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 The President vs. The Protest

Eddie Castro
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 The President vs. The Protest

I’ve been in love with sports for as long as I can remember. I’ve had the ultimate pleasure to combine my love of sports and my talents of writing to build a 7-year tenure here with Our Time Press. This past week was the most emotional week in the world of sports in quite some time. It was not due to a player’s milestone, it was not due to a record being broken by a team.

It was revolved around an individual who is supposed to be our country’s leader. The start of this past week, Warriors superstar Steph Curry said that he would exercise his right not to visit the White House. When he was asked about his decision not to go, he (Curry) simply said, “I don’t want to go. That’s really it. That’s the nucleus of my belief”. Donald decided to take Curry’s comments and respond via social media (Twitter) tweeting, “Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!” Trump was not done with his Twitter antics criticizing the National Football League for having players kneeling during the National Anthem, calling for any team owners to fire any “SOB” caught down on one knee during the “Star-Spangled Banner”. His (Donald’s) comments have opened the eyes of many athletes, coaches and owners throughout sports. Backing up Stephen Curry was superstar LeBron James, widely considered the best basketball player on the planet, Spurs future Hall of Fame Head Coach Greg Popovich and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. James said, “The people run this country, not one individual. And damn sure not him”. During his media day press conference on Monday, James referred to Trump as “That guy who is trying to divide us”. Coach Popovich called Donald’s comments “disgusting” and “comical”.

Before free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick made it a trend to take a stand to raise awareness about social justice, it was athletes like Paul Robeson, Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson and Arthur Ashe who attempted to use their platform not to create controversy, but to simply point out a matter that is an ongoing situation in this country. Kaepernick was willing to make sacrifices, willing to take any heat if it simply meant to find a way to stop racial inequality, police brutality amongst other tragic incidents that happen too often throughout the country. For him using his profession as a symbol and a platform to promote justice for matters that have been injustice, he (Kaepernick) does not have a quarterback job in the NFL currently, all for choosing to be ambassador for a topic he believes in. Yet, we have a president who is supposed to “lead” on Twitter at 3 in the morning with his concern being who to invite or not to invite to the White House? Meanwhile, situations like preventing this country from getting into a nuclear war with North Korea, incidents in Charlottesville, the deaths of Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown and the disasters that are occurring in Houston, Florida and Puerto Rico seems to go unnoticed to him. Those states, cities and the Virgin Islands is a part of the United States, correct? People’s houses have been swept away, some are without air conditioning, food and water. This is what he should be working on.

Disrespect for the American flag was not Colin Kaepernick’s intention nor anyone who simply wants to make a difference. All he did was highlight a topic and a matter that needs to be discussed, to create a conversation regarding unity and social equality. The president’s behavior is unacceptable. I understand that the topic regarding race is the elephant in the room. It may be a touchy and uncomfortable topic for some people, whether they share the same views as me or not. That’s the beauty of our country. We have the right to say what we want to say as long as the people, no matter what race or background, have an equal measure when they raise their voice. Popovich said it best, “There has to be an uncomfortable element in the discourse for anything to change, whether it’s the LGBT community or women’s suffrage, race, it doesn’t matter”.

I’m using my platform to be a voice for everyone, for all people of different races and backgrounds. Especially for the youth. I should not be having a conversation with my nephew when he gets older about how to stay alive, God forbid he ever gets pulled over. That’s why we’re trying to raise awareness to act before a tragic or controversial scenario is something we have to face.

The president needs to direct his attention to the situations that matter. Sports is one of the many things that keeps people in this country and other countries united, not divided. Let’s create a brighter future for the people that the past can be proud of, and youth can have something positive to look forward to. At the end of the day, we the people, are taking a stand and that’s the opening gates and path to get this country what it rightfully should stand for!

Sports Notes: (Basketball) Basketball star Carmelo Anthony’s time in New York has come to an end. The Knicks agree to trade the All-Star player to the Oklahoma City Thunder. (Baseball) Congratulations to Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge who broke Mark McGwire’s single-season rookie record hitting his 50th home run of the year.

