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Vol. 117 No. 39 | September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
THE NEW BLACK VIEW
©2026 The Amsterdam News | $1.00 New York City
SYSTEM FAILURES PT. 1 DEED THEFT AND ITS BLATANT DAMAGE
(See story on page 6)
(AmNews / Amanda Ulloa collage)
2 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
NYC ‘stole’ properties from Black and Brown homeowners in third-party seizures — but now it has to cough up $60M.
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Brownstone buildings in Brooklyn, New York, in autumn 2025. (Photo by Sasha Zilov via Pexels.com)
By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff Last week, New York City reached a historic $60 million class action settlement after decades of executing unlawful property seizures under the city’s Third-Party Transfer (TPT) program, which disproportionately impacted Black and Latino homeowners. The lawsuit was initially filed in March of 2019, and gained momentum after a Supreme Court ruling in 2023. The settlement
money will go to 64 homeowners that had their properties seized in 2018, although it’s alleged that thousands more were affected by the TPT program. “The fundamental problem is that the city took value from homeowners that was far beyond what the city was actually legitimately owed by their statement of the debt,” said Keith Wofford, a partner at White & Case law firm that’s representing the victims. “For the city to take a million value for a $50,000 debt is illegal, unconstitutional, and frankly, stealing.”
History of Theft During the 1970s and 80s, the city was at the tip of what would be a housing crisis with building owners who abandoned and neglected their properties, largely in response to the rent stabilization laws. Many of these properties were seized under the city’s in rem tax-lien collection law. The TPT program was created in 1996, and is run by the city’s Department of Finance and the Department of Housing Preservation and See UNLAWFUL PROPERTY SEIZURES on page 35
City’s Racial Equity Plan set to shape criminal justice policy, but some are not satisfied with it By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff It’s been a long time coming for the city’s Racial Equity Plan, but will change actually come? The perpetually delayed blueprint was supposed to dictate this year’s city budget talks towards improving diversity and combating systemic racism rooted in local government, but only came out earlier this month and long after this fiscal year’s appropriations were finalized. An upcoming November Financial Plan Update will allow the city to visit the adopted budget mid-fiscal year and provide an opportunity to implement portions of the Racial Equity Plan. Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed enthusiasm when asked about it by The Amsterdam News. “We made it very clear that this is an allof-city-government approach that has to include every single agency, and so that will be something that informs our budget as we get into it,” he said. In short, the plan provides a clear guideline on how the city can put money where its mouth is when championing racial jus-
Mayor Zohran Mamadani joins NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch for a security briefing ahead of United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 17. (Kara McCurdy/Mayoral Photography Office)
tice. It contains individual goals brought Black and Brown New Yorkers. about by 45 local government agencies, However, the NYC Commission on Racial including the multi-billion dollar bud- Equity (CORE), an independent commission geted NYPD, and Department of Correc- formed to evaluate the Racial Equity Plan, tion (DOC) that disproportionately impact See RACIAL EQUITY PLAN on page 36
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 3
Did the NYPD fail to disclose Flock camera database access? By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff Public anxiety has recently intensified over technology that reads license plates, but now the NYPD could find itself as part of that controversy. New data has surfaced showing the department may have utilized the controversial Flock Safety database, despite lacking an official public agreement with the vendor. Civil rights advocacy organizations LatinoJustice PRLDEF and the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.) now want answers from the NYPD on why a credible third-party website shows that the department searched the Flock camera database 1,710 times between 2023 and 2025 without a publicly known contract with manufacturing surveillance company Flock Safety. License plate readers (LPRs) are hightech cameras that can quickly snap a license plate number and examine it in a national database. They are often synonymous with the name brand Flock, which garnered sizable grassroots opposition across the country in recent months. Documented police misuse includes multiple instances of an officer stalking an ex-girlfriend with the technology. But the advo-
A Flock Safety license plate reader is seen along a public road, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
cates say even when used properly, license plate readers pose serious concerns. “This is a tool that is incredibly expansive and powerful and there don’t appear to be any appropriate limits or regulations on how people use it,” said LatinoJustice PRLDEF Senior Counsel Andrew Case. “And when you have these license plate readers that provide a nationwide search of information…it presents a really serious issue in terms of how the police can find, what the police can do when they find you, and what standards the police use before they look for you.” Case and S.T.O.P. Research Director Eleni Manis stumbled upon NYPD entries on the website HaveIBeenFlocked.com, which uses public records requests to document and compile when a license plate number was searched using Flock cameras. They backed the online database’s credibility and successfully cross-referenced some officers with their searches. Most of the entries on HaveIBeenFlocked.com pertaining to the NYPD likely came from records provided by other law enforcement agencies. The advocates filed their own public records request to the NYPD this week, asking for materials like audit logs, training guidelines, and any communications or payments See FLOCK on page 25
Universal Childcare in NYC: Can Mamdani fix years of pay delays? By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff New York City’s childcare educators, a workforce primarily composed of women of color, have struggled for years with pay parity and delayed payments. With the renewed push for universal childcare programs from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are childcare providers finally faring better, or is it more of the same? Mamdani has been working since his first month in office to promote the rollout of the city’s 3K, preK, and new 2K programs this year. Enrollment was pretty much a success, but just ahead of school’s opening on Sept. 10, the administration ran into an age-old problem: late payments to childcare providers. “Childcare changes lives,” said Mamdani in a previous statement. “For parents struggling under the weight of the affordability crisis, it can mean the difference between being able to work and being forced to choose between a paycheck and caring for your child. But we cannot deliver that relief without the child care providers who make it possible every day.” Following the COVID pandemic, the city’s childcare infrastructure was in a crisis, with many parents with little or no affordable childcare left, after centers were forced to close, according to a 2021 report from State Sen. Jabari Brisport’s office and the Alliance for Quality Education. In the last six years,
Photo inside a child care center. (Contributed by Decoding Childcare)
both childcare centers and home-based childcare providers have complained and protested over low wages and being paid egregiously late by the city. This backlog left the city’s mostly Black and Hispanic women childcare workers struggling to keep up with demand as the fall semester began. Many childcare providers are starting to see payments this September, while others are waiting. To his credit, Mamdani tried to respond quickly in August with a comprehensive
overhaul plan for the city’s childcare procurement process and a $43 million investment in fixing the New York City Public Schools’ Division of Early Childhood Education to better support childcare providers. His administration also threw a Mayoral Child Care Educator Appreciation Dinner at Gracie Mansion for Child Care Educator Appreciation Month back in May, and published an amNewYork joint op-ed in June with Juanita Hollaway, who runs the Emmanuel Family Daycare in Flatbush,
about how much the city needs early childhood educators. The Mayor’s office said that they’ve been working to address payment delays to providers through both interest-free loan disbursement and expedited contract registration, with a priority for home-based child care providers. All “complete loan requests” submitted before the first day of school have been approved, said the Mayor’s office. See UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE on page 25
4 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
National Nolan Wells’ family pushes back after grand jury declines to recommend charges in his death By SOPHIE BATES, CLAUDIA LAUER and DAVE COLLINS Associated Press JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A grand jury has declined to recommend charges in the death of Nolan Wells, a Black college student who was found dead two days after a July 4 boat trip and party on an island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The district attorney announced the grand jury’s findings late Monday after months of intense speculation about how the 18-year-old went missing from the party and why Wells’ friends left the island without him. Wells’ family immediately pushed back on the findings that said there was no evidence of criminal conduct, saying they still didn’t have answers about what happened. Scrutiny of the investigation started almost immediately, as a photo of Wells surrounded by white friends on a boat from the day he went missing fueled online speculation that racial dynamics played a role in his death. People launched accusations and rumors as they grappled with Mississippi’s history of racial tension and what it means to be a Black person in a majority-white setting. The day had started with the group of friends piling into boats and heading to the popular, uninhabited Horn Island for a gathering of a few hundred people. It’s still Nolan Wells. (Photo released by family) unclear what happened after several of the friends left around 3 p.m. because their vestigation despite not determining what boat was taking on water. They said Wells caused blunt-force trauma to Wells’ body. decided to stay behind. “All other causes must be ruled out prior to certifying a death as drowning,” Crump, Wells’ family rejects report’s findings whose team released the final version of The grand jury said in a redacted report the independent autopsy report Tuesday, posted to the district attorney’s office Face- said at a news conference. “What is anothbook page that Wells’ death was “consis- er cause the district attorney failed to rule tent with drowning.” The grand jury noted out? Blunt force trauma. ... Common sense the state’s autopsy report, which hasn’t tells you that this child did not just drown.” been made public, and an independent A witness testified to the grand jury that one commissioned by Wells’ family both he saw Wells slip awkwardly off the side found bruising on the back of his head but of a boat around 3:30 p.m. on July 4, but couldn’t determine the cause of death. that Wells continued to socialize after the Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, said at fall and didn’t appear injured, the report a news conference Tuesday that she didn’t said. The panel said it couldn’t determine understand how the grand jury concluded whether the fall caused the bruising on that her son had likely drowned given the Wells’ body. autopsy findings. Attorneys for friends of Wells who are “How can a jury come to the conclusion white and have been the subject of online of drowning, despite knowing that there accusations hailed the report’s findings, was trauma to his body, and despite hear- with one saying a weight has been lifted off ing many inconsistencies?” she said. his clients. Lawyers for Wells’ family, including civil “He said that he felt like he could breathe rights attorney Ben Crump, said the grand for the first time,” attorney Tyler Cox said jury’s report yielded more questions than of one of Wells’ friends. “This doesn’t bring answers. They accused District Attorney Nolan back at all, but this can at least put Angel Myers McIlrath of ending the in- them on a path where they can finally
eulogy, including the lynching of Emmett Till and assassination of Medgar Evers. “Mississippi’s history painfully teaches us exactly why families should never be expected to simply accept unanswered questions surrounding the death of a young Black person,” Sharpton said in a statement Tuesday. “Transparency and accountability matter.” In her 15-minute video announcing the grand jury findings, McIlrath expressed frustration about speculation. She also said lawyers for Wells’ family told her office last month that their own investigation found no evidence of crimes. “What I cannot accept, what I cannot ignore, is that false narratives that Nolan’s death was somehow racially motivated, and that this is a case of another young Black man denied justice by a racist, corrupt system, were perpetuated and allowed to spread. There is not a shred of evidence to support these narratives,” she said.
mourn Nolan now that they’ve been officially cleared of any wrongdoing.”
Questions remain about what led to Wells’ death Wells’ parents and their lawyers voiced suspicions after Wells’ friends left the island on a boat without him, saying he wanted to stay behind. Wells’ phone was on the boat, and Crump and Wells’ parents have cast doubt on why a teenager would choose to stay on an island without his phone. They also speculated that messages on his phone had been tampered with and alleged that his friends were reluctant to turn over his phone and keys. The contents of Wells’ phone were included in the evidence reviewed by the grand jury but were not detailed in its redacted report. The grand jury found that it wasn’t unusual or suspicious for people to return from the island on boats they didn’t take to get there, according to the report. It also noted that Wells’ phone wasn’t the only one to travel back to the mainland without its owner that day. The report also said that although alcohol was found in Wells’ body, the result was highly unreliable because the testing involved decompositional fluid, which may include alcohol generated after death by microbial fermentation, it said. The grand jury report concluded with the panel expressing sympathy for Wells’ family. “The evidence received in this matter convinced the grand jury of Mr. Wells’ outstanding character,” it said.
The report renews calls for transparency and more investigation Crump and others renewed their request Tuesday for the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct an independent investigation, and they called on McIlrath to release the investigation file and the state medical examiner’s full autopsy report. Representatives from both McIlrath’s office and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, which oversees the State Medical Examiner’s Office, declined to release the autopsy report to The Associated Press. Robert Knochel, the chief prosecutor in McIlrath’s office, said case file information is exempt from public records laws. Kristen Clarke, general counsel for the NAACP and a former head of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, said the NAACP supports their call for further investigation, adding that it would make sense for federal authorities to step in because the island is federalAssociated Press reporter Sudhin Thanaly maintained and patrolled. wala in Atlanta contributed to this report. At Wells’ funeral, the Rev. Al Sharpton in- Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut, voked the state’s racist history during his and Lauer reported from Philadelphia.
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 5
How Kathleen Adams’ multiple talents led to being entrepreneur at Angel of Harlem restaurant By JASON PONTEROTTO Special to the AmNews Kathleen Adams is a businesswoman, restaurateur, brand strategist, world traveler, and community leader, but with all those titles she refuses to be known as one thing, instead preferring to describe herself as “multi-hyphenate.” But she uses all of those things as a partner at the popular Angel of Harlem restaurant on Frederick Douglass Blvd., which is celebrating 11 years on Sept. 24. “It's been great to see how much the community has supported us, but also how the brand has been able to build,” said Adams, 38, who also works full-time as a brand strategist. A native of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Adams says she always had big dreams and was encouraged and supported by her parents as opposed to being limited. “My parents really fostered curiosity in me and allowed me to explore,” Adams said. From a young age, Adams had
the itch to become an entrepreneur. At 8 years old, she started a dog-walking business, and later, as a teen, did babysitting and sold repurposed vintage clothes, even having business cards. When it came time to choose a college, Adams says she was determined to make her way to New York City, which she saw as “the epicenter of the world.” She attended Fordham University, where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. While in school, Adams began working at restaurants including Red Lobster and Capitol Grille in the Time Life Center in Rockefeller Center, gaining firsthand experience in an industry she already knew she wanted to make part of her future. The Angel of Harlem team saw an opportunity to address a gap in Harlem’s dining landscape and create a space that reflected the energy, culture, and community of the neighborhood. Adams’ background in hospitality and advertising, combined with the team’s collective vision, helped
bring that idea to life in 2015. “There were a lot of places you could eat and drink in Harlem, but nothing that was visually, aesthetically pleasing in that time period,” Adams said. “Now, you have way more options. So obviously there's way more competition. “I think what made Angel of Harlem unique back then as well as to this day,” she continued, “is that we really have perfected how to get the party started, how to have fun, and how to really have that community-oriented feeling. When you walk into Angel of Harlem, you might not know anyone, but when you leave, you've lost. You've left with a room full of friends.” However, Adams says there are more and more tall financial hurdles in running a restaurant in the city. With factors like minimum wage being increased in places like New York and San Francisco, that strain is left for the owners to bear, and they are left without 9.6” much choice but to charge more for food. See BNY on page 25
Black
New Yorker
Kathleen Adams, partner at Angel of Harlem. (Courtesy of Kathleen Adams)
EVERY TICKET SOLD BENEFITS NEW YORK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
6 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
System Failures
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Part One: In Black neighborhoods, deed theft hides in plain sight
(Karen Juanita Carrillo photos)
By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff
This story is content from the Amsterdam News’ Blacklight investigative unit. See more articles at https://amsterdamnews.com/ blacklight/ Across New York, officials have admitted to a growing problem, one that has communities increasingly alarmed: deed theft. It is fraud that has affected older adults, immigrants, and homeowners of color in gentrifying neighborhoods like Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Brownsville, East New York, and Harlem, and has become blatant. Victims report being initially confused and later incensed at the realization that they’ve been harmed –– and no one seems to be doing anything about it. Deed theft happens when someone illegally takes control of a property without the owner’s knowledge or by tricking the owner into signing over a deed. Activists fighting these incidents also say that forced guardianship, foreclosure rescue scams, and police-backed evictions are other forms of deed theft. Criminal fraud rings know how to manipulate the official systems homeowners trust to reach their next victims. Predatory investors track court records and property filings to target at-risk homes. Before the property gets auctioned, criminals might contact the homeowners and pretend to help them get
At 212 Jefferson Avenue, friends gathered in early April 2026 to support Carmella Charrington in her fight against an alleged illegal eviction attempt by a developer.
a fake loan modification or a short sale and trick them into signing papers that transfer the deed to an investor’s LLC. They then quickly transfer the deed to another shell company to hide the fraud and make selling the property easier for quick profit. But each stolen deed case amounts to a raid on Black generational wealth, notes Attorney Jacqueline McMickens, who recently helped the family of Harlem’s Queen Mother Delois Blakely with her eviction case at 477 West 142nd Street. McMickens says the term “deed theft” doesn’t fully capture the economic harm caused by these cases. “This shouldn’t be continuously looked at as deed theft,” McMickens said. “This is really equity theft.” In the Blakely case, seven low-income residents came together to form the 477 West 142nd Street Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) through New York City’s Tenant Interim Lease program. Blakely recently told the AmNews the building had been a safe space, created during Harlem’s roughest years. “No one wanted to live there. It was a blight to Harlem where I live,” she said, remembering the 1970s. “Some of us wanted to deal with that and serve our people. And I happened to be one of them.” The city officially sold the cooperative the property on Dec. 7, 1982; each family acquired shares in the building for $250 per apartment. But because the shareholders took out a $650,000 mortgage on the property in 2009 and didn’t repay it, they lost the property. They are now being offered leases to remain in their individual units but won’t have access to the property’s equity to pass on to their families.
An insidious way to steal Stolen property may immediately mean the loss of a shelter for a family, but it also ultimately means the loss of equity, or financial value, for generations to come. The New York City Sheriff’s Office said it received nearly 3,500 deed theft complaints from 2014 to 2023, mostly in Black neighborhoods where property values are rising. Notable recent cases include a mortgage fraud scheme that took the Harlem property at 267 West 131st Street from the family of Okryun Marrero after she died in 2018. On April 18, 2024, a woman named Angela Jazmin Ramos Malpica allegedly posed as a Marrero heir and used fake IDs and birth certificates to forge the signatures and details of Marrero’s real heirs and “sell” the property to a straw buyer, Yuan Kuei Li, for $950,000. The same day, Li allegedly transferred the contract to Abdur Rahman and his company, Great Neck Acquisitions Inc., for $1,515,000. On April 25, 2024, Great Neck Acquisitions recorded a fraudulent title with the city and used the house as collateral to secure a $1,636,000 mortgage and construction loan. “Ramos subsequently cashed three checks totaling $254,875.03, which were funds obtained from the mortgage and construction loan,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced when his office indicted Ramos, Rahman and Li for deed theft in October 2025. “Rahman allegedly received $487,375 from the construction loan into a GNA bank account, which he controlled. Rahman also sent approximately $265,000 of the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds to a corporate bank account for MSK Construction Team Inc.,
a construction company controlled by Li. Li, through MSK, allegedly used portions of that money to pay for ongoing construction on the alleged stolen property, for which Li was serving as the contractor.” In July, Attorney General Letitia James charged Joseph Makhani from Long Island with using fake deeds and shell companies to steal two Harlem homes at 107 West 118th Street and 135 West 131st Street. Makhani had claimed he bought the three-story, four-unit property at West 118th Street from Veronica Palmer, an elderly Harlem property owner who was having mental health issues, for only $10, according to court documents. James alleges he wrote up fake documents to get a loan and converted the building into apartments that he rented out for thousands of dollars. Palmer got none of the money, became homeless, and was later found living in a Brownsville, Brooklyn shelter, collecting cans from the street to survive. After the original owner of 135 West 131st Street died in 2010, Makhani allegedly convinced a tenant to sign documents and act as if he owned the Harlem brownstone. Makhani had promised the tenant a job, but instead ended up trying to evict the building’s long-term tenants — filing false documents to transfer the property to a shell company and lodging a 2013 lawsuit to evict them from 135 West 131st Street, according to James. While trying to evict the tenants, Makhani submitted forged deeds claiming that the true owner’s heirs had transferred the property to his company, and that’s where he got caught. Combined, the value of the two properties stolen by See story on next page
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS Continued from previous page
Makhani was approximately $4.7 million. With sentencing scheduled for this October 14, Makhani faces a maximum penalty of 8⅓ to 25 years in prison. In 2023 and 2024, New York passed legislation to make it easier to prosecute deed theft and prevent homes from being resold after theft. The Civil Protections Law, passed in November 2023, authorizes the Attorney General and local District Attorneys to file notices on properties suspected of deed theft, helping prevent scammers from selling the homes or taking out loans on them. The law allows courts to freeze foreclosure, eviction, or title proceedings when a homeowner shows reasonable proof of victimization, so it shields legitimate owners from being ousted by fraudsters. It also helps void any fraudulent transfer, sale, or mortHarlem’s Queen Mother Delois Blakely felt victorious after she was able to hold off the gages, restoring title to the rightful owner. eviction case against her and her daughter from their long-time home at 477 West 142nd But these laws focus on prosecuting crimiStreet. (Karen Juanita Carrillo photos) nals and returning titles, rather than autobecome a notorious example of how this lyn properties to Solny’s schemes. Their matically canceling quick resales. plays out. Prosecutors said Solny, a dis- home at 406 East 21st Street was sold for What makes a property high-risk? barred attorney, targeted homeowners about $1 million even though, according to Deed theft criminals comb through public facing foreclosure, promised short-sale their attorneys and advocates, it was under records looking for owners who look like help, but instead transferred deeds to him- a court-ordered legal hold. Their property they could be susceptible to isolation and self or companies he controlled. “This de- at 729 Eldert Lane was also part of the case. coercion. By tapping into public city data, fendant didn’t just steal homes,” Brooklyn’s “We are still going to court to gain the ownthey can spot homes that are at risk be- District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said when ership of both properties,” Ouedraogo recause of tax and property liens. The Depart- Solny was convicted, “he stole stability, cently told the Amsterdam News. “So far, we ment of Finance says a tax lien sale does not equity, and the future that these families are on the calendar schedule of the foreclosell the property itself; the city sells unpaid worked hard to build. He preyed on Brook- sure court on the 13th of October 2026 for debt to an authorized buyer, which can be lyn homeowners already in crisis, includ- 729 Eldert Lane, and we are still fighting to a first step toward foreclosure. Scammers ing a nurse, cab driver, and home health bring the lawsuit against the foreclosure of and speculators use this time, when home- aide, by posing as a trusted advisor.” In the mortgage bank that foreclosed on it. owners are in distress — before the lien sale June 2025, he was convicted of stealing the “We need prayers from everyone of you — to make their move. deeds to 11 Brooklyn properties, primarily for us to win our cases,” he added. “We should be looking at the banks,” At- from homeowners in financial distress; in When Mayor Zohran Mamdani estabtorney McMickens said. “These are all loans November, he was sentenced to two and a lished the Office of Deed Theft Preventhat people don’t pay back. The banks are half to seven years in prison. The Brooklyn tion (MODTP) in April 2026, it was funded strategically allowing them to go into fore- DA said the scheme ran from 2012 to 2022 with $500,000 for its first year, which ends closure.” In her view, the transfer of wealth and involved 15 victims. The court nullified in summer 2026, and $1 million each year happens through compounding debt as the fraudulent deeds, but victims still face after that. It’s not clear how many staff much as through forged papers: “They’re the brutal work of repairing their credit and members are employed there, but most of not stealing your deed, they’re stealing the –– if possible –– recovering their home. the money seems intended for staff salaries. equity in your house.” Gaoussou Ouedraogo and Patrice and In a Sept. 11 statement, a Department In Brooklyn, the Sanford Solny case has Clotilde “Wendy” Sawadogo lost two Brook- of Finance (DOF) spokesperson told the
Ayisha and Phillipa Doyle are fighting to keep possession of their property at 234 Jefferson Ave., Brooklyn, despite citing issues with the Kings County legal system. (Doyle family photo)
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 7
AmNews: “The City Register’s Office takes proactive steps to help prevent deed theft. Staff have been trained to better detect documents that may be forged or fraudulent, and the office has put in place several safeguards to flag suspicious deeds, referring potentially fraudulent filings to the Sheriff’s Office for further investigation. The Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention also works closely with the City Register’s Office, and has requested several holds on suspicious deed transfers while the Sheriff’s Office conducts further investigation. “While the City Register has explored ways to identify seniors and other vulnerable populations in the deed-recording process, doing so would raise HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] and other privacy concerns and could potentially require access to sensitive personal information that the City Register is not authorized to collect or use for this purpose. “We are continually evaluating our policies and legal tools to identify additional safeguards that could strengthen protections against deed theft while respecting privacy requirements and the City Register’s authority under State law.” In the end, New York City’s ACRIS, the online database for real estate records, can list deeds, mortgages, or liens, but the DOF states that there is currently no effective way for it to notify users when a property’s ownership is being legally disputed. While this remains the case, Black property owners will have to shoulder the burden of challenging fraudulent claims by demonstrating when public records have been tampered with.
