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Can two women lead New York State? Hochul and Adams
By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff
Gov. Kathy Hochul has selected Adrienne Adams, New York City’s first Black woman City Council speaker, as her running mate in the 2026 gubernatorial race. Although having two women on the same ticket is not unheard of in other states, it’s unprecedented for New York.
Hochul is currently the leading Democratic candidate for governor since her former lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, announced that he was suspending his campaign on Feb. 10. On the Republican side, Bruce Blakeman is running against Hochul. Congressmember Elise Stefanik, who was shaping up to be a serious contender to Hochul, also dropped out of the race.
In New York, the governor and lieutenant governor candidates run together on the same ticket, unlike in other states where the two run separately and are both nominated, as well as elected, by voters. While the overwhelming majority of these have been men in U.S. history, currently there are at least four states that have had all-woman gubernatorial tickets and were successful.
“What happens initially is … there’s this huge flurry of stories about how this is so unusual, and then you have to think back on the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of same-gender tickets that we’ve seen that are men,” said Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics,
a unit of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. “And no one writes a story about that.”
In the 2022 Iowa governor’s race, both major party candidates for governor were women, with Republican incumbent Kim Reynolds defeating Democratic challenger Deidre DeJear. In Arkansas, Republicans Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Leslie Rutledge were nominated and ran separately but won their races for governor
and lieutenant governor in 2022. In that same year, Democrats Maura Healey, who made history as the first out lesbian governor, and Kim Driscoll ran separately in the primary, but as a joint all-woman ticket in their general election in Massachusetts. Lastly, Democrats Abigail Spanberger and Ghazala Hashmi made history when they won in Virginia in 2025.
“The discussion is will voters vote for two
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado abruptly drops campaign for governor, ending all-Black ticket
By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff
Antonio Delgado, New York’s Democratic lieutenant governor who launched a campaign against Gov. Kathy Hochul for her seat in Albany, has suddenly dropped out of this year’s race, along with his running mate, India Walton.
“I’ve decided to end my campaign for Governor of New York. After much consideration, I’ve concluded that there simply is no viable path forward,” said Delgado, who just last week boasted with Walton about being an all-Black ticket for Governor. “And though my campaign has come to an end, I fully intend to do all I can in our effort to build a more humane, affordable, and equitable state that serves all New Yorkers.”
Delgado, 49, was the state’s first Afro-Latino to serve in the lieutenant governor position in 2022, replacing former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, who resigned to fight federal fraud charges that were later quietly dismissed. He helped Hochul target a diverse array of voters and get reelected for a
second term. He also didn’t shy away from the criticism that he was the “runner-up Black man” chosen so that Hochul could save herself from political embarrassment. But it was when Delgado called for former
President Joe Biden to end his presidential campaign in 2024 that the first rift between him and Hochul became apparent. He announced his campaign against her in 2025,
Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (left) and Governor Kathy Hochul (right) in Syracuse on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo contributed by Hochul’s campaign)
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado at Amy Ruth’s restaurant in Harlem. (Tandy Lau photo)
See HOCHUL AND ADAMS on page 36
Phoenix House propose Supportive Crisis Stabilization Centers as solution to housing New Yorkers during freeze
By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff
The head of a local substance abuse treatment nonprofit plans to deliver a letter to Mayor Zohran Mamdani calling for him to employ a voluntary state mental healthcare program which encourages unhoused individuals to seek shelter during freezing temperatures.
“When people are in crisis, they need a place to go to, and that’s why I felt it was important to try to bring to his attention that the state has a model called the Supportive Crisis Stabilization Center,” said Ann-Marie Foster, president and CEO of Phoenix House New York/Long Island. “And we need to get this off the ground sooner rather than later, so that we can be there for people when they’re facing crises.”
She commended the mayor’s current efforts to reduce stigmatization against homelessness and believes Supportive Crisis Stabilization Centers will support his efforts toward more compassionate care after he ended his predecessor’s calls for encampment sweeps.
The centers, usually run by nonprofit
partners, remain open around the clock and allow people to stay for up to a full day in a “living room-style” arrangement before
determining where to place them. Clients can be referred to a support bed or local drop-in center. Or they can be returned to
family or provided acute hospitalization. Foster, whose organization runs a mental health clubhouse in Harlem, believes the neighborhood needs such a center and that Black and Latino New Yorkers are disproportionately impacted. She says Phoenix House identified a four-story facility in the community.
“If you’re on 125th Street on any given day, you will see people that are in need [and] that are on the streets, and we need to bring them inside,” said Foster. “And I think that would be a great opportunity for us. There are also clubhouses in Harlem already that people can go during the day, five days out of the week [to] receive meals [and] services. And be able to be a part of a community instead of being outside in the cold and social isolation. So it’s part of… trying to build out the continuum of care in Harlem.
“You already have a state of the art acute hospital there. They’re serving as a warming center, and people are able to go there, but once they leave there during the day, where do they go? They should be able to go to a clubhouse. They should be able to go to a crisis stabilization center.”
NYC’s deadly severe cold snap is giving City Hall its first real test
By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff
Temperatures in New York City have consistently dropped below freezing since late January, leaving Mayor Zohran Mamdani scrambling to get the city’s most vulnerable New Yorkers off the streets and subways, amid criticism of how his administration is reacting to the temperature plunge.
There has been a bitter cold front in the city with freezing temperatures and wind chills for the past couple of weeks, reaching as low as three degrees in some places. The city’s homeless population, which is disproportionately made up of Black and Latino New Yorkers, as well as people living with a mental illness or other severe health problems, has faced a serious threat as the harsh weather has made it even more dangerous to be outside.
At least 18 have died as of Feb. 10. According to the mayor’s office, 13 of them lost their lives as a result of hypothermia, three of them died as a result of overdose, and the cause of one death is still to be determined. An additional person was found dead outdoors in the Bronx over this past weekend. (Note: It was not explicitly stated that all who died were homeless individuals.)
“I think as the mayor, I’m responsible for city actions across the five boroughs, and I think that I have to be clear about that, because I think for far too long, New Yorkers have been told to cast blame in different
places, and I am the mayor,” said Mamdani when asked at a weather briefing at the city’s Emergency Management Department building in Brooklyn on Feb. 6, 2026, if he feels responsible for the weather-related deaths.
“When a New Yorker has a critique about the way that the city has been running or the way the city has been responding, it’s my job to hear them,” he continued. “I’m lucky to be surrounded not only by an incredible team today, but frankly, every day,
in ensuring that we can be the best that we can be. But there’s always more to be done.”
To answer mounting concerns for the unsheltered and unhoused, Mamdani’s team doubled efforts to expand on-theground outreach and communications teams, mobile warming buses and centers, and new shelter spaces. Last week, the city opened 64 new hotel shelter units in Queens, 48 new safe haven beds in the Bronx, and nearly 65 warming centers in schools and hospitals citywide.
“More lives are at stake, and the City must act with the urgency this moment demands,” said the Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless in a joint statement about the subzero temperatures.
The outreach program engaged hundreds of homeless New Yorkers with clinical consultations and essential supplies, such as blankets, warm clothing, socks, warm meals, and water, said the city. They launched an awareness campaign in partnership with LinkNYC to appeal directly for people to come indoors or at least locate the nearest warming center. They also collaborated with 311 to reduce the amount of time it would take for a homeless
al to get help.
Mamdani said it was an “all-handson-deck operation,” deploying trained school nurses, Department of Homeless Services staff, formerly homeless New Yorkers, crisis management teams, See COLD on page 29
individu-
Pedestrians walk down Fifth Avenue during a winter storm, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani holds press conference to provide winter weather briefing at New York City Emergency Management Department on Friday, February 6, 2026. (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)
90% of student discrimination and harassment complaints were dismissed last
year. Here’s why.
Students with disabilities and survivors of sexual misconduct can’t rely on Department of Education — target of budget cuts and staff reductions — to intervene for them, new reports find.
By NADRA NITTLE
The 19th
President Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education (DOE) has created a crisis that critics long feared: leaving marginalized students vulnerable to misconduct with little federal intervention. A new report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a nonpartisan arm of Congress, paints a damning picture of how mass layoffs and slashing resources at the agency have significantly impacted the civil rights of students.
The department’s chief responsibility is to ensure that all students have equal access to education. However, its Office for Civil Rights (OCR) dismissed roughly 90% of the more than 9,000 new complaints of discrimination based on race, sex, disability, and age it received from March to Sept. 2025, the GAO found. This has raised concerns that Trump’s Education Department is systemically refusing to investigate civil rights cases instead of reviewing their merits — abandoning the students it is tasked with protecting.
The fact that the agency shuttered seven of its 12 regional civil rights offices and placed half of OCR personnel — 299 out of 575 staffers — on administrative leave last year contributed to the dismissals of most complaints. They were prohibited from working while on leave, adding to a backlog of cases. The move was costly for students who appealed to the agency for help and also for taxpayers, since covering these employees’ salaries and benefits during their nearly nine months of leave amounted to as much as $38 million, according to the GAO.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont Independent who caucuses with Democrats and serves as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, commissioned the GAO report. He criticized the department for wasting taxpayer dollars and preventing OCR staff from investigating claims. “That is unacceptable,” Sanders said in a statement after release of the findings. “Every child in America should be able to get a good education no matter where they live, what their religious beliefs are or whether or not they have a disability.”
The Education Department did not respond to The 19th’s request for comment about the report before publication.
For students with disabilities, their families, and advocates, the GAO’s findings send a chilling message about the likelihood that they will receive a quality education. Historically, these students have filed the largest subset of civil rights complaints, with self-described “mama bear”
parents typically fighting for their children’s access to education.
“There’s just not enough capacity to do the work that OCR has been charged to do, and what we’re seeing from families is just their complaints going into a black hole and not being responded to,” said Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, a community-based organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. “They’re not able to get in touch with somebody. It’s quite concerning to us.”
Limited OCR oversight, Neas said, removes a key mechanism for uncovering systemic problems, such as improper seclusion and restraint methods for students with disabilities. Often, these troubling practices only surface after multiple complaints have been filed. With the OCR path effectively closed, families face the financially daunting prospect of hiring an attorney to uphold their children’s rights.
“If the only way a parent can get their child’s needs met is by suing the district and assuming the risk of tens of thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees, most parents can’t do that,” Neas said.
She also questions the administration’s
repeated goal of moving education “back to the states,” given the uneven state-level record on educating students with disabilities.
“The reason we have a federal special education law was that states specifically barred children with disabilities from the public schools,” she said. “For our kids, the federal protections were what opened up the schoolhouse doors.”
Jolene Baxter knows that fight all too well. The Oklahoma City mother of a third-grader with physical and cognitive disabilities has had to advocate for her daughter Marlee’s access to education throughout the 9-year-old’s life. Schools have tried to turn Marlee away, arguing there was no space for her, Baxter said. After two students recently knocked the little girl down, she said, Marlee was moved out of the specialized class where she once thrived, a development Baxter considers an injustice.
She has never filed a complaint on behalf of her daughter at the federal level, but has done so previously at both the local and state levels. She fears what the federal government’s inertia on civil rights complaints could mean for students with disabilities.
“I just feel like it just trickles down,” she
said. “It sends the message to schools at the local level that they don’t have to take the concerns of parents seriously.”
The Office for Civil Rights has been perennially understaffed. It has a backlog of thousands of cases, some dating back to George W. Bush’s presidency. Since Trump returned to office last January, it has only resolved 32 cases related to Title IX, a law that bars sex discrimination in schools, according to a recent study by the Center for WorkLife Law at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco.
Since Trump returned to the White House, OCR has not resolved any complaint of sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender harassment, or denial of benefits, or a single case of pregnancy discrimination. Instead, the OCR has focused on investigating cases involving transgender students, which the office itself initiated.
“There are a ton of sexual violence cases from over a decade ago that were still in the backlog, and this Department of Education didn’t touch any of them, so it seems to me that their goal is using Title IX for their own purposes and not to bring justice for these students who have asked for help, which is just appalling,” said Jessica Lee, co-director of WorkLife Law and a co-author of the recent study”
Lee said their team’s findings are based on the resolutions that OCR posts publicly, but those reflect only a fraction of cases brought before the agency. “The thing that our research is missing, of course, is what is happening to the complaints before they’re reaching the point of investigation,” they said. According to the GAO report, most cases are dismissed from the start.
“It sounds like they are going through the motions, or they have put in place some completely different standards of review than what we’ve seen in the past decades,” Lee said. “It’s just stunning. I don’t know how they can work through that many cases and if they’re actually paying attention to the details, which is what they should be doing. It sounds like their goal might be to just shut things down rather than actually pursue justice.”
Students with disabilities are more likely to be victims of sexual violence, so their complaints may overlap, encompassing special education and sexual misconduct alike.
Both Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon have been accused of sexual misconduct, and Trump has been found liable for sexual abuse.
“If they valued justice for the survivors of sexual abuse, they would not be doing what they’re doing now,” Lee said. “It’s clear as day. It’s written in the numbers.”
(Pexels/BULE)
Elijah Shabazz, 30 years of educating and enlightening the community
By JASON PONTEROTTO Special to the AmNews
On a given day, Elijah Shabazz can be seen in his suit and bow tie, selling either The Final Call newspaper or bean pies on the streets of Harlem, a practice he calls “soldiering.” He is sometimes with four or five of his young students in the Junior Fruit of Islam (FOI) and has become well known to community members as a strong representation of the Nation of Islam (NOI) for more than 30 years in the community.
“When you have something, and you know it’s good for people, if you love your people, you want to share it with them,” Shabazz said.
Since retiring from his job in 2023, Shabazz, 55, has dedicated his time fully to the Muhammad Mosque No. 7’s K-8 school, Muhammad University of Islam NYC. He instructs students on various subjects including Arabic, Islamic and Africana Studies, and business.
Shabazz was raised in the South Bronx during the early days of hip-hop, and like many New Yorkers, he says that period shaped his life. Both of his parents were members of the NOI, joining the group in the 1960s.
His family took a step back from follow-
ing the Nation’s during its brief transition to Sunni Islam in 1975. But it wasn’t until Shabazz was a teenager in the mid 1980s when he chose to return to the Nation after being inspired by Minister Louis Farrakhan, who had become its leading voice. Like his father, Shabazz says he was caught up in the trouble of the streets and realized it was a dead end motivating him to turn to the Nation. Since he was 16, he has been selling the newspaper.
As a young adult, Shabazz was involved in organizing and promoting events in New York and New Jersey for the Nation including events at the Apollo involving Khalil Muhammad and hip-hop stars like Public Enemy, Jungle Brothers, and Sister Souljah. In 1990, he and another NOI brother of his, MCJX, released a rap album Black In Time. Shabazz later served as managing editor of a short-lived magazine, “Celebrity Report,” founded by Edward Funches, and featured interviews with Magic Johnson, Gayle King, and Yung Joc.
In 1989, Shabazz appeared in Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” music video which was shot in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn for the soundtrack of Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing.” He fondly recalls it as one of the greatest experiences of his life. At the time, members of the FOI would work as
security for Lee, which included Shabazz, who was around 18 years old at the time. He explains that he and the other FOI security were not just appearing in the video, but actually working and securing the set.
“That whole scenery was not staged at all,” Shabazz said. It was in the filming of the video where he says he realized how much respect the Nation commanded with the community for their good work.
“Those brothers were not listening to the police. But if I asked them to step back, they stepped back. It amazed me,” he added.
In 1996, Shabazz began his teaching for the Junior FOI as a volunteer at Mosque No. 7. Shortly before COVID, he became full time a few years later. Shabazz says that for several of the students he teaches today, he also taught their fathers over the years.
Along with selling the Final Call paper, the FOI Drill team is another one of the activities Shabazz leads for the youth at the school. These are meant to improve the mental discipline of students and focus on helping them toward their goals. Shabazz and his students sometimes go beyond Harlem with the paper, and have traveled to different cities with their “Savior’s Tour.”
“It makes the young brothers feel good that it makes them feel like they’re doing See BNY on page 25
Black
New Yorker
Elijah Shabazz “soldiering,” selling The Final Call newspaper on 125th Street. (Courtesy of Elijah Shabazz)
Will Mamdani’s new Correction Department head turn around Rikers Island?
The
DOC’s first formerly incarcerated commissioner, Stanley Richards will also be the first to work under a federal takeover.
By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff
Newly-appointed NYC Department of Correction (DOC) Commissioner Stanley Richards never actually applied for the job. He saw his work centered as service provider Fortune Society’s CEO and president, and felt particularly eager to partner with the city under Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
So Richards expected to recommend some candidates for the role when the administration reached out over email. Instead, he came recommended by others to lead the city’s embattled jail system, which includes facilities on Rikers Island where he was once incarcerated.
“I spoke to my wife about it because when you serve in city government, so does your family,” said Richards in an interview with the AmNews. “My wife and I discussed it. I had an interview with the mayor, the first deputy mayor, Dean Fuleihan, and the mayor's chief of staff, Elle [Bisgaard-Church]. We had a great conversation about the things we need to do to close Rikers, keep officers safe, keep incarcerated people safe, build the boroughbased jails, and reduce population.
“And I left there just [feeling] honored whether I got the job or not,” he said, “and I got a call the next day asking me, will I serve as the next New York City Department of Correction Commissioner…this is an affirming moment for New York that a man who served time in Rikers is now leading it in this administration.”
On Jan. 31, Mamdani announced the appointment. Richards now breaks his own formerly set milestone as the highest ranking formerly-incarcerated DOC official. He previously served as first deputy commissioner under Bill DeBlasio’s administration. But Richards also makes history as the city’s first DOC commissioner under a federal takeover.
Detained and delayed
Violence and mismanagement long characterized Rikers Island, which houses almost every DOC facility and sits remotely between Queens and the Bronx on the East River.
In 2011, Bronx teen Mark Nunez sued New York City, alleging DOC staff repeatedly hit him on the back of his head with a radio. A class-action lawsuit sprang from the case as other people detained on Rikers came out with similar use-of-force stories.
The city ultimately settled the Nunez litigation, which led to the federal court ap-
pointing a monitor and issuing a laundry list of reforms to improve jail safety in compliance with the Constitution.
In 2019, the city committed to closing Rikers Island and building four replacement jails. The new facilities — one in each borough except for Staten Island — will be located near municipal courthouses for faster trial transport and focus on providing reentry services and safer conditions. The original plan was to close Rikers Island and open the borough-based jails by this year before delaying the closure to 2027.
But progress remains slow on both fronts under the recently-expired Eric Adams administration. The city will almost certainly miss next summer’s deadline, as some borough-based jail construction will likely run into the next decade. The current incarcerated population, which topped 7,000 last year, also supersedes the maximum 4,160 total beds planned among the four new facilities.
In late 2024, the federal judge overseeing the Nunez settlement held the city under Adams in contempt for failing to implement the necessary reforms and opened
the door for a receivership. Last year, the parties discussed how a court-appointed takeover of the DOC could look and agreed on a “remediation manager” to ensure constitutional compliance.
Meanwhile, more than 40 people detained in New York City jails died while incarcerated or immediately after release under the Adams administration.
No Man is an Island
Just days before Mamdani appointed Richards, the courts tapped Vermont’s Nicholas Deml as the remediation manager. Debra Greenberger, one of the lawyers representing the Nunez plaintiffs, says the court envisions the two working together. But Deml, a former CIA officer and corrections head, gets the final say on matters pertaining to jail safety and constitutional compliance.
“The important piece [from] our perspective is that this is a person answerable to the court absent the political processes, whose term is based on when things get done,” said Greenberger. “Not the fouryear turnover of a mayoral administration.
And whose goal is not the competing priorities that any politician or political figure has to deal with, but the goal of safety [on] Rikers and ensuring it's a constitutionally safe environment.”
