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We Must Not Lose Our College

Editor, Our Time Press
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By Councilmember Albert Vann

There are only a few institutions that exist in Central Brooklyn that were created to serve the needs of African-American people. Chief among them is Medgar Evers College (MEC). I am a surviving member of the team of community members who negotiated with CUNY to bring this college into existence and name it for a civil rights hero. The founders’ vision of the school’s mission was extremely clear. Medgar Evers College was to serve primarily the African-American community of Central Brooklyn, denying no student access because of the public school system’s failure to prepare them adequately. The college would bring them up to academic standards, teach them their history and imbue them with the concept of giving back.

Medgar Evers College has since prepared and graduated thousands of our friends and neighbors who have gone on to various professions or graduate studies. MEC is also a major source of employment, and currently has the largest number of Black faculty of any college within the City University system. The value of the economic activity to the community surrounding MEC is profound. To a great extent, the stability of Central Brooklyn depends mightily upon our community-engaged, culturally sensitive Medgar Evers College.

Today, we are experiencing a threat to our community’s ownership of our college. Dr. William Pollard’s administration of MEC ushered in a significant and unwanted change in the mission of Medgar Evers, most notably a restricted admissions policy. Also during Dr. Pollard’s tenure, academic support for students has been reduced; divisiveness among faculty and staff has evolved and festered; community input has been muted; and the administration’s relationship with the Black elected officials has been poor or nonexistent.

Over the protest of Brooklyn’s Black elected officials, the Chancellor of CUNY recently conducted a 90-day search and interviewing process for a new MEC President. He reported that the process generated 50 applicants, of which 3 were referred to the campus for introduction and interviews. No elected officials and precious few faculty or students attended the campus interviews. Not to be deterred, the chancellor recommended and the trustees appointed, effective August 1, 2013, Dr. Rudolph Crew as the new President of Medgar Evers College. During this process, however, the chancellor has placed a provost and several other key administrators in position at Medgar Evers College. I do not believe that any credible administrator would accept the position as college president without being able to bring on his or her own team.

Given the significance of Medgar Evers College to the stability of our community and the lifeline must be for future generations, and given the surreptitious way the Board of Trustees and the chancellor have stacked the administration of MEC prior to appointing a president, I strongly urge the leadership of our community to take the following aggressive actions to safeguard MEC’s future.

The faculty, staff, students and Community Council of Medgar Evers College should unite around a common agenda to be used in early discussions with Dr. Crew. Do not reject him because of how he was chosen, but do not fully accept him until he has met with you, discussed his goals and expectations, and responded to your concerns.

All who would be leaders in our Central Brooklyn community should rally in support of the Medgar Evers College’s Community Council, and to the extent possible, lend your intellect, skill and advice to ensure that our college remains ours.

The members of the Central Brooklyn Black Legislators Coalition should meet with Dr. Rudy Crew without bias and determine, from his presentation and discussion how aggressively we will support his presidency, or what other options we will pursue.

The state elected officials in our coalition should initiate a meeting with Governor Cuomo around an agenda to change the composition of the Trustees of the Board of Higher Education and to change the chancellory to reflect the African-American presence within the City University of New York and New York City as a whole.

The City Council members from the CBBLC should prepare a similar agenda to present to the mayoral candidates, and solicit their commitment. After the election, we should initiate a meeting with the new mayor and demand the changes we seek within CUNY.

I hope that the two Congress members of the CBBLC will expand their considerable leverage in the pending meetings with the governor and other key elected officials. I also recommend that our Congresspersons lead our coalition, in collaboration with clergy and other community leaders, in order to maintain a collective focus and strategy to preserve our college and its mission.

We Must Not Lose Our College!

Use Of China Steel For Verrazano Bridge Project Raises Questions

Mary Alice Miller
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The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is due for a face-lift. The nearly 50-year-old double-decker suspension bridge that connects the Staten Island Expressway with the Gowanus Expressway and the Belt Parkway has been deemed structurally deficient.

Last year, the MTA awarded a $235 million contract to California general contracting firm Tutor Perini to replace the Verrazano Bridge’s upper concrete roadway with steel. Tutor Perini reportedly has contracted with a China-based steel manufacturer for the 15,000 tons of steel required to complete the project.

The bridge upgrade includes replacing its heavy concrete upper deck with lighter, stiffer (orthotropic) steel plates designed with a balance of stiffness and flexibility to prevent buckling and withstand Atlantic Ocean winds.

Only one U.S.- based company can produce orthotropic plates — which it makes with U.S. steel — but it could not compete with China on price. China has become the world’s leading steel producer due to Chinese subsidies of its industries. The subsidies make U.S. domestic production more costly, which has prompted a consortium of U.S. steel manufacturers to ask President Obama to increase tariffs on Chinese steel products.