Part Two of this series looks at how courtapproved “partition sales” can allow predatory LLCs to target heirs. Predatory LLCs use legal pressure and repeated filings to push families to sell homes that have been passed down for generations.
Editor’s Note: This story was made possible with help from a grant from the Fund for Investigative Journalism.
Carmella Charrington and her son, William McFadden, in the doorway of their Bed-Stuy brownstone.
8 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Will the tug-of-war among Brooklyn Democratic leadership leave the party in courts or committee hands? By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff The faceoff between Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and the New Kings Dems, a primarily white-led reform group, has grown closer as their legal back-and-forth draws the attention of onlookers wondering about the future of the party in the borough. This comes as the party’s committee organizational meeting, which was slated to vote on the new party boss, among other things, on Sept. 23. Bichotte Hermelyn, the first Black and Haitian woman to hold the position of party chair, proposed new rules that would grant newly elected officers and representatives from every district full voting rights. It was voted through by the executive committee on August 25; a move vehemently opposed by the reformer group. By Sept. 2, the feuding factions
had taken the matter to court. The lawsuit was brought by District Leaders Julio Peña III and Akel Williams and County Committee members Jillian Cara Goger and Johnny Sagan, represented by fellow District Leader and election attorney Mark Hanna of Khalifeh & Strupinsky, PC; Howard Graubard, Esq.; and Manhattan District Leader Paul D. Newell, Esq. New York State Supreme Court Judge Jill Epstein found on Sept. 14 that the outgoing district leaders who either lost in the June primary or decided not to run for reelection had “no authority” to vote on proposed party rule changes at the closed-door August meeting. “This ruling could not be clearer: the party chair must respect the election result,” said Tony Melone, president of NKD, in a statement. The New Kings declared an early “victory,” but Bichotte Hermelyn and the party immediately appealed the judge’s decision, maintaining that the expanded number of people able to vote on
Brooklyn, Downtown Brooklyn, Family Court, July, King County, NYC, New York City, State Court, State of New York, Supreme Court, Supreme and Family Court. 2019. (ajay_suresh via Flickr)
party leadership was lawful. “The court’s decision disregards the clear intent of the Party Rules and decades of practice recognizing the Executive Committee’s authority to adopt rules and reforms necessary to prepare for an incoming County Committee. It misinterprets those rules and disrupts the established practice that ensures stability during tran-
sitions,” the Kings County Democratic Executive Committee said in a joint statement. On Sept.15, the Appellate Division “stayed and suspended, pending argument, the lower court ruling” issued by Epstein. This essentially restored the rule changes until the next hearing, and allowed them to be in place for the upcoming organizational meeting.
Additionally, the Appellate Division declined twice to sign a proposed order brought on by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Congressional nominee Brad Lander, and County Committee Member George Albro, a group of electeds that have attempted to intervene in Brooklyn Dems feuding. Anthony Beckford, Rules Committee chair who is the outgoing district leader for the 43rd Assembly District, said in a statement that the rule amendments are an opportunity for more “inclusion” in the party as opposed to a small controlling faction like the NKD. He added in a separate Facebook post that there have been blatant racist attacks against Black and Latino judges and consultants. “The white liberal is the fox in the hen house who pretends to be your friend as they’re stabbing you in your back and plotting the destruction of you, of your community, and of your future,” said Beckford, referring to a famous quote from Malcolm X.
New Era Young Lords organize East Harlem signature drive for Johanna Fernández and Denise Oliver-Vélez street namings By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff Members of the New Era Young Lords (NEYL), Young Lords veterans, and local volunteers gathered at the historic People’s Church in East Harlem on Sept. 19 to launch a petition drive for honorary street namings for Dr. Johanna Fernández and Denise Oliver-Vélez. Organizers spoke with residents near 111th Street and Lexington Avenue and near 106th Street and Lexington Avenue about Fernández and Oliver-Vélez’s contributions. They said the campaign honors two women who helped shape New York’s Puerto Rican community, East Harlem’s political life, and wider movements for Black and Latino liberation. “We’re collecting signatures for two iconic figures,” explained NEYL National Chairman Suby Toro. “For us, this is very important to honor both those women, especially during these times.” Toro and fellow NEYL organizer Miguel Machado explained they were trying to collect at least 100 qualifying signatures, for each
The People’s Church building — the church the Young Lords famously occupied in 1969. (Karen Juanita Carrillo photos)
NEYL National Chairman Suby Toro, Alberto Urbina of the Daughters and Sons of Borikén, and NEYL organizer Miguel Machado gather to discuss organizing in East Harlem.
proposed street naming, from residents living within a two block radius of the designated streets. “We were able to mobilize about 20 volunteers today,” Machado noted — these were people who came out to join the signature collecting effort. By the end of the afternoon, organizers estimated they had gathered roughly half the signatures needed for each
tion campaign from The People’s Church building, because it’s the church the Young Lords famously occupied in 1969. At the time, the Young Lords group turned the church into a center for community programs, political education, and organizing. Today’s New Era Young Lords now operate from the same site and a celebration of the lives of
petition. Next, they explained, they have to verify the addresses of each signer, continue gathering signatures, and submit completed petition packages before city officials and Community Board 11 can formally consider the proposals. The New Era Young Lords, which formed in 2020, chose to initiate this signature peti-
Johanna Fernández and other recently passed female members of the Young Lords — like Minerva Solla, Connie Cruz, Cleo Silvers, and Denise Oliver-Vélez — will be held at The People’s Church on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. Dr. Johanna Fernández, who died July 30 after a battle with See SIGNATURES on page 29
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 9
Rain didn’t dampen spirits as African American Day Parade took over Harlem By NAFISSATOU YATTASSAYE Special to the AmNews It was a wet, dreary day for sure, but marchers, floats, music, culture, and an army of onlookers and spectators were just as present at the 57th Annual African American Day Parade in Harlem on Sept. 20 as they would have been if the skies had been clear. “Everyone loves the African American Day parade. We don’t let no rain stop us,” said Jackie RoweAdams, co-founder of Harlem Mothers and Fathers S.A.V.E., and a parade marshal. “The African American Day Parade is what brings everybody together. And this is what we have to continue to do is to bring the community together.” The pre-show included performances from Mariah Rae, Taylor Lovett, Kalvin Kristi, Ada Don, Descendent, Aisha Jackson, PETAWANE, and 2024 Apollo Amateur Award winner Cruz Angel. The Apollo also received the Community Institution Award, kicking off Manhattan Community 10 Board members waving at crowd during African American Day Parade, wearing African textile pieces and holding the main event. Pan-African flag. (Photos by Nafissatou Yattassaye) Drawing as many as 900,000 people, the parade’s theme, “Good Businesses Sustain Our Future,” highlighted Black-owned businesses and community leaders. The event featured more than 35 floats, 300 performances, marching units, and community organizations, including the return of the Grambling State University “WorldFamed” Tiger Marching Band for its 100th anniversary. Dr. Nikole Roebuck, band director at Grambling State, told the AmNews that her band was prepared to “show up and show out” rain or not. Harlem resident, honorary guest, and longtime parade attendee Sylvia Alston, 92, also reflected on the importance of the event. “I have been at this parade every year; this is a very special moment to me,” Alston said. For spectators and volunteers, the parade was about more than the performances and floats. Millie Cruz, 70, a longtime attendee since the age of 2 and volunteer for the senior section, said she enjoys Grambling State’s marching band member at start of parade. Woman on Schomburg float holds Pan-African Flag. being able to serve others. “I love it because I love serving people, especially the elderly,” she said. “I have chael Preston, Chef Charles Ga- orary guests also joined in the filled the streets of Harlem, with represented the importance of so much fun, and we got to support briel, J. Alexander Martin, and parade, embracing the commu- members handing out stick- keeping the community connecteach other.” Cheryl McKissack Daniel, walked nity they serve. ers, pins, pamphlets, and cards ed and alive. “It’s the spirit of our along the two-mile strip, engagBlack Greek-letter organiza- providing resources. For Yusuf people that we want to keep up. Highlighting Black representation ing with fans and the people they tions, marching bands, communi- Hasan, chair of the African AmerGrand marshals, including Mi- give back to. Marshals and hon- ty organizations, and businesses ican Parade Committee, the event See PARADE on page 29
10 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Labor & Workplace DoorDash to pay $131M for underpaying delivery workers in New York City By ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK (AP) — DoorDash will pay $131.5 million to settle claims that it underpaid delivery workers in New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Tuesday. The agreement, which officials described as the largest worker settlement in city history, also requires the company to submit to a
new monitoring system to ensure compliance with delivery worker pay laws in the city. In a statement, DoorDash admitted errors, saying, “Simply put, we screwed up.” “While these mistakes weren’t intentional, that doesn’t make them okay. We pride ourselves on operational excellence at DoorDash — and this was not excellent, nor was it acceptable. Dashers should
be paid in full, on time, every time. We are sorry to the Dashers we let down,” the company said. Most of the settlement will be returned to more than 260,000 workers who were underpaid, not paid, or paid late for deliveries by DoorDash, according to City Hall. The company will also pay about $16 million in civil penalties and other costs to the city. “When a worker earns a wage,
A delivery worker rides his bicycle along a path on the West Side Highway. (John Minchillo / AP, File photo)
they deserve to be paid that wage — not tomorrow, not after a lawsuit, but on time and in full,” Mamdani said in a statement. “DoorDash underpaid more than 260,000 workers, and today we are getting that money back.” DoorDash said many of the errors in payment were caused by “technical bugs or happened in complicated situations,” such as deliveries that went outside city
boundaries, had multiple pickup or drop-off spots, or included deliveries that were canceled or partially completed. Last year, the company agreed to pay almost $17 million to settle claims that it unfairly used customer tips to subsidize the wages of its delivery workers in New York, rather than allowing drivers to keep the tips on top of their guaranteed pay.
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 11
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12 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Opinion Trump’s attack against the press follows predictable, sorry pattern
EDITORIAL
Last week, President Trump denied MS NOW, CNN, and Politico access to the White House in another attempt to suppress the press and nullify free speech. This recent banning of news agencies is similar to his attack on the Associated Press last March, which remains partially banned from various White House spaces. Trump said he was banning them because of reporting “fake news.” On September 21, the three news organizations responded by jointly filing a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, much in the manner of AP, which asked a federal judge to reinstate its access to the White House press pool. Their lawyer said the ban is a fundamental attack on freedom of speech, which is a constitutional guarantee. As we have come to learn repeatedly, however, the president is no respecter of constitutional or democratic rights. When he finds anything disagreeable or inconsistent with his policies, he moves to stifle it, as he has done with practically everything related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While he has not offered a single story he considered “fake news,” he merely stated that “I don’t want them in my office … if they straighten themselves out, I would love it.” In other words, we surmise, media outlets must go along with his MAGA beliefs and toe his reactionary line. Restricting the press is another phase of Trump’s dictatorial control of the government, and is exceedingly detrimental as we enter the last month or so until the midterm elections. Many pundits conclude that his limiting the press will curtail the possibility of negative information from the White House or other governmental agencies. “The White House belongs to the American people and the decisions made inside are funded by our tax dollars,” a MS NOW spokesperson said. “MS NOW intends to take any and all steps necessary to defend our First Amendment rights and the essential role of independent journalism in our democracy.” To some extent, Trump’s charges of “fake news” are reminiscent of the case of John Peter Zenger in 1735, who was accused of libel after he criticized the government. Zenger was arrested and imprisoned for refusing to stop printing his fierce criticisms of New York’s royal governor. Eventually, he was found innocent by a jury after his attorney argued that he had a fundamental right to print the truth about public corruption to guard against tyranny. CNN, MS NOW, Politico, and other news outlets possess the same guarantees, and no fair-minded judge or jury can deny these rights, “fake news” accusations or not.
Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher Member
Alliance for Audited Media
and Editor in Chief
Madison Gray: Executive & Investigative Editor Kristin Fayne-Mulroy: Managing Editor Cyril Josh Barker: Digital Editor Damaso Reyes: Editor at Large Siobhan "Sam" Bennett: Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Advertising
Wilbert A. Tatum (1984-2009): Chairman of the Board, CEO and Publisher Emeritus
Why clemency should be more available for incarcerated who have little hope By JOHN MOORE, JR. Thirty years ago, I was sentenced to life without parole for killing a young man on Buffalo’s East Side. I was twenty. Since my incarceration, I have been committed to change and to helping others find a path to rehabilitation. I have earned a college degree, counseled peers through crisis, and mentored at-risk youth trying to find a way out of the same violent environment I grew up in. The possibility of clemency — the opportunity for Gov. Kathy Hochul to reduce a prison sentence — has provided a new path to hope and freedom. The widespread use of life without parole sentencing confines people who could otherwise be contributing to our communities. Without clemency, thousands of New Yorkers will die behind bars, many for crimes committed in their adolescence. In recognizing the harshness of excessive prison sentences and the value of redemption, Hochul should take bold action when it comes to clemency, particularly for people serving life sentences. In 2023, Hochul granted clemency to 36 people, partly “to recognize the efforts individuals have made to improve their lives and show that redemption is possible.” Yet, none of these grants were to people serving life sentences — those for whom clemency is most potent, because it is our only pathway to freedom. Historically, New York has granted far fewer clemencies than other states. Clemency is close to home for me. For three decades, I’ve worked on taking responsibility for the senseless destruction and pain I caused. Like many people sentenced to life without parole, external forces — domestic violence, poverty, and mental illness — influenced my behavior from a young age. I was born in 1975 and grew up in Buffalo, where I was exposed early to violence and crime. When I was about 12, a friend and I went to buy candy. As we left the store, my friend’s Uncle Rick, whom we looked up to, was on the payphone four feet away. A car stopped, and a man jumped out and shot Uncle Rick five times while we stood there, frozen in place. Violence was an everyday occurrence in my neighborhood, and in
On left: Moore (center) with daughter Rontika, son John Moore III, and grandson Nasir. On the right: John Moore with his associate’s degree from Corning Community College. (Photo courtesy of John Moore Jr.)
our homes. Much of it was at the hands of fathers or father figures who beat our mothers and sometimes us. Eventually, I took part in the destruction myself, first fighting back to defend my mother from her second husband’s abuse, then fighting in my neighborhood as a “gangsta.” Most of my peers in prison have a similar story. We still had opportunities to do better, but made the wrong choices. Early in my incarceration, I realized I could either let negativity and destructive influences guide me, or I could change. Like many people in prison, I chose change. I educated myself. Where I once responded to conflict with impulsivity, I now respond with empathy. I reach out to the younger guys I see on the same paths I once traveled. I facilitate programs including Alternatives to Violence and Youth Assistance. I try to help young people organize their thoughts so they can organize their lives and redirect themselves from behaviors that lead to self-destruction, crime, prison, and — in many cases — death. Though many lifers have dedicated ourselves to self-improvement, we will never leave prison without clemency. We deserve a chance at redemption. To define someone by their worst mistakes is to ignore decades of progress and growth. Clemency decisions should not focus solely on the crime committed in youth, but on how a person has behaved during their incarceration and whether rehabilitation has taken place. An individual’s capacity for change is not limited by the crime they committed.
Clemency is often mischaracterized as a public safety risk, but based on DOCCS’s own analysis, recidivism rates for a new offense for people aged 45 to 49 are extremely rare (about 6%) and even rarer for people incarcerated for more than 20 years (about 1%). People become less likely to commit crimes as they age. Young people aged 18–25 are great risk-takers, less future-oriented, and more volatile in emotionally charged settings. For years, governors have hesitated, or outright refused, to exercise their clemency powers, fearing “soft on crime” accusations, but most voters now support expanding clemency. Hochul could follow the lead of Democratic and Republican governors in Oregon, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Kentucky, who have used their clemency powers robustly. By granting clemency petitions to lifers, she can show mercy and promote justice. Whether in prison or in free society, I’ll continue teaching and demonstrating, through my actions, how to channel negativity and frustration into positive behavior. If I’m blessed with the opportunity to return to the community, I will continue offering love and help to those in need of care and understanding. The same is true for a great many of the other men I know who are serving life without parole.
John Moore Jr. is a New York State inmate who is a clemency advocate and a mentor for peers and at-risk youth. He has an associate’s degree from Corning Community College.
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS O P I N I O N
A different approach to reparations — examining who deserves help now By STEPHEN NARAIN When Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that New York City is “very complicit” in slavery, critics pounced. The Washington Examiner called the logic behind cash reparations — the idea that harm done to enslaved ancestors generations ago creates a debt owed to their descendants today — “historically incoherent and legally perilous.” The problem with framing reparations about trauma passed down through generations is that they depend on a ledger nobody agrees on. Whose ancestors count, and how far back? How much is owed today for wealth stolen generations ago? Skeptics hear a demand for payment with no clear endpoint — a grievance, not a workable policy. Yet there is a way out. It relies on a different kind of evidence: one that doesn’t require raising anything from the past, because it’s sitting,
fully intact, in the present. That evidence has a name: “weathering.” Since first proposing the weathering hypothesis in 1992, public health researcher Arline Geronimus has used CDC health survey data to show that Black Americans accumulate a measurably higher “allostatic load” than white Americans. That load shows up as elevated cortisol and inflammatory markers — the same biomarkers that predict heart disease and diabetes. This is different from “transgenerational slavery trauma” — the theory that slavery left epigenetic marks passed down to descendants today. In a 2025 literature review by Duke University, researchers searched for evidence of such transmission in the fiveplus generations the theory requires and found none, but they concluded that no inherited pathway is needed to make a case for presentday intervention: Structural
racism experienced directly by Black Americans today is cause enough on its own. Weathering is one measurable piece of that toll; not the whole of it, not a substitute for fixing the racism itself, but specific enough to test, fund, and treat right now. It’s not history encoded in DNA; it’s sustained racial and economic stress that leaves a measurable mark. To be sure, many institutions have responsibility for structural racism, and sorting out which ones owe what would just rebuild the same ledger problem that the weathering argument is trying to get past. Instead, it cuts through to a ledger that can be acted on now, without new legislation or a verdict on the past. New York City’s health department could pick one hospital, in a neighborhood whose history of disinvestment the city’s Commission on Racial Equity is already ex-
amining; add a blood-pressure cuff, a blood panel, and a validated needs questionnaire to intake; and bill all three through New York State Medicaid, which already reimburses a comparable childhood-stress screening. Any city or county could start this practice now, without settling the past first. If the pilot works, expand it hospital by hospital before going statewide. The version of reparations that can actually happen isn’t the one requiring everyone to first agree on a dollar figure or a family tree. It’s the one that starts by treating what’s already measurable in the people dealing with it right now. Stephen Narain is a Ph.D. student in English and creative writing with a focus on Caribbean Studies at the University of Miami; a P.D. Soros Fellow; and a Public Voices Fellow of the OpEd Project.
Remembering the indomitable and innovative oncologist Dr. Harold P. Freeman
When Dr. Harold P. Freeman applied his oncological knowledge to breast cancer, particularly for Black women, he saved a countless number of patients. Essential to his work was a patient navigator program he started at Harlem Hospital in 1990. In doing so, he became a pioneer in the understanding of health disparities. According to his son, Neal, Dr. Freeman died on August 11 in Atlanta. He was 93. In 2014, Dr. Freeman authored an opinion essay in the New York Times in which he promised to get cancer out of Harlem. However, he soon learned that “the disease would not yield to the surgeon’s knife.” He remained undaunted and found an alternative way to combat the disease, one that came as
a result of querying his patients, especially about why they had waited so long after observing concerning symptoms. Some women, he learned, believed that a lump they found in their breast was not an emergency. Even worse, some were told to obtain a Medicaid card, find the appropriate clinic, and secure adequate insurance — an impossibility for many unhoused Black women or those without a permanent residence. His patient navigator program was a way to navigate these obstacles. It provided a number of important steps and services: determining the patient’s financial assets and transportation needs, assisting them in making mammogram appointments, setting them up for possible surgery, and then caring for them afterward. By 1995, the fiveyear survival rate of patients increased dramatically, from 39% to 70%.