CITY COUNCIL PASSES LANDMARK CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TRAINING BILL

Editor, Our Time Press
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CITY COUNCIL PASSES LANDMARK CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TRAINING BILL

NEW YORK, NY: Today, the City Council unanimously passed Int. 1447-C, a landmark construction safety bill sponsored by Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Deputy Leader and Chair of Council’s Housing and Buildings Committee, which will institute mandatory construction worker safety training standards.

Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, a prime sponsor of the bill, celebrated its passage as a critically important and long awaited step toward changing the culture of a construction industry that devalues worker safety and well-being.

“I am proud of the City Council for taking this landmark step to help ensure that the safety of workers is a priority. Requiring a uniform baseline amount of safety training is a long overdue and critically important measure to having a tangible impact on worker’s well-being,” Williams said. “This action begins to address the eroded culture of worker safety in the New York City construction industry, an erosion that has led to unsafe conditions, injuries, and death.”

The bill mandates that workers have a cumulative total of 40-55 hours of training, phased in over time. The first ten hours must be completed by March of 2018, thirty hours by December 1 of that year, and 40-55 within five months of that date. Extensions can be granted to the second and third milestone if necessary. A task force has been created to help facilitate the training and determine its content in conjunction with the Department of Buildings.

“I want to thank Speaker Mark-Viverito and my colleagues on the Council for recognizing necessity to make worker safety an immediate priority,” said Council Member Williams. “Our efforts over these months, and in passing this bill today, will have a lasting impact on the health and safety of our workers.” The bill was widely praised on the floor of City Council Chambers during its passage.

The Black Lady Theatre Blossoms using Cooperative Economics

Akosua Albritton
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The Black Lady Theatre Blossoms using Cooperative Economics

The rehabilitation of The Black Lady Theatre, located at 750 Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights North, is likened to the mythical phoenix bird soaring from a pyre to fly high in the sky. In less than two years, the theater has a glass front with two sets of glass doors; concrete was poured on the vestibule floor which is topped with porcelain tile; renovated the performance stage and audience seating as well as the installation of a new electrical system. Even the murals hung in the vestibule, originally painted by Kinrod Johnson, have been restored by Abdul Baldi to their original brilliance. The revival of The Black Lady Theatre is a testament to the legacy of Judge John Phillips, who was the previous owner of The Black Lady Theatre and Slave One Theatre. The Hardy’s have said many times their diligent work on the theatre is a promise kept to this Civil Court Judge.

On Tuesday, September 19, 2017, this reporter had a sit-down with Omar Hardy and Zulika Bumpus. “At one point, no one wanted to step through the door because it was threatening,” explained Zulika Bumpus, the marketing director. “Now the patrons step through the glass doors and down the steps that lead to the performance space in the mezzanine to watch plays, listen to various musical styles, or be informed about natural health alternatives. A current promotion is for “Jazz & Sip and Paint”. The intent is to make it a regularly scheduled monthly event. Ms. Bumpus plans to develop a number of children’s programs so that there is something that appeals to different age groups.

Consistent grassroots marketing is the key to growing their patron base and business partners. “We’re putting foot to pavement. We aren’t funded by anyone and can’t advertise [in major media],” explained Omar Hardy, who takes on many executive and construction responsibilities. Turning his head toward Bumpus, Hardy explained that “Zulika Bumpus is behind our grassroots marketing. The activity centers on distributing flyers, sending e-mail notices and doing much word-of-mouth”.

“We have over 3,000 e-mail addresses and stretching for more. When people stop in front of the doors, I invite them in, explain what we do and answer their questions. I have each person sign the guest clipboard which rests on the same table as the event postcards,” is how Bumpus describes the audience development strategy. Besides walk-ins, the group sets up booths at such outdoor festivals as the Annual International African Arts Festival.

The Black Lady Theatre has several income streams to keep it afloat. The roof has an 80-person capacity and is rented for soirees. There is art framing and the sale of artwork. Talib Kweli and Yasin Bey rent space on the second floor to operate Black Star Recording Studio and Queen Afua moved her operations into the upper floor of the theater.