While Greenberger did not comment directly on Richards’ appointment, she pointed to comments from her Nunez cocounsel at the Legal Aid Society. The public defense organization's Tina Luongo was complimentary of the new commissioner.
“Few people understand New York City’s jail system — and what is needed to reform it — more deeply than Stanley Richards,” they said in their statement.
Richards says he already spoke with Deml and they plan on touring Rikers Island together this week. He calls the unprecedented arrangement “a partnership that is pursuing the same goal” and believes “a rising tide lifts all boats” for reforming jail conditions.
“We have the same goal, and we're going to do it in partnership,” said Richards. “Nick will have an office on Rikers. My office is on Rikers. We will stay in daily frequent contact. We will be working out strategies to make sure that we end up with safe jails.” Ironically, the DOC commissioner retaining a managerial role in this partnership may stem from the Adams administration’s resistance to receivership. Oftentimes, federal takeovers can cut out the local government almost entirely, says Brennan Center Senior Fellow Hernandez Stroud.
Pairing the remediation manager with the local commissioner accounts for when the court restores the city’s full control over DOC. The arrangement also keys in some input from elected officials like Mamdani — historically, judges employ receiverships only as last-ditch efforts since they do not involve any direct democratic process.
“The theory is that this receivership is temporary,” said Stroud. "It’s the city government’s job to run jails in compliance with the Constitution, and so the idea is that having the government be a part of the judicial reform work will be more likely to result in sustainable changes than just having a judicially-imposed set of reforms [for the government to maintain after the case terminates].”
A bold vision Richards hails from a criminal justice reform background, where he remains well-liked by his peers and draws much of his policy platform from. He not only envisions closing Rikers and constructing See story on next page
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and new DOC Commissioner Stanley Richards. January 31, 2026. (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)
the borough-based jails, but also intends to hand over decommissioned jails on the island to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). Subsequently, the facilities will be repurposed towards environmental justice efforts in compliance with the Renewable Rikers legislation. The land transfers, which the Adams administration refused to execute despite city law mandates, offer a tangible step forward in the borough-based jail plan. Notably, Rikers’ biggest facility, the Anna M. Kross Center, sits empty but remains under DOC charge. Several people died last year while held at the George R. Vierno Center, which the Adams administration reopened after refusing to turn the jail over to DCAS. Additionally, Richards vows to reduce the Rikers population by working with local district attorneys to speed up cases and state prison officials to expedite transferring people whose cases are already adjudicated. Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg called him “an outstanding pick for Commissioner” and recounted working together on his office’s court-navigator program.
“I look forward to continued collaboration as we work to reduce time spent on Rikers Island for those awaiting trial, which will make the system more efficient and benefit public safety long-term,” added Bragg over email.
Richards also plans on working with Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) nonprofit providers to safely divert as many people from pretrial detention as possible and employing "every authority” under Article 6-A — an early/work release program — to screen potential candidates who can safely serve their remaining sentence out at home.
Center for Employment Opportunities Executive Vice President Christopher Watler also previously collaborated with Richards and The Fortune Society through the ATI/Reentry Coalition, and expressed excitement for his vision.
“The vast majority of people who wind up in the system do not take their case fully to a judge or jury decision,” said Watler.
Leaving behind a fortune
With Richards leaving The Fortune Society this Friday, Deputy CEO Rob DeLeon heads up the organization as interim CEO and president. He and other reentry service provider leaders will play key roles in the city’s fixing and closing of Rikers. Last month, Mamdani backed Fortune Society’s Just Home, a planned supportive housing development at the Bronx’s Jacobi Hospital designated for returning citizens with complex medical needs.
“They plea out along the way, because the process becomes the punishment. Stanley understands this and why that doesn't work. He has been an advocate for policies that don't do that [and] either divert people away from the system and for people who are coming home and making sure they get services.”
Like Richards, DeLeon is also formerlyincarcerated. In fact, he first reached out to the Fortune Society not for a job interview, but while serving a bid in prison. On DeLeon’s wall hangs the original reasonable letter of assurance presented during his parole hearing from the organization he now leads.
Richards himself prepared for this moment, saying he and DeLeon built a bench in the event either left the Fortune Society. Now, he focuses on leaving behind a legacy.
“When I was growing up, it was expected that you would end up on the streets and end up in jail [or] in prison,” said Richards. “It is my hope as I chart this new path to close Rikers, build [the] borough based jails, and reduce our footprint on mass incarceration in New York City, when my grandkids grow up, their expectation will be that they'll go to college and they'll know that their grandfather was a vital piece in transforming what used to be mass incarceration in New York City to what we have in their generation.”
“I absolutely want us to continue to create more housing for individuals coming home,” said DeLeon. “We have to rise to the occasion that we want to bring down the prison population. We want to close Rikers, and we want a smaller criminal justice footprint. So in order to do that, it's not just about receiving the people that are being released. It's about the front door being shrunken and there being community alternatives that can receive folks and that can help them to live full lives without being involved in the system."
An aerial view of the Rikers Island jail complex, July 10, 2024, in the Bronx borough of New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File)
Continued from previews page
Congressional Black Caucus chair says Trump’s post on the Obamas shows a ‘bigoted and racist regime’
By BILL BARROW and RIVER ZHANG Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ever since a racist video was posted on President Donald Trump’s social media account, the White House has offered shifting responses.
First, it dismissed “fake outrage,” then it deleted the post and blamed a staff member.
Trump later told reporters Friday that “I didn’t make a mistake.” The Republican president insisted that before the video was posted, no one saw the part that depicted former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as primates in the jungle.
But the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus had a different explanation when she spoke to The Associated Press.
“It’s very clear that there was an intent to harm people, to hurt people, with this video,” said Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y.
The Associated Press interviewed Clarke, who leads the group of more than 60 Black House and Senate members, hours after the video was deleted on Friday, and she was unsparing in her criticism. “As my mother would say, ‘Too late. Mercy’s gone,’” Clarke said.
Here is an interview transcript, edited for length and clarity.
Associated Press: What was your reaction when you saw the post?
Clarke: We’re dealing with a bigoted and racist regime. ... Every week we are, as the American people, put in a position where we have to respond to something
very cruel or something extremely off-putting that this administration does. It’s a part of their M.O. at this point.
AP: Do you buy the White House explanation that this was an aide’s mistake?
Clarke: They don’t tell the truth. If there wasn’t a climate, a toxic and racist climate within the White House, we wouldn’t see this type of behavior regardless of who it’s coming from. ... Here we are, in the year 2026, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United
States of America, the 100th anniversary of the commemoration of Black history, and this is what comes out of the White House on a Friday morning. It’s beneath all of us.
AP: Has there been any contact between the White House and the Congressional Black Caucus on this? Could there be any goodfaith exchange?
Clarke: There has been no outreach from the White House. We certainly didn’t expect there to be. The outreach has to happen prior
to these types of juvenile antics.
AP: Republican criticism built more quickly on Friday than it has during previous Trump controversies. What do you make of that?
Clarke: It’s not lost on them, our communities that we represent, that elections are coming up. So it’s not lost on my colleagues, either. If they want to align themselves with this type of really profane imagery, this type of bigoted and racist attack on a former sitting president and his wife, they
are throwing their lot in with an individual who has shown himself to be a disgrace.
AP: It’s not common for President Trump to retract anything. What does that indicate to you that he did?
Clarke: I think it’s more of a political expediency than it is any moral compass. ... As my mother would say, “Too late. Mercy’s gone.”
AP: What more do you hope to see from the White House about this?
Clarke: My hope is that we can contain the harm that they’re doing. There are Black children who are listening to their president ... seeing what he’s posting on Truth Social (and) it will have an impact on how they view leadership of their own country. ... I think that this administration has an opportunity to change course. They always do. We leave room for that. But, unfortunately, Donald Trump is hardwired this way.
AP: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Clarke: As a democracy, we have to stand up together against this type of racism, this type of bigotry, this kind of hatred that is coming from the president of the United States and those who surround him. ... It’s very clear that there was an intent to harm people, to hurt people, with this video. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have stayed up for 12 hours.
– Barrow reported from Atlanta
CM Ossé, Advocates push the state for eviction moratorium on deed theft cases
By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff
New York City is in the middle of a deed theft crisis, one that often impacts Black and Latino residents, along with senior homeowners in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods. In response, Councilmember Chi Ossé and housing advocates are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to enforce a temporary eviction moratorium on deed theft cases.
1,000 were from Queens.
Deed theft is a form of property fraud that involves the illegal transfer of a property deed without the owner’s knowledge or consent. From 2014 to 2023, the New York City Sheriff’s Office counted nearly 3,500 court complaints of deed theft throughout the city. More than 1,500 of the complaints were in Brooklyn, and
“Because the deed has been signed away, even if it was fraudulent, the courts and the judges and the referees are just looking at that piece of paper,” said Ossé. Homeowners are often tricked into signing false documents they believe will help with a loan modification, bills, or home repairs, Ossé said. Then deed thieves will forge their signatures, imperson-
ate owners, or exploit legal loopholes to take their house. These fraudulent brokerage and real estate companies often target predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods, seniors, and older Black women. The problem is that while families take legal action in court, eviction proceedings continue. An eviction moratorium would keep families from being displaced while the courts
sort through the facts, said Ossé.
“The first part is an eviction moratorium and the second part is a slew of different things that we are pushing for the governor and state legislators to do,” said Ossé. “This is about stopping displacement now, as well as closing loopholes to prevent this illegal activity from continuing.”
Rep. Yvette Clarke (Office of Rep. Nancy Pelosi photo)
Brooklyn projects to get much-needed $26.3 million federal boost, N.Y. senators say
By LLOYD B. DAVIS Special to the Amsterdam News
Democratic New York senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer announced that more than $26 million in federal funding will be allocated to fund critical Brooklyn projects in 2026. The funding, which was secured by the two politicians, was signed on Feb. 4 and will target various needs across the borough, from affordable housing to community programming.
“This year’s funding will help support significant projects in Brooklyn, from critical enhancements at affordable housing developments to new community centers and
expansions of green space,” said Gillibrand in a press statement. “With tens of millions of dollars going directly to organizations across the five boroughs, I am proud to be delivering this much-needed federal funding to improve the lives of New Yorkers and to keep New York City flourishing.”
Allocations include $5 million to upgrade plumbing at Red Hook East Houses as part of the NYCHA Building Line Initiative, including comprehensive plumbing and renovation projects. Another $5 million will be allocated to the Riseboro community partnership program to support the first phase of an affordable housing portfolio rehabilitation project in Brooklyn that includes upgrades to the energy efficiency of buildings.
The Fifth Avenue Committee’s Gowanus Project should receive $3 million, set aside to help in the development of a green space and an 8,700-square-foot community as part of the Gowanus Green Project, a 5.8-acre affordable housing development for low- and moderate-income seniors in Gowanus, Brooklyn.
Significant portions of funding are also being provided to support the arts community in Brooklyn, ensuring that the arts continue to be an integral part of Brooklyn’s identity.
Funding includes $1 million set aside for the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s strategic plan to improve community programming for youth and students. Another $1 million will be used in the expansion and renova-
tion of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Some of the other projects being funded include mental health counseling for New York City firefighters, small business workshop learning events, and kickstarting the planning and design of a 24-hour respite center for homeless individuals with mental health needs.
“From increasing affordable housing options and food pantry services to workforce development training, these local Brooklyn organizations are making a huge impact on our communities,” said Schumer. “I’m proud to bring this substantial federal funding to our communities and I’ll keep fighting to help these organizations continue their great work across the borough.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand helped to secure millions in funding for Brooklyn. (Office of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand photo)
Union Matters
Contract votes could end the NYSNA nurses’ strike
By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff
A tentative agreement is on the table for new contracts for members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) after the union announced on Feb. 9 that it had reached a resolution on a number of issues.
If NYSNA members vote to accept the agreements this week, the historic nurses’ strike, which began on Jan. 12, will finally end for some 15,000 nurses. At AmNews presstime, members were voting on whether to ratify
the contracts and could return to work this weekend.
The nurses’ union said that after a series of marathon negotiating sessions, it reached tentative agreements on its most pressing issues: maintaining enforceable safe staffing standards and increasing the number of nurses to enhance patient care; protecting health benefits from drastic cuts threatened by hospitals; ensuring safety from workplace violence; safeguarding the rights of immigrant and trans patients and nurses; and securing protections against artificial intelligence in
their contracts for the first time.
The agreements include a 12% salary increase over three years to help recruit and retain nurses, efforts to oppose efforts to weaken healthcare and staffing, and a commitment to return all nurses to work after ratification.
NYSNA Executive Director Pat Kane said, “Nurses sacrificed their own pay and healthcare while on strike to defend patient care for all of New York. We helped galvanize a movement for worker and healthcare justice that reached beyond New York City.”
The agreement could settle the
dispute between some 10,500 NYSNA members and New York City-area privately run hospitals like Montefiore, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Mount Sinai Morningside and West. A spokesperson for Montefiore confirmed a tentative agreement but declined to provide details until the ratification process concludes.
NYSNA reached a separate tentative contract agreement for its 4,200 nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian on Feb. 10, and ratification votes on that deal are also currently taking place.
NYSNA President Nancy
Hagans emphasized the union’s democratic process in a statement this week. “As a democratic, member-led union that responds to its members, we are moving forward with a vote on tentative contracts at all four hospitals with the goal of returning all nurses to work as soon as possible,” Hagans said.
NYSNA expects to be able to announce the results of the ratification vote for all hospital contracts on Wednesday evening, Feb. 11, after voting concludes. If the contracts are accepted, NYSNA members say they expect to return to work by Saturday, Feb. 14.
Nurses at Montefiore, Mount Sinai, and Mount Sinai Morningside and West will vote on Feb. 9-11 to ratify their contracts. (NYSNA photo)
Black History Month Events to Attend in NYC, Feb. 15-21
We’ve reached the midway point of Black History Month, and there are still numerous events to attend in New York City. Whether you prefer a paintand-sip, film night, or a free dance class, check out some of these Black History Month events taking place this coming week.
Sunday, Feb. 15
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thyme & Again Comedy Show
The Grisly Pear - Midtown
243 W 54th St New York, NY 10019
Join Thyme & Again Comedy Show for a night filled with jokes and laughter to celebrate Black History Month at their “Laughin’ While Black” comedy show. The lineup has comics who were on HBO, NBC, Netflix, and FOX. The show is 21+ to attend, and guests must arrive 15 minutes before showtime. Save money by purchasing tickets at https:// www.grislypearstandup.com/. Tickets are also available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, Feb. 15
6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Spoken Wordz
Lovejoys 412 Troutman St Brooklyn, NY 11237
To celebrate 100 years of Black History Month, Spoken Wordz is hosting a showcase and open-mic night. Come together as the showcase and open mic will feature 10 poets and a special dance performance. Tickets are available on Eventbrite starting at $17.85.
Monday, Feb. 16
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Tenement Museum 103 Orchard Street New York, NY 10002
The Tenement Museum is hosting an apartment tour, “A Union of Hope: 1869,” that explores the story of Joseph and Rachel Moore, two Black New Yorkers who lived in a rear tenement in today’s SoHo neighborhood in the 1860s and 1870s. The exhibit shows Joseph’s history from his free Black community of Belvidere, N.J., through his family’s migration to New York City, and what he and Rachel built. Tickets are $30 per person and available for purchase at The Tenement Museum’s website.
Tuesday, Feb. 17
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The People’s Forum
Paul & Eslanda Robeson Cinema
320 West 37th Street
New York, NY 10018
The People’s Forum is hosting a film night featuring “Now Is the Time,” a short documentary film about the history of Black resistance and anger in the United States. It includes writers such as Langston Hughes and James Baldwin, as well as the Black Power movement. You can purchase tickets via https://peoplesforum.org/events/ or Eventbrite as a $8.00 donation (with a $2.38 tax fee included).
Friday, Feb. 20
5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
NYC Parks
Marcus Garvey Park Front of the Center in Pelham Fritz
Recreational Center
18 Mount Morris Park West
New York, NY 10027
The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) is hosting a Black History Month showcase called “Fashion, Culture & Style on the Runway.” The showcase will focus on the culture, fashion, and art of Harlem,
highlighting local designers and artists and bringing the community together. The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, email Lasharn.Cooper@parks. nyc.gov.
Friday, Feb. 20
6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Gallery 735, Vanderlyn Panorama
1000 5th Ave
New York, NY 10028
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosting an educational event for Black History Month called “Untold Stories: Black Craftspeople in 18th and 19th Century America.” The event will explore the histories behind the objects made by enslaved and free Black artists and craftspeople through presentations and conversations with experts. The objects are from The Met collection and the “Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence” exhibition, organized by the Black Craftspeople Digital Archive and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Museum. The event is free with Museum admission, but advanced registration is recommended on the Met Museum website: https://engage.metmuseum.org.
See BHM CALENDAR on page 27
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Opinion
Trump’s
reprehensible footprint
is everywhere, it seems, but there are
some victories
It is no understatement to say that President Donald Trump is an autocrat on steroids.
Evidence of this appears with each passing day, and his recent halting of the Hudson Tunnel Project further demonstrates his determination to micromanage the nation’s infrastructure. Now, we learn that he plans to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Canada.
We have witnessed his boundless egomania with his demand that New York’s Penn Station and Washington’s Dulles International Airport be renamed for him in exchange for freeing up $16 billion for the tunnel. He has already instituted brutal ways of holding our cities hostage with the deployment of federal agents, and teetering on the brink is the possibility that his madness will strip job protections from 15,000 federal employees.
No matter where you turn in our seriously divided country, Trump’s massive and devastating footprint is at work. A bit of good news happened on Tuesday when Tom Malinowski conceded to Analilia Mejia in the Democratic primary to replace Gov. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey in the House.
Mejia was viewed as the most progressive of the candidates, insisting that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. If she succeeds in the April general election, she could become part of “The Squad,” aligning with Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib. To intercept the fascist moves of the Trump administration, we need more victories such as this to intensify the upcoming third “No Kings” nationwide protest on March 28. By then, we should have even more terrible examples of Trump’s insurgent pathology. Of course, we are happy to learn that many groups and organizations inspired by the strategies and tactics of the sixties are not waiting for that date in March. It’s time to put that autocrat on ice!
Why NYC Schools Chancellor Samuels could bring in a new educational era
By DAVID E. KIRKLAND
The appointment of Kamar Samuels to lead New York City Public Schools arrives at a moment of unusual clarity — when the nation’s largest school district must decide whether it will retreat into old habits or move courageously toward a more equitable future.
Samuels is a seasoned New York City educator and systems leader known for his deep commitment to equity, community partnership, and school transformation. A former teacher, principal, and district executive, he has spent more than two decades working to redesign schools for multilingual learners, students of color, and historically vulnerable communities. He is widely respected for his instructional expertise, his courage in tackling systemic inequities, and his ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders. As chancellor of NYC Schools, he brings both the lived experience and visionary leadership needed to steer the nation’s largest school system toward a more just and dignifying future for all children.
However, to be sure, the job will not be easy. Samuels inherits a system of exceptional potential, yet one deeply constrained by outdated structures that distribute privilege with startling precision. For that reason, many educators, community leaders, scholars, and advocates greet his tenure with sober enthusiasm. Many advocates see him not merely as an administrator but as a possibility because New York City doesn’t have one school system; it has two, one for the privileged few and another for everyone else.
'Chancellor Samuels inherits a system of exceptional potential, yet one deeply constrained by outdated structures that distribute privilege with startling precision. For that reason, many educators, community leaders, scholars, and advocates greet his tenure with sober enthusiasm.'
statistic the district collects.
Black and Latino students get shut out of specialized programs.
High-poverty schools offer fewer advanced courses and enrichment opportunities.
Immigrant students struggle not because of language gaps but because of policy gaps.
Students with disabilities wait months or years for legally mandated services.