The process became so successful that it soon influenced the passage of the federal Patient Navigator Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2005. In 2024, Medicare began reimbursing providers for some navigation services for cancer, heart failure, and other high-risk conditions. Born in 1933 in Washington, Freeman came of age in a segregated society. His father succumbed to cancer when he was young. Freeman received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Catholic University of America in 1954, and earned his medical degree from Howard University four years later. He completed his residencies at Howard’s medical facility and Memorial Sloan Kettering. He would later return to both as chief resident in surgery at the former and senior resident in surgery at the latter. In 1966, he moved to Harlem Hospital and by 1974, he was
director of surgery. It was at Harlem Hospital that he began to encounter a large number of Black women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer that was deemed incurable. Through his work, Dr. Freeman became concerned with the other types of cancer affecting Black women. Ten years after arriving at Harlem Hospital, he was chair of the American Cancer Society’s National Advisory Committee on Cancer Minorities. It wasn’t long before his intuition about the link between poverty and cancer found traction in Westchester County, where during a meeting, he emphasized that “if you are poor and Black, your chances are a bit worse than if you are poor and white.” Out of his studies and commitment grew his demand that war be waged on cancer, See DR. HAROLD P. FREEMAN on page 35
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 13
Sometimes mean girls are amazing CHRISTINA
GREER, PH.D. Roughly a decade ago, I saw “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play” when it was off-Broadway and could not stop talking about it. I saw it again a few weeks later with a different group of friends because I wanted everyone to experience the show’s joy and heartbreak. I wanted people to witness the diasporic commonalities and connections that exuded from this work of art. Fast-forward almost a decade, and this brilliant piece of theater, created by Jocelyn Bioh and now directed by Whitney White, still holds up and is a tour de force. The acting, the set, the costumes, and the music make this one of the truly epic plays of 2026. “School Girls” is currently showing at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater through October, and I cannot be firm enough when I say, run, do not walk, to see this production. I found myself laughing out loud at times, and before I knew it, I felt hot tears roll down my cheeks. I am always amazed at how art can move an audience in a collective space. I think I got emotional watching an allBlack female cast command a stage and be unapologetically Black and African simultaneously … on Broadway. The moment the play ended, I made a mental note of all the friends to be sure to invite; those who I thought needed to bring their daughters and sisters and mothers to remember those years of friendship, insecurities, hope, and uncertainty.
“School Girls” follows Paulina, the queen bee, and four of her Ghanaian classmates as they prepare to compete for the 1986 Miss Ghana competition, until a new student arrives from America and threatens to upend Paulina’s status as head popular girl. Obviously, the play is much more layered and textured than this and deals with colorism, who exactly gets to claim to be Ghanaian, weightism, class, and so much more. Given that the play takes place in 1986, the accompanying music is also a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Some of you may know Bioh from her creation of “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” which had an incredibly successful Broadway run a few years ago and earned five Tony nominations. Bioh’s work centers Black women in spaces that at first glance seem common, but the worlds she creates in and around these spaces leave the viewer thinking about her words and the plot long after the play has ended. As always, it is important to support playwrights and authors of color, especially Black women. Bioh is in a rarefied space with a true gem, and I am so happy and proud to see it on Broadway. “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play” runs at the Friedman Theater, 261 West 47th Street, until November 1. Christina Greer, Ph.D., is a professor at Fordham University, author, Senior Policy Fellow at Brooklyn Org, and co-host of the podcast FAQNYC.
14 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Caribbean Update U.S. deportee deal likely to dominate discussions on sidelines of UN sessions By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews Almost every Caribbean Community (Caricom) leader is headed to New York this week for annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings. Almost everyone will have a series of sideline meetings with U.S. and other world leaders, but the focus of those from the Caribbean is likely to involve some weighty, controversial issues. In the past year, the Trump administration has been leaning heavily on the grouping of mostly small island nations to accept dozens of illegal immigrants under the so-called third country nationals scheme, despite massive security concerns from governments about being forced to host “strangers” with backgrounds that are not that easy to trace. Therefore, many are planning to use the opportunity of the UNGA to discuss the deportee issue with the administration officials; those from the State Department especially. For example, talks between Antigua and the administration have stalled to such an extent that cab-
inet officials there are more than convinced that the federation with Barbuda is being severely punished for refusing to accept 12 non-national deportees each month from the U.S. because of security and other concerns. Authorities say this number is way too much for a country with a population of just about 100,000. The result, said Prime Minister Gaston Browne, is that not a single Antiguan was awarded a tourist visa this year and those applying must fork out a mandatory deposit bond of up to $20,000 in case they don’t return on time or at all. Locals in neighboring Dominica have been subjected to similar punishment, although officials there have stayed away from commenting publicly on this aspect. At the weekend, Sir Ronald Sanders, the federation’s ambassador to Washington, announced plans for a resumption of formal talks with the U.S., but it is not clear whether the U.N. sessions will serve as a venue for a resumption. Sanders said that sovereign rights remain a cornerstone of Antigua’s approach to the talks, while negotiating in a spirit of cooperation and the feder-
ation’s national interest. “The Caribbean already accepts the return of its own nationals from the United States. That is one thing. The organized reception of deportees who are not its nationals is quite another, and it cannot become a standing expectation unless arrangements are devised that do not impose unbearable weight on small countries that are already overburdened,” Sander said. “The purpose of the resumed discussions is to determine whether terms can be agreed that are consistent with the parliamentary framework, Antigua and Barbuda’s laws and international obligations, and the national interest.” As an indication of the level of pressure some nations are experiencing with the non-national issue, St. Lucian Prime Minister Philip Pierre made it clear to reporters in the past week that his nation is too small and geopolitically weak to resist any pressure from its superpower neighbor to the north, as it accepted its first batch of six such persons earlier this month, while Dominica also received six. Guyana has picked up a similar number,
but authorities said they are happy with the arrangements because the country’s oil and gas boom has resulted in a massive labor shortage. The other member state with non-nationals is Belize. Others, like Grenada, say they are at advanced stages of negotiations on the issue. “Saying no was not a realistic option. If you’re a prime minister of a country, you’ll tell the United States ‘no’? This was one of the most difficult decisions,” Pierre stated, noting that it was nevertheless “the best deal under the circumstances.” He spoke on local Radio FM. The island is slated to accept up to 10 deportees every three months. Pierre appealed for understanding of the situation, even suggesting that it is possible that St. Lucians in the U.S. might also in the future find themselves on a plane to a third country. “What has happened to these people will happen to St. Lucians in the U.S., you know. There are going to be St. Lucians who are going to be sent somewhere else. We never know.” He warned locals that they should never overstay a visa because doing so brings problems.
“When you get a visa to go to anybody’s country, do not overstay.” As leaders and foreign ministers flew into New York, the Jamaican government also announced that it had finalized its operating agreement with the U.S. and will accept 25 such persons every two weeks. “After internal consultations and thoughtful negotiations, both governments have now finalized operating procedures related to the MOU [Memorandum of Understanding] to settle the guardrails and parameters underpinning the agreement,” Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith told reporters. “The arrangements were also finalized, taking into account Jamaica’s capacity constraints and our belief in the principles of safe, orderly, and lawful migration. We have also not agreed to receive 10,000 individuals. We have negotiated guardrails to address capacity constraints and have, therefore, agreed to a maximum of 25 individuals per two-week period, which the International Organization for Migration will, of course, be on a continuous basis making arrangements for their return,” she said.
What if America’s immigrants actually left? FELICIA PERSAUD
IMMIGRATION KORNER I recently came across a series of brilliant satirical sketches by Cameroon-born creator Leeno Daash, built around a provocative question: What would Europe look like without immigrants? The premise is simple. An angry white man tells a Black immigrant doctor that immigrants should go home because they are taking jobs and ripping off the system. The doctor says, “Okay” — and mobilizes all the immigrant doctors and nurses in the hospital to leave. Suddenly the hospital’s white patients are begging them to come back, and the same man brings his wife to the hospital and is mad that he cannot get care for her, because the few white doctors and nurses tell him they all left. Deliveries dis-
appear. Restaurants close. Food becomes ridiculously expensive. Even a soccer team can barely field enough players. It is satire, exaggerated for comedy, but watching it from America in 2026, I found myself wondering: What if America’s immigrants actually went home? The uncomfortable answer is that we may already be getting glimpses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, foreign-born workers accounted for 19.1% of the entire U.S. civilian labor force in 2025. They are especially concentrated in occupations Americans depend on every day, but often don’t want to do. Foreignborn workers were more likely than native-born workers to work in service occupations; natural resources, construction, and maintenance; and production, transportation, and material-moving jobs. Then there is healthcare. After Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
and related work authorization ended for hundreds of thousands of Haitians this summer, employers and families began experiencing what happens when immigrant workers suddenly disappear. An analysis of Census data cited by Reuters estimated that about 21,000 Haitian TPS holders worked as caregivers and nursing assistants, collectively serving approximately 77,000 patients nationwide. One New York nonprofit serving people with disabilities lost workers after Haitian TPS ended. In South Florida, homecare agencies have reportedly closed, nursing homes have scrambled for workers, restaurants have reduced hours, and employers have struggled to replace experienced Haitian employees. These aren’t theoretical economic models; they are people missing from shifts. Agriculture presents the same fundamental question. Who plants, harvests, processes, trans-
ports, cooks, and ultimately delivers America’s food when significant portions of an immigrant workforce disappear? The effects reach far beyond farms. Construction companies, hotels, restaurants, cleaning contractors, and other employers are confronting similar questions. The Washington Post reported this month that restaurants, hospitals, and construction firms had already begun laying off Salvadoran workers amid uncertainty over their TPS. One small environmental-remediation contractor warned that it could lose a third of its skilled workforce. Losing workers is only half of the economic equation. Immigrants are also consumers. They rent and buy homes. They shop. They eat at restaurants. They start businesses and pay taxes. Their children attend schools, and their families buy cars, clothes, and groceries. When immigration enforcement makes entire communities afraid to
leave their homes, local businesses can lose the people on both sides of the cash register. A March 2026 report by Democratic staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship cited an estimate that small, consumer-facing businesses in Minneapolis could have lost as much as $81 million in revenue in January amid intensive immigration enforcement. Independent academic evidence shows the same phenomenon. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, found that Orange County lost $58.9 million in economic output over an eight-week period after intensified federal immigration enforcement in 2025. In neighborhoods with high concentrations of foreign-born residents from Latin America, spending fell by an estimated 20 to 25%. When you remove a worker, you See IMMIGRATION KORNER on page 35
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International
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 15
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Trump administration hits South Africa with new sanctions over alleged discrimination against whites By GERALD IMRAY Associated Press The Trump administration has announced that it will impose travel bans on officials it claims are responsible for discrimination against whites and other minority groups in South Africa. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday he would revoke U.S. visas or reject visa applications from foreign nationals found to be responsible for, or complicit in, enacting or enforcing laws and policies that allow for uncompensated land seizures, race-based discrimination, and the incitement of violence against minority ethnic and racial groups in South Africa. “The United States will not allow such behavior to go unchecked,” Rubio said in a statement. “These actions directly undermine peace, economic stability, and the rule of law, and they are incompatible with the pillars of America’s foreign policy.” The South African government has strongly rejected U.S. allegations of discrimination against whites, calling the claims made by the administration, since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office last year, baseless and a result of misinformation. It’s the latest U.S. move to sanction South Africa Rubio did not identify any officials who would be targeted with the travel restrictions, though a lobby group for minority whites in South Africa has previously called for the U.S. to sanction officials of the African National Congress (ANC), the party of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the largest in South Africa’s Parliament. It’s the latest move by the Trump administration to sanction South Africa over its claims that whites, and especially the Afrikaner group, are being discriminated against by their Black-led government. Afrikaners are descendants of mainly Dutch and French colonial settlers who first came to South Africa in the 17th century. They were at the heart of South Africa’s previous apartheid system of racial segregation.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers a Public Lecture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, in Durban. (Republic of South Africa photo)
There are approximately 4.5 million white people in South Africa’s population of 62 million, with British or other heritage. The Trump administration casts South Africa as anti-white The U.S. has cited a contentious South African law that allows for the expropriation of unused private land without compensation in some circumstances, affirmative action policies that advance opportunities for Blacks and others, and a small number of violent crimes against white farmers as evidence of a larger anti-white stance in South Africa. The Trump administration has also strongly criticized South Africa’s move to accuse U.S. ally Israel
of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, in a highly emotive case at the United Nations’ top court. Israel vehemently denies that allegation. South Africa asks the U.S. to respect its sovereignty South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said on Wednesday that some of the domestic policies that the U.S. had branded as discriminatory were designed to address the injustices of apartheid and hundreds of years of colonial rule before that, when Black people were stripped of their rights. “South Africa respects that the United States may hold differing views on certain policy measures and their implementation.
… The people of South Africa likewise respect the right of the American people to develop legislation that addresses their own circumstances,” Lamola said in a statement. “We expect that the same respect will be accorded to the people of South Africa, as the principle of sovereignty requires.”
Africa’s HIV treatment program. The U.S. has also launched a refugee program for Afrikaners and other whites, claiming baselessly that they are victims of a humanitarian emergency in South Africa. It said the sanctions are because South Africa has not changed its policies, and warned of more to follow. “This visa restriction policy is only the first step in a series of escalatory measures that will show America’s firm resolve in this matter,” the official U.S. Ambassador to South Africa account posted on X, referring to Rubio’s visa announcement.
The U.S. says more sanctions will follow The U.S. has enforced a series of other sanctions against South Africa during Trump’s second term for purported anti-white and antiAmerican policies. They include barring South African officials from meetings of the Group of 20 economic bloc this year in the AP writer Matthew Lee in WashingU.S., and phasing out aid for South ton contributed to this report.
16 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
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September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 17
Arts & Entertainment
Colin Kaepernick launches new book, ‘Perilous Fight,’ at Brooklyn Library By BRENIKA BANKS Special to the AmNews Colin Kaepernick recently visited Brooklyn Public Library (BPL)’s Central Library for the official national launch of his new memoir, “The Perilous Fight.” At the event, described as an author talk and book conversation on behalf of their “BPL Presents” cultural programming series, Kaepernick discussed his book with investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones. “First, very grateful to be here with all of you today, very excited for this!” said Kaepernick. “Also, Spike [Lee]’s sitting in the front, I have to say, ‘Knicks in 5!’” Lee jokingly stood up for a moment, still beaming about his beloved 2026 World Champions as the audience clapped. He then quickly sat back down in respect for the man of the hour. The BPL event celebrated the release of Kaepernick’s memoir while marking his 10 years of protesting police brutality by not standing for the national anthem. “If I actually love us and I have pride in us, why am I standing for this? Why am I showing pride in this?” he asked the crowd. Kaepernick shone a light on the many instances of police brutality against Black people, particularly the December 2015 San Francisco police killing of Mario Woods. He recalled to the audience, “They just executed this man in the middle of the street. He didn’t have to die.” Kaepernick shared someone’s
Colin Kaepernick talking and taking pictures with fans after memoir discussion. (Brenika Banks photos)
apathetic response: “Well, you don’t know what he did.” He continued, “It doesn’t matter what he did; he didn’t have to die.” Police shot Woods 21 times and the officer who killed him did not face criminal charges. This led to Kaepernick sitting during the national anthem at the first NFL preseason game of 2016. Kaepernick hopes his book becomes a reference point of knowledge. He empha-
Colin Kaepernick’s new memoir, “The Perilous Fight,” at Brooklyn’s Central Library minutes before his discussion with Investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones.
sized the power of “the calling” one receives when choosing to live in one’s purpose. “I hope everybody has the sense of hearing that calling, answering it and taking it further…I hope, through this memoir, they’re able to gather some of the insights.” When asked what he would like to share with AmNews readers from his current perspective, Kaepernick replied: “Continue taking actions, continue fighting. Every
Colin Kaepernick discussing his new memoir, “The Perilous Fight,” with Investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones for a Brooklyn’s Central Library event.
single one of you matter — you have to show up for each other, continue to do so. I know you are already doing that [as a Black publication] but let’s continue to build upon it, amplify it.” At the event, Hannah-Jones later asked, “How are we in this moment, when it is clear that the most dangerous thing is an intelligent, politically informed Black man determined to stand in his power?” Kaepernick shared that Roc Nation, founded by Jay-Z, once tried to recruit him with the Brooklyn-born rapper supporting Kaepernick publicly in 2017. However, according to Kaepernick, when he reached out to show gratitude, Jay-Z wasn’t interested in speaking to him. When the two eventually spoke, Kaepernick warned Jay-Z his deal with the NFL was “selling the culture out to a bunch of racists.” Kaepernick shared that Jay-Z’s response was, “the ink is dried.” He respectfully asked Jay-Z to not use his name in anything else, but he apparently did not honor their agreement. “It speaks to the fact that not everybody is going to be willing to do things that are not self-interested for the collective good.” BPL Presents will continue their cultural programs through artistic live experiences. Their mission is to “explore the critical issues of our time in Brooklyn and beyond” through the arts. For more info, visit bklynlibrary.org/bpl-presents.
Colin Kaepernick with AmNews reporter Brenika Banks during his NYC “The Perilous Fight” book tour stop.
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‘Every Inch a Lady’ — Audrey Smaltz publishes marvelous new memoir By MICHAEL HENRY ADAMS Special to the AmNews What makes fashionista Audrey Lavinia Smaltz’s new memoir, “Every Inch a Lady: My Amazing Journey from Dear Harlem to Haute Couture and Beyond” (with a foreword by Michael Kors), so vitally compelling? In view of today’s ever-escalating demonization, dismissal, and erasure, it can seem impossible for some African Americans that America ever actually advanced enough to have had a Black president. Inspirational and a lickety-split read, here is a book that convinces one that the time for another Obama is at hand and coming soon. Why? That’s to do with all she’s done, how much Smaltz and the world have evolved and changed over a short 89-year lifespan. Just as there are disparate levels of wealth, health, and educational outcomes for African Americans to surmount, even now, innumerable first-time achievements remain for Blacks to attain. To reach the distance, to gain equality, there’s still a way to go. For instance, among the nation’s 500 top corporations (the so-called Fortune 500), three were led by Blacks in 2000. A generation later? Only eight more have joined them. Ultimately, Schmaltz’s eventful life is a testament to her ability to “get shit done!” Yet most modern youth have no real idea about what being at the top and first even means. What ought never be forgotten is that when it comes to historical African American high achievers, including Smaltz, we do stand on the mighty shoulders of heroic giants. In 1954, at only 17, Smaltz was named Miss Transit, launching her lifelong friendship with one of the judges: fellow Republican Evelyn Cunningham. Consider a time when, decades before there was ever a Black woman crowned Miss America, it was possible to be the first Black contestant vying to compete in a New York City beauty pageant. Imagine how, such a short time
ago, it was possible for Smaltz to become only the second Black sales clerk employed at Bloomingdale’s. Moving forward, from 1970 to 1977, collaborating uneasily with a sometimes intimidated Eunice Johnson, Smaltz was the Ebony Fashion Fair coordinator (Johnson had appropriated the idea from Smaltz’s friend, Black blonde supermodel Dorothea Towles Church). In this role, she acted as a sometimes provocative, always entertaining emcee, infusing her commentary on fashion parades featuring Black models showing the clothes of the world’s foremost designers; Smaltz could be counted on to keep audiences enraptured with wry wit. Attending to help benefit the United Negro College Fund, they were having their consciousness raised, becoming familiar with a level of luxury previously marketed exclusively to well-
to-do whites. Smaltz was among the first to convince famed white designers to advertise their clothes directly to America’s lucrative bloc of eager Black consumers. Then in 1977, Smaltz dreamed up an ingenious firm all her own: the Ground Crew. This masterstroke envisioned a force of professionals, combating clashes, chaos, and theft by doing all the behind-thescenes work required to put on the seasonal presentations of Fashion Week. A tough sale at first, the Ground Crew became a phenomenal success overnight. Even after learning that “Every Inch a Lady” was the motto of Smaltz’s all-girl public school, Harriet Beecher Stowe (P.S. 136), or that the concept was one her mother always urged her to adhere to, at least a couple of things might raise a question about the title’s appropriateness. One is the colorful way Smaltz sometimes ex-
presses herself. Another is a series of torrid romances she describes; a few were conducted with other women’s husbands. Of her initial liaison, Smaltz wrote, “One late night at the office, John and I found ourselves consumed in the heat of passion as we consummated our attraction in one steamy encounter. It was the first time I had ever been with a man sexually. John’s gentle touch liberated my soul. I was particularly happy because my neighborhood girlfriends would finally stop taunting me for being a virgin. From that night on, our relationship was taken to the next level in a full-fledged affair, and I fell madly in love with him.” Soon enough it becomes clear that neither John nor a few additional recurring suitors were to be “the one.” Not for her. She was not to know a lifetime of connubial bliss with an already married lover she suggestively calls “Big Daddy,” nor even with a prominent Chicago physician who actually, if quite briefly, did become her husband. A fellow Republican, jazz great Lionel Hampton, took her to Ronald Reagan’s inauguration. She was still with him when we first met in the mid-1990s. Hampton seems to have been the truest love of the first half of Smaltz’s exciting existence. Despite being 29 years older, his caring, warmth, and generosity come through on every page she speaks of him. Together for two decades, the couple remained devoted friends even after they parted, until the legend’s death in 2008. What exactly is the nature of the attraction of opposites, and why should such a question so promptly bring to mind Gail Marquis and Audrey Smaltz? However one looks at it, they are a marvelously modern couple. A University of Phoenix alumna, former Olympian silver medalist for basketball, and Mass Mutual Financial Group executive, Marquis is level-headed and protective, and brooks no nonsense.
Married in Central Park on Nov. 11, 2011, Audrey Smaltz and Gail Marquise are New York’s most famous lesbian couple. (Michael Henry Adams photos)
Audrey Smaltz with her book party hostess — Brownstone boutique proprietor Princess Jenkins — and publicist Ronald Lewis.
Designer Douglass Says, aka Baron Artist.
Ms. Ellie” AKA Eleanor Kennedy.