This theater is developing into a cultural magnet, particularly for those who are health or socially conscious. Set up in the foyer, visitors can choose from Supa Nova’s “Supa Mega Green Powder”, Kamuni Creek Drinks from The Uptown Juice Bar, Red Pill/Blue Pill’s Seven Heaven Sea Moss drink and from Ali Torain’s Global Nation of Wellness various raw vegan dishes. This offering of foods from various vendors under one roof is a demonstration of cooperative economics. Omar Hardy encourages the trade because he has “an attraction to holistic health”.

The cooperative economics is one source of financing for operations and building upgrade as is the ticket sales. The other source is Byron Wilson, who is a partner and owns Zaiko Energy. Zaiko Energy produces renewable energy. Hardy is eager to achieve “energy sovereignty” by acquiring a 60-kilowatt generator that “has the capacity to power the theater and local area”. Its price tag is about $70,000. The technology involves a combination of solar panels and converting waste to energy.

Reflecting on the accomplishments to date, Hardy stated, “The things occurring at The Black Lady Theatre are plans and musings I’ve had that have come into reality”. In regard to the renewable energy project, Hardy says, “We’ll be producing so much energy that Con Edison will be crediting us”.

District 16 Community Education Council: Town Hall

Editor, Our Time Press
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District 16 Community Education Council: Town Hall

District 16 Community Education Council hosted its first Town Hall meeting with NYC Chancellor Carmen Farina on September 14th at M.S. 267, which drew approximately 250 people.

To access the auditorium, town passed through table displays of various community organizations ready to partner with interested schools: The Sankofa Global Project, Kings of New York Marching Band, Digital Girl, Not Just Hoops and Foot Soldiers among several others.

Once the meeting began, Farina shared her initiatives for the year. She discussed the need to rebrand schools by inviting the community, including local businesses to see schools’ stellar programs and feel their positive energy. She also provided several strategies for increasing enrollment by suggesting schools provide brochures and administrative presence at the Welcome Center and consider implementing a Korean World Culture Program. The chancellor will guarantee residence eligibility for any Korean child interested in enrolling. She also emphasized the need for schools to focus on striving to be the best: best student, teacher and principal. Breaking down walls between superintendents is another Farina priority by encouraging collaboration among schools. She promoted sharing resources such as Advanced Placement courses or adopting successful programs from other districts, providing Thomas Edison’s drone program as an example. One final initiative is developing the teachers that schools will need in the future to avoid teacher shortages.

At 6:55pm, Farina opened the floor for the reading of the pre-written questions by Superintendent Rahesha Amon-Harrison. Individuals either submitted their questions online or wrote them on an index card upon arrival. The chancellor provided her actions, perspective, advice or plans concerning the topics below.

Homelessness: In many cases, families are merely doubling up, but for children in shelters we are providing busing services, guidance counselors, libraries and homework help. We are partnering with CBOs who demonstrate excellence and meeting needs of this population.

Creation of selective programs: “Find me a high school and we’ll find a program”, but keep in mind our Advanced Placement course initiative which increased by 50% and achieved the same goal since AP-certified teachers provide more rigorous courses.

High school co-location in elementary schools: This occurred before I was chancellor but is not the wave of the future.

Plans for increasing after-school funding: The larger the student population, the larger the budget. However, principals should look to exercising more creativity by partnering with other schools with after-school programs and working together to share resources.

Plans to prepare District 16 students with 21st century skills: Our Summer in the City programs show we’re already doing that. We also had programs for parents, but we need a critical mass of parents to attend. We even have schools where students are learning coding in the first grade.

Single-sex literacy programs: Several schools are experimenting with the idea. We have mother-daughter and father-son book clubs, but skills of the 21st century entail getting along with others, conflict resolution and the ability to read.

Roadmap for this district’s success: That is the responsibility of the CEC. By giving you Superintendent Rahesha Amon-Harrison, I have given you the best.

School closures: We will have closures but they will be done in collaboration with the district and parents. If a school is “too small to succeed or has too much history to turn around”, we will have no choice but to close. Schools need 300-350 students to have enough funds for needed resources.

Metrics for measuring the success of the Gifted and Talented programs (G&T): The director of the G & T programs visited programs throughout the city and returned to the office with glowing reports for District 16’s G & T programs to the extent that she recommends others to visit. Students weren’t quietly sitting, they were interacting. If you have kids who are quiet, you’re not preparing them for the 21st century.

