Winners all: Principal Eric Windley, Chess Teacher Elizabeth Spiegel James Black Isaac Barayev, Matthew Kluska, Justus Williams and Chess Coordinator John Galvin. First time a middle school ever wins the high school championship
Bedford-Stuyvesant 13-year-old chess prodigy James Black, Jr. led his I.S. 318 Williamsburg chess team to winning the National High School Chess Championship in Minneapolis earlier this week.
It is the first time a middle school has ever won the tournament, and is being compared in media outlets as akin to the NCAA basketball champs Kentucky beating NBA teams.
Making the championship even more unusual is that about 60 percent of I.S. 318 students are from families below the federal poverty level and the school bested such prestigious city schools as Stuyvesant High School, Edward R. Murrow High School and Hunter College High School to get to the tournament.
James Black, Jr., who was profiled in this newspaper in June 2011, along with teammate Justice Williams from the Bronx, are both ranked as masters and the best players on the team.
“My dad showed me how to play when I was eight after he bought a chess set at K-Mart,” said Black Jr. “I just got better and better.”
In this paper’s previous story on Black Jr., the young chess whiz said he dreams of one day being the youngest grandmaster ever in the United States.
And Black takes his skill very seriously; he practices outside of the chess club for about six hours a day.
“It seemed like an interesting game of war,” said Black, Jr. about what first attracted him to the world of chess.
Black, Jr. says that playing chess has strengthened his academic skills, noting the game helps him and his fellow students in reading, math and history.
James Black, Sr. tells a funny story about a time when it was James’ mother’s birthday and he was begging his mother to let him play chess.
“His mother would get upset with me because he wanted to play chess outside,” said Black, Sr. “I told her it’s not me, it’s him, he wants to play the game.”
Black, Jr. said he’s not sure what he wants to do when he grows up, but he contemplates becoming a chess teacher.
“It’s like being a professional basketball player — you do something you love for a living,” he said.
The Rev. Al Sharpton adjusts the microphone for Tracy Martin, Trayvon’s father, at the National Action Network’s Convention yesterday in Washington, D.C., as he comments on the anouncement of the arrest of his son’s shooter. Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon’s mother is at right.
Minutes after learning that George Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder in the killing of their son, Trayvon Martin, a stoic Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton addressed a crowd on Wednesday at the National Action Network convention in Washington, D.C.
Before the parents took the podium, the Rev. Al Sharpton reflected on all that had transpired to bring them to this point. “Forty-five days ago, Trayvon Martin was murdered. No arrest was made. The chief of police in Sanford announced, after his review of the evidence, there would be no arrest,” he said. “An outcry from all over this country came because his parents refused to leave it there.”
Sharpton also stressed to the crowd, many of whom applauded and rose to their feet when the family and their attorneys walked into the conference room, that the arrest in no way constitutes a victory. “We do not want anyone high-fiving tonight,” he said. “There are no winners here. They’ve lost their son. This is not about gloating; this is about pursuing justice.”
To read the rest of the story, click here.
Milestones
GIL NOBLE: Mr. Noble’s Home Going service will be tonight, Thursday, April 12th, 7-10pm. The funeral service will be tomorrow, Friday, April 13th at 10am. The Abyssinian Baptist Church, 132 Odell Clark Pl.(formerly 138th St.), New York. 10030, Tel: 212-862-7474. The Home Going service will be today, Thursday, April 12th, 7-10pm and the funeral service will be Friday, April 13th at 10am. (See story starting on this page.)
This exhibit is at 281 Malcolm X Blvd., Brooklyn
Arts, Culture, Lifestyle
Saturday, April 14, 3p
Walking Tour of the 2012 Black President’s Day Exhibition, led by African textiles author and Fulbright scholar Catherine McKinley. Liquid Oz Cafe. 302 Malcolm X Blvd. (between Decatur and MacDonough Streets) Brooklyn, NY. FREE (See story on page 3.)