Leo Gerard, president of United Steelworkers International, recently wrote a letter to the MTA to make the case for U.S. steel and the industry’s 850,000 workers. “American steelmakers and steelworkers have the drive, the know-how and more than enough capacity to supply the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge project with the best steel in the world made at the safest and most environmentally responsible plants in the world,” wrote Gerard. “We urge you to reconsider and ensure that the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and any other infrastructure projects you undertake in the future, be made of the best products in the world, made by the best workers in the world, right here in the United States.”

Eddie Walsh (NYS Iron Workers District Council) said, “I would want to see the steel made here in the United States, not overseas. Not in China.”

When questioned about the Buy America Act, which mandates the purchase of United States- manufactured durable goods to be used in projects that receive any federal funding, the MTA replied that the project is being financed through bond sales-based bridge and tunnel tolls it collects.  Just this past March, the MTA increased tolls and transit fares. The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge toll is $15.00 (cash), or $10.66 (NYS E-ZPass).

In response, Gerard cited an Alliance for American Manufacturing poll in which 81% of respondents were preferred that large infrastructure projects should be built in America, by American workers, using American steel and other products, even when the best arguments for a simple lowest-bidder contractor were offered as rebuttal.

“Given all this, it was particularly troubling that your spokesperson drew the distinction that projects built with toll dollars like the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge are exempt from Buying American because that only applies to projects built with tax dollars,” Gerard wrote. “It does a disservice to your constituents to have their transportation authority looking for loopholes and technicalities to avoid doing what the people want.”

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge rehab project is just one of Tutor Perini’s local projects. The firm is replacing the City Island Road Bridge over Eastchester Bay, building a mixed-use development at Hudson Yards and is conducting signal system modernization for the MTA.

The Parent’s Notebook

Aminisha Black
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While statistics on families are bleak to put it mildly, the need for change grows with urgency and it’s time to recall and warrants remembering “Change begins with me”.

We have become adept at protesting the injustices existing within a system that declared discovery of a country inhabited by indigenous people whose land was stolen and they were sent to survive on reservations

The time is long overdue for African Americans to take responsibility for our own lives, the lives of our children and future generations.  It requires  each of us to clear unresolved  issues with family and friends.

  Let this be the summer you give yourself the gift of freedom.  Follow these tips from the Spring 1993 issue of Necessary.  Marian Wright Edelman wrote an article, “25  Ways Black Folks Can Help Black Children”.

1.        Have faith that we can save our children.  Figure out how you can make a difference in at least one child’s life.  Tithe a portion of your time, talent, money and leadership for children.  Take time to vote or write a letter on behalf of children.  Create new ideas based on what is needed in your community and feels right for your talents and time.  Children need time and attention from some caring, consistent adult.  Be that adult for one child or a few children in your community.

2.       Believe every child can learn. Have high expectations for all children and provide them the support they need to achieve.  Respect and build on our children’s strengths – and insist that others also do so – rather than harp on their weaknesses.   We must fight to see that poor Black children receive equal educational opportunity in all school settings.  We must fight to make sure they are challenged at the highest levels.  We must make the schools safe, nurturing places of hope rather than zones of fear and boredom.  And we must bolster their school experiences with community based tutoring and mentoring and parenting education.

3.       Remember what our forebears taught about what matters in life and why we are here on God’s Earth.  Teach children not to worship the idols of American culture.  Fight against excessive materialism, violence and status seeking.  Help children reconnect with the spiritual and community values that strengthened our ancestors’ minds and hearts against the psychic and physical assaults of slavery and segregation.

4.       Don’t be a part of the problem; be a part of the
solution.  Don’t tear down Black children’s self-esteem in your home, classroom or church.  And don’t let anyone else do it.  Don’t take your anger and despair out on them, as hard as this is not to do sometimes.  Encourage their questions.  Answer them with respect.  Empower our children by example to reject the role of victim, however victimized we are by racial and class attitudes and discrimination.  Teach them to work hard and not to get caught up in just the status of jobs.

5.       Encourage your church or club to sponsor parent education programs and support groups to help parents and grandparents help their children.  Pay particular attention to single parents and teen parents.  Create support groups for the many grandparents who are struggling to raise their grandchildren, many of whom have special needs.  Encourage the youths in your church to delay   sexual activity and pregnancy until they are personally and economically ready to raise children.  And remember that you teach them by your example.

 We’ll continue with more of the 25 Ways next issue and please share the one/s you chose.

The PN is taking the GMW SCRABBLE  Class to the Paul Robeson Freedom School . Formerly  Moses- Groce Tournaments ( Basketball and SCRABBLE) for Mr. Dennis Groce who was  killed  at his door by a policeman  and Pamoja Fruster (basketball  enthusiast died suddenly while  planning the tournament  in Mr. Groce’s memory .  The program now becomes MGW- adding Jitu Weusi, former resident of Lefferts Place.

Inquiries about Paul Robeson Freedom School Summer Day Camp call 347-767-9932.

Alerte to Young People: Follow Your Dreams!