Facilitating District 16 “copying” what charters are doing: The copying should go both ways.

When charter school administrators observe teachers, they critique well and provide specific strategies to improve performance.

On students graduating high school but not staying in college: KIPP has initiated a program where they bring back high school graduates for two nights a week and where they share their experiences and receive support.

How do we talk about college? From the womb. The more you talk about it, the more likely it becomes a reality.

Additional comments by the Chancellor: We have to start thinking about our schools creatively to address the needs of our students. For example, many college-bound students cannot afford to purchase the supplies needed at away schools, so we had a pop-up shower for sheets, towels and all the other supplies freshmen need. To fill seats, one school will begin a Korean program and will outreach to the Korean community to publicize the program.

Funding for high-needs students: First, you have to reexamine how you identify high-needs students and design wider use of integrated co-teaching (ICT) learning. ICT students perform better than self-contained students.

Providing help to raise millions like established PTAs in wealthier districts: The best way to increase funding for special funding is through partnerships. Become partners and sister schools with wealthier districts. If a 100% Title One school teams up with a 100% non-Title One school, the odds increase that the proposal will be approved.

The next segment congratulated teacher Charise Richardson for twenty-nine years of sustained enthusiasm, fight and love for students and parents, and Benjamin Lemons for his work and rapport with students and raising students’ reading levels.

Board member Marta Torres won an award for serving the board the longest—ten years.

A student bestowed a bouquet of flowers to Chancellor Farina, and the superintendent ended the meeting with a display of the newly launched District 16 Web site.

The Town Hall meeting was well-received by everyone in attendance, and the community departed the auditorium content that the district is moving in the right direction.

 

 

WHAT’S GOING ON

Victoria Horsford
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By Victoria Horsford

POTUS 45

Wonders never cease. Last week, President Trump had an audience with US Senator Tim Scott to discuss improving relations with Black America. Huh? Mr. President, why not speak with members of the Black Caucus.  Trump’s address to the UN was pretty bellicose. He threatened to “totally destroy North Korea”. He made some not so veiled threats to Iran and Venezuela. e threateTrump will lunch with African heads of state, in town for the UN session. Will he explain the new policy of US foreign aid to Africa, giving countries military aid in lieu of humanitarian aid. Mr. President, how about substantial aid to Caribbean countries, vanquished by Hurricane Irma?

HURRICANE SEASON

Not so for the Caribbean, but the family of islands sandwiched between the   Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricane Irma leveled Barbuda, destroying 94% of its infrastructure and forcing Prime Minister Gaston Browne to evacuate all 1600 Barbudans to Antigua, its twin island. Donations can be made payable to the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda with memo line: Barbuda Hurricane Relief, Account at Bank of America, Acct. #2260-0525-1515. [Visit abconsulate.nyc]

Irma also wreaked havoc on the islands of St. Maarten, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the American Virgin Islands. British billionaire Richard Branson, who owns an island in the BVI, said that the US, France, Britain and the Netherlands needs to develop a Marshall Plan. That makes sense. I would add that the Chinese should contribute to that plan considering their enormous financial interests throughout the Caribbean.

ARTS/CULTURE

THEATER:   The National Black Theatre and Hi-Arts co-produce the world premiere of THE PECULIAR PATRIOT, a one-woman multimedia drama, an expose of the prison industrial complex, which is written and performed by Liza Jessie Peterson, that opened on September 13 to rave notices. The Harlem-based National Black Theatre was founded in 1968 by theater impresario and visionary Barbara Ann Teer. [Visit the nationalblacktheatre.org]

There will be two readings of SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR, a Broadway-bound musical about the lives of two masters of 20th century American music, Messrs. Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, who will be played by Broadway marquee performers Norm Lewis and Billy Porter, respectively.

