Our Time PressThe Local Paper with the Global View

To the Editor:
I posted the link for this article today to a group of whites who refuse to believe or admit about the takeover(gentrification). All they have been doing is calling me a “poor me victim conspiracy minded individual”.
I posted the link to back up my statements and show and prove. However, it was not enough. They said there was no evidence stated in the article that showed it was racially motivated.
What I am saying to you is perhaps since this is such a huge problem with hundreds of similar cases, perhaps you should consider making it a regular feature like “gentrification nightmares” or something. I cannot stand to see them be able to deny it anymore. The voice must be heard.
Marti Rogers
Ft. Greene, Brooklyn
A reply:
It’s happening in a lot of places and for a lot of different reasons.  Seven years ago when I purchased my home, it was valued for tax purposes at $70,000.  This year, it’s taxed at $120,000.  That’s a $50,000 increase in seven years.  And no, my income has not increased  proportionately.
 My issue with the article is that the woman in the midst of this terrible ordeal is convinced it’s happening because she’s and her neighbors are black and that there’s a conspiracy involved.  There was nothing in this story that was evidence were being singled out because of racism.  The culprits seem to be a combination of the sleazy property owner who sold her the building and stringent city code.  This woman was wronged by the man who sold her the property and her inspector, so she’s right in seeking compensation from them.  But settling on racism as the cause of this ordeal is just not supported by the facts as they are laid out in the article.
If the situation isn’t bad enough, she’s feeling the pressure of familial history and feeling the need to further the advancement of her race.  I feel for her.  That’s an amazing amount of pressure to put on one woman even if she wasn’t going through the ordeal with code enforcement.  But my perception of this situation is one of imaginary wrongs piled on top of real problems.  Understandable and perhaps expected in such a stressful situation, but very unhealthy for the person involved and, in this case, society in general.
We seem to have a generation of men and women, black and white, young and old, etc. who feel they are being denied something or put upon because of who or what they are.  A generation of victims where an “ism” or two is responsible for the problems that are all too common in life.
Some people go around looking for someone to blame where the real blame lies in the hands of life itself.  While we’re busy running around fighting imaginary demons, there are real issues, real instances of racism that we could be facing…and therein lies the tragedy.
Kasey Thompson
Letter to the Editor:
Response to Kasey Thompson;
I read Kasey Thompson’s narrow-minded response to my letter to the editor, HPD and Me, with an annoyed interest.  My mind started to pulsate as though it were an out-of-control speeding locomotive belching out clouds of historical facts to substantiate the “Cancer In the Village” claims that real estate developers are trying to displace the current residents in Clinton Hill.  One thing that I have learned in life-never discuss race or racism with white people.  Basically the response is always the same-racism is some imaginary creature, and like a bogeyman, only exists in one’s mind. 
Mr. Thompson is right that gentrification is occurring all over the country.  No one can deny that a real estate developer’s favorite color has always been green.  But, what I have learned from my ordeal, however, is that developers know it is easier to target and displace people in predominantly minority communities.  First of all, people, and I am including myself, lack the political connections of a more affluent neighborhood and people may not be aware of alternative avenues to resolve these housing issues.  There is another shocking reality I learned from my ordeal with the Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).  Simply supporting and for a politician does not translate into the politician’s concern for his or her constituents.  When I sent letters to Borough President Marty Markowitz, Major Michael Bloomberg and the Public Advocate’s office, I was so confident that these officials would rally behind me like reinforcements from the U.S. Calvary.  How could I have been so naVve!! I never received the courtesy of even a form letter that I always interpreted from anyone as saying, “go to hell you insignificant person.”