And underneath it all sits the same stubborn problem: segregation — segregation by race, segregation by income, segregation by zip code, segregation by access to privilege, including language, housing, faith, and ability.
few such programs but whether we have failed to see all children as gifted in their own ways. A modern school system — one that aligns with both research and democratic ideals — must be able to accelerate every child, not merely identify a select few for acceleration.
Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher and Editor in Chief
Madison Gray: Executive & Investigative
Editor
Damaso Reyes: Editor at Large
Kristin Fayne-Mulroy: Managing Editor
Cyril Josh Barker: Digital Editor
Siobhan "Sam" Bennett: Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Advertising
Wilbert A. Tatum (1984-2009): Chairman of
The data behind this moment is undeniable. Analyses across multiple years reveal that only one-sixth of New York City students attend schools that meet the full requirements of a world-class education. The remaining fivesixths, through no fault of their own, are systemically denied access to the same opportunities. This pattern is neither accidental nor new. It is the product of long-standing segregation, concentrated poverty, opportunity monopolies, and policy decisions that have codified advantage in some neighborhoods while normalizing scarcity in others.
This divide is not a matter of opinion; it shows up in every
This segregation is the engine driving every disparity we wring our hands about in NYC education. If we’re serious about change, this is where the real work must be — not in punitive policies that blame children or families, not in recycling tired debates about “rigor” or “merit,” but in confronting the systems that have produced and maintained inequality for decades.
The challenge before the new chancellor is not simply administrative. It is philosophical. As Sylvia Wynter reminds us, human systems fail when they cling to a narrow definition of who counts and who does not. New York’s challenge is precisely that: a system designed for the few now strains to serve the many.
This is evident in the debate around gifted and talented programs. The question is not whether New York has too
Imagine a system built on a logic pluralism: one that recognizes each child’s “consent not to be singular,” one that sees brilliance as ubiquitous, not scarce. In such a system, gifted education becomes a universal baseline rather than an exclusionary label. This challenge is not about who gets into gifted education, but about whether we can build a system that recognizes every child as gifted. One that designs learning environments that honor, cultivate, and accelerate the brilliance each young person carries.
We now have the opportunity to create that better system — not by marginal adjustments, but by redesigning the model altogether. As Buckminster Fuller famously urged: “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the old one obsolete.”
We need that new model now. Our children deserve nothing less.
David E. Kirkland, PhD, is founder and CEO of forwardED, a former professor of urban education at NYU, and a past member of New York City’s School Diversity Advisory Group. He can be reached at: david@forward-ed.com.
Restaurants were built on Black labor, but lobbyists still run them
By CHEF RUSSELL JACKSON
I’ve spent more than twothirds of my life working in restaurants. More than 40 years. I’ve worked front of house and back of house.
I’ve owned restaurants. I’ve cooked, managed, promoted, and advocated. I’m still here because I love this work, and because I believe in it. If I didn’t, I would have walked away a long time ago.
I’m not alone. Hundreds of thousands of restaurant workers in New York show up every day for their communities. Dishwashers, servers, cooks, porters, chefs. All of us are required to complete training programs to protect public health and safety. One of the most common is ServSafe, run by the National Restaurant Association. By name, the other NRA sounds like it represents us. In practice, it does not. It is a lobbying organization
that has spent years fighting against fair pay and worker protections in the restaurant industry. On top of that, we’re still struggling to secure fair pay and are fighting for protections to ensure that the same workers who are the backbone of our kitchens can make enough money to afford housing and food of their own.
Getting there hasn’t been easy. Every time progress is made, it feels like the ground shifts again.
The Tipped Employees Protection Act is the latest example. The National Restaurant Association is lobbying for it, and if it passes, it will weaken federal wage laws and make it easier for employers to continue paying subminimum wages. The same people pushing these policies have no problem eating in restaurants, ordering delivery, or relying on the labor they say can’t be paid fairly.
Workers in New York are pushing for a shift to Just Safe Food, a comparable training run by One Fair Wage. It still covers food safety, but it also acknowledges that worker safety, dignity, and fair pay are part of public health. Restaurant life is not stable or predictable. The hours are irregular. The margins are thin. You’re constantly adapting to rising costs, new rules, and shifting expectations. My own life has been shaped by that reality for decades. The work is physically hard, emotionally draining, and often unforgiving.
During COVID, my restaurant, Reverence, changed overnight. We stopped being a sit-down fine dining restaurant and became something closer to a community kitchen. We gave away food to people who couldn’t afford it and offered takeout to those who were afraid to leave their homes. It mattered. People depended on
it. The gratitude was real. But like so many moments of collective care during the pandemic, it didn’t last.
Last year, I was forced to close Reverence. Not because the community disappeared, and not because the work lost its purpose, but because of layers of bureaucracy shaped by the same forces that claim to speak for this industry. The other NRA talks about unity while benefiting from systems that leave workers and independent operators struggling to survive.
After the closure, I continued the work in different forms. Through SubCulture Dining, I focused on authored hospitality and the realities of labor inside kitchens. Through Reverence Provisions, I translated that work into products rooted in responsibility and material stewardship. And through other publicfacing projects, I’ve stayed
See RESTAURANTS on page 36
Remembering Dr. Gladys West, a pioneering Black woman who helped us find our way
By HERB BOYD
There seems to be no end to the unsung “Hidden Figures,” particularly among Black women in mathematics and technological development. You have probably never heard of Gladys West, but without her, your travel destinations might not be as easy to determine. West, who died on Jan. 17 in Fredericksburg, Virginia, at age 95, played a key role in the development of GPS (Global Positioning System), a satellite-based navigation system first used by the U.S. military, but now available through most mobile phones.
Like so many of the Black women who have gained notice for their scientific contributions, West, born into a sharecropping family in rural Virginia, had to overcome the hurdles of
racism and segregation. In effect, long before her calculations facilitated travel for millions of others, she had to navigate her way out of the handicaps imposed on her because of her race and gender.
Born Gladys Mae Brown on Oct. 27, 1930, in Sutherland, Va., she was the fourth child of Nolan and Macy (Scott) Brown, tobacco farmers. Her school was three miles away, and when she returned home, there was work to do harvesting the tobacco.
No matter the sweltering heat in the tobacco fields and the segregated school, Gladys excelled, particularly in geometry. When she graduated from high school, she was her class’s valedictorian and held a full academic scholarship to Virginia State College (now University). In quick
Social media is taking up too much of your life — time to put the breaks on it
CHRISTINA GREER, PH.D.
I realize that too much social media does nothing but increase my anxiety and take my blood pressure up a few levels. I don’t have Facebook or TikTok, and I rarely visit Twitter anymore since it became X.
However, I do spend time trading funny memes with friends on Instagram and “doom scrolling” before I go to bed and even when I wake up. Although I put a daily timer on my usage, I still find myself adding more 15-minute sessions a few times each day.
After reading about the effects of excessive social media on the self-confidence of teenagers and how the visual images can exacerbate feelings of fear, isolation, and even depression, I decided to be proactive with limiting my social media usage.
succession, she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1952 and her master’s degree in 1955, both in mathematics. She was teaching math in a high school in Martinsville, Va., when she applied for a job at a nearby naval base. After they received her application and invited her to an interview, she declined,
fearing she would be rejected when they learned she was Black.
But as she would soon learn, the job was hers if she wanted it, and she accepted it, believing, as she later said, “this must be God’s plan for me.”
DR. GLADYS WEST on page 36
I recently bought a Brick, a small, square device that I tap my phone to and it can lock me out of everything: social media, email, text, games, and other miscellaneous apps. I have only used it thus far to lock me out of social media and games, and I have already felt my productivity and peace of mind increase exponentially.
Essentially, I tap my phone to lock it and tap it once again to unlock it.
I find the physical act of going into my room and physically tapping my phone has decreased my random inclination to just pick up my phone and start scrolling through funny cat videos and other posts that might make me chuckle or bring me anxiety as I look at the state of our country and the world.
I am amazed at the number of times I have literally saved someone’s life as they aimlessly walk into the street while on their phone, completely oblivious to the car careening towards them. I am saddened by the number of parents scrolling on their phones while their loved ones do the same and no one is in conversation.
Also, I am constantly telling my students to talk to one another before class begins and not to hide behind their phones. We are all guilty of relying on our phones and seeking escapes where we can find them, but we must begin to wean ourselves away from our reliance on the screens and worlds that detach us from the community we should be building.
Whether you need to take extreme measures and purchase a Brick or just spend a moment to assess how much time you spend on social media and your phone, I implore you to take stock of just how much time you spend staring at your screen and digesting an onslaught of stories and images. Be kind to yourself, and that journey may begin with limiting social media time.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of the books
“How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams” and “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.
See
Gladys West and Naval Proving Ground colleague Sam Smith look over data from the Global Positioning System. (United States Navy photo)
Caribbean Update
Caricom-assisted interim government for Haiti ends term
By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews
When Caribbean community leaders meet in St. Kitts for three days from February 24, the long list of agenda items will, of necessity, include, among other issues, a major review of the situation in Haiti as well as the unrelenting pressure the Trump administration is placing on a region which has never been hostile to the U.S.
Over the weekend, the mandate of the transitional presidential council (TPC), which leaders had helped to set up more than two years ago, came to an end. The council had been established at an emergency regional meeting in Jamaica in early 2024 as heavily armed gangs were threatening to take full control of large parts of the capital and other areas.
Now, with a Kenya-led international force engaging in epic battles with some of the gangs, the task of running the country, until fresh elections sometime in the coming months, has been handed to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as mandated by the constitution.
And because there have been no free and fair elections since 2016, the PM will once
again be presiding over Caricom’s most populous and strife-torn member state as a wholly unelected head of state, as the mandate of all elected officials in the country has long expired. His cabinet will also consist of unelected members and will run the country with unchecked power until elections are held.
Addressing the country over the weekend, PM Didier Fils-Aimé called for stability and support from the nation and key stakeholders.
“The time for coming together has come. The state is reclaiming its place. Life must go on. Haiti will not perish. Aware of the stakes, the government I lead is getting to work, and the prerogatives granted to the executive will be scrupulously exercised in respect of the institutions and in the higher interest of the nation,” he said.
The PM took office after surviving a spirited effort by some former council members to dismiss him just days before the February 7 expiration of its mandate.
Fearful of a new round of political instability that could trigger mass migration northwards, Washington deployed a guided missile destroyer and two coastguard support vessels to the bay of Port au Prince as it appeared to send a message to
local stakeholders not interested in the PM taking power and to gangs who might have entertained any notions of capitalizing on any political instability and uncertainty.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the governments of some Western nations also threw their open support behind the PM and his cabinet while reiterating the need for stability as they monitored efforts by some council members to oust the PM before February 7 and to install their own version of governance going forward.
“The U.S. maintains its unwavering support for Haiti’s stability and security. We view the recent announcement by the council as illegal. Haitian Prime Minister Alix Fils-Aimé’s tenure remains integral to advancing efforts to combat terrorist gangs and stabilize the country,” the State Department said bluntly in a social media post.
As leaders prepare to meet in the Eastern Caribbean, it is not yet clear if the Haitian prime minister will attend the summit and lay out his plans as to how he will secure the nation from gangs and when he will organize the first free elections since 2016.
Caricom has been interfacing with Haitian stakeholders and the governing coun-
cil through three former prime ministers sitting on an eminent persons or ‘wise men’ group, trying to broker peace while nudging the governance process along. Headed by former St. Lucian PM Kenneth Anthony, the group will be represented at the summit.
Holding out hope for the future as gang members shoot at planes operating near the main airport, the PM appears to be selling hope more than anything else.
“The presidential council has fulfilled its mission by paving the way for a governance focused on security and electoral reforms. Today, we are aware of the challenges and the government that I have the honor to lead will get to work,” he said.
Some of those who had tried to oust him to prevent the constitution from working either stayed away from the muted inauguration weekend ceremony or popped in briefly before leaving as the U.S. warships remained in the bay.
Before leaders had intervened, Western nations, the UN, and friendly nations had worked on setting up the council, and unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry had run the country with American backing before he was eventually forced out and replaced by the interim administration.
From borders to the big game: Immigrant footprints on Super Bowl LX
FELICIA PERSAUD
IMMIGRATION KORNER
Super Bowl LX was more than a championship game. It became a vivid, unfiltered reflection of who America is — and who it too often overlooks. On one of the world’s most-watched stages, players with roots from Colombia to Mexico, Venezuela to Panama, and Puerto Rico stood not as symbols, but as living testaments to immigrant journeys. Their presence, along with the celebration of Latino culture in the halftime spotlight, reminded us that America’s story is not written by borders alone, but by the people who cross them, contribute to them, and define them.
On football’s biggest stage, immigrant stories were not on the sidelines. They were on the field. As millions tuned in, the matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots showcased more than athletic excellence. It highlighted how deeply immigrant families are woven into the fabric of American life, even as political rhetoric continues to paint immigrants as outsiders or threats.
Several players taking the field carried stories rooted far beyond U.S. borders. Patriots kicker Andrés “Andy” Borregales became the first Venezuelan-born player to compete in a Super Bowl, a milestone that transcends sports and connects with a region long underrepresented in professional American football. Cornerback Christian González, who made incredible plays for the Patriots Sunday night, made history as the first player of Colombian heritage to appear in a Super Bowl, while safety Jaylinn Hawkins, of Panamanian descent, also took the field.
The winning Seahawks’ roster reflected the immigrant reality as well. Tight end Elijah Arroyo, whose roots trace back to Mexico, represented another chapter in the growing influence of Latino athletes in the NFL. Safety Julian Love is of Mexican and Cuban heritage, and Federico Maranges brought Puerto Rican representation to the field. Their presence underscored a truth often ignored in immigration debates: immigrant families are raising children who grow into leaders, professionals, and champions. Together, these players offered a snapshot of immigrant influence woven into the very fabric of American sport. These were not token appearances. These are young men whose families crossed bor-
ders, worked hard, and raised children who stood on one of the world’s largest stages. Their presence challenged simplistic narratives that reduce immigrants to stereotypes, reminding us that belonging takes many forms and includes many faces.
The significance extended beyond the field.
The half-time show, headlined by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, marked another powerful moment of visibility. Spanish echoed across the Super Bowl stage, placing Latino and Caribbean culture at the center of one of America’s most-watched events. For some, this sparked discomfort and backlash. For others, it reflected the country as it exists — multilingual, multicultural, and continually evolving.
The half-time show — and the players on the field — served as reminders that immigrant voices do belong in moments that define America’s cultural calendar.
Celebrating this visibility is not a dismissal of the very real struggles immigrants continue to face, from harsh enforcement policies to detentions and discrimination. But it does reclaim a powerful truth: immigrants are creators, competitors, entertainers, and contributors to the national story.
At a time when immigrants are being vil-
ified in political rhetoric and targeted in enforcement actions, seeing Colombian heritage, Venezuelan roots, Panamanian lineage, Mexican pride, and Puerto Rican culture woven into the Super Bowl narrative matters. It challenges the notion that immigrants are outsiders. They are not merely present — they are essential.
Sports alone will not fix immigration policy. Representation does not end deportations. But when a generation of children sees themselves in the plays called on the field or hears Spanish in the halftime spotlight, something deeper is affirmed: America is at its best when it reflects all of its people.
And this year, Super Bowl LX did exactly that.
They were athletes under stadium lights. Artists commanding global stages. Families cheering from living rooms across the country.
And on Super Bowl Sunday, they were not guests in America’s house — they were home.
Felicia J. Persaud is the founder and publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com, the only daily syndicated newswire and digital platform dedicated exclusively to Caribbean Diaspora and Black immigrant news across the Americas.
International News
What the U.S. withdrawal from the U.N. means for Black America
By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff
The Trump administration’s withdrawal from 66 international organizations and 31 United Nations agencies, and its promotion of a “putting America first” policy, hasn’t surprised Black advocacy groups in the United States or in the diaspora.
Trump’s administration is notably withdrawing from agencies that work for racial justice, human rights, and global development, such as the U.N. Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (which the U.S. has actually never funded); U.N. Women (to which the U.S. tends to give $15 million a year); U.N. Population Fund (to which the U.S. cut $377 million of funding in 2025); and the U.N. Human Rights Council (to which the U.S. gave $35 million in 2024).
This country’s exit from these agencies is a slap at the decades of racial justice progress made by Black Americans in the international arena. “America has traditionally provided a lot of funding for human rights through the U.N.,” said Conrad Bryan of the Association of Mixed Race Irish. “It affects people of African descent, but it also affects the whole human rights infrastructure and the way protection mechanisms work.”
African Americans helped shape the United Nations
Since its founding, African Americans have been a part of the U.N.. When representatives from 50 nations met in San Francisco in 1945, just after the end of World War II, to draft the U.N. Charter, NAACP leaders W.E.B. Du Bois, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Walter White were in attendance, serving as consultants to the U.S. delegation. The three were vocal advocates for human rights and anti-colonial efforts, particularly in Africa.
Once it was established, activists frequently turned to the United Nations to point out how U.S. civil rights problems violated international human rights. In 1947, Du Bois wrote in “An Appeal to the World” that “[W]e American Negroes appeal to you; our treatment in America is not merely an internal question of the United States. It is a basic problem of humanity; of democracy; of discrimination because of race and color; and as such it demands your attention and action. No nation is so great that the world can afford to let it continue to be deliberately unjust, cruel and unfair toward its own citizens.”
In 1951, activists William Patterson, Paul Robeson, Du Bois, and more turned in the “We Charge Genocide” petition to the U.N.. The petition claimed that the lynchings and Jim Crow laws used in the United States effectively impoverished all races of people in the country. “History has shown that the
racist theory of government of the U.S.A. is not the private affair of Americans,” the petition stated, “but the concern of mankind everywhere.”
Greater grassroots self-reliance
Today’s generation of Black activists has built on past Black activism at the U.N.. Justin Hansford, a Howard University law professor and elected member of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, said he is not surprised at the political pushback progressive work at the U.N. is getting.
“The Permanent Forum is making progress, and we’re meeting our goals and helping people throughout the Black world, and people who don’t want to help people throughout the Black world are mad about it,” Hansford said. “I’m not surprised by that; that’s almost inevitable, right? It’s pretty much inevitable that when you’re really making a difference, people who don’t like that difference seeing the light of day will try to stop it.
“But it’s out of our hands,” he continued.
“It’s a situation where you have a billion people in the Black world, and progress is being made, not just through official channels but through relationships being built, allies being created, and new organizations being started. It’s like you plant a seed, and it grows into a tree that plants more seeds, releases more seeds, and more trees grow.
It’s not easy to stop that process on a dime — it’s not a situation that’s going to be reversible because it’s not completely about the system. This is bigger than that, and in
many ways, it’s bigger than the official platform. It’s now a movement. We’re talking about events where more than 1,000 Black people worldwide gather to make plans, share ideas, support one another, and build relationships. This is much bigger than an official platform.”
The Trump administration’s inclusion of the Permanent Forum in its withdrawal list was labeled “racist clickbait” by Desirée Cormier Smith, former U.S. Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice. She pointed out that the move was largely symbolic since the U.S. was not a formal member and provided no dedicated funding. “There was no need to withdraw,” she said, suggesting the move was designed to disparage Afrodescendant rights for political gain.
The loss of U.N. partnerships could devastate local community programs. Shavon Arline-Bradley, president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women said the Trump administration’s U.N. withdrawal will have an impact.