Gail and Audrey with her schoolmate Diahann Caroll. (Photo courtesy of Audrey Smaltz)
A Smaltz, the girl from the Harlem River Houses, who boasts of being “born, bred, toasted, buttered, jellied, jammed, and honeyed in Harlem,” is a diva, through and through, and always has been. Energetic and enterprising, she has always worked hard: She enjoys gaiety and music, too, good times in smart settings. However, at this stage of the game, the occasional company of innumerable friends is enough. “Incessant partying is not a requirement.” This perfect pair is spotted out less often nowadays, living fulltime in Delaware since Smaltz gave up her bandbox-sized penthouse flat, with a lengthy terrace above 55th Street near Fifth Avenue. Their 11/11/11 nuptials in Central Park caused a stir, but it was hardly a surprise to friends like Alma Rangel, whom I accompanied. Rather, as another intimate said, “it was merely confirmation of a love so vast it needed wideopen spaces to contain …” Processing along a serpentine pathway, they were serenaded by a herald-like trombonist. The alfresco ceremony is best characterized by that quaint phrase, “every kind of beautiful”; that’s how varied the gathering of about 150 well-wishers was. The old, the young, and in-be-
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tween; gay, straight; Black, white, and indeterminate all were on hand, beautifully outfitted and garlanded by smiles. Artfully strewn with brown leaves, the lawn was a magic carpet; the azure sky a vast canopy; both lighted by a welcome and warming sun that made the water sparkle. Simple, yet somehow also sublime, the vows these women exchanged touched us all, momentarily connected by love and regard, from generation to generation. “She’s my life partner, my lover, my sweetheart, my own Gentle Giant,” cooed Smaltz the other night, at her book party at the Brownstone boutique on 125th Street. This is 15 years after their union was solemnized and 25 after they first met. So many from Harlem’s glamorous group were on hand: onetime Wilhelmina model-turned-restaurateur Norma Jean Darden; Bloomberg Foundation executive Erana Sennett; jeweler Lou Willard Hoffman; designer Baron Artist — Audrey admirers by the score were on hand to celebrate. Not untypically, we frequently spoke of those from the recent past we still missed. Marvelous model Sara Lou Harris, who became Lady Carter. Twin photographers Morgan and Marvin
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS & E N T E R T A I N Smith. The inimitable Eartha Kitt. Smaltz knew them all and they each knew Ophelia DeVore, who was far more than just Audrey’s mentor as leader of the Grace Del Marco Model Agency, she helped establish in 1946. As a successful businesswoman, publisher, and model, she was also a template, emulated by Smaltz as a means of finding her way. As far as clothes, poise, what to wear and how, like her gay Haitian-American hairstylist and confidant “Frenchy,” DeVore helped teach Smaltz all about how to be every inch a lady. “Only, she never strove to be conventionally ladylike!” insists Valerie Jo Bradley, Smaltz’s friend of more than 50 years. “Who cares about avoiding expressive adjectives, verbs, or nouns deemed coarse, if they best get your point across? And as to love, it’s completely complicated and fraught with the kind of peril requiring strategic action and an abundance of tact. Audrey knows just what to do and how. Especially when it comes to doing what’s right and always maintaining integrity. Since Sojourner Truth and before, the femininity and gentility of sisters has been questioned. But Audrey’s book has the perfect title, and, I think you’ll notice, she tells the truth, too!”
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AmNews FOOD Tractor Beverages builds community at Queens Farm KYSHA HARRIS
FOOD EDITOR, @SCHOPNYC More than 15 years ago, I sat at a long table at the Queens County Farm Museum for my first Outstanding in the Field dinner — an experience I chronicled in my October 2010 Amsterdam News column, “Dining in the Green.” Last week, I returned to the farm for a different dinner rooted in food, farming, and community. Cultivated since 1697, the 47-acre Queens Farm was a well-suited location for Tractor, the farmer-founded organic beverage company whose drinks you may have enjoyed at Chipotle without knowing their name. Tractor gathered a small group for dinner with Chef Will Coleman, founder of PLATED Studios, celebrating people preserving and telling the stories of Black food and farming. I have known Will for years, and watching him step out on faith, create boldly, and deliver is always a joy. After more than an hour of stop-and-go rush-hour traffic from Harlem — much of it spent lying in the back of an Uber — I arrived late and nauseated. I walked the equivalent of two city blocks into the farm, past fields and farm animals, before coming upon the oasis Tractor had created beneath an openair pavilion near the annual Amazing Maize Maze. Worried that I had missed the start, I was welcomed by Tractor Community Connector Adjoa Kittoe, who assured me I was right on time. She then offered me a drink from the colorful lineup. I had to choose the Citrus Ginger Haymaker, hoping the ginger would settle my stomach and prepare me for the meal ahead. Adjoa welcomed the table to the event,
Guests dine at a community dinner hosted by Tractor Beverages with Chef Will Coleman at the C. Robert Passantino Pavilion at Queens County Farm Museum in Queens.
introduced Will, and invited us to introduce ourselves. Our circle included Kenya Crumel of the National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Amanda Everich of Black Farmer Fund, and Oko Farms founder Yemi Amu, alongside others in food and media. The intention became clear: to create fellowship and connection among people cultivating land, protecting foodways, and carrying their stories forward. Will opened the meal with warm cornbread and whipped honey butter, then invited us to dig into a September tomato-and-stone-fruit salad — bright, spicy, and tasting of summer’s last freshness. Brown-butter miso corn and sweet-chili-roasted potatoes brought smoke, sweetness, heat, and umami. I helped myself to Green Goddess coleslaw, its herbaceous crunch a welcome foil for the cider-misoglazed salmon and Tractor-brined herbroasted chicken thighs. Will later appeared with the aromatic herbed rice he had forgotten to serve. It folded into the meal as easily
Erykah Badu, The Alchemist and four DJs perform at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.
as the conversation. We ate, talked, and kibitzed while Will effortlessly moved between chef and consummate host. Gatas, a Brooklyn dessert company making decadent, small-batch flans, closed the dinner with beautiful individual boxes of its signature flan for us to enjoy. To walk it off, I wandered among fields of produce and the farm’s livestock with a fellow diner who works at the farm. Our path led back to the site of that long-ago Outstanding in the Field dinner — a lovely full-circle moment. Soon after, we rallied to head to Forest Hills Stadium for Erykah Badu’s LIVE tour with legendary producer The Alchemist, supporting their new album, “Before the World Blows: The Abi and Alan Experiment.” As we approached the stadium grounds, I heard De La Soul performing and hoped to catch the end of their set, but they finished just as we reached our suite — ironically, the same suite I had for the Rauw Alejandro concert. (Apologies again, Pos and Mase. R.I.P. Dave.)
Amsterdam News Food Editor Kysha Harris at Forest Hills Stadium for Erykah Badu and The Alchemist’s LIVE tour.
When the lights went down, a single spotlight found The Alchemist rising from his bed. He made a “call.” As the phone rang, the second spotlight shone on Erykah Badu who arose to answer it. The crowd went wild. They chopped it up for a minute before she said she wanted to share something she had been working on. And just like that, the show had begun. We were all in. It was dope! This audience felt different, too. All my Gen Xers came to represent. For the most part, rather than experiencing the show through raised phones, people danced, sang, and stayed present in the moment. When thirst got to me, I was happy to step inside the suite for a Tractor Passion Mango Haymaker over ice — the other flavor I wanted to try. Then Erykah Badu tapped the opening notes of “On & On,” and the crowd exhaled with reverence. Somewhere between the farm and the music, the evening restored something in me. Food, farming, fellowship, and music carried me across Queens and through the night. By the time I headed home, I felt inspired — not only because of Will’s excellent meal, but because I had seen talented people create boldly, preserve culture, and continue setting the table for each other and for their community. Thanks for reading and happy eating! Kysha Harris is a chef, culinary producer, and food editor for the NY Amsterdam News. As a consultant and owner of SCHOP!, a personalized food service in NYC for over 23 years, she remains on the hunt for the city’s next great bite. Follow her on Instagram and on Facebook, @SCHOPnyc. Questions, comments, requests, feedback, invitations! Email us at AmNewsFOOD@ SCHOPnyc.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, @NYAmNewsFOOD.
Tractor’s Citrus Ginger Haymaker and Chef Will Coleman’s cornbread with whipped honey butter at Queens County Farm Museum. (Kysha Harris photos)
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 21
Travel & Resort Wilmington, Delaware: A Mid-Atlantic getaway for jazz, art, and nature lovers By TRACY E. HOPKINS Special to the AmNews
rence, Faith Ringgold, Elizabeth Catlett, Aaron Douglas, and James Van Der Zee; a large collection of Pre-Raphaelite art; and a spacious sculpture garden with a labyrinth. There’s also a cool gift shop and cafe serving light fare, plus a seasonal Thursday evening happy hour in the sculpture garden. General admission is free on Thursdays, 4–8 p.m., April–December, and free onsite parking is available.
As a frequent traveler on Amtrak, I’ve passed through Wilmington, Delaware, more times than I can count. But unlike the smaller city’s larger and more cosmopolitan neighbor, Philadelphia, which I visit often, I’d never spent quality time in quieter Wilmington until recently. What I discovered on my weekend getaway from New York City was a fantastic free jazz festival, a well-curated art museum, tax-free dining and shopping, and adjacency to sprawling gardens and historic sights. The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival My last-minute jaunt to Wilmington in August was planned around the 39th annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival (cliffordbrownjazzfest.org), which my social media algorithm, not so mysteriously, put on my radar. Among the artists who performed at the seven-day jazz fest in downtown’s Rodney Square were Ledisi, Marcus Miller, Jonathan Butler, Terri Lyne Carrington and Sheila E., and The ETrain. The audience was eager and, even with severe weather delays, the vibe remained positive. The completely free, outdoor festival is named after Wilmington native and influential jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown — who played with greats like Max Roach and Art Blakey before his untimely death in a car
Longwood Gardens Located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, the scenic Longwood Gardens (longwoodgardens.org) is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Wilmington. With over 10,000 plant varieties and attractions along the iconic 600-foot-long Flower Garden Walk, it’s easy to see why Longwood is considered one of the best botanical gardens in the country. Visitors can spend hours wandering through picturesque horticultural displays, dancing fountains, inviting conservatories, and serene woodlands and meadows. Portrait on display at “Just Like My Own.” (Tracy E. Hopkins photos)
accident at age 25 — and has grown into the largest free jazz festival on the East Coast. Next year will mark the event’s 40th anniversary, and because of the friendly crowd and the award-winning array of jazz, R&B, funk, gospel, and world music talent the festival draws, it’s well worth the nearly
Ledisi performing at the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. Clifford Brown Jazz Festival.
three-hour trip from New York City. Delaware Art Museum The diversely curated Delaware Art Museum (delart.org) galleries feature works by prominent African American artists including Romare Bearden, Jacob Law-
Clifford Brown Jazz Festival crowd.
More to do and see Check out Bridge Art Gallery (bridgeartgallery.net), owned by entrepreneurial couple Christopher Mack and Cheryl Mack, and self-taught artist Eunice LaFate’s La Fate Gallery (https://lafategallery.com). To experience more of the city’s Continued on next page
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Fat Joe discusses his new album ‘Organized Rhyme’ By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews Hip hop artist, actor, author, UP NYC owner, die-hard New York Knicks fan, and “Joe and Jada” podcast co-host Fat Joe hosted an intimate listening event recently for his new album, “Organized Rhyme,” before its Aug. 28 release date, at the Roc Nation building in Manhattan. The fivetime Grammy nominee, who has collaborated with chart-topping divas Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, and Ashanti, discussed his motivation for making the album and the many featured guests at the event. “First of all, let me just say, Pusha T inspired this whole album — the Clipse,” the Bronx native said about the longrunning hip hop duo of Malice and Pusha T, who released their critically acclaimed album, “Let God Sort Em Out,” in July 2025. “The whole rollout, the whole everything, because what happens is, they just made music. They ain’t trying to make a hit record. They just made beautiful music that we love. I think that’s the last album I had that got replay value. I’m in my pool, just keep playing the Clipse album when that first came out. I was like, for a whole
got me?’ He said, ‘Nah, I got you.’ And that came through the pipeline.” Fat Joe, who released his debut studio album “Represent” in 1993, had a hilarious response to a question about why his “Joe and Jada” podcast co-host did not appear on a third song on his latest album. “What, do you want me to put [Jadakiss] on every song? He did two verses; do you know how hard it is? You watch the show, ‘Joe and Jada’; I complain all the time. And he’ll lie to you.” Jadakiss, who is also a member of the hip hop collective the Lox, called Fat Joe when he finished his verses so he could play them. He is featured on the songs “Victory Lap (HIM)” and “The Aroma.” Fat Joe, who appeared in 11 episodes of Spike Lee’s Netflix series “She Gotta Have It,” also reached out to legendary Doobie Brothers member Michael McDonald to get Fat Joe hosts album listening party for his new album “Organized Rhyme” at Roc Nation him to record a song for the album, but the building in Manhattan. (Derrel Johnson photo) singer was unavailable. Instead, the Puerto Rican businessman recruited Steven Mackie month stuck on that, right?” erything: Dre [of production team Cool & to sing the chorus, and the song “Feelin A Fat Joe, born Joseph Cartagena, added Dre] said, ‘you know, Pusha T would sound Way” was born. Fat Joe described the track how the more popular member of the nice on this track.’ So I said, ‘You sure?’ He as hip hop meets yacht rock. Clipse — Pusha T — landed on his album. was like, ‘Yo, let’s go.’ So we hit him up, and The album also features Yung Miami, “We did the song [called “Set Of Keys”], he was like, ‘Yo, I got you, Crack.’ It took a Remy Ma, and CeeLo Green, with producand of course, the mastermind thinks of ev- little while. I hit him back. I said, ‘Yo, you tion by Cool & Dre.
(oath84.com/home) for new American cuisine and craft cocktails, Keem’s Cuiart and culture scene, mark your calendar sine (keemscuisine.com) for elevated for the first Friday events hosted by Art Southern entrees, and Greenbox KitchLoop Wilmington (cityfestwilm.com/art- en (greenboxkitchen.com) for smoothies loop-2025). and plant-based bites. Explore the First State’s roots at the Delaware Historical Society (dehistory.org) Where to stay and find more natural beauty at Nemours Staybridge Suites Wilmington Downtown Estate (nemoursestate.org). (ihg.com/staybridge) is a budget-friendly and convenient option with a free daily Where to eat breakfast buffet. Or splurge on a stay at the For a small city, Wilmington boasts a grand Hotel Du Pont (hoteldupont.com), fair amount of Black-owned eateries. overlooking Rodney Square and connectA few local favorites include: Oath 84 ed to the DE.CO Food Hall.
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Longwood Gardens grounds. (Tracy E. Hopkins photos)
Sculpture Garden at Delaware Art Museum. (Delaware Art Museum/Shannon Woodloe photo)
Longwood Gardens fountain.
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Booker T. Jones kicks off fall at historic AC boardwalk ahead of upcoming NY appearances By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD Special to the AmNews Famed keyboardist and songwriter Booker T. Jones broke out the classics on the boardwalk outside of Atlantic City’s historic Boardwalk Hall on Aug. 19. His performance took place ahead of a small run of shows that will include multiple New York area appearances this fall. The organ player who headed namesake group Booker T. & the M.G.’s is responsible for a slew of hits, appearing on and writing many of Stax Records’ most iconic hits including Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” and the M.G.’s own “Green Onions.” Jones and his band broke these out and more, as the 81-year-old musician handled organ, vocal, and guitar duties throughout the evening. His set served simultaneously as a retrospective for Stax, and his own incredible career. A true portrait of the time, Jones led
Booker T. Jones performed iconic hits including the M.G.’s “Green Onions” and a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” on the historic boardwalk in Atlantic City last month. The iconic musician will return to New York on Oct. 24 and 25. (Johnny Knollwood photos)
the audience in song and dance through tunes you’ve heard over and over again, on the radio, in commercials, in your parents’ car, and on film — tunes like the M.G.’s “Time Is Tight” and “HipHug-Her,” complemented covers of songs like Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of “Hey Joe,” and Marvin
Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Jones eventually stepped away from his keys to deliver an emotional vocal performance on the mic, front and center, guitar in his hands. While many of the songs come from a bygone era and evoke a sense of nostalgia, their messages
remain pertinent and true today amidst political, racial, and class tensions in America. Still, solace exists on the boardwalk and in concert halls where people can get together, sing along, and remember we all have a little more in common than we might remember sometimes.
Jones and his band will return to the New York area this fall with stops at the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck, NY on Oct. 24, and at The Suffolk in Riverhead, NY on Oct. 25. If you plan to bring anything, bring your dancing shoes. Stay up to date with Booker T. Jones at bookert.com.
Antwuan Dixon returns to NYC and skateboarding with faith By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD Special to the AmNews Legendary skateboarder Antwuan Dixon appeared at LES Coleman Skatepark underneath the Manhattan Bridge last month as part of the Kingdom Takeover Pro Skate Tour, alongside Nick Merlino, Kenny Hampton, Jud Heald, and more. The iconic skater, who recently debuted a new pro model with FTP and launched a signature clothing line, Blue Haiku, took time to hang and skate with local New Yorkers, carrying his story of salvation with him. Antwuan Dixon’s story is one of redemption. Dixon rose to the top in the early 2000s as one of the Baker team’s most beloved skateboarders. Lauded for his unmistakable style, Dixon had standout parts in some of the most iconic videos in skateboarding history, including “Baker 3” (2005), and “Baker Has a Deathwish” (2008). He would go on to fight his fair share of battles with alcohol and drug use that eventually culminated in a stint in jail — stemming from charges that included marijuana possession, battery of a police officer, and violation of
Antwuan Dixon skating at LES Coleman Skatepark. (Johnny Knollwood photos)
Local skaters shredding at LES Coleman Skatepark.
probation. The skateboarder who once had it all lost his sponsors, and his career as a professional skateboarder slipped away. However, since his 2016 release from jail, Dixon has been steadily rebuilding. A Thrasher Magazine documentary released in May chronicles Dixon’s recovery journey. The skater, who is now five years sober, turns to writing, art,
and skating with the skate legend who has been monumentally influential to a younger generation of skaters. Central to Dixon’s journey has been his faith, and the tour stops included prayer in addition to giveaways and demos. Kids could be seen rocking stickers for Dixon’s new clothing brand, Blue Haiku, which recently launched a new line of signature apparel.
and — you guessed it — skateboarding to maintain a path of clarity and growth. As more recent clips of Dixon continue to drop online, it is clear that what Dixon is doing is working: he is skating better than ever, and the in-person and online community has welcomed Dixon home with open arms. Kids at the skatepark were slapping fives, having conversations,
If Dixon’s story tells us anything, it’s that humans have the power to come back from some pretty dark places — and perhaps that turning to an outlet, whether it be art, faith, skating, or otherwise, can put you on a better path. Stay up to date with Antwuan Dixon on Instagram at @AntwuanDixon and with Blue Haiku drops at BlueHaiku.us.
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‘Jazz in Unexpected Places’ exhibit is a swinging celebration of the art form
Jazz is grown amongst America’s cotton fields, and derives its call and response technique from the rhythmic cadence of Baptist ministers’ lyrical sermons. Its roots, embedded in Africa, contributed to its emergence as a definitive cultural vernacular. The legendary pianist and composer Dr. Billy Taylor famously referred to jazz as “America’s classical music.” Jazz has been the voice of Black identity and an artistic visual language — a catalyst for social change in America and around the world. As the iconic Sonny Rollins declared, “Jazz is the root of all music.” On a recent visit to West Palm Beach (WPB), Florida, my hometown, I was pleasantly surprised to see the city’s major music venue, the Kravis Center, featuring an exhibit titled “Jazz in Unexpected Places” curated by Tracy HyterSuffern, the former director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. “Jazz in Unexpected Places” is a swinging celebration, an improvised romp into the spirited moments of jazz as it shaped WPB County’s style, sound, and community participation. Get lost in rare vintage photos by Roberto Polillo that render stories of iconic jazz musicians of the ‘60s and ‘70s who paved the way for today’s artists. The contemporary images by Anthony Bethel transform visitors into the era of yesternow. An emotional rush may grab visitors watching the looping video interviews of prominent WPB residents offering their oral history as witnesses, and in some instances pioneering contributors, to the county’s cultural history before its tumultuous civil rights era that impacted the lives of community residents. Their compelling stories convey a thriving segregated Black community (like most USA municipalities) — self-sufficient with a hospital, schools, attorneys, civic organizations, and independent businesses where 90% of dollars earned stayed in the community. Ironically, the golden thread that brought the community together other than church was the Sunset Lounge, located in WPB’s historic Northwest neighborhood — origi-
Kravis Center board member Cheryl Jones. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Jones)
nally built in 1926 and later inherited by Dennis and Thelma Starks in 1947. For the next two decades, it was a social mecca for community locals and patrons from Miami to New York City (my parents frequented the club during their visits). The likes of Count Basie, Ray Charles, Ike & Tina Turner, James Brown, and Cab Calloway packed the place with at least 1,000 guests dressed in their best. It was a shining jewel on the magical Chitlin’ Circuit at its peak in the midst of the Great Migration, lynchings, and Jim Crow. More than a nightclub, it was a source of Black pride, artistic expression, and community cohesion. “I grew up wanting to play the Sunset, and when I finally did, I thought I had made it; it was like playing the Apollo Theater in Harlem,” said WPB native singer/songwriter Jimmy “Bo” Horne. “The Sunset made stars like George McCrae [also from WPB];” both graduated from Roosevelt High School. Horne, who enjoyed a few Billboard Top 20 hits, said, “The community nurtured us; they gave us confidence and inspiration.” After seeing the famous Temptations perform at his school, he knew singing would be his life. “God blessed
Mathew Harper. (Tamara Benavente photo)
me; music is the international language of the soul, “ said Horne. “The Sunset is a black historical landmark that continues to contribute to American music just as the elders and community continue to nurture our young people.” “Jazz in Unexpected Places” connects the dots of community involvement, activism, and spirituality. Jazz is more than a genre; it’s a family of growing brothers and sisters: gospel, blues, R&B, hip hop, spoken word, classical, Black rock, soul with powers of healing and inspiration. During my interview with the celebrated Broadway cabaret singer and television performer Avery Sommers, she pointed out that it wasn’t jazz that influenced her at an early age in WPB; it was the sound of gospel music and some familiarity with big bands. Her early singing in the Baptist church sparked her desire to sing. It was in Los Angeles and New York City where she rose to fame. She has since moved back home, where she conducts classes in the art of creating and performing cabaret at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Earlier in 2026, she performed at the Sunset Lounge, noting, “for me to go there as a performer was an exquisite joy to be on a stage where so many greats had performed.”