FINE ARTS: The Skoto Gallery’s new group exhibit, SELECTIONS 2017, showcases works by 17 fine artists, including Peter Wayne Lewis, Mor Faye, Ifeoma Anyaeji, Olu Amoda and Tesfaye Tessema, opened on September 14 and runs through October 21 at 529 West 20th Street, Manhattan. [Visit Skotogallery.com]

The June Kelly Gallery’s next exhibit, “Hovering Tales, New Paintings”, by Philemona Williamson, opens with a reception on October 13 at 166 Mercer Street, Manhattan.   “Philemona Williamson: Metaphorical Narratives”, her first major museum solo exhibition, opened on September 15th and runs through January 6 at the Montclair Art Museum in NJ. [Visit junekellygallery.com]

Hold the date for October 8, 3-6 pm for the opening reception of “Reflections of (Thelonius) Monk, Inspired Images of Music & Moods III”, a group exhibit of 42 fine artists, including Ademola Olugebefola, Al Johnson, Ann Tanksley, Chuck Stewart, Deborah Singletary-Wright, Dindga McCannon, Emmett Wigglesworth, Grace Williams, Hugh Bell, Joe Overstreet, Laura R. Gadson, Lennox Commissiong, Norman Lewis, Otto Neals, Romare Bearden and Tomo Mori. Exhibit will be housed at the Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba, located at 219 East 2nd Street, Manhattan. [212.674.3939]

MUSIC: The Harlem Chamber Players begins its 2017-2018 season on September 29th with pianist Joseph Joubert, who joins members of the Harlem Chamber Players with violinists Joyce Hamman and Belinda Whitney, violinist Tia Allen and cellist Clay Ruede performing music by Dvorak and Tchaikovsky at the Broadway Presbyterian Church, 601 West 114th Street, Manhattan. [Visit harlemchamberplayers.org]  

 The Harlem Opera Theater, under the direction of Dr. Gregory Hopkins, presents the 2017 Vocal Competition Finals on October 22nd at 4 pm at the Church of the Intercession, located at 550 West 155th Street, Harlem. Competition is for emerging (ages 18-22) and professional (ages 23-35) classical singers. Application deadline is September 22nd. [Visit harlemoperatheater.org]

LITERATURE: Everyone’s talking about the October Atlantic Magazine piece by Ta-Nehisi Coates, “THE FIRST WHITE PRESIDENT: The Foundation of Donald Trump’s Presidency is the Negation of Barack Obama’s Legacy”. It is required reading for all students of the republic of the United States.

 I enjoyed being transported to another world, one created by a novelist. It is the one created by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Adichi in her novel, AMERICANA. Her Nigerian protagonist Ifemelu, a woman who travels extensively from Nigeria, USA, to London, physically and culturally. Nigeria is the world that nurtured Ifemelu, a sanctuary, untethered by the slave trade and race… It is the place where family, culture and values abound and conspire to make the characters, which we grow into. In her native Nigeria or any non-Western culture where Blacks grow up where their mornings, noons and nights are not consumed by thoughts of the other 24/7. They grow up on diets of local tradition and culture. Racism intervenes when they leave their “Black” homelands. By then, hopefully, their indigenous culture trumps most evil foreign influences.

Margaret Troupe is back with her Harlem Arts Salon and will host a book party for PASSAGE, a novel by Khary Lazarre-White–lawyer, social justice advocate; co-founder and executive director of the Brotherhood.Sister Sol, a Harlem-based nonprofit.   Book party/signing will be held at 1925 Seventh Avenue, 116-117th Streets, Suite 7L. Call 212.749.7771 or visit harlemartssalon.com.

 FALL CALENDAR

This week, New York becomes the world’s most cosmopolitan city when heads of state descend on the city to attend the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.   The UNGA’s General Debate is the platform used by heads of state to address their peers and world dignitaries to share their world views. It convenes September 19-25.

 Good-bye summer! The autumnal equinox begins on Friday, September 22

 The Andrew Goodman Foundation hosts its 9th Annual Hidden Heroes Awards Ceremony honoring Bishop Dr. William Barber II, President and Sr. lecturer for “Repairers of the Breach” and architect of “Moral Mondays” in NC, on October 3rd from 6 to 8:30 pm at 29 Howard Street, Suite 5, NYC 10013.   David Dinkins and Danny Glover are among the foundation’s 8-member host committee. [Visit andrewgoodman.org]

A Harlem-based management consultant, Victoria Horsford can be reached at victoriahorsford@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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