“It will affect us because what we are finding is that these withdrawals … can’t stop our intended work,” she said, “but it can stop our ability to be able to have more entree. Right now, we will still be able to engage in advocacy, but the challenge is if we want to provide service, we want to help promote clean water, we want to help bring federal aid to these countries that our affiliates and those that we want to serve are in. The president’s decisions actually stand in
the way of the appropriate aid that needs to get there. We do not want to see this administration not only undercut and underfund, but also redirect resources to places that are not advancing the U.N.’s goals and mission.” International human rights activist and scholar Rosemari Mealy told the AmNews that many local organizations received grants from U.N. agencies to deal with gaps in healthcare and food security. Now, Democratic Party-led states are finding ways to fill these gaps, Mealy pointed out: “I was wondering how we would respond to issues of health, especially global emergency responses, now? And I think what’s so positive is that, particularly in the states where you have Democratic governors, these are states that have aligned themselves with other types of organizations that exist.” Illinois, California, and New York are all signing up to align with the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, which won’t have the funding the United States could have provided, but is at least a reputable source of global disease monitoring.
Despite the federal government’s retreat from U.N. support, advocates say that progress on racial justice is no longer solely dependent on U.N. sources. Amara Enyia, co-executive director of the Movement for Black Lives, emphasized that the current crisis is a prompt for greater self-reliance. “Now that the U.N. has been in the crosshairs ... we are leaning into the infrastructure that we’ve built,” Enyia said. “We cannot rely on the state or on foundations and philanthropy because philanthropy can be fickle. They change their priorities, and the next year, that funding disappears, or many of them are targeted by the Trump administration.
“For me, it means we have to have serious conversations amongst ourselves about how we fund ourselves. We’ve got to get creative about whether it’s membership dues or other ways we can generate resources among us to build and sustain the institutions we’re trying to build, because we cannot rely on the state.”
Enyia said that philanthropy would not be dependable, either, but there are other examples throughout the diaspora.
“I look to what’s happening, for example, in Burkina Faso, where they’re raising money from each other. Economically, those folks have been through it; they’ve been under French control for however many generations, but they are starting to establish a fund, putting whatever they can afford into it to support their security. There are places where it’s happening. I think we just have to — it’s challenging, but we have to. If self-determination is a value, it means we’ve got to invest in resources ourselves so that we can do what we want and need to do.”
Wide view of the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. (U.N. Photo/Manuel Elías)
Equity & Racial Justice Commissioner Afua Atta-Mensah talks about Mamdani administration role and organizing roots
By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News staff
Despite moving to the Bronx roughly two years ago, Afua Atta-Mensah still feels very much at home in Harlem, where she recently spoke with the AmNews. After all, her mom was born in Harlem hospital, although Atta-Mensah won’t share what year — for her own personal safety, she joked.
Beyond her Harlem heritage, AttaMensah also remains true to her organizer roots. Last month, Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed her as the city’s chief equity officer and commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice (MOERJ) after she served as his cam paign’s senior political director.
her career holding power accountable rather than simply holding power, par ticularly through her previous work with Community Voices Heard and the Urban Justice Center. She came into such orga nizing work after starting as a “disaffect ed” legal service attorney, which led to her championing housing rights for years.
mayoral candidates, including spend ing a night at a dilapidated East Harlem
Arts & Entertainment
Oscar nominee Wunmi Mosaku on trust, risk, and working with Michael B. Jordan & Ryan Coogler in ‘Sinners’
By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews
Wunmi Mosaku, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for the film “Sinners,” spoke exclusively with the AmNews about working with fellow Academy Award nominees, actor Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler, in the film that set a record last month for most Academy Award nominations with 16.
“First of all, I was attracted to the fact that it was a Ryan Coogler project,” the Nigerianborn actress said when asked about her reaction when she first read the script. “That, to me, means it’s going to be culturally relevant, it’s going to be beautifully shot, it’s going to be a cinematic experience.
“When I read the first seven pages that I was sent, it was a scene between Annie and Smoke. I was bowled over by the depth and breadth of their humanity, love, grief, fears, joys, similarities, and differences. In seven pages, to have written that so succinctly and clearly without any battering over the head with exposition, I’ve never read anything quite like it,” she said about her attraction to the role of Annie and the film itself.
“You see so much of their world, their lives, the history in seven pages. I cared about them in those seven pages so deeply. I loved them. And when I was given the whole script, I fell in love with absolutely every single character on the page. They were all so well-written, rounded, and grounded. All, good or bad, had all shades of everything within them.
“Michael is such a passionate leader and a diligent and detailed actor, so as a scene partner, I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Mosaku said when asked about working with Michael B. Jordan’s character, Smoke. “We created such a safe, creative space that there were no wrong answers. If I were scared, if he was scared, we’d talk about it, and we’d say, there is no wrong. If you have the instinct, just go for it, and that was quite liberating and scary, but also scary in a good way because we were really pushing ourselves, challenging ourselves, and trying to make sure we weren’t sticking in our zone of comfort. He’s really great at that and inspiring everyone to push. Whether it’s professionally or personally, his work in this is so clear and detailed. I could tell if he was Smoke with my back turned. I could
tell the moment he walked onto set with or without his costume, which character he was going to tackle first. His energy, his vibration, everything was so specific.”
Finally, I asked Mosaku, who previously appeared in “Lovecraft Country” and “Loki,” about working with Coogler, not only as a director but also as a writer.
“Ryan is such a strong and clear leader, but he does it in such a gentle way,” she shared. “He creates family first. We are here to share and create, and he trusts each person in their role, whether it’s the set design, whether it’s DoP [director of photography], whether it’s an actor, whether it’s catering, he treats each person, each character, each role on set as a head of department. That you are equipped to do your work brilliantly; that is how he makes you feel.”
Wunmi Mosaku as Annie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Sinners,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. (Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)
Lesser-known Luminaries of Harlem
James Egert Allen: Harlem’s very own advocate for Black History
By MICHAEL HENRY ADAMS Special to the AmNews
Thanks to an idea from the start of the 17th century, Americans got the notion of apartment buildings from European palaces. Divided into different units, some housed multiple family members and even unrelated households. A similar concept of separate houses — two, three, four, five — designed to appear as one structure is also nothing new.
Inspired by Rome’s Palazzo della Cancelleria, the five houses behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral built by publisher and railroad magnate Henry Villard are a great example. In New York, houses of this kind were unusual. In Harlem, there were perhaps seven examples of a pair or small group of houses designed to seem like one building. The best of the two that survive comprise numbers 14 and 16 Saint Nicholas Place. Why would someone do this? Sometimes, as at the now-lost 22 and 24 Saint Nicholas Place, the idea made sense because a father and son decided to live side by side. Another rationale is to be able to exhibit as much grandeur as adjacent houses. Because Harlem’s most flamboyant house, built for circus impresario James Anthony Bailey, was built in close proximity to these double houses, it’s a good thing they gained extra mass and importance by being combined.
Around 1882, James Montieth engaged local architect William Grinnell to design connected houses fashioned to appear as one. Designed in the Queen Anne style, these were composed from contrasting materials — Manhattan mica-schist salvaged from excavating the cellars on the ground floor, with imbricated cedar shingles and half-timbered gables above. The asymmetrical result was picturesque enough to illustrate a story book.
Completed in 1884, both houses were inhabited for the next 53 years by various socially prominent white families. By 1925, Saint Nicholas Avenue and Place were already metamorphosing
from the lower reaches of “Washington Heights” (the name invented by well-to-do whites for their West Harlem enclave once called Harlem Heights, to distinguish themselves from working class people in “the Valley”) into “Sugar Hill,” where life was sweet. However, it was not until 1937 that number 16 Saint Nicholas Place was acquired by African Americans, with number 14 divided into apartments around then.
Born in Newport News, Virginia, Dr. Alma Mary Haskins was the only Black woman practicing podiatry in New York. Educated at New York University, she twice served as president of the New York County Society of Podiatrists. Taking the negative side of a 1932 Grace Congregational Church debate, contending that “Birth control would improve the economic and social status of the Negro,” she argued, “The Negro is a minority group and his numbers should be increased rather than decreased or held at the present figure; also that wealth control with a more equable distribution of it — and not birth
— is needed to improve the
in Greenwood, South Carolina, was her husband. The son of a Presbyterian minister, his first teaching job after getting out of Biddle University (now Johnson C. Smith University), in Charlotte, North Carolina, was at a Presbyterian academy in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He moved on to become principal of the Okolona Normal School (built on a Civil War battlefield), in Okolona, Mississippi. Allen followed these teaching stints with graduate work at Boston University and Columbia University Teachers College. Subsequently, he received a doctorate in education from NYU.
In 1922, in the midst of this preparation, it was the AmNews that indicated the way that things were destined to go: “Professor James Egert Allen … is in the city at summer school at Columbia University where he will receive his master’s degree … He is the guest of Dr. Mary Haskins, 2371 Seventh Ave.”
As early as 1921, Harlem’s schools were so overcrowded that they only offered double sessions.
control
econom-
and social status of the Negro.”
James Egert Allen, born in
1896
James Egert Allen, Harlem Middle School teacher who guided James Baldwin and worked 50 years to bring Black history to NY schools. (Photo from back cover of James Egert Allen's book “The Negro in New York,” published in 1964, now out of print.)
Numbers 14 and 16 St. Nicholas Terrace, north and left of stone mansion of circus showman James A. Bailey. (Public domain photo)
From Oct. 9, 1971, issue of the AmNews.
Students were forced to attend classes just part of the day (that year, there were 26 double sessions). With budget cuts during the Great Depression, challenging circumstances that Allen faced while teaching at PS 139, Harlem’s Boys Junior High School, only worsened. (Built in 1924 at 120 W. 140th St., it stood on the site of the early 19th-century Watt-Pinkney residence, which became Harlem’s first deluxe nightclub, the Lybia.)
Here, James Baldwin learned creative writing, French, and English from Countee Cullen (who surreptitiously steered him to Walt Whitman and Verlaine). Also clandestinely, Allen taught Black History to the one-day great writer and his three years younger schoolmate, prospective actor Brock Peters, as well. Unlandmarked, the school building is senior housing today. Allen complained that after he moved to Harlem in the mid 1920s, “you couldn’t get any interest in Negro history … Black schoolteachers, for the most part, wanted nothing to do with Africa or the study of Africans … saying, ‘We’re just Americans, just
United States citizens.’”
Acting strategically, Allen joined with two other Harlem teachers, Willis Higgins and Harcourt Tynes, to interest school administrators to make Black history a part of the regular curriculum.
School chiefs deemed Black history “unimportant,” but allowed Allen and Tynes to conduct seminars for teachers. Their crusading colleague Huggins, refusing defeat, began teaching about Black people in the YMCA of Harlem.
Adjunct to these efforts was Allen’s 50year quest to do for New York public schools what Carter G. Woodson did nationally, but unofficially, back in 1926. Allen was tireless as an advocate for a New York-schoolbased Negro History Week.
To this end and others, Allen became the first president of the New York City chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). For a couple of decades, it began to look as if he might be the only one. Allen helped establish chapters of the association throughout the state. Allen’s advocacy, such as his
NAACP activities, was only enhanced by and overlapped his leadership role in the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
By lobbying for all the good causes he endorsed, “Jimmy” and his wife loved to entertain at receptions, Italian suppers, garden parties, bridge club tournaments, and more. Their venerable house might not to have been up-to-date, but spacious and appearing twice as large as it was, it was an unusually gracious home for a Black family to own. When the Allens lived there, it was invariably described in the Black press as “palatial.” Rather unusually, they even named the house they came to love so:
“Villa Jalma,” a “portmanteau” or creative combination of the Allen’s first names.
A reporter said of one fête, “The garden in the backyard was artistically decorated with electric lights. A swing, beach and straight chairs, and card tables were there for the convenience of guests, all of whom enjoyed service from a bar in the garden.
The collation consisted of ice cream in fruit molds, cake, old-fashioned lemonade, and rounds of Tom Collins and highballs.”
Writing extensively about Black history in journals, Allen was active in the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. His books include “The Negro in New York,” and “Black History: Past and Present.”
Never rich, Allen said, “Countee Cullen Harold Jackman and I once founded a literary magazine called Fire, but we could publish only one or two editions, because we ran out of money.”
In retirement, Allen relaxed by traveling and writing a weekly column on history for the AmNews. After his first wife’s death in 1957, he wed Ethel Starke Dopass in 1961. Her husband died in 1980. Mrs. Allen was a charming lady when I met her. She did not even despair in 1995 when her house caught fire. Offering it for sale, she knew that due to the fire’s damage, it was impossible to sell for market value. This meant that the hard-working young man who had bought and was carefully renovating number 14 could now afford to buy her house too. She was certain that Francis Redhead would restore her house to its original glory. And he has.
Francis Redhead, Harlem native who owns and is constantly at work on Numbers 16 and 14 St. Nicholas Place.
Numbers 16 and 14 St. Nicholas Place, designed to look like one house. (Michael Henry Adams photos)
At Home in Harlem: Francis Redhead
By MICHAEL HENRY ADAMS Special to the AmNews
Although of Grenadian heritage, Francis Redhead, who attended area public schools and City College, is a proud Harlemite through and through. An independent plumber, with two grown-up sons, he is a cousin of the late great Rolls-Royce-driving, champagne-drinking Harlem and Sag Harbor legend, dentist Chester Redhead. For the purposes of this story, what’s most important to relate about Francis is that, through and through, he is a true preservationist. Many might see an old Sugar Hill landmark that’s become dilapidated and in need of care, whispering to themselves,
“How nice it would be if that old ruin could be saved.” But that would be as far as it went.
Not so with Francis! Around 1990, he saw that half of a pair of houses designed in the 1880s to appear to be a single structure was for sale. It had been divided into apartments and needed work. So he bought it, figuring it was a good investment. His attitude was the biblical one: if one sees someone who’s hungry, after praying for them, feed them too. In 1995, he applied the same approach when the mate to his house came on the market. He planned to live there, and because of the fire that made it inexpensive enough that he could afford it, it needed far more attention.
But he bought that house as well.
I am really happy for him. Most of all, I’m happy that when Harlem’s most grandiose mansion next door went up for sale a little while after, Francis restrained himself. He had already shot his shot. I saw the yearning way he looked at that place as it remained unsold because of how it looked, its tall chimneys out of plumb, and how it smelled
after 10 years of the owners’ inbred pack of dogs never being walked. Thank goodness he was another reckless gambler, that all the bets he’s placed are so nicely paying off!
I said that Francis is a dedicated preservationist, determined to undo any alteration he can and to restore things to the way they used to be. We recently saw that in a 1929 photo made by city workers, though the baluster-shaped fence post with ball finials was retained, an ordinary fence with pickets was added. Thank goodness that glimpses in older images show the first barrier, made of stout timbers in a lattice of squares. Francis intends to put it back.
So yes, he’s a preservationist, but he’s also a skilled designer with a sensitive approach to color. On the interior, all his color schemes seem to take their cues from some prominent original focal point. Blue-stained glass transoms in the parlor windows, like the blue-green iridescent tiles of the surround in the mahogany fireplace, harmonize so beautifully with the sunny yellow walls
below a blue-gray frieze. Yellow window panes, lighting the staircase, and sange de boeuf (oxblood) colored tiles below a mantlepiece with Japanese-inspired bubble-like circles, all enhance Richard Mayhew’s soft landscape entitled “Atascadero” (the artist transitioned in 2024 at age 100).
Upstairs, the maple-ceilinged, floor and en-framed library is the pièce de résistance of the entire house. There is more vibrant art by Black artists in such profusion that one dynamic piece obscures the superb chimneypiece. The surround is composed of a mosaic of colored marble depicting a pattern of festooned circles. Gilded circles on the frieze maintain this motive. Whereas the wood ceilings with incised lines showing sun designs have lost almost all of the gold leaf that once gave them greater emphasis. No worries, just as he discovered the white-washed ceiling was wood and not plaster, and replaced missing blocks of the parquetry floor, soon, my friend Francis will get around to this too. I can’t wait!
and 16 Saint Nicholas Place. (Michael Henry Adams photos) Blue transom windows in the parlor. The staircase and golden window at 16 Saint Nicholas Place.
BAM AND DANCE REFLECTIONS BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS FESTIVAL PRESENT
The Stair Hall 16 Saint Nicholas Place. (Michael Henry Adams photos)
The Library’s Marble mosaic fire surround.
‘Certain Restrictions Do Apply’ now on display at Claire Oliver Gallery
By MALCOLM JOHNSON Special to the AmNews
It’s a new year, but the mission remains unchanged at the Claire Oliver Gallery in Harlem: uplifting underrepresented communities, championing transcendent works of art, and pushing back against the gatekeeping that keeps too many people from accessing fine art. That mission takes shape in the gallery’s latest exhibition, “Certain Restrictions Do Apply,” featuring world-renowned fiber artists Carolyn Mazloomi and Sharon Kerry-Harlan.
“Art is truth, and my quilts bear witness,” Mazloomi told me. “They are evidence, testimony, and a lived record of American history.”
There’s a kind of quiet magic to the pieces on the walls at Claire Oliver. What immediately stands out is the irony of seeing some of the darkest, coldest chapters of American history stitched onto objects originally meant to keep us warm, rendered in bright, striking color. The intricate stitching pulls you in like a maze; the craftsmanship alone stops you in your tracks. But it becomes just as clear that
this work wasn’t made by someone who simply researched history. There is yearning in every thread.
“The works are crafted in a medium that is soft and comforting,” said gallery owner Claire Oliver. “We are all surrounded by cloth in our daily lives; everyone can relate to a quilt, and it is an easy entry for the viewer to see the messages held within the work. I hope local Harlem residents will see themselves, their stories, and their material culture reflected here.”
Standing in the gallery, my mind drifted to Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands.” One line in particular felt perfectly paired with the exhibition: “Grandma’s hands used to issue out a warning.” The hands of Mazloomi and Kerry-Harlan issue a warning. And they stitched, layered, and laid it bare across this joint showing.
“The exhibition comes at a time where I feel distrustful of our politicians and feel they are not serving my best interests,” Mazloomi said. “I no longer feel physically or economically secure. I feel as if my cultural identity is being stifled. That is why it’s important that I make art to document what’s
going on around me. The quilts are visualizations of what’s happening in the world right now.”
Quiltmaking has long been a cornerstone of cultures across the African diaspora. And much like the long history of Black cultural contributions being dismissed by the arbiters of “pop culture,” major art houses and museums spent decades failing to acknowledge the technical mastery and cultural significance embedded in textile art. Today, textiles are finally finding their place on gallery walls, but the artists, mostly Black women, who have championed the medium carry the weight of history. Their work is often both a refuge and a form of protest, each stitching a witness.
Mazloomi explained that her quilts traditionally recount stories from the Civil Rights Movement and Black history prior to 1980, so vibrant depictions of Rosa Parks or Huey P. Newton in his iconic peacock chair feel familiar within her body of work. But the piece after which the exhibition is named, “Certain Restrictions Do Apply,” turns its eye toward the present: a current chapter of American poli-
tics defined by exclusion, distrust, and deep fracture.
“Americans feel like they’re living in a constant crisis mode,” she said. “Bad politics is bleeding into our everyday lives. The quilts in the exhibit reflect my views about what’s currently happening here in America.”
The message for this show is crystal clear: viewers must keep their eyes open to the world around them just as they keep them open to the art in front of them.
“I hope when people see my quilts, they think about the urgent need to be aware of what’s happening in our country,” Mazloomi said. “In every strata of our lives, there’s conflict — debates about race, gender, and national identity. Be aware.”
At the opening, I ran into another notable fiber artist, Jacqueline Johnson, who came to witness the work herself. She understands the complexities and the stakes of quilting.
“Caroline has managed to mine the civil rights archive and produce a whole new interpretation of it,” Johnson told me. “In this era where our rights are being under-
mined and dissipated by this administration, these quilts are doing the work we need to be constantly reminded of. These quilts are necessary documents for this community and the larger community.”
Though the Claire Oliver Gallery represents some of the most sought-after artists on the planet, the space takes pride in maintaining an open-door philosophy. No matter the price tag, the only requirement for access is the willingness to step inside. The gallery intentionally avoids even the word ‘gallery’ on its signage in quiet rebellion against the idea that art is for the elite.