Kasey probably already knows that wealthy real estate developers have as much disdain for poor white people as they do for poor and working class people of color.  Kasey must belong in the poor disenfranchised white people category.  If this were not the case, he would not be so upset about the increase in the tax assessment on his property.  Higher taxes are another avenue to displace senior citizens and poor people who do not have the ability to pay.  So, Kasey, be diligent and pay those increased taxes.  If you fall behind, the HPD could sell your tax lien and you could find yourself joining the ranks of the homeless.
Instead of using the issue of race to expand Kasey’s understanding how gentrification has historically displaced predominately African American and Hispanic neighborhoods, I would use the analogy of the United States government imposing economic sanctions on third world and developing countries, particularly Iraqi and Cuba.  Because sanctions would create such physical and economic decay in a community, it would be easy to displace people without anyone putting up a fight.  In predominately African American and Hispanic communities the economic sanctions could be compared to red-lining by the banks, lack of job opportunities and the infiltration of drugs.  It happened to African American farmers in the south who could not get loans to save thousands of acres of prime farmland.  Harlem can be used as another historical example of red-lining by banks destroying a neighborhood.  Homeowners could not get loans to renovate their properties or get out of tax trouble.  When I came to New York more than 15 years ago, and received my first exposure to historic Harlem, I thought U.S. allied forces had bombed the place but had forgotten to rebuild the area as the U.S. government is doing in Iraqi-nation building.  There were many abandoned and burned out buildings, it appeared as though the Harlem homeowners had surrendered and ran off. The economically distressed condition in Harlem has made it easier for developers to gentrify.  I do remember the residence complaining but not putting up much of a fight.  And, do not forget about the Native American Grab Their Land and Kick Them Off The Land Act of the 1800s.  I say a special prayer for them every Thanksgiving, their national day of mourning.
In historical landmark neighborhoods like Clinton Hill agencies like HPD, Landmarks and the Buildings Department use violations, as in my case, to smack heavy liens on a property.  Before gentrification in Clinton Hill, homeowners told me with a laugh, one could hang naked out of the window for days and a code violation forthcoming for changing the façade of your building.  These agencies would not have cared enough to take any action.  Things have certainly changed!!  Sometimes I sit and wonder what does the U.S. government really mean about exporting democracy to other countries.  Does it mean making them understand how great having freedom of speech and religion?  Or, will people be exposed to the other reality of darker side of democracy that can not be ignored.  That darker side are the politically connected and wealthy individuals who use the courts, make up laws and rules but change them at their discretion.  These rules are later used to seize another individual’s personal property or possessions.  The argument can be used, in my case, that your house was in violation of city codes.  I always shot back that Alfred Basal, the original owner, paid off a city inspector.  Basal is happily making money and is still renovating houses in Queens.
I have received numerous supportive telephone calls and positive feedback from neighbors since my letter appeared.  They have reassured me that racism is alive and well and festering like a boil on the buttocks.  One morning, a real estate broker called and would only give her name as Ms. Edwards.  According to Ms. Edwards, the situation I have experienced is much larger than the HPD and the Buildings Department.  Numerous neighbors and Ms. Edwards have told me that real estate developers want Clinton Hill and the area has been “ear-marked” to receive hundreds to thousands of dollars to change it into the next Manhattan.  People also informed me that a developer wants to spend $350 million building a sports stadium in the Clinton Hill area that would displace thousands of residents of color and the demolition of hundreds of brownstones.  Because the article appeared in a New Jersey paper, according people I spoke to, many people in Clinton Hill are not aware that there are enormous development plans in the works for the community that does not include them.
Why has it taken gentrification to bring quality restaurants and other services to the community?  Many African American residents say that the Pathmark and many other services are not for them but whoever is coming into the neighborhood.  Why can’t the developers built the sports stadium in Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens or Boreum Hill?  When I moved into Clinton Hill seven years ago, the police would take forever to come after being called for a disturbance or not at all. Now, when I call, the police cruiser seems to pull up in front of my house before I put down the receiver. 
In newspaper articles I have read, Clinton Hill is now referred to as “an exclusive enclave” of magnificent brownstones.  The phrase could be translated to me the neighborhood is now safe and crime-free for a certain population.  How else can one explain the gawking tourist hanging out of a tour bus as it speeds down Flatbush or Atlantic Avenues.
The cancer is growing but I will never let it consume me.  If I must go down in defeat and lose my house because of this unjust $86,000 lien on my property, like a craze soldier in battle, I will fight until my last breath.