Her sister Bhetty Waldron, who also found fame as an actress in Los Angeles, returned home and started the Quest Theater Company (1990-96). There is a hidden jazz element in cabaret performances that blends dramatic storytelling with spirited improvisations. Sommers said she became more interested in jazz after listening to the legendary Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson, but having seen Sommers perform, I can honestly say her trio swings with some jazzy rhythms, demonstrating the unexpected jazz nuances that only exist in cabaret! Jazz is hip and smooth in the groove. Jazz shouts fashion as noted in the exhibit; all photos illustrate black folks dressed in their finest, and in West Palm no one did it better than those twins Johnnie Lee and Mami (married respectively to J.T. Jones and Ernest Wright). Kravis board member Cheryl Jones, the daughter of Johnnie, reflected during our interview on her parents always coming home late from the Sunset, still dancing and laughing. The twins were fashionistas before the term existed; they always dressed to impress and made their own stunning outfits, a skill learned from their mother.
Fashion like jazz is self-expression — today, Cheryl follows family tradition, dressing to impress whether at work or the mall, and presenting community fashion shows. Jazz is forever evolving from Charlie Parker, to Sonny Rollins, to Jeff “Tain” Watts and Wallace Roney Jr. Each generation is challenged to move the music forward with conviction and invention. Mathew Harper, a recent graduate of Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts (WPB), is now studying at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. Playing trumpet since grade six, he stated, “West Palm Beach has a rich history in Black American music, and my parents played a role in that. The Sunset inspires me that there will be a greater jazz presence in WPB — I am motivated and determined to do my part to carry on the tradition.” “My parents sent me to WPB every summer to stay with my grandparents and hang out with all my cousins. Loved it. They all laughed at my accent, but to me their southern accent was rather odd. After many years, I still attend Mount Gilead Mission Baptist Church when in town. I felt at home in that community; everyone was so friendly and caring. I was friends with Mr. Flewellyn, owner of Flewellyn’s Pharmacy (he fondly called me “New York”), Carl Robinson, owner of Robinson’s Supermarket, and my uncle Robert Scott, who owned the little cafe across the street where all us kids played the pinball machine, if we weren’t at the swimming pool. Sometimes we stopped by Blue Front Barbecue (the best barbecue ever). On Saturday night after attending the segregated movie (Grand Theater), we walked past the Sunset Lounge to watch all the dressed-up people and crossed our fingers to see James Brown, but we never did –– just loads of parked cars.” “Jazz in Unexpected Places: Untold Stories of Palm Beach County” brings jazz alive: its defiance, hip style, uncompromising sound, resilience, a community united. The exhibit is interactive and child-friendly — after all, one is never too young for jazz. The heart and soul of West Palm Beach ignited by a music that captivated the world- see, hear, and listen at the Kravis Center. Exhibit hours Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit Kravis.org.
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made to Flock Safety. Both civil rights groups involved have long served as a vanguard against police overreach and racial injustice in New York City. LatinoJustice PRLDEF, formerly known as the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, took on police brutality and misconduct issues for decades (and once boasted Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as a board member), while the privacy-focused S.T.O.P. played a key role in the city passing the POST Act to limit NYPD mass surveillance. “The outstanding question is, was the NYPD knowingly using Flock?” said
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS Manis. “Is it surprised that some officers have been using Flock? It’s just completely unclear what the NYPD relationship with Flock is and we had assumed, until we saw this data, that it simply wasn’t using Flock.” The NYPD does employ similar technology through one of Flock’s primary competitors, Leonardo US Cyber and Security Solutions, LLC. However, Flock cameras face uniquely intense scrutiny and public outcry over privacy concerns compared to similar license plate readers from other vendors. To be clear, the alleged NYPD searches recorded by HaveIBeenFlocked. com predate this backlash, which heated up this summer. So the issue may be as much about public image and transparency as privacy and surveillance.
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Regardless, questions of whether the NYPD can access the Flock license plate database and why it would potentially need to, given the NYPD’s contract to access hundreds of Leonardo’s ELSAG cameras, remain. Like with other surveillance tools, the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act limits how the NYPD can deploy approved license plate readers. According to policy guidelines updated this past February, license plate readers can only be used in public areas and can only capture “images of license plates that are readily observable to any member of the public.” An NYPD spokesperson says the department is currently looking into this inquiry and denied any contract with Flock Safety, which did not respond to requests for comment.
we’re telling the childcare provid- supplies at no extra cost; and calling and
to become their own banks,” emailing affected childcare providers directUniversal childcare ers said Hines. “We’re telling them to ly about the loan process. Additionally, the Continued from page 3
“We need to [fill] the stopgap. We can’t have the childcare providers close the doors, and then promise to sit 29,000 children. We still have providers that have not been paid. Let’s start there,” said Zuleika Hines, a childcare strategist and founder of Decoding Childcare. Hines owned and operated Beyond Basic Learning Daycare, serving Hoboken, New Jersey, and Fort Greene, Brooklyn, for over 20 years. Childcare providers support the vision of universal child care, but the program cannot succeed if they are expected to finance it themselves, said Hines. Delayed contracts and payments can force providers to rely on personal savings, assume debt, and struggle to meet payroll and operating expenses, she said. Hines added that she’s spoken with other providers from as far back as last year who were waiting on payments this month. “A lot of times what we’re doing is that
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“Who wants to pay $30 for a hamburger? That's what's happening when you have to factor in the cost,” Adams said. According to Adams, the restaurant currently can use support during the week, beyond days like Wednesday and Thursday, noting their pre-fixed option of having a three-course deal for two under $90. Within the Black community, Adams hopes that there can be a deeper dialogue around running a business and resources that are available. “I think that we as a community don't talk about how to fund and operate a business the right way,” Adams said. “There's a lot of different creative financing methods out there. … Sometimes people think that they need to take money out of their pocket to fund something. That's not
max out their credit cards. We’re telling them to take equity against their home. We’re telling them to leverage their husband’s income in order to supplement a promise that hasn’t come through. And most of the burden falls on women of color.” Hines added that under Mamdani, more families can qualify for subsidies in childcare and there has been an increase in subsidized payments for providers closer to “market rate,” which might’ve contributed to the existing backlog. In the city’s executive budget, the Mayor invested $40 million to increase rates for contracted childcare providers, including a 5% rate increase for family childcare providers and a 2% increase for family childcare networks, said the Mayor’s office. The plan to overhaul the city childcare system in the long-term includes deploying additional contracting staff for registration and payments; expediting interest-free loans and disbursement; providing school
city plans to increase early childhood education division staffing, implement contracting reforms that establish clear timelines to avoid administrative “bottlenecks,” and commit to communicating with childcare providers as small businesses. A spokesperson for the Mayor’s office said, “For too long, our city has asked providers to do more with less and treated them as an afterthought — this administration is changing that. We’re overhauling the way City Hall works with and invests in these small businesses, building a childcare system that works for families and providers alike. New Yorkers deserve nothing less.” Additionally, there’s a $3 million Emergency Microgrant Fund to support licensed home-based childcare providers that is supposed to be implemented before the end of 2026, said the Mayor’s office. The new fund aims to serve more than 500 licensed providers who will be eligible for emergency microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
always the case.” In the community, Adams serves as cochair of the Associate Board for the Harlem School of the Arts and is also involved with Momma’s Hip Hop Kitchen, a social justice nonprofit initiative that produces showcases featuring female DJs, MCs, and other artists while raising awareness around reproductive justice and HIV/AIDS. As a brand strategist, Adams works closely with healthcare companies as well as generally with venues such as Verizon for their “Can You Hear Me Now” campaign. Adams says she has irons in the fire and is looking to continue growing her career in different lanes from advertising, hospitality, and community. “A lot of times, people only focus on their business, and that's the only part of their identity. And for me, Angel of Harlem is part of my identity, but I'm so much more,” Adams said. “I'm looking at exploring and building
out some other concepts, perhaps maybe not even in New York, and not related to Angel of Harlem at all,” Adams said. “I’m just excited to see what the future holds.”
PUBLIC NOTICE 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 YorkNotice School Public Democracy Prep New York School will hold a board meeting on: Meeting of the Board of Trustees
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inform the public that the4th board of trustees of Democracy Prep 1767 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10035 Floor. th
hold a board meeting on September 30 , 2026 at 1:00 pm., loc
Park Avenue, New York, 10035 4th Floor. Some board members may choose to 1767 participate remotely via NY video conferencing, but as of this notice it is notPlease clearcontact what Katelyn their location will be. Kenney at dpps_accountability@democ Please contact Katelyn Kenney at dpps_accountability@democracyprep.org questions. with any questions.
26 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
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Health New prescription for closing Harlem’s mental health gap By JENNIFER PORTER GORE Word in Black Long before Rev. Sheila Poynter Johnson became a psychotherapist and the founder of a recently launched mental health center in Harlem, she was a teenager making what she now calls one of the toughest decisions of her life. “I escaped in 1968, and I went further south. I went to Florida and integrated a school like an idiot,” Johnson says humorously. She grew up in Washington, D.C., when Jim Crow laws still shaped daily life. “This is the ’60s. It was bad everywhere — no place you could go,” Johnson said. “I didn’t see my first Black bus driver in D.C. until I was 14 years old. I can count the number of Black teachers I had growing up. All the teachers were white.” Attending college in the Deep South certainly didn’t improve the situation. “I integrated Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, in 1968. I was the second wave.” Four Black students enrolled in the liberal arts college in 1964 — the first in 115 years. “Now this school is like one of the top schools — but I had my own room for four years,” she said. “I never had a roommate.” History of resilience and honoring those who came before That experience of persevering and charting a path to an enriching life runs through the mission of Harlem Family Services, the outpatient mental health center in New York City that Johnson opened in March. The center is bringing innovative treatments and approaches typically found in higher-income areas among well-to-do patients to low-income communities and Black patients. “We wanted to use the history of resilience, creativity, and definitely political consciousness, and mutual care,” Johnson said. “We recognize that high-quality mental health care has too often been denied to our residents.” Residents in the area experience clinical depression at roughly three times the citywide rate, she said. The community also has not shaken off the lingering effects of the pandemic. “We still haven’t recovered from COVID,” she said. “Our mission is grounded in health equity. We have to ensure that children, boys, and adults — especially those who are uninsured or historically marginalized — can receive timely medical care.”
New York Knicks legend John Starks and Sheila Johnson of Harlem Family Services. (Courtesy of Harlem Family Services)
Same-day care and new treatments to close gaps in care Central to that mission is same-day access, a rarity in a system where families routinely wait months for help. “I spoke to a parent the other day about this. She said that it took three months to get an intake, and six months to even get an actual appointment,” Johnson said. “We know no one would accept that in the case of a broken leg. Why is it acceptable, and why are long delays still common in mental health care?” That urgency is why Johnson named the center after Dr. Margaret Morgan Lawrence, a pioneering figure in Harlem’s medical history: In 1948, she became the first African American certified in psychoanalysis at Columbia University. Lawrence specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry. “She was a visionary physician, psychoanalyst, and justice-oriented thinker,” Johnson said. Lawrence was mentored by famed pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock, who wrote the landmark book on childcare in the 1960s. She led pediatric services at Harlem Hospital for more than two decades and became the first Black American to complete a residency in child psychiatry and psychoanalysis in New York. She helped found the Harlem Family Institute — the parent organization of Harlem Family Services — and died in 2019 at 105. “Her legacy lives on in every effort that insists on seeing strengths where others see deficits,
and that’s what our legacy will be,” Johnson said. To honor that legacy, Johnson is bringing treatments to Harlem that have never been available there. That includes participating in a clinical trial program that offers esketamine, a nasal-spray treatment that can be used to treat intractable depression symptoms. “What I really love about our approach is that we’re introducing some interventions that have not been available in Harlem at all,” Johnson said. Roughly a third of the 21 million Americans with major depressive disorder don’t respond adequately to standard oral antidepressants, which is the population this expansion targets. Although the name sounds similar, Johnson distinguished esketamine from ketamine, a common street drug that’s sometimes cut with fentanyl or heroin; it was a factor in the death of actor Matthew Perry in 2023. “It’s a completely different drug,” Johnson said. “The reason why this is safe is, one, patients never get their hands on it; two, it’s administered in the office [and the patient is] constantly monitored for two hours; and there’s no potential for addiction.” Access to esketamine has been essentially nonexistent in Harlem, as in several other lowincome New York neighborhoods. Johnson said getting it requires long subway or bus trips. To close that gap, the center plans to offer transportation vouchers. “It’s not magical, but my God, it’s close,” she said. Harlem Family Services is also working with
the Brain Fitness Foundation to offer neurofeedback treatments. It has connected with faith leaders after becoming aware of research showing Black churchgoers can face elevated rates of depression and anxiety. “This is where we need to do some work,” she said. The center also has partnered with the noted Children’s Art Carnival, which has filled the clinic’s treatment rooms with art about mothers and children. Johnson is preparing to launch reflective network therapy just for kids, placing therapists in school classrooms. The approach depends heavily on parents, yet “a lot of times, it’s the parents who really need the treatment, and not the child,” Johnson says. “You see that when you do an intake. You realize there’s nothing wrong with this kid.” Johnson described one case in which a father, who had never taken part in his son’s treatment before, dropped off the teenager at a subway station. The youngster had never ridden public transit by himself and became so disoriented that he refused a cold drink from Johnson, a therapist he had worked with for two years. “He had decompensated to the point where he said, ‘My mother told me not to accept anything from strangers,’” Johnson recalled. She eventually referred the teen to psychiatric care and recused herself from the case after learning his mother was reading him the medication’s frightening side-effect list. “That’s an example of sabotage,” Johnson said. Johnson said such patterns often trace back farther than one household. “A lot of it is intergenerational transmission. The beating of children. Communication styles are passed down,” she said. “We also carry the actual trauma in our bodies that our grandmothers had. It’s like a triple whammy for Black people.” Four months after its doors opened, Johnson said, the center has had high demand for its services. “We’re receiving so many calls for children, and a lot of calls from my church people,” she said. Part of the strain is a shortage of clinicians of color who specialize in children. “Only 3% of therapists are actually people of color, so I’m struggling,” Johnson said. “I’m scrambling right now. I’m looking for staff.” Still, Johnson said the center’s purpose is rooted in the same conviction that led her into an all-white dormitory in 1968: that Harlem families deserve care built specifically for them. “That’s our specialty,” she said. “Parents and children — that’s our bread and butter.”
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Two systems of justice: How success makes leaders of color targets By DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS JR. NNPA President and CEO Unless you have lived through it, it is easy to dismiss as racial paranoia — the wariness and discomfort felt by many successful business leaders of color who have reached the elite ranks of the business world. To outside observers, modern corporate America appears to be a meritocracy where performance dictates how far an individual can rise. Yet history reveals a far more sobering reality: No matter how much success an outsider of color accumulates, his or her place at the top is often accompanied by a question mark — by a lingering sense that acceptance is fleeting and the status earned over decades is more fragile than it appears. Nowhere is that more evident than in moments of crisis and failure. When an established company led by white American executives falters, media pundits, investors, business analysts, regulators, and other stakeholders follow a predictable script. Their failure is framed as the result of harsh economic cycles, bad timing, changing consumer preferences, miscalculation, or bad luck. Rarely is the white executive’s integrity put on trial. But African American corporate leaders are rarely afforded the same benefit of the doubt when a damaging crisis erupts under their watch. Instead, people are often quick to assume that incompetence, poor work ethic, character flaws, dishonesty, or criminal intent was at the root of the problem. The 2008 mortgage crisis vividly illustrated this double standard. Wall Street banks made enormous profits from a housing boom built on risky mortgages. When Americans began defaulting in staggering numbers, millions lost their homes, trillions in household wealth vanished, and the global economy neared collapse. And how many of the overwhelmingly white Wall Street executives behind this scheme were criminally prosecuted? None. Instead, the financial system received billions in taxpayer bailouts while the institutions at the center of the crisis paid executives lavish bonuses. The double standard hardly ends there. A few years later, global banking giant HSBC avoided criminal prosecution after admitting that its lax controls allowed Mexican drug cartels to launder hundreds of millions of dollars. Instead, federal prosecutors levied financial penalties against the bank. In the world of high finance, global breakdowns seem to be routinely treated as the cost of doing business. Contrast this grace with the treatment reserved for outsiders who aren’t in the club, usually African American executives or other business leaders of color whose organizations come under strain — whether in municipal services, finance, or manufacturing. The institutional response often involves vilification, press leaks, and the immediate criminalization of business failure. Consider a case I wrote about a few years
ago involving Jack Brown III, a visionary African American entrepreneur who built CORE Services Group into one of New York City’s most effective social services providers. Yet, when CORE demanded tens of millions in overdue payments from the cash-strapped city for services delivered, city officials launched a campaign of press leaks and innuendo, suggesting that Brown’s executive compensation was corrupt. It was a classic example of how leaders of color can be character demonized in an instant. More recently, there’s a troubling case in the American heartland involving both the forced liquidation of First Brands Group, an auto parts manufacturer that anchored many communities with jobs, and the unfair, aggressive prosecution of its founder, Patrick James. James, an immigrant entrepreneur of color who arrived in Ohio in the 1980s, chose a path modern Wall Street had largely abandoned. Rather than relocating operations and shipping jobs overseas, James entered the struggling world of Midwestern manufacturing and worked to turn it around. Over three decades, he acquired numerous iconic but fading American auto-parts brands like FRAM, Trico, and Raybestos, bringing them under an industrial giant in a vitally important American industry. As an industry outsider with limited access to easy credit from giant mainstream banks, James funded this expansion through high-yield, high-risk private lenders that resemble the payday lenders found in urban neighborhoods. When the economy faltered — driven by historic interest rate hikes, inflation, and pandemic-era shipping bottlenecks — First Brands’ heavy debt burden became unsustainable. In a fair system, staggering debt during an economic downturn triggers standard Chapter 11 protections: debt is reorganized, ancillary assets are sold, and the company continues to employ thousands. Instead, the private credit lenders who earned lucrative returns worsened the problem. To insulate themselves from their own bad bets, they ran to federal law enforcement, spinning a story of executive fraud out of a complex debt default they helped create. The response from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York was swift. Prosecutors dusted off the “Financial Kingpin” statute — formally known as the Continuing Financial Crimes Enterprise law — a drug cartel-era law carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life. Instead of stabilizing the business, courtappointed restructuring advisors collected large professional fees while liquidating plants, firing thousands of American workers, and selling off specialized manufacturing machinery. At the same time, they worked with the government to build an indictment against James, while prosecutors cut off his access to the corporate documents he needed to defend himself, according to court filings. In the end, China has been the real ben-
(Pexels/Werner Pfennig)
eficiary of this debacle, quickly stepping in to absorb the domestic market share First Brands once held. In that sense, the destruction of First Brands represents another example of Wall Street undermining Main Street by dismantling an effort to rebuild America’s hollowed-out manufacturing base. Still, there is good reason to believe the ugly facts will finally be heard on their own merit rather than through a creditor-driven spin. The James case is before the U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres – a trailblazing Latina appointed by President Obama and veteran of the New York bench known for her impartiality, deep respect for working people and labor, and refusal to let institutional
power tilt the scales. In a courtroom led by a judge who understands the challenges outsiders face, James’ corporate undoing may finally get the thorough scrutiny it deserves. American democracy can only be sustained when African Americans and people of color are treated fairly, equally, justly, and equitably. The racial targeting of successful corporate leaders of color must be stopped.
Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and Executive Producer of The Chavis Chronicles on PBS TV network across the nation, and can be reached at dr.chavis@nnpr.org
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Signatures Continued from page 8
non-small-cell lung cancer, spent decades documenting and preserving the history of the Young Lords and other liberation movements. The Baruch College and CUNY Graduate Center historian authored “The Young Lords: A Radical History,” recovered long-lost NYPD surveillance files through a landmark legal challenge, and helped create major exhibitions documenting Latino freedom struggles. “She was the individual who I feel preserved the history and brought it back from the past to the future, giving a lot of Puerto Ricans a sense of identity,” Toro said. Machado, who was one of Fernández’s former students at Baruch, described her influence on younger generations of organizers and journalists: “She challenged me to rethink history, retell history,” Machado said. “She was an incredible, incredible soldier for activism and the revolution.” Oliver-Vélez, who died July 15, was one of the most influential women in the Young Lords and later became a member of the Black Panther Party. Her decades of activism
NEYL National Chairman Suby Toro looks over the signature collections for the street renamings. (Karen Juanita Carrillo photo)
connected struggles around Puerto Rican self-determination, racial justice, gender equality, and community empowerment. While collecting signatures, organizers found that many longtime residents already
knew of her work. “A few people today actually knew of Denise Oliver-Vélez and her work,” Machado said. “Once people do stop and you have their ear, it was actually really easy to get their signatures.”
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 29 Young Lords co-founder and former Security Chief Mickey Melendez told the AmNews the proposed street renamings would introduce future generations to the women who helped transform their communities. “This is a way for young people to know who these incredible women were when they walk by East Harlem and see their names and wonder who Johanna Fernández and Denise Oliver were,” Melendez said. “When they find out, they will see their contributions to our communities.” The street renaming campaign is also part of a response to rapid neighborhood change and displacement. While East Harlem continues to experience gentrification, organizers insist that the community’s history remains alive. “Yes, gentrification is real, yes, displacement is real, but we’re still here,” Machado asserted. The New Era Young Lords plan to continue canvassing until they secure enough verified signatures to move proposals for both street renamings through the city’s review process. If successful, the street namings would create lasting public reminders, Melendez noted, that neither woman has been forgotten and never will be.
Theater, Northwell Health, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Mount Sinai Continued from page 9 Health System, TWU Local 100, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Our people have been through a lot. I want NAACP, WBLS, Aloft Harlem, and others. to be clear: The giants stand on our shoulHasan peered through the raindrops and ders,” he said. was apparently pleased that it didn’t hold The parade also brought together busi- anything back. “Rain did not stop our annesses and organizations that provided cestors. It did not stop civil rights. We’re information and resources to the com- not going to let a little rain stop us from munity. Sponsors included ABC7, which marching and keeping the parade going,” livestreamed the parade, and the Apollo he said.
Parade
Man on Mount Sinai float points to crowd during African American Day Parade. (Photos by Nafissatou Yattassaye)
Child enjoys being part of African American Day Parade.
Member of Mark Levine float.
Yusef Salaam on a float at the African American Day Parade.
Gotham Health and Hospitals float.