“Creativity has to be shown; it’s not always something that’s intuitively learned,” said Ian Rubenstein, director of the space. “Half the people I want to be a catalyst for won’t come in because they think a gallery comes with a financial obligation. So when people open the door and say, ‘What is this?’ I tell them, ‘It’s for you. It’s art.’”
“Certain Restrictions Do Apply” is on display at the Claire Oliver Gallery through March 7th. For more information, visit https:// www.claireoliver.com.
“Certain Restrictions Do Apply” by Carolyn Mazloomi. (Malcolm Johnson photos)
Six works by artist Sharon Kerry-Harlan at “Certain Restrictions Do Apply.”
“The Empire Builder” by Sharon Kerry-Harlan. (Malcolm Johnson photos)
“Harriet Tubman” by Carolyn Mazloomi.
Gallery visitors take in the new exhibit.
“Black Panther Party” by Carolyn Mazloomi.
Joel Ross, Jazz for Valentine’s, Baby It’s Cold Out
From Feb. 10–15, Joel Ross’ Good Vibes will brighten the Village Vanguard with a stimulating band of young lions who have grown into artists sharing unique sounds for worldly ears. The growing den of roaring lions includes alto saxophonist Josh Johnson, tenor saxophonist Maria Grand, pianist Tyler Bullock, bassist Kanoa Mendenhall, and drummer Jeremy Dutton.
Ross, unlike many contemporary jazz vibraphonists, plays with two mallets rather than four, to avoid dictating harmony and keep each note distinct. Ross’ bandmembers are all composers and bandleaders in their own rights. Together, they represent a dynamite unit of unbridled creativity.
For reservations, visit villagevanguard.com.
A day for lovers: In Italy, Saint Valentine’s keys are given to lovers “as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart.” In Ghana, Valentine’s Day is known as “National Chocolate Day,” a government initiative to promote the country’s cocoa industry. In the city of Gotham, jazz clubs will offer acts of love and passion. From Feb. 13–14, song-stylist and fivetime Grammy winner Dianne Reeves returns to the Rose Theater for two nights of titillating rapture. The NEA Jazz Masters enticing vocals are so warm, so distinct, they would stop an envious nightingale in midsong. Reeves’s interpretations are striking, silhouette-extensive love stories that ring with the clarity of an Ella Fitzgerald tune.
For tickets, visit jazz.org.
On Valentine’s Day, saxophonist Camille Thurman and the Darrell Green Quartet will be at Dizzy’s Club. Thurman’s prowess flies from her saxophone dexterity to her effortless song interpretations, from standards to originals. Their repertoire will include their various Burt Bacharach and Horace Silver projects, as well as music from their current CD “Confluence, Vol. 1: Alhambra” (2024), featuring Thurman’s unique jazz restructures of “Going Out of My Head,” “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” and the intoxicating original “Love Vibrations.”
She will be accompanied by drummer Darrell Green’s intuitive hard bop swing, trumpeter Wallace Roney Jr., pianist Jordan Williams, and bassist Paul Beaudry. This young quartet’s music is an inventive source of magic. Thurman’s vocals reflect a tinge of vocalist Jean Carne.
Two shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; for reservations, visit jazz.org.
Just in case you find yourself on the West Coast on Feb. 14, you may want to check out Jazz in the Sky at the City Club Los Angeles, honoring the legacy of live jazz, love, and the story behind Leon Hefflin Sr. and the Cavalcade of Jazz, an historical book
that erects a monument of new facts to be included in the annals of jazz (print, social media, oral history). 6-9 p.m.
Visit eventbrite.com for more info.
As the almighty hawk flapped her enormous wings covering Gotham’s starless wintery skies, a jazz club whispered my name. From such blistery weather reports, any meteorologist would simply think I was out of my mind. What — you seriously going out into that icebox to experience live jazz? Is the music really all that? Yes, if it’s worth going out in summer, then why not in single digits.
To be honest, the Jazz Gallery (1158 Broadway) isn’t that far from Harlem. On that howling winter’s night, Anna Webber Nonet was playing — no, never seen her before; another reason for my going. That nonet (group of nine) snatched the chill from my frosty bones, filled me with a fiery glow. Music that fluttered in my mind; my feet moved, my head bobbed — who said avant garde music, or, let’s say, inventive sounds, can’t be groovin’, with DoYeon Kim on gayageum (Korean zither)? Webber is an imaginative saxophonist/flautist who leads and plays in the possibility of now with intricate notes of tomorrow as her open nonet conversed in altered notes of spontaneity.
It was so delightfully energizing at the cozy Jazz Gallery that I returned a few nights later to witness bassist Russell Hall and his band of four years, Dragon of the South. Odd name for a band on such a frostbiting night, but ironically even locations of
warmth inspire heat, and as we know, Hall, a native of Jamaica, loves to spice up his music with hot Jamaican flavor. Matthew Lee’s drums were blazing like a runaway train, with Mike Troy bringing the smoke on tenor sax and Esteban Castro setting the pearly keys on fire with special guest tenor saxophonist Seventh Son burning so much I had to remove my scarf. “We play rock, jazz, bebop, trying to make the world a better place through the music and the original music of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie,” said Hall.
Declan Sheehy-Moss, a creative young saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, mixedmedia artist, and producer, also made his own definitive sound during those polar bear nights at the Jazz Gallery. It was my second time seeing Declan. His creativity doesn’t allow fans or newcomers an opportunity to get comfortable — he consistently introduces new material that grabs you instantly or not at all. His music soars beyond those boundless clouds. On this particular night, his visual light show kept the band hidden in dark shadows, playing in the dark with music hittin’ all about. Wow, what a scene, and you missed it just because it was cold! Well, to be honest, thanks to technology, I didn’t make it out that frigid night because I accessed the Jazz Gallery livestream instead, but was upset for missing Declan’s media lights. I could feel the energy from my apartment. Jazz cats rarely go in for lights, but it’s about moving the music forward, innovation.
These artists just happened to be booked on the coldest nights of 2026. They showed up and played as if the Gallery was jammed packed-sold out. That’s what musicians do — they play rain, snow, hail, or deep freeze. They come out to warm us, heal us, rejuvenate us to move on! Thank you.
Some years ago, the legends alto saxophonist Sonny Fortune and drummer Rashied Ali were playing at Sweet Rhythm on 7th Avenue South. That night, it was below zero. This writer ventured down to the West Village — after all, who knew if these two legends would ever play together again. Arriving early, I took a seat only a breath away from the bandstand. They stepped onto the stage, Fortune wearing his signature hip fedora and Ali in his noted kofi. They roared together — at times, the alto sax was crying, the drums were consolin’, the alto sax chasin’ the drums flyin’. They met at the bridge, dancing in delight. The drum soloed while the sax whispered sweet notes, alto soloed as drum brushes softly kissed.
The illustrious duo, the genius of two, played non-stop for an hour. It became so hot I took off my sweater — it was a jazz oasis; the music was our sun. As the set came to an end, the audience of two — yes, two; myself and Sweet Rhythm owner James Browne — gave them a standing ovation. Wow, what a night. The reason why I continue to venture out in the cold: There’s always a great band looking to give their best performance for even one audience member!
Joel Ross (Jati Lindsay photo)
New Edition, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton bring valentine vibes to Prudential Center on February 13
By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD Special to the AmNews
On February 13, just one day before Valentine’s Day, hitmakers New Edition will be joined by Philadelphia soul icons Boys II Men and renowned singer Toni Braxton for an evening of smooth rhythm & blues.
The all-star lineup will stop at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., as part of the New Edition Way tour, which kicked off on January 28 in Oakland, Calif. The tour name is an homage to the recent re-naming of a street in Boston after the iconic soul group that produced hits “Can You Stand the Rain” and “If It Isn’t Love,” and launched successful solo careers for members like Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill, as well as offshoot groups like Bell Biv Devoe, well known for the 1990 hit “Poison.”
The show will feature a career-spanning set of hits that will include songs by each group, solo selects, and cross-artist collaborations on a 360-degree stage. “This landmark event celebrates music, legacy, and connection,” according to the Prudential Center website. “Together, these artists have sold over 100 million albums, earned dozens of major music awards, and continued to shape the sound and culture of pop and R&B for generations to come.”
The event is presented by the Black Promoters Collective (BPC), “a collating of six of the nation’s top independent concert pro-
motion and event companies,” as described on their website. The group is “rooted in cultural integrity and social consciousness.” You can score tickets to the February 13
Prudential Center date and learn more information at prucenter.com/events/newedition, and stay up to date with BPC at blackpromoterscollective.com.
Members of New Edition in 2018 (L–R): Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins. (Sister Circle Live, New Edition on Sister Circle Live, CC BY 3.0)
Education
Judge rejects bid to raise burden of proof in NYC school suspension hearings
By ALEX ZIMMERMAN Chalkbeat
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit this week that sought to force New York City to use a higher standard of proof before issuing longer-term suspensions.
When students are removed from school for more than five days, families have the right to a hearing where a hearing officer weighs the evidence and makes a discipline recommendation. In a lawsuit filed in May, Legal Services NYC argued that the standard of proof at those hearings — “substantial and competent” evidence — requires less than a 50% chance a student did what they were accused of and violates their due process rights. The suit pushed for a “preponderance of the evidence” standard, which would require slightly more than 50% certainty.
In his decision dismissing the lawsuit on Monday, U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken wrote that the “substantial and competent” evidence standard is constitutionally sufficient. He noted that the lawsuit cites no cases in which a court required the higher standard for student suspensions and contended that the current system already has some safeguards, such as giving families the chance to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses during suspension hearings.
He also raised concerns that the higher standard would “burden the school discipline process with stricter procedures and a more onerous standard of proof.”
Advocates have long raised concerns that schools can suspend students based on flimsy evidence. They also note that Black students and those with disabilities are disproportionately removed from their classrooms.
In response to the ruling, Legal Services NYC attorney Michaela Shuchman said that suspensions can knock students off track and deprive them of school meals, health services provided on many campuses, and special education support. Legal Services NYC provides free legal help for families going through suspension proceedings.
“We are disappointed by this decision,” Shuchman wrote. “The least New York City can do is ensure that students have constitutionally adequate protections before facing these harms.” She said the organization is considering whether to appeal.
A spokesperson for the city’s Law Department said it is reviewing the decision and declined further comment.
Oetken noted that students who are removed from school for more than five days still have the right to instruction, and that the students involved in the lawsuit all
faced suspensions of 17 days or fewer.
“Some experts legitimately point to the serious negative effects of suspensions, while others argue that ‘zero tolerance’ policies are necessary to maintain discipline in schools,” Oetken wrote. “But the Due Process Clause is a blunt instrument, not well
suited to such difficult policy choices.”
Alex Zimmerman is a reporter for Chalkbeat New York, covering NYC public schools. Contact Alex at azimmerman@chalkbeat. org. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
Federal judge dismissed lawsuit arguing NYC’s Education Department should be required to use higher standard of proof when students face long-term suspensions. (David Handschuh/Chalkbeat)
BHM Calendar
Continued from page 11
Friday, Feb. 20
6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.
The Whitney Museum of American Art & Ailey Extension
99 Gansevoort St
New York, NY 10014
As a part of their Free Friday Night series, The Whitney Museum of American Art and Ailey Extension teamed up to host a series of free pop-up dance classes to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month. The dance classes, led by Ailey Extension instructors, will take you on a fun, unique journey across different dance genres. DJ sets, art making, and more are included. This upcoming class is West African-themed, led by West African dancer Maguette Camara. The class is open to all ages and skill levels. Admission to the event is free, but tickets are required. You can purchase tickets at https://transact. whitney.org.
Saturday, Feb. 21
10:30 a.m.
The Skyscraper Museum
39 Battery Pl New York, NY 10280
The Skyscraper Museum is hosting a “Black History Month Celebration: Ar-
chitecture of the Harlem Renaissance,” a children’s program. You’ll learn about the art and architecture of the Harlem Renaissance, and afterwards, create collages using different cutouts of New York buildings, art pieces, and literature from the Harlem Renaissance, inspired by artist Romare Bearden. The event is free and open to all ages, but an RSVP is required at https://ticketstripe.com/events/.
Equity & racial justice
Continued from page 16
the Mamdani administration can build on such efforts.
“That was not just informative for me, but impactful and powerful for residents to have folks walk a mile in their shoes and then shape policy that is based [on] that firsthand knowledge,” said AttaMensah. “I hope there [are] aspects of this that can be similar. We hope to shape our policy and action based [on] the lived experiences of what people have said have impacted them by having agencies lift up what has not met the needs of the communities they serve and give recommendations for how to change that.”
Her new role largely focuses on the city’s much-delayed racial equity plan and stems from a ballot measure New York City voters overwhelmingly supported back in 2022. MOERJ formed in October 2023 under inaugural Commissioner and Chief Equity Officer Sideya Sherman. The office engages with every city agency on shaping racial equity, as well as bolstering existing diversity programs among the municipal workforce, such as NYC Men Teach, which supports male teachers.
“[The MOERJ commissioner] is someone whose vision will imbue every agency across city government with a focus on
equity and racial justice,” Mamdani told the AmNews last month. “I am so excited in our choice — Afua Atta-Mensah — to be that person, because what she has shown me time and again is not just that focus but that ability to deliver those kinds of results.”
Mamdani vowed to release the inaugural preliminary racial equity plan within his first 100 days after the previous Adams administration missed multiple deadlines and the report was then indefinitely postponed pending legal review. Last August, the independent NYC Commission on Racial Equity (CORE), which provides an oversight and accountability check for MOERJ, sued Adams over the delays.
The preliminary plan will allow public input after each city agency formulates aspects of their individual equity plans.
A final plan comes out after review and comment, with original intentions to align with the city’s budgeting process.
“Then the role of this office is to ensure that we are moving forward on the implementation of the recommendations coming out of the finalized plan,” said Atta-Mensah.
A tall task awaits her, particularly with the vast number of city agencies. AttaMensah also knows the public is “rightly”
Saturday, Feb. 21
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance & Van Cortlandt House Museum
The Van Cortlandt House Museum 6036 Broadway Bronx, NY 10471
The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Van Cortlandt House Museum are teaming up to host a “Black History Month:
critical of the government’s unfulfilled promises. She believes publishing the plan on time will provide a small step forward in restoring trust.
Despite her optimism, Atta-Mensah remains keenly aware of nationwide efforts concentrated against racial equity work, including by the federal administration. Working under Mamdani, the frequent target of conservative attacks comes with additional scrutiny. AttaMensah herself faced outsized backlash after her appointment from right-wing media and racist trolls, arguably a redundant distinction at this point — such opposition just reinforces the importance of the city’s racial equity efforts to her.
Legacy of Enslaved Africans in Van Cortlandt Park” program. The program will include two guided tours: “Pathways to the Past Walking Tour,” and “Van Cortlandt House Museum Tour.” The tours will reflect on the experiences of enslaved Africans. RSVP for the event on Eventbrite. General admission tickets are free, but are currently on a waitlist; you can RSVP with a monetary donation of your choice.
Saturday, Feb. 21
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
90s Mark Studios
Brooklyn Paints 1134 Broadway Brooklyn, NY 11221
90s Mark Studios is hosting a guided, immersive paint-and-sip, “Love & Color,” celebrating Black History Month and Valentine’s Day through art, music, and community. The paint-and-sip will include painting materials, a live DJ, and a drink menu in a warm, creative atmosphere centered on love, culture, and self-expression. Guests are welcome to BYOB and bring their own food to enjoy. There will be a $5 special raffle giveaway for a chance to win an original painting. Tickets start at $44.52 and are available on Eventbrite.
– Compiled by Tyra Watts
“It’s important for people to know that equity does not mean harming others,”
Atta-Mensah said. “It means we are understanding that different people — for historical and current reasons — have racial, gendered, and other hurdles that have prevented folks from accessing government services in a way that is fair, and we seek to start the work of rectifying that, and [to] hold the city accountable for doing such.”
Atta-Mensah acknowledged that “It ain’t gonna be easy, but I hope New Yorkers will continue to have the same energy they had in 2022, when they voted for this, [in] 2026 to support [and] lift up the work of the office, and to hold us accountable.”
PUBLIC NOTICE
DEMOCRACY PREP NEW YORK SCHOOL MEETING OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Pursuant to Section 104 Public Notice of the Open Meetings Law, this notice is to inform the public that the board of trustees of Democracy Prep New York School will hold a board meeting on: February 12th, 2026 at 1:00 pm., local time. 1767 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10035 4th Floor.
Some board members may choose to participate remotely via video conferencing, but as of this notice it is not clear what their location will be. Please contact Cecil Frazier at cecil.frazier@democracyprep.org for such information once it is finalized.
(The Whitney Museum)
Health
If you’re pregnant and uninsured, Medicaid might be your answer
By BLAKE FARMER, and CARA ANTHONY and EMILY SINER
Nashville Public Radio | KFF Health News
When she noticed an unusual craving for hot dogs, Matte’a Brooks suspected her body was telling her something, so she decided to take a pregnancy test. She took two just to be sure. Both were positive.
“I was definitely scared,” said Brooks, 23, who was uninsured. “I was like, OK … I’m pregnant, so where do I go from here?”
Until then, she hadn’t thought much about health care, but that changed when she found out that her daughter was on the way. Brooks got that news last winter. The mix of joy, anxiety, and excitement she felt mirrors what many new parents feel at this time of year. Many Americans find out in January or February that they’re expecting, because in the U.S., August has consistently high birth rates.
A growing body of research shows that prenatal care can make a huge difference to the long-term health of both the parent and baby. This is part of why every state offers health coverage to pregnant women who meet income requirements and might otherwise go uninsured.
As a result, Medicaid pays for more than 40% of births in the U.S. and an even higher percentage in rural areas, according to KFF. But Medicaid also comes with limitations, and providers may restrict how many Medicaid patients they take, since the payments are substantially lower than those of other insurers.
Here are three things to know about signing up for Medicaid when pregnant.
1. Pregnancy makes you a priority
To sign up for government health care, you have to meet a number of requirements that vary widely by state. Most importantly, your income has to be below a certain threshold. In several states, most adults cannot qualify, regardless of income, if they’re not disabled or the parent of a child.
But the math is different for pregnancy. In Tennessee, for example, the eligibility cutoff in pregnancy is more than double the income threshold for some other residents. If you didn’t qualify for Medicaid previously and are now pregnant, it’s worth double-checking your state’s requirements.
2. Getting covered can be surprisingly easy
To apply, you’ll likely need to provide proof of income, your Social Security number, and proof of residency. Brooks, an Illinois resident, told HealthQ that she found the sign-up process surprisingly easy. She learned about Medicaid from the provider at her initial prenatal visit.
“They asked if I had insurance. I didn’t know anything at the time,” she said. The nonprofit clinic gave her some phone numbers for the state Medicaid agency. She called and went to an in-person appointment to complete her application. She walked out of the office with coverage. In 28 states, pregnancy results in “presumptive eligibility,” which provides immediate coverage — even without confirmation of the pregnancy — while the application goes through the approval process.
3. Coverage can go beyond standard medical care
Medicaid provides all prenatal care at no out-of-pocket cost and usually a full year of postpartum care. That’s what happened to Brooks; Her appointments, medications, and delivery were free.
(Pexels/Ivan)
States cover dental, vision, and mental health care to varying degrees. Ashley Farrell, who lost her job when she was pregnant and applied to Medicaid in Georgia, said she received “rewards for going to your appointments,” including grocery cards and a breast pump. Benefits vary by state.
People
and policy
Some maternal health advocates are worried about how Medicaid cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will affect pregnancy coverage. Though it’s unclear when or how, states might scale back eligibility or offerings for expectant mothers. Katherine Ruppelt at Nashville Public Radio contributed to this report. HealthQ is a health series from reporters Cara Anthony and Blake Farmer — approachable guides to an unapproachable health care system. It’s a collaboration between Nashville Public Radio and KFF Health News.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Continued from page 3
neighborhood-based violence interrupters, and business improvement districts to help street outreach teams.