By Sydney E. Wayman

There are few greater joys in life than running one’s own business.  Especially when its something one is passionate about and really enjoys doing; when its theirs, its pure pleasure.  Even when the business is not making money, the benefits of ownership – not having to answer to someone, being able to do things one’s way, and having control – make it all worthwhile.
It seems more and more minorities are finding the pleasures of business ownership.  In a September 2000 research report entitled The Minority Business Challenge: Democratizing Capital for Emerging Domestic Markets, Glenn Yago and Aaron Pankratz of The Milken Institute report some interesting findings.  First, they report that the number of minority businesses increased by 13.3% over the decade 1987 to 1997.  This is six times faster than the 2.7% increase in all U.S. firms.  Even more, they report that sales of minority firms increased by 34.3% over the decade, as compared to 13.3% for all firms. 
This is extremely positive news as it indicates minorities are beginning to increase their participation in the mainstream economy.  This is important because it should serve to lower the unemployment rates among minority youth, increase the rate of wealth creation in the minority community, and may stabilize the local economies of minority communities.
Interestingly enough, positive minority news may not be so positive for African-Americans anymore.  This is the case regarding business formation and revenue growth numbers for minority businesses.  The report breaks out numbers for minority groups and the numbers for African-Americans is not good.  While the number of African-American firms grew by 11% over the decade, their revenues grew by just 11% too.  By comparison, Asian firms increased by 18% and their revenues increased by 42%, while Latino firms increased by 23% and their revenues by 46%.  Aside from not growing as fast as their minority counterparts, African-American businesses also generate much lower revenues.  Annual revenue per African-American business is just $70,000.  The average for Asian firms is $250,000 and for Latino firms the average is $130,000.
There are a number of factors that explain this disparity in the performance of black firms relative to their Asian and Latino counterparts.  We believe a significant factor is that black entrepreneurs do not use the services of experienced consultants to help them build their companies.  In an article on entrepreneurship the Wall Street Journal noted that successful entrepreneurs got help from outside parties significantly more often than their unsuccessful counterparts. 
It stands to reason that using experienced consultants will enhance a company’s chances for success.  Most small business owners are so busy producing and delivering the products or services they sell, they lack the time for much else.  They spend little or no time on the other functions that serve to build a stronger business.  Or, the entrepreneur may lack the expertise or perspective to effectively manage those other functions and so just ignores them.  The effect in both cases is that the entrepreneur does not know whether s/he is operating efficiently and effectively.  Whether its knowing if prices at set correctly, or if the investment in inventory is too high, the inability to answer the question, assuming its even asked, retards the company’s prospects for growth.
Some small business owners claim they because they are losing money, they can not afford the expense of using experienced consultants.  The reality is that if they are losing money, they can not afford not to engage an experienced consultant to help them improve their operations.  Small business owners should view engaging a consultant as an investment, more than an expense.  While some small businesses should turn out the lights, many need only to restructure their operations, restructure their capital structure, or restructure their marketing efforts to achieve sustainable growth.
Optimal Management Solutions, LLC (OMS) is a small business consultancy whose mission is to enhance the viability and longevity of small businesses by helping their owners identify operational efficiencies, track and monitor their financial performance, and improve their sales and marketing effectiveness.  The company provides management consulting services, accounting and bookkeeping services, and training seminars and workshops to small business owners and individuals.

Through its training seminars and workshops the company teaches entrepreneurs the practical applications of accounting, finance, and marketing concepts so that they are better able to assess their operating performance.  To date, the company has sponsored two accounting seminars and has plans to offer a marketing and real estate investment seminar over the next two months.
All of the company’s seminars are interactive and designed for participants to develop actual skills using their business as the reference point.  For more information about the company, its products and services, and its training programs visit its web site at www.optimalms.com, or call 718-856-6736.  If you are a small business owner, what’s your annual revenue?

www.AllAfrica.com
Today, September 25, 2003, the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal has vindicated Ms. Amina Lawal’s appeal against her conviction for adultery and sentence of stoning to death. A four to one majority of the full five judge panel upheld every single one of the grounds of the appeal.
The Sharia court held that pregnancy outside of marriage is not proof of adultery, that Ms. Lawal’s alleged confession was no confession in law, and, that her rights of defence had not been properly recognised in the lower courts.
This sweeping judgement of the state Sharia Court of Appeal thus indicates that Ms. Lawal should not have been charged, much less convicted. Ms. Lawal is now free to continue with her life, after eighteen months of appeals supported by a coalition of Nigerian women’s and human rights groups.
Added to the other appeals that have also been won, a judgement of this scope offers strong support for the several other cases still in the appeal process.  More generally, it has demonstrated that victims of rights abuses in sharia can successfully fight appeals in the sharia courts, which therefore strengthens the local cultures of respect for rights and resistance of potential abuses. The widespread attention given to this case means the judgement should also deter similar charges from being brought in the future.
The non-profit organization, BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights, expressed thanks to “all those who aided this appeal by: sharing lessons of experiences and legal argumentation; donating resources in kind or cash; and, making the effort to understand and support our strategy and the nuances of working on rights in the context of Nigeria’s religious and ethnic identity politics.”  (OTP add its thanks to all who supported this appeal.)

