lead to divorce. Research findings show that most marriages after eight years are more likely to end in a divorce; issues like absence of commitment (identified as the most common reason for a divorce), constant arguments, and accusations of infidelity were also frequently identified.

Other matters, such as having unrealistic expectations, getting married too young, feelings of inequality within the relationship, and not being adequately prepared

for marriage, are also contributing factors. Interestingly, domestic violence or abuse was the least ranked factor mentioned. Also, other sociocultural factors that influence divorce include the couple’s level of religiosity/morality.

Couples who consider themselves liberal-minded are more likely to get divorced quicker than others. Furthermore, couples who are products of broken homes and the couple’s age before marriage also indicated as factors. The younger the couple is at the time of marriage, the more likely they will file for a divorce as the marriage progresses, not to mention the level of compatibility.

Effect of Divorce In the event of a divorce, issues may include child custody, child support,

alimony/spousal support, and in some cases, distribution of joint property, to mention a few problems that are addressed by the presiding judge. In most cases, the dissolution of marriages often leaves scars that vary in magnitude on the couple and their children.

While some people may be able to move on after a divorce without regrets or scars, no divorce can take place without leaving a mark. Economically, most women are often hard hit by most divorces, especially among low-income socioeconomic class families. Women, left with the custody of their children from the marriage, struggle financially, despite the payment of child support.

The family never remains the same; the quality of life for the woman and her children declines.

Psychologically, the children are often the worst hit. Most times, they contend with suppressed feelings of anger, guilt, and sadness. Such feelings are often unresolved and remain with the children as they grow and become adults.

Unresolved emotions manifest in relationships and can lead to a repeat of the past in the form of failed relationships and, eventually, their divorces.

Conclusively, irrespective of the month a couple decides to file for divorce, divorce is expensive, not just in terms of the financial cost as emotional, psychological, and other effects have a farreaching impact that goes beyond January or any other month. The price paid by all involved goes beyond the individual into the community and the larger society. Before seeking a divorce, couples should explore other options like counseling, therapy, and temporary separation. Only after these and other options have been explored, should divorce be considered as a last resort.

Get Legal Help In the event, that you do need a divorce, it’s important to hire the right attorney whether the divorce is amicable or not.

Rest assured, your spouse will be hiring an attorney to seek their best interest. The Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates reminds you: Don’t divorce your money or your kids; divorce your spouse. For a FREE case evaluation, call 855-7688845 or visit www.askthelawyer.us.l

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18

CONVERSATIONS

MLK’s Vision of Love as a Moral Imperative Still Matters

BY JOSHUA F.J. INWOOD THE CONVERSATION

M

ore than 50 years after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the United States remains divided by issues of race and racism, economic inequality as well as unequal access to justice. These issues are stopping the country from developing into the kind of society that Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for during his years as a civil rights activist.

As a result King’s words and work are still relevant. I study the civil rights movement and the field of peace geographies. Peace geographies thinks about how different groups of people approach and work toward building the kind of peaceful society King worked to create.

Americans faced similar crises related to the broader civil rights struggles in the 1960s.

So, what can the past tell us about healing the nation? Specifically, how can we address divisions along race, class and political lines?

Martin Luther King Jr.‘s understanding of the role of love in engaging individuals and communities in conflict is crucial today. For King, love was not sentimental. It demanded that individuals tell their

oppressors what they were doing was wrong.

King’s vision King spent his public career working toward ending segregation and fighting racial discrimination. For many people the pinnacle of this work occurred in Washington, D.C., when he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Less well-known and often ignored is

his later work on behalf of poor people.

In fact, when King was assassinated in Memphis he was in the midst of building toward a national march on Washington, D.C., that would have brought together tens of thousands of economically disenfranchised people to advocate for policies that would reduce poverty. This effort – known as the “Poor People’s Campaign” – aimed to dramatically shift national priorities to address the health and welfare of working people.

Scholars such as Derek Alderman, Paul Kingsbury and Owen Dwyer discuss how King’s work can be applied in today’s context. They argue that calling attention to the civil rights movement, can “change the way students understand themselves in relation to the larger project of civil rights.” And in understanding the civil rights movement, students and the broader public can see its contemporary significance.

Idea of love King focused on the role of love as key to building healthy communities and the ways in which love can and should be at the center of our social interactions.

King’s final book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” published in the year before his assassination, provides his most expansive vision of an inclusive, diverse and economically equitable U.S. nation. For King, love is a key part of creating communities that work for everyone and not just the few at the expense of the many.

Love was not a mushy or easily dismissed emotion, but was central to the kind of community he envisioned. King made distinctions between three forms of love which are key to the human experience: “eros,” “philia” and most importantly “agape.”

For King, eros is a form of love that is most closely associated with desire, while philia is often the love that is experienced between very good friends or family. These visions are different from agape.

Agape, which was at the center of the movement he was building, was the

moral imperative to engage with one’s oppressor in a way that showed the oppressor the ways their actions dehumanize and detract from society. He said, “In speaking of love we are not referring to some sentimental emotion. It would be nonsense to urge men to love their oppressors in an affectionate sense[…] When we speak of loving those who oppose us […] we speak of a love which is expressed in the Greek word Agape. Agape means nothing sentimental or basically affectionate; it means understanding, redeeming goodwill for all men, an overflowing love which seeks nothing in return.”

King further defined agape when he argued at the University of California at Berkeley that the concept of agape “stands at the center of the movement we are to carry on in the Southland.” It was a love that demanded that one stand up for oneself and tells those who oppress that what they were doing was wrong.

Why this matters now In the face of violence directed at minority communities and of deepening political divisions in the country, King’s words and philosophy are perhaps more critical for us today than at any point in the recent past.

As King noted, all persons exist in an interrelated community and all are dependent on each other. By connecting love to community, King argued there were opportunities to build a more just and economically sustainable society which respected difference. As he said, “Agape is a willingness to go to any length to restore community… Therefore if I respond to hate with a reciprocal hate I do nothing but intensify the cleavages of a broken community.”

King outlined a vision in which we are compelled to work toward making our communities inclusive. They reflect the broad values of equality and democracy.

Through an engagement with one another as its foundation, agape provides opportunities to work toward common goals.

Building a community today At a time when the nation feels so divided, there is a need to bring back King’s vision of agape-fueled community building and begin a difficult conversation about where we are as a nation and where we want to go. It would move us past simply seeing the other side as being wholly motivated by hate.

Engaging in a conversation through agape signals a willingness to restore broken communities and to approach difference with an open mind. l Joshua F.J. Inwood is an Associate Professor of Geography Senior Research Associate in the Rock Ethics Institute, Penn State.

Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article originally published on Nov. 16, 2016.

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