Cinema (screenings)
Ongoing to Tues., April 17: The Film Society of Lincoln Center (FSLC) and the African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) have again joined forces to present the 19th New York African Film Festival (NYAFF). Presented under the theme “21st Century: The Homecoming,” this year’s festival will explore the modern notion of home and homeland. The NYAFF will also mark the 100th Anniversary of the African National Congress (ANC) and the 50th Anniversary of Independence for Algeria, Burundi, Jamaica, Rwanda and Uganda. Tickets: $13 General Public, $9 Students & Seniors, $8 Film Society Members. Visit www.africanfilmny.org for info.
Conversations
Fri., April 20
6:30p: The Eleventh National Black Writers Conference will host a post- Conference Center for Black Literature Fundraiser with Tavis Smiley and Cornel West at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, located at 695 Park Ave. (at E. 68th Street), New York, N.Y. Smiley and West will discuss their new book, The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto; this event will be their only New York City appearance to discuss their book. Smiley and West challenge us to re-examine our assumptions about poverty in America, what it really is and how to eliminate it now. Dr. Greene, Executive Director of the Center for Black Literature, states that, “The Rich and the Rest of Us is a reminder that we have a responsibility to do what we must to eradicate social and economic injustice in our society.” Tickets: $30 (w/o the book). To purchase tickets in advance, go to www.CLSJ.org and click “Donate.” Online ticketing is administered by the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College. Or call 718-270-4811.
Concerts
Fri., April 13 – Bob Cunningham Quartet, JAZZ966, 966 Fulton St. @ Grand Ave., 8-10pm, $15, 917-593-0776., www.jazz966.com
Sat., April 14 – 11:00a New Federal Theatre’s BLOOM AGAIN: Ceremony followed by Concert at 12Noon: “Harlem for Japan: TOMO Friendship Ceremony and Concert”- Sakura Park, 122nd & Riverside Dr. in Manhattan. (See ad, Page 6.)
Mon., April 16 – THE LAST POETS Originators of Revolutionary Poetry, For My Sweet, 1103 Fulton St. @ Classon Ave., 2 shows – 7:15 & 9:15pm, $10, 718.857.1427, jazzymondays@gmail.com
Fri., April 20 –The legendary LOU DONALDSON QUARTET at JAZZ966. 966 Fulton St. at Grand Ave., 8-10pm.Donation: $20. 917-593-0776.
Fri., April 27 – The Harlem Renaissance Big Band swings at JAZZ966. The 18-piece Swingtet features Jann Parker vocals with Ron Parker conducting for a Jazz966 Dance Party. 917-593-0776
2012 Dance Africa, led by Baba Chuck Davis, journeys to BAM, May 25-28 for 35th-Year performances. Special anniversary celebration will be on May 20, 2012 at 3pm. www.bam.org
Theater
Ongoing through April 15 – Journalist/Playwright Betty Dopson’s SHARED SECRETS of ELDER SISTERS, a play about the gripping confessions of seven sisters born in the early 1900’s who fought battles against racism, disrespect, sexism and poverty and won because of the choices they made. Stars: Dr. Adelaide Sanford, Nana Camille Yarbrough, Nana Betty Dopson. Runs on weekends: Fridays and Saturday eves, 8:00pm and Sunday matinees, 4:00pm. Black Spectrum Theater, 177th St. & Baisley Blvd. (Inside Roy Wilkins Park), Jamaica, NY. Tickets, Info: 718-723-1800.