“When outreach workers approach a homeless New Yorker, oftentimes what they will find is that a homeless New Yorker’s response to the offer of shelter is informed by their experiences in the past, their experiences in the shelter system, their experiences with city services,” said Mamdani.
“When you conduct outreach with a peer, it has been shown to be more effective at times in making that case, because it is actually someone else who has lived through the same kind of experiences.”
Since Jan. 19, the city has made more than 1,300 shelter placements and transported 29 homeless individuals involuntarily, ac-
cording to the city.
Deborah Berkman, director of New York Legal Assistance Group's Shelter and Economic Stability Project, said she’s thrilled to hear about the placements. However, she has plenty of clients who are former military, formerly incarcerated, or people with trauma that are living outside because of systemic issues and barriers to shelter. In her experience, the Department of Social Services doesn’t provide the majority of single adults with the privacy, safety, and bathroom accommodations they need in cramped congregate shelters.
“A lot of people live outside for very good reasons — because they’re appropriately traumatized by things that have happened to them and don’t want them to happen again,” she said. “Living outside is an expression of deep poverty, not necessarily mental illness.”
At the moment, the city is using the same “controversial” involuntary removal poli-
cies established under former Mayor Eric Adams. The policy is that clinicians, subway workers, or the NYPD can make a determination about whether a person is a danger to themselves or to others, and then transport them to a hospital. Adams had successfully pushed for expanding involuntary commitments at the state level, lowering the bar for the city to remove someone for a mental health evaluation as well. Among progressives and mental health advocates, such as Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, these laws were not popular.
With the recent cold front death toll, the conversation about homeless encampment and subway sweeps has also taken center stage again. Mamdani has resisted reinstating the practice so far. Adams believed that the sweeps would be an effective measure to keep people safe, while others slammed them as “inhumane.”
“We are against sweeps because we don’t think that they are helpful to people expe-
BNY
Continued from page 5
something positive with themselves and with their life,” Shabazz said. “It gives our youth … a better image of the Black man.”
Since his high school days, research and scholarship have been a focus in Shabazz’s life and he has spent much of his time in the Schomburg Library. Around 2010, he uti-
riencing homelessness. They’re expensive and futile,” said Berkman. “If the goal of the sweep is to try to bring people experiencing homelessness outside inside, [then] sweeps almost never accomplish that goal and there’s a lot of published data about it.”
Others have offered that the “humane approach” to clearing a homeless encampment could be a solution. This means creating a documented list of where camps are across the city, coordinating intra-agency outreach teams supported by housing and healthcare specialists to break down a camp one person at a time with their consent; and then providing transitional care after a hospital stay.
On Feb. 10, Mamdani agreed to make low-barrier housing placement more accessible by revoking a bed allocation rule established in 2025. Adams had created this rule to require homeless individuals to have six months of documented history of either attempting to enter congregate shelter or living on the street to get placement.
lized those skills, discovering his roots with the Fulani Tribe in West Africa. In recent years, he has shared his journey toward becoming Fulani and teaching the history of the people on his YouTube channel.
Shabazz says it is very “humbling” to be known and have made connections with the Harlem community over these many years. “It’s a very interesting experience how you can just become popular with a newspaper, just basically talking to people, and doing your work,” he said.
Homeless individual on A train line on Friday, Jan. 30. (Ariama C. Long)
British Nigerian Cartoonist, Tayo Fatunla is drawing for the Amsterdam News, documenting Black History through his OUR ROOTS illustrated feature this Black History Month.
In a letter to Hochul, Ossé also outlined a long-term stop deed theft initiative at the city and state level. The coalition is calling for a citywide opt-out cease-anddesist zone to so that it would be illegal for solicitors to harass homeowners around selling their homes; for the state to fully fund the right to counsel to provide homeowners facing deed theft with lawyers and dedicated investigative units within District Attorney offices; more limited liability company (LLC) transparency laws and oversight into the state’s judicial and lending systems; and for the state to pause the statute of limitations on deed theft cases so that older cases can be revived. The plan also includes creating a loan forgiveness and refinancing program for homeowners facing liens and financial hardship.
Currently, there are state laws, like Real Property Actions & Proceedings (RPA) 756-A and the Anti-Deed Theft Bill, that were passed and signed by Hochul in 2023. But these laws are not being enforced enough, said Ossé.
“Some of these judges are unaware of how prevalent deed theft still is. Some of these judges don’t know of the new laws that have been put in place to prevent the theft. And frankly, some of these judges are corrupt,” said Ossé.
Ossé is joined by a coalition of other council members and state legislators in this fight to move anti-deed theft forward.
Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams introduced Intro. 1086, which requires giving a homeowner direct notice when deed- or mortgage-related filings are recorded on their house. “Deed theft thrives in the gaps between what’s filed on paper and what families are actually told,” said Williams in a statement. “But notice alone is not protection.”
“These people will come to their doors trying to buy them out, or they offer a refinance or some nonsense,” said Assemblymember Brian Cunningham about deed theft in his district. “People sign some documents, don’t have a lawyer, don’t have an attorney look at it. And all of a sudden, they no longer own the deed to the house. … It’s not only destabilizing our housing market, it’s also creating a dynamic of generational wealth being ripped from families.”
Assemblymember Emily Gallagher already got the LLC Transparency Act passed in 2023. The law creates a public database of LLC owners to shed light on shell companies and anonymous LLCs that commit fraud. “Deed theft is an insidious practice where bad actors prey on homeowners — often elderly Black homeowners who have their whole life’s savings in their home — to scam them out of their largest investment,” said Gallagher in a statement. “Deed thieves hide behind legal shell companies, often utilizing LLCs to disguise their identity.”
Councilmember Chi Ossé and the People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft announced a new initiative to confront the city’s growing deed theft crisis in Manhattan on February 2, 2026. (Contributed photo by Osse’s office/Photographer Jordan Macy)
Councilmember Chi Ossé and advocates held a press conference on the deed theft crisis in Manhattan on February 2, 2026.
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NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Naciye Kocak a/k/a N. Kocak; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 7, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse in Room 252, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on February 24, 2026, at 2:15 PM, premises known as 432 Park Avenue, Unit 81A, New York, NY 10022. The Condominium Unit (the 'Unit') known as Unit No, 81A in the building (the "Building”) known as 432 Park Condominium and by the street number 432 Park Avenue, Borough of Manhattan., City of New York, County of New York, Block: 1292 Lot: 1439. Approximate amount of judgment $12,187,850.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 850209/2022. Clark Whitsett, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 4304792 Dated: December 1, 2025 87922
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of New York Embrace Home Loans, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Kwame Dougan a/k/a Kwame L. Dougan a/k/a Kwame Leslie Dougan, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 26, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, Room 252, New York, NY 10007 on March 10, 2026 at 2:15 PM premises known as 207 East 120th Street, Apt 1F, New York, NY 10035. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of New York, State of New York, BLOCK: 1785, LOT: 1001. Approximate amount of judgment is $613,091.54 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 850489/2023. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Jason Paul Sackoor, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-098364-F00 88636
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK.
57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ ADELAIDE C. MIRARCHI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 19, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room
57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ ADELAIDE C. MIRARCHI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 19, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on March 3, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided owner ship interest as tenant‑in‑com mon with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the build ing located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivid ed 0.00986400000% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership inter est in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declara tions. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.
Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019
Approximate amount of lien $15,323.56 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.
Index Number 850296/2023.
GEORGIA PAPAZIS, ESQ., Referee
DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39329 {* AMSTERDAM*}
Notice of Qualification of ADEPTUS ADVISORS GROUP, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/10/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/03/25. Princ. office of LLC: 4350 W. Cypress St., Ste. 100, Tampa, FL 33607. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION of CMFH LLC. Application for authority filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/6/2022. Office Location: NY County. LLC formed in DE on 5/2/2022. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Dr, Wilmington, DE 19808. P/B/A: 2218 Broadway, Num 218, New York, NY 10024. Cert. of Formation filed with DE Secy of State, 401 Federal St, Ste 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: any lawful activity.
SUPREME
COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK.
BOARD OF MANAGERS OF ONE UNITED NATIONS PARK CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff against ZIWEN ZHANG, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 5, 2025 and entered on December 8, 2025, as amended by the Order of the Hon. Francis A. Kahn III, entered on January 6, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on March 10, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. the premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, known as Unit No. 32H in the building known as "One United Nations Park" together with an undivided 0.2741% interest in the common elements. Block: 945 Lot: 1145 Said premises known as 685/699 1ST AVENUE a/k/a 343/345 EAST 39TH STREET a/k/a 332/344 EAST
40TH STREET a/k/a 685 1ST AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10016
Approximate amount of lien $158,388.37 as of September 18, 2025, together with further accrued common
charges, taxes, insurance premiums or other advances necessary to preserve the property, interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850400/2024.
SOFIA BALILE, ESQ., Referee
Fox Rothschild LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 101 Park Avenue, 17th Fl, NY, NY 10178
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT: NEW YORK COUNTY. NYCTL 2021-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Pltf. vs., JILA SOROUDI, Defts. Index #157345/2022. Pursuant to for judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 8, 2024, and decision and order of Hon. Francis A. Kahn, III entered January 16, 2026, I will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on March 10, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. prem. k/a 150 West 51st Street, Unit 15-5, New York, NY 10019 a/k/a Block 01003 Lot 1240. Judgments amount $52,273.92 Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. DORON LEIBY, Referee. THE DELLO-IACONO LAW GROUP, P.C., Attys. For Pltf., 312 Larkfield Road, Lower Level, East Northport, NY. File No. 22-000027 - #102750
SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK.
AXOS BANK, Plaintiff -againstHUDSON 805 LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 26, 2024 and entered on February 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on March 17, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, known as Commercial Unit No. 805-06 in the Building known as the Printing House Condominium. Together with an undivided 0.0124% interest in the Common Elements. Block: 601 and Lot: 1155
Said premises known as 421 HUDSON STREET, UNIT 805/806, NEW YORK, NY 10014
Approximate amount of lien $7,584,837.12 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850233/2022. JEFFREY MILLER, ESQ., Referee Sheppard Mullin Attn: Benjamin Gilbert
(212) 896-0682
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
{* AMSTERDAM*}
Notice of Qualification of SKYDANCE SPORTS, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/16/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/14/22. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Qualification of MOTEK UPPER WEST SIDE LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/05/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Florida (FL) on 07/21/25. Princ. office of LLC: 2170-2178 Broadway, NY, NY 10024. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the FL addr. of LLC: 2895 Collins Ave., Ste. B, Miami Beach, FL 33140. Cert. of Form. filed with Cord Byrd, State of FL at Tallahassee, the Capital, 500 South Brough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399. Purpose: Restaurant dine-in and bar, catering, third-party delivery.
Notice of Sale Premises: 170 East End Ave., Unit 2C, New York, New York 10128 (the “Premises”) State of New York, Supreme Court, New York County. Evan Global Corp., Plaintiff, v. Mahmoud Thiam, et al., Defendants, Index No. 161203/2018. Pursuant to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale (“Judgment”) granted by this Court and entered in the County Clerk’s Office on December 23, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee duly appointed in this action for such purpose, will sell to the highest bidder, in the New York County Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, New York, New York, on March 17, 2026, at 2:15 p.m., in Room 252, the Premises, namely, ALL that certain plot, piece, parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying, and being in the City of New York, County of New York, State of New York, as more fully described in the Judgment. SECTION 1.
An advance copy of the Terms of Sale may be obtained by written request directed to Ballard Spahr LLP, Attention: Eugene Licker, Esq., 1675 Broadway, Suite 1900, New York, New York 10019, provided such request is received at such address on or before seven days prior to the scheduled sale. Judgment was entered on December 23, 2024, for $1,827,849.62. Interest is due upon the judgment together with the costs of publication and postings, any advances made by plaintiff for forced placed insurance premiums, any unpaid real property taxes, assessments, and water charges which are liens at the time of sale, and the fees of the referee, upon sale. Premises will be sold subject to the filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. #102775
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT. NEW YORK COUNTY. WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF CD 2019-CD8 MORTGAGE TRUST COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2019-CD8, Pltf. vs. 63 SPRING LAFAYETTE, LLC, et al Deft. Index# 850042/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 23, 2025, I will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on March 10, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. prem. k/a 63 Spring Street, New York, NY a/k/a Block 496, Lot 34. Approximate amount of judgment is $28,125,967.56 plus cost and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. ELAINE SHAY, Referee. BALLARD SPAHR LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 1675 Broadway, 19 Floor, New York, NY. #102744
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK HNY CLUB SUITES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff, -against- HAMID EBRAHIMZADEH, ZAHRA MIRHOSSEINI, if living, and if they be dead, any and all persons unknown to Plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs-at-law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-atlaw, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to Plaintiff, Defendants. INDEX NO. 850202/2020 FILED: 12/18/2025 Plaintiff designates New York County as the place of trial pursuant to CPLR §507. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff's attorney within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service or within 30 days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Notice of Lien for Unpaid and Delinquent Timeshare Owners Association Assessments (the "Lien") in the amount of $21,796.04, filed in New York County Clerk's Office on October 26, 2020 in CRFN 2020000297644 of Liens in connection with the premises known as 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019-6012 and to obtain additional assessments, fees, legal fees, costs and disbursements associated therewith. Said Premises is also known on the Land and Tax Map of the County of New York as Block 1006 and Lot 1302. The relief sought in the within action is a final Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale directing the sale of the Premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by, the lien for unpaid assessment described above. The Plaintiff also seeks a deficiency judgment against Hamid Ebrahimzadeh and Zahra Mirhosseini for any debts secured by the lien for unpaid assessments, which are not satisfied by the proceeds of the sale of said Premises. To the Defendants except for Hamid Ebrahimzadeh and Zahra Mirhosseini : The Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. The claim for a deficiency judgment is made only
the sale of said Premises. To the Defendants except for Hamid Ebrahimzadeh and Zahra Mirhosseini : The Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. The claim for a deficiency judgment is made only against Hamid Ebrahimzadeh and Zahra Mirhosseini and not against any other Defendants. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant an Order of the Hon. Francis A. Kahn III, a Justice of the Supreme Court, of New York County, dated December 10, 2025 and entered December 11, 2025. Dated: November 11, 2025, Westbury, New York. Maria Sideris, Esq. DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue Westbury, New York 11590 (516) 876-0800 WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK HNY CLUB SUITES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff, -againstHAMID EBRAHIMZADEH, ZAHRA MIRHOSSEINI, if living, and if they be dead, any and all persons unknown to Plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs-at-law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to Plaintiff, Defendants. INDEX NO.: 850201/2020 FILED: 12/18/2025 Plaintiff designates New York County as the place of trial pursuant to CPLR §507 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff's attorney within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service or within 30 days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Notice of Lien for Unpaid and Delinquent Timeshare Owners Association Assessments (the "Lien") in the amount of $16,861.91, filed in New York County Clerk's Office on October 26, 2020 in CRFN 2020000297670 of Liens in connection with the premises known as 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019-6012 and to obtain additional assessments, fees, legal fees, costs and disbursements associated therewith. Said Premises is also known on the
known as 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019-6012 and to obtain additional assessments, fees, legal fees, costs and disbursements associated therewith. Said Premises is also known on the Land and Tax Map of the County of New York as Block 1006 and Lot 1302. The relief sought in the within action is a final Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale directing the sale of the Premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by, the lien for unpaid assessment described above. The Plaintiff also seeks a deficiency judgment against Hamid Ebrahimzadeh and Zahra Mirhosseini for any debts secured by the lien for unpaid assessments, which are not satisfied by the proceeds of the sale of said Premises. To the Defendants except for Hamid Ebrahimzadeh and Zahra Mirhosseini: The Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. The claim for a deficiency judgment is made only against Hamid Ebrahimzadeh and Zahra Mirhosseini and not against any other Defendants. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant an Order of the Hon. Francis A. Kahn III, a Justice of the Supreme Court, of New York County, dated December 10, 2025 and entered December 11, 2025. Dated: November 11, 2025, Westbury, New York. Maria Sideris, Esq. DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue Westbury, New York 11590 (516) 876-0800 WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Notice of Qualification of 400 CAPITAL MERCHANT STREET FUND LP Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/08/26. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/15/25. Princ. office of LP: 660 Fifth Ave., 27th Fl., NY, NY 10103. NYS fictitious name:
400 CAPITAL MERCHANT
STREET FUND L.P. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the Partnership at the princ. office of the LP. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: c/o Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of formation of Dinner Date NY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/10/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC: rickikossoy@ dinnerdateny.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Good Soup Bev LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/09/2024. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to United States Corporation Agents, Inc: 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
New York State Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report Public Comment Period Notice
In accordance with the provisions of the National Affordable Housing Act, the State of New York is making a draft of its Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for program year 2025 available for public comment. The CAPER analyzes New York States’ progress in implementing its HUD-approved Annual Action Plan for 2025. The public is invited to review the draft New York State CAPER and to offer comments on the document. The draft 2025 CAPER will be available during the public comment period on the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) website at www.hcr.ny.gov . In addition, copies can be requested by e-mail at HCRConPln@hcr.ny.gov or by calling 1-518-486-3452. The public comment period will begin on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, and end on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Written comments must be postmarked no later than March 12, 2026, and addressed to Rachel Yerdon, NYS HCR, Hampton Plaza, 38-40 State Street, Albany, NY 12207. E-mail comments must be sent by that date and e-mailed to: HCRConPln@hcr. ny.gov .
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NEW YORK COUNTY US ALLIANCE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff against DAVID W. WEIGEL A/K/A DAVID WEIGEL, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, NY 11791. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 5, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Room 252 at the Supreme Court, New York County, 60 Centre Street, New York, New York on March 17, 2026 at 2:15 PM. Premises known as 59 John Street, Unit 4C, New York, New York 10038. Block 78 Lot 1619. The Residential Unit known as Residential Unit No. 4C (the "Unit") in the Building known as Five Nine John Lofts in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $1,522,547.26 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 850585/2023. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. Clark Whitsett, Esq., Referee File # 22-0604
66-74 St. Nicholas Place Owner LLC. App. for Auth. filed with the SSNY on 06/07/24. Originally filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware on 06/05/24. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 515 Madison Ave, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10022. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF WELLS FARGO COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE TRUST 2016C34, COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2016-C34, BY AND THROUGH ITS SPECIAL SERVICER, LNR PARTNERS, LLC, Plaintiff v. 153 ELIZABETH STREET, LLC, 153 ELIZABETH HOTEL LLC, 30 KENMARE MASTER, LLC, EDMOND LI, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, THE CITY OF NEW YORK, and PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, Defendants, Index No. 850275/2021. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision and Order on Motion dated August 8, 2024, which was duly entered in the above-entitled action and filed in the Office of the New York County Clerk on August 12, 2024 and December 26, 2024, as amended by the Decision & Order on Motion dated September 24, 2024, which was duly entered in the above-entitled action and filed in the Office of the New York County Clerk on September 26, 2024 (the “Judgment”), I the undersigned Referee in said Judgment named, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Room 252 of the Courthouse, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, New York, the premises directed by said Judgment to be sold. The premises will be offered for sale, as one parcel, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. The premises therein described are located at 153 Elizabeth Street, New York, New York 10023, also known as Block 479, Lot 29 on the Tax Map for the County of New York, together with the buildings, improvements, fixtures, machinery, equipment, personalty and other rights or interests of any kind or nature located thereon, and more particularly described in the Judgment. The premises will be sold subject to the provisions of the filed Judgment, Index No. 850275/2021, and the Terms of Sale, all of which are available from plaintiff’s counsel upon request.