30 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Central Harlem Senior Citizen Center releases its first book BY NAFISSATOU YATTASSAYE Special To The AmNews The Central Harlem Senior Citizen Center officially launched its first book titled “Throwback Tales, Short Stories, and Humorous Reflections,” featuring eight firsttime published Black authors, all from Harlem. What started as just a writing workshop at the center on 140th Street in Harlem did not include a goal of publishing for these seniors. “It was a course that just started with them writing down their stories, or, you know, whatever story they wanted to tell,” said Valerie Henderson, the book’s editor-inchief, former journalist, and teacher of the course. “A group that once started as strangers but became friends,” said Henderson, reflecting on the growth this group showed before the idea of the book arose. “It’s really funny and really awesome to see their growth, because eventually, they started sharing freely, and they cried; they laughed with each other. They helped each other. So, you saw all these very raw emotions depending on what they were talking about, because they have some really personal stories.” In addition to their friendship, Henderson speaks on how the seniors supported each other, especially during times they didn’t want to write anymore. Often, when a senior in her class doubted themselves, she said that they would all come together. “We all sort of banded together, and we were like, ‘No, you’ve come way too far to quit now. We’re good, like just keep writing, take your time.’” Little did they know, the idea of using the stories they shared out loud and wrote about would turn into a book, which came to Henderson by Cheryl Marius, the executive director of the senior citizen center. “Throwback Tales, Short Stories, and Humorous Reflections” is a book that is crafted so each chapter reflects a story one of the seniors has faced in their life. The stories range from historical moment reflections to navigating trauma and mental health. Janet Bryan, one of the eight authors and a member of the center, shared her experience writing this book. Bryan, herself a former journalist, knew ultimately that she wanted to write about her battles dealing with mental illness. She focuses on the mental illness breakdown she faced in 2014,
CHSCC motto written on the back of a member’s shirt. (Nafissatou Yattassaye photos)
Copy of “Throwback Tales, Short Stories, and Humorous Reflections.”
Janet Bryant, one of the eight authors of the book “Throwback Tales, Short Stories, and Humorous Reflections.”
Valerie Henderson, editor-in-chief, at the book signing.
Cheryl Marius, executive director, giving a speech before the event started.
Adrianna Pattillo, one of the eight authors of the book “Throwback Tales, Short Stories, and Humorous Reflections.”
and reflects on the traumatic experience. “The factors that contributed to that [mental breakdown], and what I did to gain a healthy mindset,” she remembered. “I talk about the experiences at work, the therapy I went through, and my relationships with people during that time that I was in that crisis.” Bryan hopes readers will see themselves in her story and
those of her fellow authors, recognize that they are not alone, and understand that “mental illness does not discriminate” and that help is available. Adrianna Pattillo, another author at the center, found the course by accident. Pattillo joined the center to learn how to be a better caregiver for a parent. She shares how going to the center turned into an equally “transformative experience” for herself as
an older adult. As a fairly engaged member dancing in performances and participating in birthday celebrations, meeting both Cheryl and Valerie drew her into the writing workshop class. While navigating a hard time dealing with sick parents and caring for herself, her story in the novel reflects her challenges and struggles that led to her “own evolution,” Patillo shares.
For those who feel hopeless or lack the inspiration or encouragement to keep going, Patillo hopes her writing will “be that friend who’s having a conversation with them in that moment when they feel the most isolated,” offering comfort and companionship as they read her story. The book is now available for purchase through several online booksellers.
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 31
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101 LEGAL NOTICES
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101 LEGAL NOTICES
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, September 30, 2026, at 4:30 PM at 245 West 129th Street, New York, NY.
Park South, Unit 3B, New York, NY 10019. 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, County and State of New York, Block: 1011 Lot: 4089. Approximate amount of judgment $1,863,650.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850164/2023. Allison Furman, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 SPSNC846 91290
failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed the Honorable day of 20_ at New York. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage on the following property: 25-002664-NY ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, CITY, COUNTY AND STATE OF NEW YORK, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:- BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF EAST 118TH STREET, DISTANT 259 FEET 6 INCHES EASTERLY FROM THE CORNER FORMED BY THE INTERSECTION OF THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF EAST 118TH STREET (60 FEET WIDE) WITH THE EASTERLY SIDE OF MADISON AVENUE (80 FEET WIDE); RUNNING THENCE SOUTHERLY AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF EAST 118TH STREET, 100 FEET 11 INCHES TO A POINT; RUNNING THENCE EASTERLY AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE LAST MENTIONED COURSE, 19 FEET 10 INCHES TO A POINT; RUNNING THENCE NORTHERLY AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF EAST 118TH STREET, 100 FEET 11 INCHES TO THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF EAST 118TH STREET; RUNNING THENCE WESTERLY ALONG THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF EAST 118TH STREET, 19 FEET 10 INCHES TO THE POINT OR PLACE OF BEGINNING. Subject to easements, covenants, and restriction of record. These premises are also known as 68 E 118TH ST, New York, NY 10035. Dated: 9/1/2026
25-002664-NY Aleaten Oleksiy Lunhu, Esq. Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 39 Broadway, Suite 1840 New York, NY 10006 Tel.: (800) 2806205
CLE 9-B OF THE REAL PROPERTY LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK)
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, September 30, 2026, at 4:30 PM at 245 West 129th Street, New York, NY. M/WBE bids sought for 220 Kimberly Place, Bronx, NY construction project. A scope meeting will be held on October 5th. Contact bidding@taxaceny. com for details. NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County Of New York Citibank, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Thomas N. Pieper, Carol Ann Foley, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 1, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, see posted location outside Room 130 at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on October 20, 2026 at 2:15 PM premises known as 250 South End Avenue, Unit 4D, New York, NY 10280. 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, City and State of New York, BLOCK: 16, LOT: 2222. Approximate amount of judgment is $28,099.34 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 850158/2023. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. Scott H. Siller, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-095756-F00 91257 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK U.S. BANK NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA, NA, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO LASALLE BANK NA, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE WAMU MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007- HY7, Plaintiff AGAINST TERRE SIEPSER SIMPSON A/K/A TERRE S. SIMPSON A/K/A TERRE SIMPSON A/K/A TERRE SIEPSE-SIMPSON; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 4, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, see posted location outside room 130, at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on October 6, 2026 at 2:15 pm, premises known as 106 Central
STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NEW YORK NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, V. Plaintiff, ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE ANTONIA MOCZO, IF LIVING, AND IF ANY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS WHO ARE SPOUSES, WIDOWS, GRANTEES, MORTGAGEES, LIENORS, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF SUCH OF THEM AS MAY BE DEAD, AND THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF; ANTHONY WAYNE NICOLEAU INDIVIDUALLY AND AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ANTONIA MOCZO; THE CITY OF NEW YORK, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT; CITY OF NEW YORK PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; JOHN DOE (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1; JOHN DOE (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #2; JOHN DOE (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #3; JOHN DOE (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #4; JOHN DOE (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #5 Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: Index No.: 850568/2025 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Property Address: 68 E 118TH ST New York, NY 10035 Block: 1623 Lot: 42 YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a 25-002664-NY copy of your answer, or if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorneys within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, and in case of your
Notice of Formation of SEAL PARK VENTURES LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/16/2026. Office location: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 245 8th Ave, #884, New York, NY 10011. Purpose: any lawful activity. SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST II, -againstNORTHWARD ESTATES LLC, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of New York on September 29, 2025, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST II is the Plaintiff and NORTHWARD ESTATES LLC, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the NEW YORK COUNTY CIVIL SUPREME COURTHOUSE, 60 CENTRE STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10007, on October 13, 2026 at 2:15PM, premises known as 2573 FREDERICK DOUGLASS BLVD, UNIT A, A/K/A 300 WEST 138TH STREET, UNIT 2573A, A/K/A 300 WEST 138TH STREET, UNIT 2573, A/K/A 2573 8TH AVENUE, UNIT A, NEW YORK, NY 10030; and the following tax map identification: 2041-1119. THE UNIT KNOWN AS UNIT NO. 2773(A) LOCATED IN ST. CHARLES CONDOMINIUM IV LOCATED AT 2571-2579 FREDERICK DOUGLASS BOULEVARD, COUNTY, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK AND ALSO DESIGNATED AND DESCRIBED AS UNIT NO. 2573(A) IN THE DECLARATION ESTABLISHING ST. CHARLES CONDOMINIUM IV, (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE “PROPERTY”) MADE BY THE SPONSOR/ DECLARANT AND GRANTOR UNDER THE CONDOMINIUM ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS AMENDED (ARTI-
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 850647/2023. Paul R. Sklar, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Allison Scollar; Brook Altman; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 20, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, see posted location outside room 130, at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on October 20, 2026, at 2:15PM, premises known as 59 John Street, Unit 11A, New York, NY 10038. The Condominium Unit (“the Unit”) in the premises known as Five Nine John Lofts and by the street Number 59 John Street, Borough of Manhattan City, County, and State of New York, Block 78 Lot 1667. Approximate amount of judgment $1,264,998.16 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 850317/2024. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: August 12, 2026 91159 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, in trust for the holders of UBSBarclays Mortgage Trust 2013C6, Commercial Mortgage Pass-through certificates, series 2013-C6, Plaintiff, vs. 240 Park Avenue South Owner LP, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on July 20, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction to be posted outside of Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on October 6, 2026 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 240 Park Avenue South, Commercial Storage Unit, A/K/A 240 Park Avenue South, A/K/A 49/55 East 19th Street, New York, New York and 240 Park Avenue South, Commercial Unit, A/K/A 240 Park Avenue South, A/K/A 49/55 East 19 Street, New York, NY 10940. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the
32 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
101 LEGAL NOTICES
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Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 848 and Lot 1301 and 1302 together with an undivided 5.9491 and 4.2941 percent interest in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $14,002,392.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850406/2024. Mark McKew, Esq., Referee Duane Morris, LLP, 22 Vanderbilt, 335 Madison Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, New York 10017-4669, Attorneys for Plaintiff
be served. SSNY should mail process to Birkley Sigband: birkley@creswelljewelry.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
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 STOREY GALLERY, LLC: 60 Russell St, Brooklyn, NY 11222. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
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 803 Street LLC: 66 Saint Nicholas Place Apartment 36A New York NY 10032. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Suite 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Gluck & Co. LLP. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/30/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Gluck & Co. LLP: info@gluckllp.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
served. SSNY should mail process to LEGALZOOM USCA, INC. : 45 Main Street, Suite 238 Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of STATSTRAT LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/25/2026. 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 Mingyu Zhang: 508 51st Street, Apt 1112, West New York, NJ 07093. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of ANIVA LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/09/2026. 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 Registered Agents Inc.: 418 Broadway, Suite R, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Rebecca Brown Marriage & Family Therapy, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/11/2026. 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 Rebecca Brown: 220 5th Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of BENOOSH LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/17/2026. 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 The Secretary of State: 106 W, 117th St, New York, NY, 10026. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Redman Protective Service LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/07/2026. 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 Ransford Redman: 40B Adler Place, Bronx, NY, 10475. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Great Northeast Properties, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/25/2026. 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 Secretary of State of New York: 53 Union Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Blue Bonnet Studio, LLC . Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/06/2026. 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 Bonnie Maxey : 45 e 22nd st. APT 18B New york, NY 10010 . Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of LEYLLE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/02/2026. 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 Northwest Registered Agent: 418 BROADWAY, STE N, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Eagle Crest Facility Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/15/2026. 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 Aldiana Hot: 105 Pinehurst Ave, Apt. Super, New York, NY 10033. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of RT 42 4446 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/12/2026. 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 RT 42 4446 LLC: 269 W 87 Street, 11A, NY NY 10024. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Creswell Jewelry, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/0426. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may
Notice of formation of CHRISTOPHER SALE DESIGN LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/06/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be
Notice of formation of Hyacinth’s Flowers, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/24/2026. 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 Karina Singh: 159 west 122nd st, apt 4 New York NY 10027. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of formation of Vital Essence Wellness LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/09/2026. 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 The LLC: 310 EAST 23RD STREET, APT. 5G, NEW YORK, NY 10010-4703 . Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of formation of Older Sister Events, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/03/2026. 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 Catherine A Sullivan: 310 1st Ave Apt 7H, New York, NY 10009. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of formation of Sancta Tribeca, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/24/2026. 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 LegalZoomUSCA, Inc.: 124 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Redman Protective Service LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/07/2026. 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 Redman Protective Service LLC: emeldara@yahoo.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of formation of NAPOLI BITES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/01/2026. 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 REPUBLIC REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES INC.: 54 STATE STREET, STE 804 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of formation of Word of Mouf Catering LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/31/26. 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 Valerie Simms-Dixon: 156-20 Riverside Drive W apt 5i New York, New York 10032. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Pepperworks LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/02/2026. 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 The LLC: 450 W 42nd St Apt 17A, New York, NY 10036. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of formation of In The Ether Productions LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/20/2026. 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 LegalZoom USCA, INC.: 45 Main Street Suite 28 Brooklyn,NY 11201. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of formation of VYSE RENTALS , LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/27/2026. 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 LegalZoom USCA. INC : 45 MAIN STREET, SUITE 238 BROOKLYN, NY, 11201, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of SOFIA ROSALES CONSULTING LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/01/2026. 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 SOFIA ROSALES: 171 Suffolk Street. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Voyzant LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/13/2026. 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 VOYZANT LLC: ayesha@voyzantus.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Show Stop Tickets, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/29/2026. 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 ENTITY PROTECT REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES LLC: 447 Broadway 2nd Fl. - #3000, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Legal Management Tools, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/29/2026. 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 Jacob Richman: jrichman@legalmgmttools.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Hostage Families NY Story Project LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/20/2026. 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 Dana Cwaigrach: 27w 72nd st , 10023 NY. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of Ivolv LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/13/2026. 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 Laurice Lusane: Laurice. lusane@gmail.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of STOREY GALLERY, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/25/2026. Office location:
Notice of formation of 803 Street, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/172026. Office location:
Notice of Qualification of Turbineco, LLC. Certificate of Authority filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/2/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). Limited Liability Company (LLC) formed in Delaware on 8/24/2023. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The Corporation Trust Company: Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Articles of Organization originally filed with Secretary of State (SOS). DE SOS, 401 Federal Street,
Notice of formation of THE WONDER TREE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/12/2026. 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 ENTITY PROTECT REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES LLC: 447 Broadway, 2nd Fl. - #3000, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
MINETTA PRIVATE CAPITAL LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 08/24/2026. Office in New York Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 300 Mercer St., Apr 15J, New York, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of SHARFFI LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/30/2026. Office location: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Eric Sharff, 140 7th Ave Apt 6P, New York, NY 10011. Registered Agent: Dimov Associates LLC, 211 E 43rd Street, Ste 628, New York, NY 10017. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. STUDIO ARMANDO AGUIRRE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed SSNY 03/18/2025. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: THE LLC, 73 W 11th St, Apt 4R, New York, NY 10011. Registered agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave, Ste 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Jules Power LLC, Arts. of Org. filed SSNY 7/9/26. Office: NY County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail process to: David Jaramillo, 7E 86th St, Apt 16A, NY, NY 10028. Purpose: any lawful act. Notice of formation of SEALED WITH SNARK LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/15/2026. Office located in NEW YORK. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to SEALED WITH SNARK LLC 99 WALL STREET #2319, NEW YORK, NY, 10005, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose. KINAN LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 06/17/2026. Office in New York Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 228 Park Ave S #235091, New York, NY 10003. Legalzoom Usca, Inc. desig. as agent for SOP 45 Main Street, Suite 238, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. KYRIAKOULI GROUP LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 6/10/26. Office in New York Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 808 Columbus Ave (17m), (c/o Pauline Cho), New York, NY 10015. Any lawful purpose STUDIODYKAS LLC Articles of Org. For Any Lawful Activity filed w/ SSNY 08/25/2026 New York County. SSNY designated agent whom process against to be served. SSNY mail all docs: 447 Broadway 2nd Floor #1476, New York, NY 10013 Notice: Blackhall Equipment Services LLC, a foreign limited liability company. Application for Authority filed with the NY Secretary of State on 07/21/2026. County: New York. LLC organized in Delaware on 3/15/2021. SSNY designated
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as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served; SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Blackhall Equipment Services LLC, 1415 Constitution Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the laws of the State of Delaware.
of East 126th Street, distant 300 feet easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the said southerly side of East 126th Street and the easterly side of Second Avenue; being a plot 99 feet 11 inches by 50 feet by 99 feet 11 inches by 50 feet. Block: 1802 Lot: 40 318 EAST 126TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY PARCEL 2: situate, lying and being in the Borough of New York, County of New York, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of East 126th Street, distant 300 feet easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the said southerly side of East 126th Street and the easterly side of Second Avenue; being a plot 99 feet 11 inches by 50 feet by 99 feet 11 inches by 50 feet. Block: 1802 Lot 39. Said premises known as 320 EAST 126TH STRET, NEW YORK NY PARCEL 3: situate, lying and being in the Borough of New York, County of New York, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of East 126th Street, distant 350 feet easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the said southerly side of East 126th Street and the easterly side of Second Avenue, being a plot 99 feet 11 inches by 41 feet 8 inches by 99 feet 11 inches by 41 feet 8 inches. Block: 1802 Lot: 38 Said premises known as 322‑324 EAST 126TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $10,548,529.53 plus interest & costs.
dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442512 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1302. Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY 10019 Approximate amount of lien $19,470.73 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850292/2023. ROBERTA ASHKIN, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39266 {* AMSTERDAM*}
MORTGAGE PASS‑THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2016‑P3, Plaintiff ‑against‑ NYACK 2 WASHINGTON LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated May 4, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Supreme Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY, in the courtroom designated by the posting outside of Room 130, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. The Unit (the “Unit”) Known as Unit 3B in THE 17 BATTERY PLACE CONDOMINIUM (the “Condominium”), said Unit being designated and described as Unit 3B in the Declaration establishing a plan for condominium ownership under Article 9‑B of the Real Property Law of the State of New York (the “New York Condominium Act”), with respect to the building and improvements located on the land described below (the “Premises”) known by the street number 17 Battery Place, Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, which Declaration is dated 4/9/1998 and recorded in the New York County Office of the Register of the City of New York (the “City Register’s Office”) on 7/23/1998 in Reel 2636 Page 1214 and amended by First Amendment to Declaration dated as of 1/4/2001 and recorded on 1/5/2001 in Reel 3217 Page 168, as further amended by Second Amendment to Declaration dated as of 1/27/2009, recorded 2/12/2009 in CRFN 2009000041625, and by Third Amendment to Declaration dated as 7/22/2009, recorded 8/7/2009 in CRFN 2009000247585, as further amended by Fourth Amendment to Declaration dated as of 3/2/2016, recorded 3/11/2016 in CRFN 2016000086373 (as so amended, the “Declaration”); the Unit is also designated as Tax Lot 1004 in Block 15 of Section 1 of the Borough of Manhattan on the Tax Map of the Real Property Assessment, Division of the City of New York, and on the Floor Plans of said building, certified by Fifield Piaker & Associates, Architects, P.C. on 3/2/2016 and filed in the City Register’s Office, New York County, on 3/11/2016 as Condominium Plan No. 1025B, amending the original floor plans of the Buildings, certified by Fifield Piaker & Associates Architects, P.C. on 7/10/1998 and also filed in the City Register’s Office as Condominium Plan No. 1025, Map No. 5529 on 7/23/1998, as amended by the amended floor plans prepared by Avinash K. Malhotra, AIA, Architects and certified on 12/28/2000 and filed in the City Register’s Office on the 1/5/2001 as Condominium Plan No. 1025A, Map #5520A (all capitalized terms herein which are not separately defined herein shall have the respective meanings described to them in the Declaration or in the By‑Laws (the “By‑Laws”) of The 17 Battery Place Condominium);
YORK, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of BATTERY PLACE with the westerly side of WASHINGTON STREET as now laid out and established by Law; THENCE westerly along the northerly side of BATTERY PLACE, 180 feet 10‑1/4 inches to the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of BATTERY PLACE and the easterly side of WEST STREET; THENCE northerly along the easterly side of WEST STREET, 363 feet 11‑1/2 inches, more or less, to the land now or formerly of ALEXANDER STEVENS and RICHARD MORRIS; THENCE easterly along said land now or formerly of ALEXANDER STEVENS and RICHARD MORRIS, 179 feet 10‑1/4 inches, more or less, to the westerly side of WASHINGTON STREET; THENCE southerly along the westerly side of WASHINGTON STREET, 357 feet 1‑1/2 inches, more or less, to the corner at the point or place of BEGINNING. Block: 15 Lot: 1004 Said premises known as 2 WASHINGTON STREET, UNIT 3B, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $89,022,691.78 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850020/2024. CLARK WHITSETT, ESQ., Referee Holland & Knight LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 787 Seventh Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, NY 10019
Bureau, and “JOHN DOE”, said name being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, and any parties, corporations or entities, if any, having or claiming an interest or lien upon the mortgaged premises,
Notice of Qualification of INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES LLC, d/b/a NEXTGUARD INSURANCE AGENCY LLC. Application for Authority filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/20/2026. Office location: New York County. LLC formed in Florida on 06/14/2019. LLC is not required to maintain an office in Florida. Principal office of LLC: 3000 S Ocean Drive, Apt 608, Hollywood, FL 33019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: International Affiliates LLC, 3000 S Ocean Drive, Apt 608, Hollywood, FL 33019. Address of the officer in Florida where a copy of the Articles of Organization may be obtained: Secretary of State, State of Florida Division of Corporations, 2415 N Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303. Purpose: any lawful activity. JWCM COF I MF ADMIN, LLC Auth. filed w/ SSNY 8/3/26. Off. in NY Co. Cert of Form. filed w/ SSDE 7/31/26. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to 445 Park Ave., Ste. 1600, NY, NY 10022. Add. maintd. in DE: 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Name & add. of auth. officer in DE where Cert of Form filed: SSDE, Div. of Corp, John G Townsend Bldg, 401 Federal St, Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose. NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION OF STRAZZELLA PROSTHODONTICS LLC. STRAZZELLA PROSTHODONTICS LLC filed an Application of Authority with the New York State Department of State on 07/23/2026. LLC formed in NJ on 05/30/2024. Its office is located in NEW YORK COUNTY. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom it may be served and a copy of any process shall be mailed to THE LLC, 279 GOFFLE ROAD, RIDGEWOOD, NJ, 07450. Certificate of Formation filed with the NJ Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, 33 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608. The purpose of the Company is any lawful purpose. SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. SIG RCRS D MF 2023 VENTURE LLC, Plaintiff ‑against‑ 318‑322 EAST 126 LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 18, 2026 and entered on March 26, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Supreme Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY, in the courtroom designated by the posting outside of Room 130, on October 6, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. PARCEL 1: situate, lying and being in the Borough of New York, County of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850136/2025. ALLISON FURMAN, ESQ., Referee Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 120 Albany Street Plaza, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 {* AMSTERDAM*}
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. HNY CLUB SUITES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ HANS J. HENRICI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 11, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Supreme Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY, in the courtroom designated by the posting outside of Room 130, on October 20, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 0.0381% in common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ EBRAHIM OSMAN, MIRIAM OSMAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 11, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Supreme Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY, in the courtroom designated by the posting outside of Room 130, on October 20, 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 ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided 0.00986400000% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. 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 $19,425.00 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850341/2023. SCOTT H. SILLER, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39286 {* AMSTERDAM*}
SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF CITIGROUP COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE SECURITIES, INC., COMMERCIAL
TOGETHER with an undivided 17.0551% interest in the Common Elements (as defined in the Declaration) appurtenant to the Unit. The land upon which the building containing the Unit is described as follows: ALL that certain plot. piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough of MANHATTAN, City, County and State of NEW
{* AMSTERDAM*} SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK SUPPLMENTAL SUMMONS Index No. 850566/2025 Date Filed: 8/28/2026 Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff, -againstEdward Gelb, if he be living or if he be dead, his spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; Gail Rosenberg Gurewitz; Eric Rosenberg; William Glickman; Franklin Spector; Sheila Brown; Jay Manne, if he be living or if he be dead, his spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; Stephen Spector; Howard Spector; Matthew Kaminsky; Samantha Kaminsky Pidmont, if she be living or if she be dead, their spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; Any unknown heirs, devisees, distributees or successors in interest of the late Susan Rita Manne, if they be living or, if they be dead, their spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the Plaintiff; The Board of Directors of 140 East 56th Street Condominium Homeowners Association; City of New York Environmental Control Board; City of New York Parking Violations Bureau; City of New York Transit Adjudication
Defendants. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 140 East 56th Street, Unit 4J, New York, NY 10022 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 a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. 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 Consolidation and/or Modified Mortgage (hereinafter “the Mortgage”) to secure $159,500.00 and interest, recorded in the New York County Office of the City Register on August 31, 2011, in CRFN 2011000309791 covering premises known as 140 East 56th street, Unit 4J, New York, NY 10022 a/k/a Block 1310, Lot 1339. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates New York County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO VOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: June 18, 2026 Steven M. Palmer, Esq. Foreclosure Attorney
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101 LEGAL NOTICES LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (585) 247-9000 Fax: (585) 247-7380 Our File No. 25-099886 #103164
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24,395.69 plus interest & costs. Approximate amount of lien $24,395.69 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 162976/2025. SCOTT H. SILLER, ESQ., Referee TROIA & ASSOCIATES Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 59 MAIDEN LANE, 41ST FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10038
DE Dept. of State Div. of Corps., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of formation of Akanksha Kevalramani, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/03/2026. 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 Akanksha Kevalramani: 170 Amsterdam Ave, Apt 13D, New York, NY 10023. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Qualification of 375 DENNYTOWN ROAD LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/20/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 11/13/25. Princ. office of LLC: 767 Fifth Ave., 42nd Fl., NY, NY 10153. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a license, number NA-0340-26114617, Ghemo, for liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 201 W. 106th Street, Storefronts 1 & 2, New York, New York County, New York 10025, for on-premises consumption. GHEMO INC.