Black Book Fair
Sun., April 22, 3p-7p, The Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is inviting the community to READ and meet authors and book illustrators at Medgar Evers College, 1150 Carroll Street, BK. For more information, visit: www.brooklynalumnaedst.org
Fund-raisers
Thurs., April 26, 8:00pm – Firefighter Leon W. Smith Foundation. Billy Holiday Theater located in Restoration Plaza, Brooklyn, N.Y. Tickets: $20.00 per person. According to Foundation rep, the organization has raised more than $75,000 and assisted ten students; three have graduated. Details: http://ffleonwsmithfoundation.com
Sat. April 28, 12noon-4p: The Girls High School Alumnae Association will hold their annual scholarship luncheon at Bethany Baptist Church 460 Marcus Garvey Blvd Bklyn NY .They will honor Bernard Gassaway, Principal of Boys and Girls High School; Fred Powell, Ceo of Barbara’s Flower Shop; and Ava Barnett. President of the Brownstoners of Bedford- Stuyvesant. Scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors of Boys and Girls High School. Donation $55.00 For addition information contact Pearl Jones 718 789-3996
Green Events (see special separate listing)
Housing Workshops (Foreclosures, Lien Sales, First-Time Buyers)
Thurs., April 12 – Sun., April 15, 10am- 7pm – Chase to Help Struggling Homeowners: Chase loan advisors will set up shop at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge for four days to help struggling homeowners find the best solution. Homeowners with Chase mortgages can receive the following services:Initial counseling to apply for a mortgage modification; Counseling for those who are current on their mortgage but are struggling; Short-sale assistance for those who cannot afford their home or don’t want to stay in it; Document signing and drop-off for modifications; Collection of outstanding documents for those on trial modifications; On-site execution of final modification agreements for customers who have completed their modification application. Chase loan counselors will assist borrowers with a Chase, EMC or WaMu mortgage. WHERE: New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Ballroom, 333 Adams St., Brooklyn HOW FAST: No appointments are necessary. Chase expects to sit down with most borrowers within 15 minutes of their arrival. BACKGROUND: The event supplements Chase Homeownership Centers that help New York families every week, from Monday through Saturday, including a locations at: 4 Chase Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, 718-242-2500; 176-60 Union Turnpike, Flushing, 718-286-5190; 530 Fifth Avenue, 8th floor, New York, 212-837-3207 (Monday – Friday, call for appointment)
FREE April – May Workshops Sponsored by the Bridge Street Development Corp.
· Weds. through April 18, 6:30p-8:30p/Fresh Start Clinic on Foreclosures
· Sats., April 14, April 21,10a-2p/First- time Buyer Counseling
· Thurs., April 19, 6:30-8:30/Saving on Energy Bills
Site for the Above: 456D Jefferson Avenue, nr. Nostrand, Bklyn.
· Weds., May 2, 5p-8p/Tax Water Lien Help Night
· (Restoration-1368 Fulton Street, Bklyn) Details: 718-636-7596, ext. 14
Green Special Events –
Listings Sponsor: Magnolia Tree Earth Center of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Inc.
Saturday, April 14
8:00a –BEDFORD-STUYVESANT HOME DEPOT’S 2012 GARDEN GRAND OPENING
585 DeKalb Avenue. Details- 718-230-0833.
Magnolia Tree Earth Center — 100 FREE TREES GIVEN AWAY IN BED-STUY, APRIL 14
11:00a-3:00p -PACC and Magnolia Tree Earth Center Tree Giveaway. 100 Free Trees will be given away to the public. PACC’s Affordable Housing Building- Magnolia Plaza, 686 Lafayette Avenue (btw. Marcy & Tompkins), Reserve your Crape Myrtle, Magnolia or a Pear Tree in advance! Go to www.nyrp.org/brooklyntrees. Trees will be available to individuals, families and community groups for planting on private property only and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out. Simple tree-planting and care instructions come with your free tree. All you need is a place to plant your tree and access to water. It is recommended that you bring a folding shopping cart to transport your tree. This event is hosted by PACC and Magnolia Tree Earth Center and is sponsored by: Toyota, plaNYC, NYC Parks Department, NYRP and the Million Trees Project. Rain or Shine.* First-come, first-served .* Arrive early as trees will run out quickly!
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens – If it’s April, Hanami’s here. According to the BBG, “Hanami at BBG follows the Japanese tradition of enjoying each moment of the cherry blossom season. BBG’s many species of cherry trees bloom at different times, culminating in a magnificent display on Cherry Esplanade. Hanami culminates in the Sakura Matsui Festival, the weekend of April 28-29 at the Gardens. For more information: www.bbg.org
New Federal Theatre: “BLOOM AGAIN” – SAKURA CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL-Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Gift of the Sakura Cherry Trees. Ceremony and Performances: “HARLEM FOR JAPAN: Tomo Friendship Festival” at Riverside Drive and 112nd Street. (See ad on page 6.)