The approximate amount of the Judgment, for the property referred to therein, is $35,312,720.52, plus interest and costs, as provided in the Judgment. The successful bidder will be required to deposit 10% of the bid by certified or official bank check, unendorsed, made payable to the Referee. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee (516) 644-6769 Herrick, Feinstein LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, Two Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016, (212) 592-1400, Attention: David R. King, Esq.
Notice of formation of FRANCISCO J. GONZALEZ ARTS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/09/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to FRANCISCO J. GONZALEZ: 40 W 116 ST A715 NY, NY. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK
57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff, -againstSTEPHEN W. ANDRASKO, LORETTA A. ANDRASKO, if living, and if they be dead, any and all persons unknown to Plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs-at-law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-at-law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to Plaintiff, Defendants. INDEX NO.: 850051/2024 FILED: 12/23/2025 Plaintiff designates New York County as the place of trial pursuant to CPLR §507 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the plaintiff's attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within 30 days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant an Order of the Hon. Francis A. Kahn III, a Justice of the Supreme Court, of New York County, dated December 17, 2025 and entered December 18, 2025. Dated: November 24, 2025, Westbury, New York. Maria Sideris, Esq., DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, New York 11590 (516) 876-0800
Notice of Qualification of CASTLE LEO PRODUCTIONS LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/26/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/18/24. Princ. office of LLC: 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK CITIBANK, N.A. AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2019-RPL3, Plaintiff AGAINST PHREE T. NOEL AKA PHREE NOEL, AKA PHREE T, NORDE, JUDY H. NOEL, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 24, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse in Room 252, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on March 10, 2026 at 2:15 PM, premises known as 372 Central Park West, Apartment 4W, New York, NY 10025. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of New York, Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, Block 1833, Lot 2082. Approximate amount of judgment $646,022.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850243/2024. For sale information, please visit Auction. com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Sofia Balile, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-003813 88713
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK First Republic Bank, Plaintiff AGAINST H. Gill Sawhney, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 15, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse in Room 252, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on March 10, 2026 at 2:15 PM, premises known as 542 LaGuardia Place, Apt 6A, New York, NY 10012. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, Block: 537 Lot: 1110. Approximate amount of judgment $1,892,391.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850262/2019. Elaine Shay, Esq., Referee McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington Avenue-Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 23-15507NY 88824
Notice of Qualification of DERBY FIG HOLDINGS 1, LP Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/29/25. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 01/14/25. Princ. office of LP: 41 Madison Ave., 40th Fl., NY, NY 10010. NYS fictitious name: DERBY FIG HOLDINGS 1, L.P. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with State of DE, Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: To engage in or transact any lawful act, activity or business permitted under the laws of New York.
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT – NEW YORK COUNTY – BOARD OF MANAGERS OF 11 HANCOCK PLACE CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff v. KAKO ENTERPRISE LLC, Defendant (Index No. 850398/2024). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision and Order on Motion entered on December 9, 2025 (the “Judgment”), I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder in Room 252 of the New York County Supreme Court, 60 Centre Street, New York, New York, on March 10, 2026 at 2:15 p.m., the premises known as 11 Hancock Place, PH 206, New York, New York 10027 (the “Premises”). All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situated, lying and being in New York County and State of New York: Block 1951 Lot: 1072, as more particularly described in the Judgment. Approximate amount of Judgment is $13,903.34, plus additional interest, inspection fees, maintenance charges, further accrued common charges, taxes, insurance premiums and other advances. Premises will be sold subject to the provisions of the Judgment and Terms of Sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with the 1st Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules.
Elaine Shay, Esq., Referee. Cozen O’Connor, 3 WTC, 175 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10007, Attorneys for Plaintiff.
Notice of formation of limited liability company (LLC). Name: BUBBLEGUM & STRING LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/23/2025. NY office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is The LLC 358 WEST 47TH STREET STE 3E NEW YORK, NY, 10036. Purpose/character of LLC: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of formation of Desiree Fisher Advisory Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/28/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to ZENBUSINESS INC.: 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Marvelous Well LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/14/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to LegalZoom : 7014 13TH AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of ECC BOWERY HOLDCO LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/28/26. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 575 Lexington Ave., Ste. 3120, NY, NY 10022. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 120072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of formation of ENDYMION GROUP LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/29/25. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC.: 7014 13TH AVENUE , SUITE 202 BROOKLYN, NY, 11228, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Qualification of ESRT 41-55 NORTH 6TH STREET, L.L.C.
Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/16/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/08/25. Princ. office of LLC: 111 West 33rd St., 12th Fl., NY, NY 10120. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Qualification of FORTHILL HOLDER 1, LLC
Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/12/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/27/25. Princ. office of LLC: 60 East 42nd St., Ste. 1300, NY, NY 10165. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Qualification of HARVEY CAPITAL MASTER FUND, L.P.
Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/20/26. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Cayman Islands (C.I.) on 07/02/25. Princ. office of LP: 190 Elgin Ave., Grand Cayman, C.I. KY1-9008. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. Cert. of LP filed with Registrar of Partnerships, Government Administration Bldg., 133 Elgin Ave., George Town, Grand Cayman, C.I. KY1-9000. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. RIO, THE CONDOMINIUM & SPA, BY ITS BOARD OF MANAGERS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ LINA POLYAKOVA, et al De fendant(s). Pursuant to a Judg ment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 18, 2025 and entered on December 9, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, known as Rio, "The Condominium and Spa and buy the Street Number 304 East 65 Street, together with an undivided .5914% in terest in the common elements. Block: 1439 Lot: 1123
Said premises known as 304 EAST 65TH STREET, UNIT 10D, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $37,637.54 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 153301/2025.
ELAINE SHAY, ESQ., Referee Schwartz Sladkus Reich Green berg Atlas LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 444 Madison Ave., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10022
{* AMSTERDAM*}
Notice of Qualification of HARVEY CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/20/26. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 01/07/25. Princ. office of LP: 888 7th Ave., 27th Fl., NY, NY 10106. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: c/o The Corporation Trust Co., Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Cert. of LP filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of formation of NY WINDOWPRO LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/04/2025. Office location: Bronx County. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC. : 7014 13TH AVENUE , SUITE 202 BROOKLYN, NY, 11228, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of D2 Communications LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/16/25. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC.: 7014 13TH AVENUE , SUITE 202 BROOKLYN, NY, 11228, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Qualification of ALTA VISTA PRODUCTIONS, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 01/07/26. Princ. office of LLC: 1041 N. Formosa Ave., West Bldg., 4th Fl., West Hollywood, CA 90046. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
AQUILA STRATEGIES, LLC.
App. for Auth. filed with the SSNY on 01/29/26. Originally filed with the Secretary of State of the District of Columbia on 01/08/24. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 958 Madison Avenue, Apartment 5F, New York, NY 10021. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Seremony. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/29/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Kathleen Taboada: 57 w 57th street NY, NY 10019 4th floor suite 412. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Bridgeway Solutions. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Janet Pien: jan3lee@gmail.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of AFS Housing Solutions, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/20/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Davia Steeley: 206 East 118th Street, Apt 4D, New York, N.Y. 10035. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Robert Rohan CPA, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/22/2025. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as an agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to: 50 W 72nd St. Apt. 302. New York, NY 10023. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
This is to announce that the next open meeting of the Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy I Charter School Board of Trustees will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 4:30 PM at 245 West 129th Street, New York, NY.
Notice of formation of More Than Zero Holdings LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/29/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC: 7014 13TH AVENUE SUITE 202 BROOKLYN NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of STYLE HOSPITALITY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/17/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to THE LLC: 91 ATTORNEY ST APT 6D, NEW YORK, NY, 10002. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Formation of D’Annunzio – Servidone, JV, LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/12/2025. Office loc.: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Michael A. D’Annunzio, 3730 Park Ave., S. Plainfield, NJ 07080. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of formation of Eternal Job Lot LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/05/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to New York Secretary of State: New York Secretary of State One Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12231. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Hunter Forrest LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/24/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Steven Forrest Hicks Jr: forrest@hunterforrest.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of HADII MEDIA LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/26/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Harold De Longchamp II: Harold.delongchamp@gmail.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Formation of KELLUM 1551 LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/3/2025. Office loc.: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Stephen Liakas, c/o Liakas Law, 40 Wall St., 50th Fl., New York, NY 10005. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of NEW AMSTERDAM CONCESSIONS
LLC
Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/22/26. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 214 West 42nd St., NY, NY 10036. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of formation of Hamilton Productions LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/17/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Kyle Hamilton: 2 Bethune St, 3B New York NY 10014. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Hifive Creative LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/03/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to New York Secretary of State: Dept of State, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave, Albany NY 12231-0001. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of GLOW PSYCHOTHERAPY MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING, PLLC, a domestic PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 1/16/2026. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the PLLC may be served and the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: 400 West 63 rd Street, Apt. 1102, New York, NY 10069. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Knolls Lodge Ventures LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/30/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Vikram Soni: vikssoni@gmail.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Libra Collective. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/13/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to United States Corporation Agents, Inc.: 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202 Brooklyn NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of Erica Krakovitz PSYD PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State 10/27/2025. Office: New York County. SSNY agent for service of process; mail to 40 W 13th St., New York, NY 10011. Purpose: lawful activity.
Notice of formation of Dakini Ventures LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/27/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Alexis Hamill: alexis@dakiniventures. com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of LT UNITED TRANSPORT SERVICES . Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/25/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to LT UNITED TRANSPORT SERVICES LLC: 161west 140TH STREET apt 27. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Maureen Healy, LCSW PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/10/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Maureen Healy: 80 East 116th Street, Apt. 305 New York, NY. 10029. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Fortuna Filmworks. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/26/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Jarritt Negri: jarrittnegri@fortunafilmworks.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of AI Economics LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/02/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Robert B Cohen: 90 Riverside Drive, Apt. 12D, New York, NY 10024. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Alchemize LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/01/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Emmanuelle Arang: 75 West St #11E New York NY 10006. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of PORTAGE PRIME LOGISTICS . Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/03/2025. Office location: Montgomery County. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Marco Brown: 51 LINCOLN AVE, AMSTERDAM, NY, 12010, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of POST ROAD RE LLC
Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/17/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 31 West 52nd St., 22nd Fl., NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of COLONY LAKES ACQUISITION, LLC
Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/16/26. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of formation of Cazera LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/06/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Luisa Zhou: 459 Columbus Ave PMB 4049, New York, NY 10024. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Cross & Cross Enterprise LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/05/2025. Office location: Bronx County. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Renee Cross: 3333 Kingsland Avenue. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Yamshon Consulting LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/11/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Samuel Yamshon: 145 W 67th St Apt 3D New York NY 10023. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Non-Discriminatory Policy. Policy Statement of Upper East Side Rehabilitation and Nursing Center provides equal opportunities to all employees, applicants and admission, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender indemnity or expression, handicap, disability, source of sponsorship, source of payment, marital status, age, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Notice of formation of SASSY ENTERPRISES EAST 25 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/11/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to OMRY SASS: 55 W 17th Street, Apt 304 New York, NY 10011. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Raven's Cake Studio LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/15/2025. Office location: Albany County. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to New York State Department Of State: Ravenscakestudio@gmail.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of MIMI Agency. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/06/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Gillian Schutzer: Gillian. Schutzer@gmail.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
SMERALDO 75 LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 01/14/2026. Office in New York Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 75 Leonard Street, Apt 2NE, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Vestry Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/21/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Vestry Services LLC: 244 Madison Ave #1070, New York, NY 10016. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Sugar Hill Pictures L.L.C.. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/22/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Devin Hill: 447 Broadway Ave., 2nd Floor, #1413, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
This is to announce that the next open meeting of the Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy II Charter School Board of Trustees will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 4:30 PM at 245 West 129th Street, New York, NY.”
Notice of formation of SHEY DJF GROUP LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/29/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Jiafu Dong: 55 broad st. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of 65-35 QB LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/13/2015. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to John Behette: jbehette@jovani.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Hochul and Adams
Continued from page 2
women to lead their state. I would like to just comment that Massachusetts, Arkansas, Virginia, and Iowa have women leading their state in both of those positions and they have managed to survive,” said Walsh.
There are also numerous instances where all-woman teams who were candidates, either together or ran separately, over the last 32 years, but the Illinois race in 1994 was one of the first instances where two women, Democrats Dawn Clark Netsch and Penny Severns, were together on the ballot going into the primary.
In New York State, the primary will occur on June 23, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
Gender and governance
“My first day in office over four years ago, I took a little liberty and adapted Teddy Roosevelt’s famous speech,” Hochul said at the New York State Democratic Convention in Syracuse on February 6. The state delegates formally voted to nominate Hochul and Adams as the Democratic candidates — a historic designation. “It’s not the critic who counts, but the critic goes to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust, sweat, and blood, who strives valiantly. And I said then, well, for the first time, New York
Antonio Delgado
Continued from page 2
taking the scrappy, underdog approach. Delgado announced a partnership with activist and nurse, India Walton, who he chose to be his running mate on February 4. Walton memorably ran for Mayor of Buffalo in the 2021 primary, defeating the incumbent, Byron Brown. She ultimately lost to Brown in the general election.
Together, Delgado and Walton would’ve been the state’s first all-Black ticket for Governor, a long shot given the state’s gubernatorial history.
Seemingly in response to Delgado’s announcement, Hochul announced her pick as running mate shortly after. She chose former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, the city’s first Black woman speaker. The team is an all-woman ticket for
Restaurants
Continued from page 13
committed to feeding people in shared spaces, where access and dignity actually matter. The work didn’t disappear. It adapted.
had a woman in the arena.”
Hochul became New York’s first female governor after former Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned due to several sexual harassment scandals in 2021. She was his lieutenant governor at the time. She went on to run for and win her first full term as governor in her own right in 2023. However, she has not had great luck with her running mates, both of whom were Black men.
Harlem’s Brian Benjamin served as her first lieutenant governor, but was forced to resign as he battled federal fraud charges in court in 2022. Those charges were later thrown out by a federal judge later that year, but the damage had been done to his political career. To replace Benjamin, Hochul brought former Congressmember Antonio Delgado from Schenectady. He was the state’s first Afro-Latino in the role and served with Hochul until 2024. The first rift between him and Hochul became apparent when Delgado called for former President Joe Biden to end his presidential campaign against then-candidate Donald Trump.
Clearly, Hochul’s attempts to pick a conventional man of color who appeals to downstate New York City voters weren’t working.
“I’m not saying she’s doing it for altruistic reasons,” said Walsh. “I’m saying she’s making lots of political calculations here, but she is pushing back on a very conventional wisdom and political strategy, which
Governor, which is not unheard of in other states but unprecedented in New York.
Within the course of a week, Delgado and Walton were out of the race.
“It was the most unexpected and huge honor to be considered and brought into the team so seamlessly and with such care,” said Walton in a statement. “I’m sure this is not the last folks will hear from team Delgado/Walton!
“To everyone else who believed in us: Please never forget that your voice matters, and its power extends well beyond any one campaign or any one politician. You must always hold people in office accountable, because at the end of the day, they work for you. We, and I, work for you,” said Delgado. “Ultimately, this decision for me comes down to my belief that to walk with purpose is to walk with love.”
Delgado added that he will also support fellow Democrats in an “effort to hold the line against Trump.”
As a Black man, I’ve learned that hard work alone is not enough in this industry. I’ve been fired twice because of my race. I’ve been told to stay in my lane, to limit myself, to only cook what others decided I should represent. I’ve spoken publicly about the physical, mental, and emotional abuse that gets brushed off as kitchen culture. None of it was theoretical. It shaped my career and my life. Right now, a lot of people are struggling. Workers across industries are being asked to do more with less, and restaurant workers are no exception. If there is any chance to change that, it comes from standing together and being honest about who benefits and who pays the price. I’m in my 60s now, and I care just as much about restaurants as I did when I was 19. I
is if you’re a woman candidate running for chief executive, you don’t pick a woman as your running mate.”
Adams said in a statement that she was “honored” to be chosen. During her brief run for mayor of New York City last year, it was also rumored that she was interested in being Hochul’s running mate.
“As NYC Council speaker, I spent every day working to find common ground on affordable housing, child care, and lowering costs for New Yorkers struggling to get by,” said Adams. “We made progress, but there’s more work to do — and with Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, we’re going to get it done together.”
Hochul and Adams are receiving much support from political allies. They have been endorsed by heavy hitters like state Democratic Party Chair Jay S. Jacobs; New York State Attorney General Letitia James, a long-time friend of Adams; and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
In an op-ed for The Nation, Mamdani praised Hochul’s financial support for universal child care and working together to defend democracy. “New Yorkers deserve leaders who believe in transformation,” he wrote.
“Governor Hochul couldn’t have picked a better running mate than Adrienne Adams, a proud daughter of Southeast Queens who’s worked hard to lower costs for New Yorkers, protect their health care,
Dr. Gladys West
Continued from page 13
In 1956, she joined the Navy’s weapons facility in Dahlgren, Va., a year after President Dwight Eisenhower issued an executive order banning racial discrimination in federal workplaces. One of her first assignments was the use of a hand calculator to determine the accuracy of bombing tables. Her proficiency was recognized immediately, and she was soon invited to join a team to program a computer to perform five billion calculations to track Pluto’s motion relative to Neptune, in the search for a more accurate understanding of planetary orbits.
In 1957, she married Ira West, one of the four Black mathematicians at Dahlgren. He died in 2024.
She was next involved in applying IBM’s advances to calculate the Earth’s precise shape, taking into account gravitational vari-
still believe in their ability to feed people, bring people together, and take care of communities. But loving this industry also means being willing to say when it’s wrong. Trade groups always come with strings attached. Too often, those strings pull workers further underwater. The cost of that system is real, and it’s hurting everyone involved.
and keep our communities safe,” said Jacobs in a statement. “As Donald Trump and Bruce Blakeman spend every day attacking the state of New York, our ticket will be led by two moms who’ve spent their careers fighting for affordability — and with Governor Hochul and Adrienne Adams’s leadership this year, we’re going to build the movement necessary to take back the House and get Democrats elected up and down the ballot.”
There has also been plenty of unexpected resistance to Adams in the lieutenant governor position.
Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn pushed the Brooklyn County Dems to endorse Hochul for re-election early on February 3, but as soon as Adams was announced as her pick, the Kings County (Brooklyn) Democratic County Committee executives immediately tried to rescind the endorsement without all voting parties present. They called Adams as Hochul’s running mate a “political miscalculation on the part of the Governor’s campaign and their failure to engage or consult Brooklyn Democratic leaders.” The chaotic coup of sorts was short-lived, though. Bichotte Hermelyn was very visibly at the convention in Syracuse in support of Hochul and Adams. The Brooklyn Dems party changed their tune and put out a statement also endorsing them.
ations, ideal forces, and ocean curvature. All of these steps were significant in laying the foundation for making the world more precise for all of us.
For much of her endeavors in this technical advancement, she worked in obscurity. Even her children were not aware of her achievements. Among her many honors, four years ago, during Black History Month, she was saluted by the state of Virginia and placed in the Walk of Fame. In 2018, she was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame.
With the assistance of M.H. Jackson, she published her memoir, “It All Began with a Dream.” Gladys was endowed with a tireless curiosity, and in 1998, she returned to college, earning her doctorate in Public Administration from Virginia Tech in 2000.
She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn West Oglesby; two sons, David and Michael; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
I’m asking people to sign the petition opposing the Tipped Employees Protection Act and to push for fair wages for restaurant workers in New York City. We can’t keep supporting organizations whose power depends on keeping restaurant workers underpaid and unprotected. The restaurant industry isn’t going anywhere. The question is whether the people who hold it up will ever be allowed to live with stability and dignity. That isn’t a mystery. It’s a choice. And it’s one we can make differently.