By Donna Lamb
On Tuesday, September 9th, New Yorkers will go to the polls to cast their votes in the Democratic primary. One name to look out for is Geraldine Pickett for Civil Court Judge in the Second Municipal District for Kings County, which covers Bedford Stuyvesant, Clinton Hills, and portions of Crown Heights and Ocean Hill. Her motto is, “For Justice with Dignity, Elect Geraldine Pickett.”
For many years Pickett, an attorney, has been known and respected for her community activism and excellent legal work throughout Bedford Stuyvesant where she lives and practices law. She has her own law firm in which she deals mainly with criminal, landlord/tenant, family and real estate cases. She is a member of the Assigned Counsel Panel where the courts assign attorneys to work with clients who can’t afford legal representation.
She has provided pro bono legal representation in such situations as families trying to get their children back from the Administration of Children’s Services, people who were arrested at various demonstrations like the Patrick Dorismond funeral and the Feb. 15th protest of the war on Iraq, and for various community organizations such as People United for Children.
How Geraldine Pickett conducts her law practice is indicative of how she’s lived her whole life. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama where she grew up under the Jim Crow laws. “At an early age I recognized that there was something very wrong with the Colored Only and White Only signs,” she says. “It was clear to me that the white only facilities were far superior to those provided for Blacks. So very early on I became involved in the civil rights movement.”
She went on to fight for civil rights nationally and internationally. She mobilized with the National Black United Front and also took up the cudgels in the anti-apartheid movement during the 1980s.
Even while attending law school at SUNY Buffalo’s School of Law, Pickett was unflagging in her activism. For instance, she formed the Ronald Longmire Defense Fund. Longmire was a SUNY undergraduate who was arrested for murder after he defended himself from attack. A couple of white young men had entered his room and assaulted him. He stabbed one of them in self-defense, and when the police was called, unbeknownst to Longmire, this young man went into the closet instead of exiting the room. Tragically, his body was found there the next morning, and Ronald Longmire was charged with murder. States Pickett, “I thought this was horrendously unfair so I organized the law students, the undergraduate faculty and the community in fighting to free him.”
Geraldine Pickett has the backing of many respected elected officials and long-time community activists. State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, who is very pleased to see such a qualified woman candidate running, states, “She is a person with impeccable credentials. If I’m going to support anyone, it would be someone like Gerri Pickett.”
City Council Member and 2005 mayoral candidate Charles Barron says, “There’s no one more deserving in this race than Gerri Pickett. She’s progressive on all the issues, not just in talk but in action, from reparations to police brutality to fighting for those locked out of power in the ‘hood. She will truly be the people’s judge because she came out of the people.”
Rev. Craig Gaddy, Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church, concurs: “She is a part of the fabric of this community. She understands from an internal point of view what the people go through here. That brings compassion. She’s the best person for the job, period.”
Elementary school Assistant Principal, Jitu Weusi, who is a life-long community resident, explains, “She combines the best of the old traditions of the civil rights movement to sacrifice and struggle, with the new traditions, the quest for justice and equality and equal treatment under the law. That’s why I see her as the ideal judicial candidate for the community.”
Medgar Evers Professor Safiya Bandele sums it all up by saying, “Gerri Pickett is a woman of integrity, which is no small attribute in these days and time.”
Last year Pickett ran for the position vacated by Judge Burt Bunyan when he was elected to the Supreme Court. She came in only 127 votes behind Wavny Toussaint who won the election. Now, there’s another vacancy and Geraldine Pickett is hopeful that this time she will be the one filling it.
“I’ve always fought for the rights of everyday people,” she declares. “It’s very important because when you come into court you need someone who is going to listen and be objective, someone who is concerned about the rights of the people as opposed to corporations and big business. That’s where I stand. I take the position not for power, prestige or money but for justice and equality for all people.”

In these trying times, a successful effort to make a positive difference in the community is no less than a miracle.  So when an honoree at Miracle Makers’ 6th Annual Men’s Day Celebration continuously referred to the 31-year-old nonprofit social service organization as “miracle workers”, it was understandable.
This summer (July 23), at their Gates Avenue headquarters, Miracle Makers, Inc., celebrated: “Men Who Make a Difference” in our community.  The honorees included Miracle Makers staff members Timothy Fowler, group teacher for the organizations’ Children’s Corner Day Care Center; James Gamble, senior case manager of the Scatter Site Housing Program; and Willie M. Phillips of the Maintenance Department, who was described as “a valuable team member with unlimited potential in providing outstanding service in the Family and Children’s Service Field.”  In addition to Phillips, special recognition was given to program participant Korey Daniels for his self-empowerment achievements and Jerry Jones, who, as a Kinship Resource Parent, was recognized as an “exemplary, shining example” of a foster parent.
Other honorees were: Matthew Brown, president/CEO, Big Apple Goodyear Tires; J. Zamgba Browne, Amsterdam News; Mario

Drummonds, CEO, Northern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership, Inc.; Colvin W. Grannum, president/CEO, Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza Corp; Alonzo Hines, Concord Home Services; John Krevitt, associate director, Kings County Hospital Medical Center; The Hon. N. Nick Perry, State Assemblyman, AD 58; Fred L. Price, assistant dean of Development & Public Affairs at Medgar Evers College; Serge Rene, assistant principal, I.S. 302; The Hon. John Sampson, State Sen., Senatorial District 19; The Rev. Gary Simpson, senior pastor, Concord Baptist Church; and Albert C. Wiltshire, government relations manager, KeySpan Corporation.
Miracle Makers, Inc., is one of the largest and most successful community-based organizations led by people of color in New York City.  The corporation maintains over 60 staff members, 54 programs, 32 sites and serves an estimated 3,000 children and families daily in central Brooklyn and parts of Queens. Housing, medical mental health care, foster care, adoption, counseling, education, training and recreation are some of the services the program encompasses.