Legendary television journalist Gil Noble, passed to the other side April 5. And as producer and host of the beloved Like It Is, he took with him an awareness and love of the African Diaspora that I do not expect to see on mainstream television again.
Gil Noble was not in pursuit of the big network gig nor did he have a public relations firm paid to tout his every utterance. What he had was a love of African people and he had decided that his job was bringing to the forefront information about the African-American experience that could not be found any place else.
Watching Like It Is was an educational experience and shows were talked about the next day and even the next year. The interview with Sammy Davis Jr. comes to mind as one that could not have been done with a white sensibility.
Mr. Noble’s Like It Is demonstrated that diversity in media is not simply about having a non-white news reader or host, or covering stories with black people in them. It is the freedom to bring an African and African-American perspective. Many are afraid of freedom but Gil Noble was not one of them. And he proved it every Sunday at 12 noon.
And when he was threatened, it was the people who rose up and stood around him in protection. They did it because Gil was not just respected and admired as a journalist, he was revered as a living institution and that’s a level that is only achieved when the people know you love them.
Gil Noble was a media warrior on our behalf and we will miss his courtliness, generosity, intelligence and his bravery.
As Ossie Davis said of Malcolm X, “he was our Black shining prince,” and we will always hold Gil Noble as the standard to be measured against.
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) late last month filed a federal lawsuit to curb a key provision of the New York City Police Department’s controversial stop-and-frisk program.
The class-action lawsuit, filed March 28, alleges that the NYPD’s “Operation Clean Halls” program in which landlords can ask NYPD to patrol a building’s hallways to prevent drug dealing and use, has instead resulted in illegal searches, stops, summons, and arrests of residents and their guests in the buildings enrolled.
This citywide program has been in effect since 1991. In Brooklyn, it is commonly known as FTAP, which stands for “Formal Trespass Affidavit Program”, in which landlords allow local cops to patrol their buildings.
“Operation Clean Halls has placed hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, mostly black and Latino, under siege in their own homes,” NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said. “For residents of Clean Halls Buildings, taking the garbage out or checking the mail can result in being thrown against the wall and humiliated by police. Untold numbers of people have been wrongly arrested for trespassing because they had the audacity to leave their apartments without IDs or visit friends and family who live in Clean Halls Buildings. This aggressive assault on people’s constitutional rights must be stopped.”
The NYCLU also criticized the management of the program, stating that there are no established criteria for selecting buildings to enroll in the program and there is no citywide list of buildings in the program.
The lawsuit is seeking an injunction requiring the NYPD to stop asking people inside and around Clean Halls Buildings for ID or about their destination without suspicion that they are trespassing or engaged in other wrongdoing and to stop arresting people for trespassing in Clean Halls Buildings without establishing whether or not the person is authorized to be there.
The suit also is asking the court to establish citywide standards for enrollment of buildings in Operation Clean Halls, implement training for officers who patrol clean halls buildings and establish a system to track and monitor the stops, searches, summonses and arrests made pursuant to Operation Clean Halls.
According to the lawsuit, “Illegal stops inside Clean Halls Buildings sometimes occur during floor-by-floor sweeps by NYPD officers, known as vertical patrols.”
In one year alone, about 240,000 vertical patrols were conducted in privately owned buildings by the NYPD. Several thousand buildings are in the program, in Manhattan, for example, there are about 3,895 Clean Halls Buildings.
It was on such a vertical patrol that the unarmed 19-year-old Timothy Stansbury was gunned down by police in 2004 – although that vertical was conducted in the Louis Armstrong Houses, a public housing complex.
According to NYPD data, since 2007, there have been 16,000 misdemeanor trespassing arrests in New York City annually. Between 2007 and 2010, more than 37 percent of trespassing arrest cases was resolved in favor of the accused.
In 2011, prosecutors declined to charge more than 13 percent of people arrested for trespassing in the city.
NYPD’s chief spokesman Paur Browne defended the program stating that the program provides a type of security for the building’s residents. “By challenging uninvited individuals, police are providing a level of safety to tenants that the residents of doormen buildings take for granted,” Browne stated.
Additional reporting by B. Sadlonova