Petition Link: https://mobilize.us/s/yS8CVf Chef Russell Jackson is the Founder of ReverenceNYC Hospitality Group
Florida State star Jordynn Dudley becomes newest member of Gotham FC
By TYRESE ALLEYNE-DAVIS Special to the AmNews
The 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) defending champions, Gotham FC, strengthened their attacking depth late last month with the announcement that they had signed Florida State University forward Jordynn Dudley to a professional contract.
The 21-year-old Milton, Georgia, native enters the league with one of the most accomplished collegiate resumes in recent women’s soccer history.
“I am so excited to join a championshipcaliber organization like Gottham FC with a history of success,” said Dudley via the team. “I know this environment will push my development every day…”
Gotham plays their home games on the pitch at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, roughly 13 miles from Midtown Manhattan.
Dudley is a two-time NCAA Division I national champion, helping lead Florida State to national titles in 2023 and 2025. A consistent presence in high-pressure moments, she played a central role in one of the most dominant stretches the Seminoles program has seen in the modern era. Her individual accolades reflect that
impact. Dudley earned United Soccer Coaches All-America honors in three consecutive seasons from 2023 through 2025, becoming the first player in Florida State women’s soccer history to receive the distinction three times. She was also a threetime MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist and a finalist for the award in 2025, which recognizes the top collegiate soccer player in the United States. That same year, Dudley was named a TopDrawerSoccer National Player of the Year finalist, further cementing her standing as one of the elite players in the college game.
During her junior season, she posted 11 goals and 14 assists, totaling 36 points while leading Florida State in assists and overall points. Her ability to create chances, finish in the final third, and dictate tempo in the attacking phase made her one of the most complete forwards in college soccer.
Her success has extended well beyond the collegiate level. Dudley played a key role for the United States at the 2024 FIFA U 20 Women’s World Cup, helping the team secure a third-place finish. She made five appearances and two starts during the tournament, scoring two goals in pivotal moments. Dudley delivered a dramatic 98th-minute goal to spark a comeback victory over Germany in
the quarterfinals and later scored the extratime winner against Mexico in the round of 16, showcasing her composure and decisiveness on the international stage.
At Gotham FC, Dudley joins a growing core of young attacking talent, including Jaedyn Shaw, whose arrival has already reshaped the club’s offensive identity. As Dudley adapts to the professional game and continues to develop within Gotham’s system, the pairing of Dudley and Shaw has the potential to become the club’s premier attacking option and a defining force in the NWSL.
Dudley’s signing also arrives during a pivotal moment in women’s professional soccer. The league continues to expand in visibility, investment, and influence, highlighted recently by Trinity Rodman signing a historic $2 million contract with the Washington Spirit. As the sport grows, the impact of Black women’s soccer players continues to shape the league’s present and future in powerful ways that will be felt for generations.
For Gotham FC, bringing in Jordynn Dudley is about more than reinforcing a championship roster. As the club gears up for another strong 2026 NWSL season, it appears to have all of the ingredients needed to push for back-to-back titles.
New York Liberty’s annual Season of Giving continues to grow
By LOIS ELFMAN
Special to the AmNews
While it is centered around the holidays, the New York Liberty’s “Season of Giving,” a campaign led by Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE), which unites the Liberty, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Long Island Nets, didn’t conclude until the end of January. Throughout a three-month period, BSE produced meaningful events that touched communities in Brooklyn and across New York City.
“We’re out in the community all year long; we probably do more than 150 events throughout the year … across Brooklyn and the city,” said Marissa Shorenstein, BSE
chief external affairs officer. “For Season of Giving, we have conversations months in advance with our community partners, with local leaders, with community organizers, to understand what’s happening in the communities, what their needs are. Each year, we expand our reach.”
During planning, they heard a lot about food insecurity. On November 21, Liberty players Natasha Cloud and Rebekah Gardner joined Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in distributing meals to more than 125 communitybased organizations. On November 26, the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty Foundation, in partnership with the
Downtown Brooklyn Neighborhood Alliance and Levy Restaurants, provided 5,000 hot Thanksgiving meals — the largest meal donation in the history of BSE’s Season of Giving campaign.
“We’re really proud and lucky to have Liberty players that are so engaged and active,” said Shorenstein. “They’re very keyed into issues facing both New Yorkers and Americans, so they volunteer for these things. A lot of them are not in market this time of year because it’s off-season for them, but Tash and Rebekah were really excited to work with the borough president at that event.”
The Liberty donated shoes to a local community and helped pack gift bags for the
Ali Forney Center winter carnival. January brought BSE two high-impact events: the Second Annual Shine Loud Sunday Soirée and the winter coat distribution. Among the Soirée honorees were Dr. Marilyn Fraser, CEO of the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, and Lynnette Verges, chief operating officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness–New York City. The coat distribution, in collaboration with New York Cares, brought more than 300 winter coats to elementary school students in need.
“We had almost 400 kids come through our doors for World Basketball Day,” said Shorenstein. “Every year, we try [to] create that touch point and sense of community.”
Jordyn Dudley (right) helped lead Florida State University to two NCAA Division I soccer national championships. (Florida State University women’s soccer photo)
New York Liberty players Natasha Cloud (l) and Rebekah Gardner (r) join Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Deputy Borough President Rev. Kim Council in Thanksgiving distribution. (New York Liberty photos)
Second annual Shine Loud Sunday Soirée.
95-year-old columnist publishes magical story about Negro Leagues players
By TONY PAIGE Special to the AmNews
Part one of a two-part Black History Month story
This is a history lesson about the Negro Leagues and there will be a quiz at the end. Jerry Izenberg, 95 years old and columnist emeritus of the New Jersey Star-Ledger, has written his 16th book and second novel, entitled “Damn You, Josh Gibson: A Ghost Story” (Admission Press). The book was released during Super Bowl week.
It is a magical, informative read about a former Negro Leaguer (Jeff the Jet) and his grandson (Jeffy) as they magically travel through time. Along the way, they meet the historic ghosts of Gibson, Monte Irvin, Satchel Paige, Max Manning, and many other baseball greats.
It was an era when Black baseball players, the crème de la crème, were not welcomed into the Major Leagues until Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947. Izenberg covered the Negro Leagues, especially the Newark Eagles, and wrote this book for one reason: the stories needed to be told and the lives savored.
The book is a fantasy, but the stories from the ballplayers are all true. This labor of love
has been Izenberg’s mission for the past 13 years. “The book was rejected in three places 10 years ago,” he said, now living in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife Aileen of 46 years.
“I did change it. It’s a fantasy, but it was a little too much in the beginning. I had this flying Studebaker, but now I think it works with the team bus and the cloud and the window.”
Hall of Famer Larry Doby of the Newark Eagles was the second man to break the color
barrier and the first in the American League for the then Cleveland Indians. He had it rougher than Robinson, according to Izenberg, because people in Brooklyn saw Jackie walking down the street. Doby was invisible.
“Doby was very bitter,” Izenberg said about one of his best friends. Like the time he showed up at Izenberg’s house with snow on the ground. “He asked me what did I drink and in those days, I said whatever’s
wet,” he recalled. Doby left, came back with a bottle, started venting, and didn’t leave until 10 the next morning. “That’s when I became his psychiatrist.”
Eventually, the players had no reason to be bitter, as Monte Irvin, another Izenberg confidante, explained. “It was the best time of my life,” Irvin told him. “Rode that Eagles’s bus and we sang songs, quoted poems. We made fun of each other. It was just the happiest time because we knew that this is where we were meant to play.”
Doby died in 2003, Irvin in 2016.
The book focuses on a composite of the old Negro Leaguer and his grandson. The old-timer mirrors Max Manning, one of the Leagues’ greatest pitchers. He was a member of the 1946 World Champion Newark Eagles, as were Irvin and Doby.
“He got his degree and became a math teacher,” said Izenberg. “He built his house in Pleasantville, New Jersey, with his own two hands and I can attest to that because I spent a lot of time in it. The living room floor was crooked.”
He chuckled at that memory. Although he never pitched in the Majors, Manning told him he was fine. “I never would have gotten a college degree if I’d hung around here. I’m having a good life and I’m constructive. I’m teaching kids who need to be taught,” as Izenberg recalled about Manning’s state of mind. He died in 2003. Now the quiz. It’s a simple one. Google some of the names in this article, learn about and remember these men and their journey — and pass the knowledge forward.
The cultural bonds of sports and music illuminated at the Super Bowl
By JAIME C. HARRIS
AmNews Sports Editor
The explicit and veiled bigoted comments that permeated television, radio airwaves, and social media, before and after the halftime performance of Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio — better known as Bad Bunny — demonstrated the angst, fear and ignorance of those who reject the concept and actuality of a multi-ethnic, multicultural country.
Nothing more than sports and music illuminate the bond of the Afro-Latino diaspora. Bad Bunny’s show on the field of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, this past Sunday at the midpoint of the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 win in Super Bowl LX (60) was replete with social, political, and cultural references, celebrating the 31 year old’s homeland of Puerto Rico, as well as the inextricably connected bonds between Africans and Latin Americans, whose ancestry is deeply rooted. Sports tells us so, as Baseball Hall of Famers, the late Roberto Clemente and David Ortiz, hailing from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic respectively, among many more, reflect the undeniable African blood that runs through countless Latinos who have been instrumental in
from 1955 to 1972, openly expressed pride in his African and Spanish heritage. His skin dark and
racism for the first time in his life when he arrived in the United States in 1954 from his birthplace of Carolina, Puerto Rico to play in the minor leagues.
Four hundred years earlier, in the 1500s, African slaves arrived from West Africa in Carolina, on the island’s northeastern coast, to provide labor for Spanish colonial rulers. Under the brutal rule of conquistadors such as Christopher Columbus in Hispaniola, millions of Tainos and other Indigenous people in the region were nearly eradicated after being enslaved.
Clemente became a shining symbol and representation of Afro-Latinos as a humanitarian and advocate of racial equality. He deeply admired and often quoted Martin Luther King Jr.
Bad Bunny, who has sat courtside this season at several Knicks games with Bronxborn rapper Fat Joe, has brought attention to the social and economic plight of Puerto Rico. Accordingly, as he did on Sunday with pulsating Afro-Latino beats, instructive lyrics and captivating imagery, he delivered a message of diasporic unity to some 128.2 million viewers — the fourth-most watched halftime show in Super Bowl history. And he used sports as the platform to do it.
shaping the history of American sports. Clemente, one of the greatest right fielders of all time playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates
smooth, Clemente experienced
Author Jerry Izenberg and late baseball Hall of Fame great Larry Doby. (Jerry Izenberg photo)
Puerto Rican rapper/singer/producer Bad Bunny used the massive Super Bowl platform to celebrate the Afro-Latino diaspora. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
History-making basketball star earns posthumous Hall of Fame induction
By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews
Barbara Kennedy-Dixon was a star for Clemson University (1978–82) on and off the court.
“Once a Tiger, always a Tiger,” she said. As women’s college basketball transitioned from the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) to the NCAA, she didn’t miss a beat. In fact, she scored the very first basket in the history of the NCAA Women’s Tournament. She established Clemson’s single-season scoring record with 908 points and amassed 3,113 points during her college career.
Only a handful of players have scored more than 3,000 points and 1,000 rebounds since the NCAA started sponsoring women’s basketball. Kennedy-Dixon was one, and she will be inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (WBHOF) posthumously in June in the veteran cat-
egory. When she died in 2018 due to cancer, she was remembered as one of Clemson’s greatest student-athletes.
“That first basket is in the record books,” said Kennedy-Dixon’s husband, Marvin Dixon, who noted that his late wife has received several hall of fame honors, including Clemson and in their home state of Georgia. She was the first female to have her jersey (#42) retired at Clemson and was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame and Clemson Ring of Honor.
“Even with all her accolades and everything that she’s done, she would never tell you,” he said.
Dixon said Kennedy-Dixon had a love for the sport of basketball that spanned her entire life. After graduating from college, she embarked on a professional career, playing in Italy for two years and then in one of the fledgling U.S. women’s pro leagues (Women’s Basketball Association; WBA).
“She was a person that just had the caring spirit,” said Dixon. “A lot of players will tell you they came to Clemson because of Barbara. She was able to transform their lives the way her life had been transformed. … A key thing for her was being able to make a difference. She mentored both the women’s and men’s athletes.”
The other members of the WBHOF class of 2026 are players Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker, Isabelle Fijalkowski, and Amaya Valdemoro; Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve; Kirkwood Community College 36-year head coach Kim Muhl; and broadcaster Doris Burke.
When her playing days were over, she took a position at Clemson as an assistant coach for women’s basketball. In time, she took on an administrative role in the athletic department, serving as the senior women’s administrator from 2005–14 and assistant athletic director for athletic academic services from 2014–17.
‘Court Queens’ book celebrates history of women’s basketball
By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews
Due out in mid-March, “Court Queens: Celebrate the Players, Teams and History of Women’s Basketball” (published by Black Dog & Leventhal, an imprint of the Hachette Book Group) is a love letter to the sport and the incredible players who have made their marks. It acknowledges Senda Berenson of Smith College, who introduced the game in 1892, to those who built the WNBA and today’s young talents like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese.
Jordan Robinson, one of the book’s authors, played at Division II Point Loma Nazarene University. In recent years, she’s been a journalist, TV host, podcaster, and content creator. Co-author Emma Baccellieri is a long-time sportswriter who has covered women’s hoops for Sports Illustrated
“I have always wanted to write a book, specifically on women’s basketball … and have it centered on the individual stories and decades of the sport,” said Robinson, who grew up in Northern California and attended Sacramento Monarchs games as a kid.
“The WNBA has always been a part of my life. I went from a fan
to realizing I was a little too short to play in the WNBA, but I can talk about it and write about it,” said Robinson, who co-hosts the Women’s Hoops Show with fourtime WNBA Champion Sheryl Swoopes, talking about the WNBA, Unrivaled, Athletes Unlimited, and college hoops.
Robinson has spent endless hours Googling different players
and games to deepen her knowledge of basketball history. “It allowed me to think of sports in a different way,” she said. “[As a podcaster,] you have to be able to tell those stories and bring facts and history to tell the complete story.”
Legendary players like Cheryl Miller, Lisa Leslie, and Diana Taurasi, as well as their coaches, are
part of “Court Queens,” which has photography to illustrate the stars and the fandom that have loved women’s hoops long before the current craze.
“We started out with a list of people that we thought had to be in the book, but while we were writing, there were other names that we hadn’t heard of,” said Robinson, who examined pre-NCAA
women’s hoops in the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) and the pro game’s early leagues, dating back nearly 50 years. “I hope as people are reading it, they have those lightbulb moments. The connections between the decades are crazy, like Dawn Staley’s throughline as a college player, professional player, and now a coach.”
Barbara Kennedy-Dixon had three-decade career at Clemson University as player, coach, and administrator. (Photo courtesy of Clemson Athletics)
(R-L) Court Queens co-authors Jordan Robinson and Emma Baccellieri. (R: Anita Barcsa Photography. L: Anna Meyer Campbell photo)
Nets rookie point guard Nolan Traoré takes over the team’s pilot seat
By DERREL JOHNSON
Special to the AmNews
Nolan Traoré has a challenging charge.
The Nets’ rookie point guard plays the most difficult position for a firstyear NBA player but has shown the maturity, skills, and confidence to be placed in the team’s cockpit and pilot the young squad. The teenager (19) has embraced the responsibility placed upon him by his head coach, Jordi Fernandez.
He is at the controls of a team that was 15-37, the 13 seed in the 15team Eastern Conference, before facing the Indiana Pacers at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn yesterday, their final game prior to the league’s annual All-Star break.
Born and raised in Créteil, Valde-Marne, France, a suburb of Paris, Traoré played professionally for Saint-Quentin Basketball of the LNB Elite, France’s top league, winning the 2024-25 FIBA Basketball Champions League (BCL) Best Young Player award. He was selected by the Nets with the 19th pick in the first round of last year’s NBA Draft.
The fleet guard had a slow start to the season, but has shown great promise over the last eight games, including seven starts, before the Nets hosted the Pacers. He has averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 assists, including notching a double-dou-
ble with 13 points and a careerhigh 13 assists in Monday night’s 123-115 home win over the Chicago Bulls. His 13 assists tied the most by a rookie in the NBA this season. Traoré said the game has slowed down from his perception, giving
him more clarity in making multiple decisions on every possession.
“With the experience, you get used to the speed, and now it’s getting better, and I hope it’s going to continue,” he said on Monday.
Fernandez described Traoré’s play as “outstanding.”
“You see the 13 assists to three turnovers!” he exclaimed. “He touched the paint constantly. Obviously, his speed is a factor, but he was always under control if he had to keep his dribble alive, and he made the right play over and over and over.
“So, it was great to see, and like you said,” Fernandez addressed a reporter, “and [Nets forward] Noah [Clowney] said, his teammates benefited from it. So, great to see. That’s part of development, and we have to keep growing. We have to keep getting better.”
Clowney also praised Traoré’s play.
“Nolan was making the right play to start, and whether that was getting downhill, making a spray, scoring, hitting the pocket and letting us play with the advantage, he was getting us an advantage and letting us play off it, and when you play like
The Knicks enter the All-Star break one of the league’s best
By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor
When this current NBA season began nearly four months ago, the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers were joint favorites to win the Eastern Conference by the predictions of most sports gaming companies.
Overall, they were behind only the defending league champion Oklahoma City Thunder and 2023 titlist, the Denver Nuggets, as the most likely to hold the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June, awarded to the last team standing.
Heading into the annual NBA All-Star break, a seven-day hiatus which started for the Knicks after last night’s game versus the Philadelphia 76ers on the road, head coach Mike Brown’s crew was still near the top of the list of favorites to reach the Finals and earn the crown.
Before playing the 76ers, they were 34-20, third in the East and one
and the Nuggets still one and two, with Fanduel placing the Pistons, Knicks, Cavs, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, and Houston Rockets after in succeeding order. But be mindful that these are just projections. However, there is a range of other variables and unknowns, injuries most prevalent among them, that could ultimately determine who becomes champion in June. The games aren’t played inside computers, but are contested on the court.
Case in point: The Knicks went into Tuesday’s game at Madison Square Garden against the Indiana Pacers — who at 14-40 were tied for the second-worst record in the NBA prior to meeting the Nets in Brooklyn last night — having won nine of their previous 10 games and ended the evening with a 137-134 overtime loss.
that, it’s really easy,” he said.
“Making the read, learning that his superpower is his speed and using it, taking advantage of it, not trying to force anything, just taking what the defense gives him.”
After last Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, the Nets waived 24-yearold guard Cam Thomas, who was their second-leading scorer. The team moving on from Thomas, whom they drafted with the 27th overall pick in 2021, was expected after not offering him a multi-year contract extension on his rookie deal. Thomas was signed by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Brooklyn rookie guard Egor Dëmin was named to the Castrol Rising Stars roster as part of All-Star Weekend taking place in Los Angeles. That game will be played tomorrow night.
The Nets will return from the break on the road next Thursday to play former Nets players James Harden, Jarrett Allen, Dennis Schröder, and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are also led by the franchise’s former head coach, Kenny Atkinson.
they play until the last second,” said Knicks guard Jalen Brunson.
The Knicks played without starting forward OG Anunoby for the third straight game due to toe soreness in his right foot, center Mitchell Robinson (left ankle management), and guard Miles
“Deuce” McBride, who has been out since late last month and is scheduled to undergo surgery for a sports hernia tomorrow (Friday) with no set timeline for his return.
Nothing is guaranteed when chasing a title.
The Knicks return from the break next Thursday to host the Pistons at MSG followed by the Rockets at home on Feb. 21.
shifted much. The cumulative sports books have OKC
“Yeah, regardless of what their record is …
Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara squares up to receive a pass as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic eyes the rookie in the Knicks’ 134127 overtime win at home last week. (Bill Moore photo)
The Brooklyn Nets promising 19-year-old rookie Nolan Traore has established himself as the team’s starting point guard. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