Bernice Elizabeth Green
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[SlideDeck id=’7342′ width=’100%’ height=’370px’]
In June 2012, along with his wife, opened the first frozen yogurt shop in Bedford-Stuyvesant; Brooklyn Swirl. With each enterprise earned, Jean only felt it was right to chronicle his success story and inspire others to follow their dreams. Jean also debut his first of many books; “Do Right, Do Good”, a practical guidebook for vision fulfillment; which developed into a partnership in mid-2013 with founder of Beyond the Boroughs; Former NFL player, Tutan Reyes. The Do Right, Do Good Scholarship Award is administered to help deserving students attend college and fulfill their dreams. www.jeanalerte.com

Jean continues to be a guest speaker at high schools and colleges as a motivational speaker.  “My biggest achievement is when I see one of the young men I mentor go to college or graduate college.  A few of the mentees have enrolled back in school after working with me for a few months.  I encourage them to keep going no matter what!  Even if no one else believes in them that they need to believe and invest in themselves first.  I know that I can’t mentor everyone but my mission with “Do Right, Do Good” is to mentor from a far to a lot of young men and women out there.”

And what is his advice for young business men and women?

“Follow your visions!,” he says. “Have faith in yourselves and always invest in yourself first before asking anyone to invest in your dreams.  If you’re not sure on where to start or how to start. Go out and find someone who is doing what you want to do and help them however you can.  You will gain the experience that will be with you forever. While you’re building remember to help inspire others. Surround yourself with positive individuals that will pick you up not bring you down.  It’s not going to be easy but with faith and determination anything is possible! Ask President Obama.”  For scholarship information, visit: www.jeanalerte.com

Candidates for 35th District City Council Seat Speak Their Minds

Stephen Witt
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If nothing else, last week’s spirited candidates forum for the open 35th District city council seat representing Fort Green, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, and parts of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights showcased that the race remains wide open.

Presenting their views and stating their unique qualifications at the Brown Memorial Church Fellowship Hall to replace Letitia James were, in alphabetical order, Olanike (Ola) Alabi, Laurie Cumbo, Ede Fox, Frank Hurley and Jelani Mashariki.

Alabi is both the former Community Board 2 district manager and female Democratic district leader; Cumbo is the founder and former president of MoCADA (Museum of Contemporary Diasporan Arts); Fox is the former chief of staff for City Councilman Jumaane Williams; Hurley is a longtime local attorney; and Mashariki is the director of the Pamoja House Men’s Shelter in Bed-Stuy.

When asked their views on strengthening education,   Alabi noted that 42 percent of the city’s budget was directed towards education and that she would put more of her district’s discretionary funds toward education as well as strengthen private, religious and community based organization ties with public education.

Cumbo emphasized as head of MoCADA she created nine after school programs. She also said education funds should be distributed more equitably with less emphasis on security and more on creating a positive school environment.

Fox said she opposed the Bloomberg Administration’s policy of school closings and co-locations of charter schools, and that the schools should allow for more local use as a community hub.

Hurley emphasized that the culture around public schools needs changing and that more respect should be given to teachers.

Mashariki advocated for the end of mayoral control of education with more resources redirected to parents, and to open up schools more for services and resources for the parents of the community.

Regarding the high rate of unemployment, Cumbo noted that unemployment, particularly in the NYCHA developments remains as high as 50 percent, and advocated connecting those unemployed with development in Downtown Brooklyn through labor unions.

Fox countered that sometimes unions are friends and sometimes they are not. She advocated for direct negotiations with developers to supply more local jobs, along with making more technology education available including more computer labs in schools.

Hurley said that developers that build in Brooklyn must hire from Brooklyn, including some that live in homeless shelters. He also noted that the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk policy has sometimes resulted in arrests that make some of those arrested ineligible for construction union work.

Mashariki remarked he doesn’t see as much development as he does unemployment in the community. He advocated funding to increase the skills and opportunities for the unemployed.

Alabi advocated that elected officials should negotiate project labor agreements with developers and more apprentices and job opportunities with unions.

In questions concerning NYCHA developments in the district, Hurley advocated NYCHA residents create a stronger block of voters and expressed concern that the 500 empty apartments being renovated in the Fort Greene Houses do not go to outsiders.

Mashariki said the poor and working class are under attack from the government, and this includes NYCHA, which has a poor record of apartment and building repairs, and of misusing funds. He also advocated the NYCHA board triple the number of members that live in NYCHA developments.

Alabi said the city needs to pitch both the state and federal levels for more funding, as much of the funding comes from these levels. She also called to abolish the current NYCHA board, and that residents should not have to pay more for policing the developments.

Cumbo advocated filing for a class-action lawsuit against NYCHA for mismanagement and lack of funds. She also said housing police should work more on policing and less on attacking those who they are paid to police.

Fox called paying extra money for police services a “double taxation” and called for any NYCHA changes of use to go before the city land use process for approval before any changes are made.

The forum came as all the candidates are in the process of getting petitions with the signatures of 450 registered democratic voters in the district in order to get on the ballot for the September primary. The deadline to hand in the petitions to the Board of Elections is midnight July 11.

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