{* AMSTERDAM*} SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE 75 KENMARE STREET CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff ‑against‑ KOK KIT LEE, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated July 7, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Supreme Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY, in the courtroom designated by the posting outside of Room 130, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, The Unit known as Unit No. 2G in the Building known by 75 Kenmare Street, known and designated as Unit No. 2G in the condominium known as “The 75 Kenmare Street Condominium”. Together with an undivided 1.65 percent interest in the common elements. Block: 480 Lot: 1310 Said premises known as 75 KENMARE STREET, UNIT 2G, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $70,040.78 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 151896/2025. GREGORY M. LASPINA, ESQ., Referee Schneider Buchel LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 60 Crossways Park Dr West, Suite 340, Woodbury, NY 11797 {* AMSTERDAM*}
SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. BOARD OF MANAGERS OF GRAMERCY EAST CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff ‑against‑ THE ATARAXIA REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST DATED SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 c/o MICHAEL WALLACE, AS TRUSTEE, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 14, 2026 and entered on August 28, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Supreme Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY, in the courtroom designated by the posting outside of Room 130, on October 20, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, known and designated as Unit No. 3B in the Condominium Building known as 312 East 22nd Street, New York, New York, Block 927 Lot 1008 together with a .42734 percent undivided interest in the common elements. Said premises known as 312 EAST 22ND STREET, UNIT 3B, NEW YORK, NY 10010 Approximate amount of lien
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Notice of Formation of BOW LIFT LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/07/26. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 200 Park Ave. South, Fl. 8, NY, NY 10003. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of MAILLARD ART SERVICES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/07/26. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 23 E 73rd St., NY, NY 10021. 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 EVIA NANO MEDICAL, PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/18/26. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of PLLC: 130 East 35th St., NY, NY 10016. SSNY designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the PLLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Medicine. Notice of Qualification of STRIDE HOSPITALITY PARTNERS, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/01/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 07/30/26. Princ. office of LLC: 1370 6th Ave., Ste. #1902, 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 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Charuni PatibandaSanchez, 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Passive Investments in Private Companies. Notice of Qualification of DONCASTERS US 2 LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/08/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/18/13. 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,
Notice of Qualification of DONCASTERS US 3 LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/08/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/30/26. 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, DE Dept. of State Div. of Corps., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Qualification of SOUND POINT U.S. DIRECT LENDING FUND IV (ONSHORE) L.P. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/17/26. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/29/26. Princ. office of LP: 375 Park Ave., 34th Fl., NY, NY 10152. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP 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. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Qualification of WFFA ADVISORS, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/07/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/26/25. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 237 West 35th St., Ste. 1001, NY, NY 10001. DE addr. of LLC: c/o Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of DE, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Qualification of SOUND POINT U.S. DIRECT LENDING FUND IV (RN FEEDER) L.P. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on
101 LEGAL NOTICES
Notice of formation of ELITE GROUP & CO STAFF SERVICE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/7/2026. 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 LEGALZOOM USCA,INC: 45 MAIN STREET, SUITE 238 BROOKLYN, NY 11201, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION OF SCHMEISSER LAW, PLLC. App. for Auth. filed with SSNY 08/11/2026. Off. loc.: NY Co. PLLC formed AZ 04/03/2025. SSNY desig. agent for process & shall mail: 43 W. 43rd St., NY, NY 10036. AZ off.: 14362 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Ste 1107, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Cert. of Org. filed with AZ Corp. Comm., 1300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Purpose: law. 07/17/26. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/28/26. Princ. office of LP: 375 Park Ave., 34th Fl., NY, NY 10152. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP 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. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Qualification of 345 PARK F&B OPERATOR LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/02/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/08/25. Princ. office of LLC: c/o Rudin Management Co. Inc., 345 Park Ave., 32nd Fl., NY, NY 10154. 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 122072543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Dover St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Qualification of STAMFORD TENT, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/18/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Connecticut (CT) on 01/02/26. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Cogency Global Inc., 122 East 42nd St., 18th Fl., NY, NY 10168. CT addr. of LLC: 10 Red Court Ln., Redding, CT 06898. Cert. of Form. filed with CT Secy. of State, 30 Trinty St., Hartford, CT 06106. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Qualification of DONCASTERS US LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/08/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/11/13. 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
101 LEGAL NOTICES
Notice of Qualification of PONYGIRL PRODUCTIONS LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/05/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/26/26. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Bennet L. Schonfeld, 183 Madison Ave., Ste. 1602, NY, NY 10016. 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 ETHMOS, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., of State of NY (SSNY) on Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of 20, 2025 08/18/26. Office 1 • February - February 26, 2025 location: NY Form. filed with Secy. of State, County. LLC formed in DelaDE Dept. of State Div. of Corps., ware (DE) on 06/16/26. SSNY 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 agent LEGAL NOTICES 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, designated as of LLC DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful upon whom process against it Notice is hereby given that a Notice of Qualification of AP activity. may be served. SSNY shall mail license, serial #NA-0340-25CREDIT SOLUTIONS HOLDprocess Service 103028 for beer, wine & liquor to Corporation INGS (AIV) II, L.P. Appl. for has been applied for by the Auth.St., filed with Secy. of State Co., 80 State Albany, NY of undersigned to sell beer, wine NY (SSNY) on 01/08/25. Office Notice of Qualification of StruXDE addr. of LPLLC: & liquor at retail in12207-2543. a restaulocation: NY County. formed rant under the ABC Law at 994 in Delaware (DE) on 12/26/24. ure Outdoor, LLC 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, Columbus Ave., New York, NY Princ. office of LP: Attn: General Appl. for Auth. filed with10025 Secy.for on-premises DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed conCounsel, 9 W. 57th St., 43rd Fl., sumption; NY 10019. of LP of State of NY (SSNY) on Limone LLC with Secy. ofNY, State, 401Duration Federal is Perpetual. SSNY designated 08/06/26. Office location: NY St., Ste. 4, asDover, DE agent of LP upon19901. whom process against it may be served. County. LLC formed in Georgia Purpose: Any lawful activity. NOTICE is hereby given that a SSNY shall mail process to the (GA) on 04/01/09. Princ. license, office number NA-0370-24Partnership at the princ. office for liquor, wine, beer & of the LP. Name and addr. of and GA addr. of LLC is:135212 154 cider has been applied for by each general partner are availEthan Allen Dr., Dahlonega, the GA undersigned to sell liquor, able from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: wine, as beer & cider at retail in a c/o Corporation Service Co., 30533. SSNY designated MTA PROCUREMENT bar/tavern under the Alcoholic 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, agent of LLC upon whom pro- Control Law at 4371 Beverage DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with 3rd Ave; Bronx, NY 10457 in The Secy. of State of the State cess against it may be served. The MTA encourages Bronx County for on premises of DE, Dept. of vendors State, Div. of consumption. Zion who Restaurant Corps., John Townsend Bldg., SSNY shall mail process to have not done business and Lounge Corp d/b/a Zion Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any Corporation Service Co., 80 and Lounge with us to register for our bidRestaurant lawful activity. State St., Albany, NY 12207ders list using MY MTA Portal 2543. Cert. of Form. filed with for vendors at www.mymta. GA Secy. of State, 313 West info. Registered vendors can Tower, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. search for procurement opporDr., Atlanta, GA 30334-1530. tunities across all MTA agenPurpose: Manufacturer of aucies and receive invitations to tomated outdoor living systems. bid or propose on the types of goods and services they can provide. Certified minority and Notice of Qualification of women-owned businesses KRANE NEW ENERGY IN(M/WBE), service-disabled FRASTRUCTURE FUND 3 L.P. veteran-owned businesses Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. (SDVOB), and disadvantaged of State of NY (SSNY) on businesses (DBE), are strongly 08/03/26. Office location: NY encouraged to compete for MTA County. LP formed in Delaware opportunities. Visit our website (DE) on 07/29/26. Princ. office at https://new.mta.info/doingof LP: 280 Park Ave., 32nd Fl., business-with-us for detailed NY, NY 10017. Duration of LP information and guidelines. 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), Notice is hereby given that a 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207license, serial #NA-0370-262543. Name and addr. of each 105434 for beer, wine & general partner are available liquor has been applied for by from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: c/o the undersigned to sell beer, CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmwine & liquor at retail in a ington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP bar under the ABC Law at 134 filed with Secy. of State of the Eldridge St.- South Storefront, State of DE, 401 Federal St., NYC 10002 for on-premises Ste.4, Dover, DE 19901. Purconsumption; Attaboy Cocktails pose: Any lawful activity. LLC TO DISPLAY YOUR LEGAL, LLC
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Unlawful property seizures Continued from page 2
and built a community when others had abandoned it. This was our home, our community, and our equity, built through generations of sacrifice.”
Development (HPD). The program was Guyana in 1983 and worked as a home health supposed to help homeowners or Housing aide in the city for 26 years. Her home was in A Potential Revival of TPT Development Fund Corporation (HFDC) an HDFC cooperative apartment in Crown This year, the City Council proposed to cooperative shareholders resolve a prop- Heights in Brooklyn, where she lived since revive and reform the historically inequitaerty’s outstanding debts or taxes. If that 1996. Jones was also a shareholder in 585 ble third-party transfer program under the couldn’t be done then it was subject to fore- Nostrand Avenue HDFC. The lawsuit states SAFER Homes Act, sponsored by City Counclosure. that her home was transferred to the Neigh- cilmember Pierina Sanchez. This was often done without meaningful borhood Restore nonprofit under the TPT In her City and State NY op-ed published in notice or compensation, said Wofford. And Program in 2018 with no notice. March, Sanchez argued that building owners then the home was turned over to a chosen “Losing ownership of her home has been or “bad actors” should be held accountable if developer and nonprofit, such as Neighbor- devastating for my mother,” said Michelle they subject their tenants and properties to hood Restore Housing Development hazardous living conditions. Fund or BSDC Kings Covenant Hous“Because the original “Third Party ing Development Fund Company Inc. Transfer” program was deeply flawed. (Bridge Street), to be flipped for “affordA broken system swept up buildings able housing.” that never should have been included: The program targeted historicalhomes with little debt and few physily Black and Brown communities in cal problems. Outreach was ineffective, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Harlem, “unleaving homeowners in the dark until apologetically” stripping working class it was too late. After widespread outcry, homeowners of color and their families the city rightly froze that program,” of their properties under the guise that wrote Sanchez. “But we can reinvent this they were “bad landlords.” In many tool. We can repurpose city foreclosure cases these properties had paid off to focus only on the worst of the worst mortgages as well. properties.” “HPD made a lot of effort, I learned, This bill would draw from recommento tell the city that these were abandations of the Third Party Transfer Workdoned properties, bad landlords, and ing Group — a group of tenants, co-op distressed properties,” said Yolande I. shareholders, advocates and experts Nicholson, principal attorney at her convened with the city to discuss reown foreclosure prevention practice forms to the old program. It would also based in Brooklyn. “But what was reeliminate the block linkage aspect and vealed is that they misrepresented the allow owners to claim “surplus value” character of the property, and the charon properties taken. acter of the property owner.” “The City and counsel for all parties The last time the city used this proinvolved in Round 10 of a previous itergram to take properties was “Round ation of TPT under a previous Adminis10” in 2018 under former Mayor Bill tration have reached a settlement,” said de Blasio, which led to the lawsuit in a spokesman for HPD. “The Mamdani 2019. Wofford explained that Round Administration and the City Council are Picture of Cecilia Jones on her former stoop at 1197 10 was “particularly abusive” because Dean Street in Crown Heights. (Photo contributed by working together closely to update and of a procedure called “block linkage,” Ronnie Sykes-Oliva) strengthen TPT in a way that addresses meaning if a family’s home was on the the concerns outlined in these suits and same block as a deemed “distressed” prop- Prescott, Jones’ daughter, in a statement. that better serves New Yorkers and our goal erty, then it could be seized regardless of the “She was not a landlord. She was the owner of creating and preserving safe, stable housactual condition of it. He said that most of of her apartment, a longtime member of ing for tenants.” these properties were family-owned where her community, and she paid her monthBoth Wofford and Nicholson are vehementall the tenants tended to be relatives. ly maintenance. She purchased the shares ly opposed to any version of the TPT program The case was initially dismissed on juris- in her apartment many years ago and never being reinstated. Wofford maintained that dictional grounds in 2021, but was reversed imagined that the home and security she had the program is “abusive” on multiple levels by the Court of Appeals for the Second Cir- worked so hard for could simply be taken and shouldn’t be allowed to impact commucuit. In 2023, the Supreme Court reached a away. Your home is supposed to be your safe nities again. unanimous decision in the Tyler v. Hennepin haven, especially as you get older.” “They said it was for tax collection, but County case that government seizure of surIsabel M. Adon, 63, resided at an HDFC co- they collected no taxes when they actually plus home equity is unconstitutional. This operative on 1600 Nelson Avenue in Morris did these handovers. The city never collected opened a pathway for Wofford’s and Nich- Heights in the Bronx. She immigrated to the any of those delinquent amounts. They just olson’s legal teams to move forward with the city from the Dominican Republic in 1978. took the property and handed it to their preclass action lawsuit. “We stayed through the fires, the crack ferred recipients,” he said. “They said it wasn’t Litigation on homes taken during Round and AIDS epidemics, violence, and aban- racial but they only did it in Black neighbor1 through Round 9, dating back to 1996, is donment. When buildings around us were hoods. They said it was for distress, but they ongoing. Nicholson estimated that roughly empty, we stayed. We cared for our build- took non-distressed properties along with 7,000 properties could’ve allegedly been im- ing, beautified it and cared for one another. the distressed, and they said it was against pacted over the course of the TPT program. It was a labor of love,” she said in a statement. landlords and, in fact, used against properShe added that the settlement payout averag- “Then, after decades of sacrifice, we learned ties where the tenants owned properties.” es about $937,500 to $1 million per property, that our home had been transferred through The settlement is currently awaiting prebut can never make up for losing a home and the City’s Third Party Transfer program. We liminary court approval to disperse funds. In being mistreated by the city. were devastated. We were not slumlords or the meantime, the legal team said that there Cecilia Jones, 81, is one of the plaintiffs bad landlords. We were hardworking people have been more families and victims reachin the class action suit. She migrated from who stayed, invested in our neighborhood, ing out to them to seek justice.
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 35
Dr. Harold P. Freeman Continued from page 13
and the need to create fresh, innovative diagnostic tests and treatments. To a great extent, his patient navigator program was one of his most important efforts. Right until the end of his medical practice, Freeman challenged doctors who invoked colorblindness because while there may be no such thing as race, there is something indeed called racism.
Immigration Korner Continued from page 14
don’t simply create a job opening. You can also remove a customer, taxpayer, tenant, entrepreneur, parent, and neighbor. This does not mean native-born Americans do not perform these jobs. Millions do. Nor does it mean immigration laws should never be enforced. However, it does mean that a serious national conversation about mass deportation should include an equally serious conversation about its economic consequences — because an economy does not distinguish neatly between “immigrant worker” and “American economy.” The immigrant worker is already part of the American economy. That is what makes Daash’s comedy so effective. He takes a familiar anti-immigrant demand — “go home” or “go back where you come from” — and asks audiences to imagine what happens the morning after everyone actually does. America is now confronting its own version of that question. Immigration enforcement has expanded dramatically. Temporary legal protections have been terminated for hundreds of thousands of people. Employers in some sectors are already describing staffing disruptions. Perhaps America’s immigration debate has been asking only half the question. For years, we have debated what immigrants supposedly cost America. Maybe it is time to calculate the other side of the ledger: What will it cost America if immigrants disappear? Leeno Daash imagined the answer and made people laugh and think. America may increasingly have an opportunity to discover the answer for itself. Before celebrating the prospect of millions of immigrants leaving, perhaps one more question is worth asking: Can America afford to live without them? 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.
36 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Racial Equity Plan Continued from page 2
found that the published plan “fails to meet the basic legal requirements” mandated by the charter. The response, published Sept. 22, put heavy emphasis on the report needing to reflect “investments in the well-being of Black and Brown New Yorkers through city-wide and agency budgets.” “The Racial Equity Plan cannot serve as a mere administrative document or symbolic gesture toward racial equity,” read the response. “It must guide city and agencywide budgets, policy, and practice as mandated by the Charter and informed by the needs of communities harmed by racism and social injustice. The Final Racial Equity Plan’s goals, strategies, indicators, and measures of progress must reflect the experiences of New Yorkers facing these racial and social disparities. “The City must do more than state its intentions; it must clearly outline how it will act, invest, coordinate, measure progress, and remain accountable for achieving racially equitable outcomes in the lives of Black and Brown New Yorkers,” the response continued. The Racial Equity Plan mentions how “racially biased criminal justice policies and unequal emergency responses have left New York City’s Black and Brown communities feeling unsafe” and will play a key role in reforming law enforcement and public safety agencies. It specifically points to city jails like those on Rikers Island that hold an overwhelmingly Black and Brown population and are managed by the DOC, which is subjected to federally-appointed control from a past use-of-force settlement. In the short-term, the DOC will focus on reducing violence both on peoplein-custody and staff. But long term, the department is tasked with developing a racial equity rubric with input from incarcerated individuals, along with operationalizing the borough-based jails set to hold Rikers Island’s population once it closes. Famed civil rights lawyer Ron Kuby
Giants & Jets
criticized the plan’s substance behind the jargon and described reading it as “hacking through subordinate clauses with a machete trying desperately to reach a period.” Yet despite the 400 plus pages, he felt nothing confidently indicated how the city would reduce the jail population and shut down Rikers Island by a legally-mandated deadline next year. “Nothing in this thing addresses that,” Kuby said. “They do a very good job analyzing the historic problem with the criminal legal system and its disproportionate effect on people of color. They do an excellent job of setting goals. But there’s not much plan there.” New standard for the NYPD For NYPD, the plan boasts goals toward diversifying the force top-to-bottom and examining racial disparities during stops, frisks and searches. One long-term objective set out to “increase representation in all executive titles and ranks of the NYPD” to reflect broader demographics in the department and city by 2034, when Mamdani would term out if reelected. Another aimed to “fully integrate equity principles into every aspect of NYPD operations” through an equity impact assessment on all new department policies and developing an “Innovation and Recognition Program” to encourage officers to prioritize “equityfocused solutions.” The Amsterdam News obtained a letter draft penned to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch by the NYC Guardians Association, the fraternal organization representing the city’s Black officers, delineating how the police department could meet the Racial Equity Plan’s deadlines. In the letter, Guardians President Lt. Patrick Gordon specifically addressed three goals set forth in the report involving lifting workplace barriers, implementing implicit bias training and increasing representation in specialized units.
shelve them for a few games or perhaps for the remainder of the season. The Chicago Continued from page 40 Bears’ Caleb Williams is in the former category, expected to be back some time over Los Angeles fell 27-7 in Australia to the the next few weeks when he recovers from 49ers on Sept. 10. the right hamstring injury he incurred in the The Giants host the 0-2 Tennessee Titans Bears’ loss to the Minnesota Vikings. this Sunday (1:00 p.m.) at MetLife. Meanwhile, the Washington ComThe probability of an NFL team having manders’ Jayden Daniels dislocated his a significant injury to one of its players left elbow again as the Commanders fell during the course of the 17-game regu- 37-20 to the Dallas Cowboys this past lar season schedule is 100 percent. Foot- Sunday. He missed all but one game in ball is a collision sport. The human body is the second half of last season after disnot built to withstand the constant physi- locating the elbow on Nov. 2 in Week 9. cal trauma it undergoes game after game This is the nature of the NFL and the without sustaining some form of injury. Giants are acutely aware of this reality Some of the NFL’s best young quarterbacks with their season now in a state of doubt suffered injuries this past Sunday that could with Dart sidelined.
“The City must do more than state its intentions; it must clearly outline how it will act, invest, coordinate, measure progress, and remain accountable for achieving racially equitable outcomes in the lives of Black and Brown New Yorkers.” —NYC Commission on Racial Equity response to the City’s Racial Equity Plan In June, the Guardians surveyed 281 members who overwhelmingly felt that race correlated with discretionary promotions and factored into the overall employment experience. Gordon suggests gathering department heads and fraternal organizations like his own for a working group to tackle equal opportunity issues. He also recommended reviewing dashboard data on underrepresentation in specialized units. Gordon called on Tisch to review training curricula and, when pushed, bring in experts to tackle implicit bias, race-based trauma and hate crimes. “Members should be able to demonstrate cultural sensitivity regardless of the communities that police in,” wrote Gordon. “This is vital for the Department to accom-
plish its mission and public safety goals.” Marquez “Marq” Claxton, former NYPD detective and current director of the Black Law Enforcement Alliance, called the plan “replete with well meaning and honorable targets.” But he felt that many of the goals were previously set by other plans so actually implementing them will be the challenge. “Both the indicators listed and the lived realities of the impacted populations support a bold, forward thinking initiative to provide equitable opportunities,” Claxton said in a text message response to an AmNews reporter. “The challenge is not in identifying the challenges but rather, how do you actually operationalize the plan? With law enforcement agencies, change only occurs by carrot or stick.”
New York Liberty
against the Lynx Tuesday and tonight, and could drop below the Mystics. The Fever caught a break on Tuesday as Summit, N.J.-born Olivia Miles, a lock to be named the WNBA Rookie of the Year and likely to finish top 3 in the MVP voting, sat out the game due to a left calf injury. The Golden State Valkyries were No. 2 with a mark of 31-11 and one game behind Minnesota, which was 32-10 going into their game against the Fever. The Las Vegas Aces, the defending WNBA champion, with A’ja Wilson as the prohibitive favorite to win her fifth league MVP award, were 29-13 and the No. 3 seed. The Dream, at 29-14, is holding the No. 4 seed.
Continued from page 40
Wings were the No. 7 seed, holding the head-to-head tie breaker over the Liberty, due to a 2-1 record against them this season, despite an identical record having taken two of three games from the Liberty during the season. The Washington Mystics were No. 6 at 26-16 and could fall below New York with two losses and a Liberty win last night. The Mystics’ last regular season game is tonight versus the Chicago Sky. The Indiana Fever were 27-15 and in the fifth spot, but close out their schedule with back-to-back games
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 37
Legendary broadcaster Rickie Ricardo reflects on his days with Rick James and Prince By TONY PAIGE Special to the AmNews
Part 2 of a three-part story With a career in radio broadcasting spanning 46 years, Rickie Ricardo has covered many superstars. Working for the Yankees as their Spanish broadcaster and doing the same for the Philadelphia Eagles for 18 and 15 years, respectively, Ricardo has covered greats like Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, threetime MVP Aaron Judge, and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts. But they pale in comparison to two international music icons that Ricardo, for a while, resided in their orbit. One was the mercurial talent sometimes known as a symbol — Prince. Yes, Prince. The other was the polar opposite. He was brash, the wildest of childs best described as a “well … Super Freak. That song says it all,” states Ricardo. “Everything that you can imagine from the lyrics of Super Freak came to life on a nightly basis.” Ricardo was James’ MC for six years. “Those were six of the most fun years. Now looking
back on it, I’m amazed that I survived it.” Because he was tight with Crocker, who was from Buffalo like James, that meant “automatic respect. For some reason, we really hit it off. I ate, slept, and did everything at his home in Buffalo. “He would put his hair in a rasta hat, and we would walk to the Anchor Bar and have chicken wings,” he recalls. Many cervezas were probably consumed. He saw James’s destructive side firsthand. Luckily, it did not destroy him. “By all logic, I shouldn’t be around. We did some really, really … look, he’s gone. I’m still in one piece and thank God I’m still healthy and able to work.” Prince was an altogether different royal. “It was almost Oz-like getting to Prince,” he remembers. Ricardo would come to Prince’s homebase at Paisley Park in Minnesota to hang out as James and Prince toured together. “You had layers of people in between him, and when he finally got to you, he would say hello, and he wouldn’t talk to you for a year or
New York Yankees broadcaster Rickie Ricardo (second from the left) in his younger years working at radio station WBLS, posing with the music group “Miami Sound Machine”. (Rickie Ricardo photo)
six months,” he admits. One time, Prince kicked everybody out because he wanted to use the studio. “It was 18 below zero,” he said. “My White Castle hot chocolate turned into a fudgesicle.” With that, Ricardo let out a booming laugh. They both trusted him because he was “Frankie’s boy” and that carried major cachet. If you were okay with Frankie, then all was right with the world. Crocker, who passed in 2000, even gave Ricardo his name after the classic character from the “I Love Lucy” TV series of the 1950s.“That’s not my legal name,”
he said. He was born Jorge Lima, Jr. born in Newark, NJ, to Cubanborn parents. Castro came to power in 1959. They left in 1961 when the government took his father’s business. His mom was carrying him. Today, Ricardo and his fiancée Maria Berral, radio sideline reporter for the Eagles, have been together for 15 years. “She is my rock,” he admits. “We’re practically husband and wife, and we’re talking about going to Vegas and [getting married] this year.” Ricardo knows how to make it work with superstars. “Prince re-
corded ‘Dirty Mind’ (in 1980), and songs like that weren’t widely accepted,” notes Ricardo. “We played them in heavy rotation on WBLS and took the taboo away.” It must have paid off as the programming was highly successful. “I was accepted by the entire WBLS audience, the Black community, the Hispanic community, and the white Angelos that love BLS,” he said, adding, “We were the darlings of the Upper East Side.” In Part Three next week, Ricardo helps to develop the La Mega format and has a flair for sports business.
Ex-Yank Shawn Chacón embraces the roles of mentor and manager By TONY PAIGE Special to the AmNews A few weeks ago, when Yankees rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. had the yips with six errors in six straight games, Shawn Chacón told his players to chill if that ever happens to them. “I say look at Derek Jeter’s rookie year,” said the manager of the Trenton Thunder team of the Major League Baseball Draft League. Jeter made a shocking 56 errors in his first professional season as a young minor leaguer. “They go look at it and they’re like, ‘Oh, man!’ and I’m like, ‘Exactly.’” The MLB Draft League consists of six teams in a split season that serves as a bridge between amateur and professional baseball players. The teams play the first half from June to July for draft-eligible players from high school, junior college, and four-year college. The second half continues through September for professional players who have used up their am-
ateur eligibility playing roughly 80 games. The 2027 draft will be held in Chicago in conjunction with the AllStar Game at Wrigley Field. Chacón, 48, an ex-Yankees pitcher (2005-06), is in his second year at the helm of the Thunder. He tries to instill confidence in his young players. “It’s the persistence,” he said. “You’ve got to wear bad games. You have to be a glutton for punishment. You almost have to be a sociopath. That’s what [the game] does to you. “Whether it’s a good game or a bad game, I try to keep them grounded.” Chacón, an all-star for the Colorado Rockies (2003), also played for Pittsburgh and Houston. He finished his career with a 45-61 record. “We provide more of a safety net for the guys that come into the draft, especially in the first half,” revealed the married father of four. “They’re all draft-eligible kids that have tools, something that attracts them to Major League teams. “[They are] here to show out and
not be afraid of failing or trying new things. You’re playing against guys that are equal in talent. It’s going to be a challenging experience. I just try to remind them there’s no cuts here. We’re trying to get you guys seen.” While the Thunder didn’t make the postseason, finishing with a 3934-4 record, Chacón still remembers when one of his teams got close. That would be the 2005 New York Yankees, with a squad made up of players including Posada, Martinez, Cano, A-Rod, Matsui, Williams, Sheffield, and pitchers Johnson, Mussina, Rivera, and the aforementioned legend Derek Jeter. That squad lost the divisional series to the Angels three games to two. While Chacón is a mentor to his players, he learned from some of the best. “Todd Helton and Larry Walker were some guys I leaned on,” said Chacón about his Colorado teammates. “Jeter was definitely a guy that I leaned on and Jason Giambi.” Helton, Walker and Jeter are all Hall of Famers. “Those guys showed me
Former New York Yankees pitcher Shawn Chacón is the manager of the Trenton Thunder of the Major League Baseball Draft League. (Trenton Thunder photo)
about winning and what it takes to be a winner,” he said. Did Chacón always want to be a manager? “I didn’t, ironically,” he responded with a laugh. “I coached my sons when they were 11, 12, but I didn’t realize I wanted to manage until the opportunity came. After my first season managing last year, it just became more apparent. I really do love and ap-
preciate being in this position.” During the offseason back in California, he plans to concentrate on his golf game. He wants to play on the PGA Senior Tour when he turns 55. And there’s that one bauble he’s still seeking. “I want to win a World Series ring,” he said. “ I don’t know how, but I want to put a ring on and be in a parade.”
38 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S
Can the Yankees take down the Red Sox without Aaron Judge? By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor This was supposed to be the year the Yankees would win the franchise’s first World Series since 2009. A roster that included all-time greats Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Alex Rodriguez, Hall of Famer CC Sabathia, and Series MVP Hideki Matsui, one of the best players Japan has ever produced. Yet, as the Yankees look towards Tuesday, when they open the playoffs at home against what is virtually certain to be the Boston Red Sox, their longtime nemesis, in a best-of-three wildcard series, the prospects of them navigating an always perilous path to the World Series were reduced when Yankees manager Aaron Boone said this past Tuesday that the reigning American League MVP likely won’t play in the series due to a right calf strain. “We’re planning on him not being a part of that,” Boone revealed to reporters. Judge, who has only appeared in 66 games this season, primari-
Injured New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge sits with teammates in the dugout during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
ly recovering from a right rib stress fracture, which caused him to sit out 84 games from May 31 to Sept. 8, is now on the 10-day injured list, placed there last Friday. The 34-year-old Judge, arguably the best player in the sport over the last decade, isn’t expected back for the divisional round if the Yankees get by the Red Sox.
Last weekend, Boone informed the media the team didn’t have a firm estimate as to when Judge, a three-time AL MVP, three-time AL home run leader, two-time MLB RBI king and last season’s MLB batting champion, would return to the lineup. “I mean, I have no idea, we’re in the early stages,” expressed Boone,
now in his ninth season as the Yankees manager. “We’ll just obviously treat it and see what transpires.” The Yankees watched Tampa Bay clinch the AL East title on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium when they won the second game of a double-header on Tuesday 6-1. The Yankees shut out the Rays in the opener. Tampa Bay 96-61
going into the third game of the four-game series last night with the finale scheduled for 7:05 tonight. The Yankees were second in the division at 90-67 and the 84-73 Red Sox third. With Judge unavailable, the Yankees offense will have to be multifaceted — both power and small ball will be required to make a deep postseason run. Designated hitter Ben Rice, who as of Wednesday had 39 home runs and 95 RBIs, both team highs, was the only Yankee with more than 20 homers and 80 runs batted in, so timely power will have to come from sources such as second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (19 home runs), first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (18), and left fielder Cody Bellinger (17). But it is pitching that must advance the Yankees, led by leading AL Cy Young Award candidate Cam Schlittler, who is 14-6 with a 1.94 ERA and 234 strikeouts. Schlittler is scheduled to start tonight before taking the mound next week in the wildcard series. But the prevailing question is: Can the Yankees win without Judge?
2020 Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson knocked out at UFC 331 By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews Coming into his fight on Saturday night at Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 331 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Gable Steveson was regarded as one of the most impressive combat sports prospects in recent memory. But in his fifth MMA match and second UFC contest, Steveson’s star was dimmed after stunningly being knocked out by former Marine Sean Sharaf, 12 seconds into the first round. It was the third-fastest ending ever in a UFC bout and leaves Steveson (4-1) and his mentor/trainer, Jon Jones, who is widely considered to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time, going back to the lab for a reset. Steveson, 26, a native of Apple Valley, Minnesota, won gold in the 125-kilogram freestyle division at the 2020 Summer Olympics at just 21, and is a two-time NCAA Division I champion at the University of Minnesota. Sharaf (5-2) was 0-2 in UFC fights before KOing Steveson. But he made quick work of his highly hyped opponent in just two punches: a right hand and a left hook, the latter of which put Steveson down
Gable Steveson (left) was knocked out in 12 seconds by Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 this past Saturday in one of the most shocking upsets in MMA history. (Photo courtesy of Ultimate Fighting Championship)
in what is being called the biggest upset in UFC history. After the fight, Steveson was heavily criticized for immediately exiting the octagon, the eight-sided ring, after he regained his senses, leaving for his locker room before the customary official result was announced. Jones took responsibility for the act, posting on the
social media platform X: “I’ve seen some reports online and I really wanted to clear the air. It was my decision to take Gable straight to the back after the fight. Honestly it was the first time in this situation for me and my instant reaction was to get my friend to the back to make sure he was ok.” Madison Square Garden will
host the star-studded UFC 334 on Nov. 14. It is the promotion’s annual New York City event. In the main event, Ciryl Gane of France will defend his UFC heavyweight title for the first time against the American Josh Hokit. Gane defeated Alex Pereira to retain his interim heavyweight title at the UFC White House card in June.
Tom Aspinall, who defended his title against Gane in October, relinquished his championship after suffering an eye injury in the bout that ended in a no contest. Hokit defeated Derrick Lewis the same night, but made mainstream headlines for a despicable comment he made about former First Lady Michelle Obama during a postfight interview inside the ring. In the co-main event, a bout originally scheduled for January, Amanda Nunes, one of the most iconic women competitors in the history of combat sports, returns to challenge Kayla Harrison in her first defense of the UFC women’s bantamweight strap. Nunes has not stepped inside the Octagon since June 2023, while Harrison last fought in June of last year. Former WBO junior lightweight boxing champion Jamel Herring, a native of Rockville Centre on Long Island, will defend his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) bantamweight championship for the first time against John Dodson in the main event of a seven-fight card at BKFC 95 Newark on Oct. 17, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark. Herring defeated Michael Larrimore to win the title in May.
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S
September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026 • 39
Black Girls Tennis Club launches its inaugural junior player development program By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews Since its founding in 2022, Black Girls Tennis Club (BGTC), a nonprofit organization, has primarily focused on recreational or beginner tennis players, with the goal of connecting women and girls to tennis. The organization is built on the C.A.R.E. framework — or Culture Change, Access, Representation, and Exposure. Currently, there is programming in Hampton Roads, VA, New York, Washington, and Los Angeles, with activations in other locations. With an eye toward greater impact, last month BGTC launched Rising Stars, a junior development program based in New York. “Our coaches, speaking from their personal experience, all expressed that [the] teenage age, 14 to 17, is where a lot of girls drop off,” said Kimberly Selden, BGTC founder and CEO. “Sometimes they’re the only Black girl on their team. They don’t have the support that’s needed. … We wanted to create our way of supporting junior competitive players and be with them throughout their journey.” Luxilon, a tennis racket string company, is presenting the pro-
Participants of the Rising Stars tennis development initiative with New York program manager Caira Walker. (Black Girls Tennis Club photos)
Tennis pros Robin Montgomery (l) and Clervie Ngounoue (r) with young ladies of the of the Rising Stars program.
gram. The cohort model enables the five selected girls to be in community with each other and with BGTC. Programming will show what it actually takes to compete at the junior level. This includes tournament access, individualized player development, equipment and gear, and guidance through the college recruitment process. Each girl receives a $500 grant to start.
ments so one set of parents can provide the transportation. BGTC is also available to provide advice, exposure, and access to its brand partners. Selden noted that as the program progresses, it will evolve to meet player needs. There is also the service aspect. The Rising Stars will have opportunities to coach youngsters just starting in tennis. BGTC offers free youth programming,
“What’s interesting, within the first few days after we announced, is how the parents have come together,” said Selden. “I see the community aspect of it being the biggest part. Being able to share resources … and also sharing information. Parents can help each other out.” This could include the girls planning to enter the same tourna-
such as a weekly free summer camp in Central Park. “Having access to our coaches, who played Division I, helps,” said Selden. “Seeing people who look like them … is a huge aspect of this. Robin Montgomery (currently playing tennis professionally) spoke with them, and I can see that moment will be etched in their memories.”
Ice dancers Anaelle Kouevi and Yann Homawoo start their international season By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews It is only September, but ice dancers Anaelle Kouevi and Yann Homawoo have already competed four times. They started this month in Bangkok, Thailand, where they finished eighth in an ISU Junior Grand Prix competition. In their second year on the international circuit, they feel themselves getting stronger and evolving as competitors. “I had a really good experience in Thailand; there were a lot of lessons, and I was able to compete against cool, new people,” said Kouevi. “The audience was very welcoming. Honestly, the fact that figure skating isn’t too big in Thailand made it so that when there was a competition, people were really excited. They were really welcoming towards all the skaters.” While in Bangkok, they did some sightseeing, including the Grand Palace and the Big Buddha at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen temple. “We also petted and fed some elephants,” said Homawoo. “It was
dent. I feel my confidence actively growing with every competition. … [In Thailand], I felt I’m here to show my performance, show a story, skate my best.” They have made changes to their programs since changing coaches, feeling they wanted a different storytelling vibe. The choreography also continues to evolve. The duo was back to training the day after returning from Thailand. Next up for them is a Junior Grand Prix event in Gdańsk, Poland, Oct. 8–10. In November, they have the U.S. Ice Dance Final to qualify for the 2027 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. “We’re definitely going to be working on developing our skating and our programs,” said Homawoo. Of course, they hope to improve on their finish from the 2026 U.S. Championships. “One of our biggest goals is to continue to tell stories through really cool.” progress. In June, they decided “They bring a different set of our skating. Obviously, there’s After a fifth-place finish at the to change coaches and train in eyes and a different point of view,” the technical side of skating…but U.S. Figure Skating Champion- Alexandria, Virginia, with Pierre said Kouevi. “They were skaters at the end of the day it’s about the ships, Kouevi, 15, and Homa- Souquet-Basiège and Lorraine not that long ago. They know what story you put out on the ice and woo, 17, have continued to McNamara. would help us to be more confi- how people are impacted.” Ice Dancers Anaelle Kouevi and Yann Homawoo performing their rhythm dance routine. (MKT Photography)
40 • September 24, 2026 - September 30, 2026
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Sports The Giants face a crisis with Jaxson Dart’s season potentially over By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor The New York Giants’ hopes and expectations of leveling up this season under first-year head coach John Harbaugh may now be short-lived after their rising second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart experienced a left knee injury in the team’s 28-6 road loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. The feeling of optimism after the team’s season-opening 28-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium a little under two weeks ago has been replaced with uncertainty. Dart was injured in the Giants’ first offensive possession of the game when a pair of Rams defensive lineman, Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart, converged on the the 23-year-old signal caller, causing him to contort with both feet off the SoFi Stadium turf, his body prone and legs twisted, before forcefully landing. Dart underwent an MRI on Tuesday and as of AmNews press time, the team had not publicly announced the results of the
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (center), watches from the sideline after suffering a right knee injury in the Giants’ 28-6 road loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
test. However, various reports indicate palpable concern within the Giants organization that Dart could be out for the rest of the season. The Giants are 1-1 with 15 more games remaining. “I wouldn’t really want to share too much until decisions get made and that takes more than one person. It takes everybody involved,” said Harbaugh on Tuesday as reported on Giants.com. “So, when we know what direction we’re going to have to go… we’ll announce that.” Without Dart, the Giants’ offense fell under the control of QB No. 2 Jameis Winston and looked like it was early in the preseason. Lacking the requisite rhythm and timing to effectively move the ball behind a leaky offensive line and the unsettled 12-year veteran Winston, the Giants were food for the desperate and ravenous Rams (1-1), who entered this season as the betting favorite to win the Super Bowl which will be played at their home stadium on Valentine’s Day in February — though See GIANTS & JETS on page 36
The Liberty fall short of securing home court for opening round of the playoffs By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews
DeWanna Bonner, Breanna Stewart, Angel Reese, and Jonquel Jones (left to right) battle in the paint on Monday night at Barclays Center in Atlanta Dream’s 95-84 win over New York Liberty. (Jamir Dickens / Fence Boy Media photo)
The New York Liberty entered Monday night’s game versus the AM Dream News at the Barclays Atlanta Center with the possibility of se06/25/26 curing home court advantage for the opening round of the WNBA playoffs, which begin on Sunday. Three days earlier, the Liberty arguably had their best win of the AM News season, defeating the league’s No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx 93-81 07/02/26 on the road last Friday. Yet, turnovers and sub-par defense in losing 95-84 to the Dream ensured New York will play on the road this weekend, AM News regardless of the outcome of their 07/09/26 final regular season game last night (Wednesday) in Brooklyn, hosting the Dream again. The Dream had seven steals
in forcing 11 Liberty turnovers overall while holding New York to 42.3% shooting, including 24.1% (7-29) on 3-point attempts. The Dream closed out AM the second quarter onNews a 10-3 run to take a 41-38 halftime lead, then exploded for 3209/10/26 third-quarter points to extend their advantage going into the fourth. Guard Jordin Canada led the Dream with 19 points and center AM18News Angel Reese posted points and 10 rebounds. Liberty super09/17/26 star Breanna Stewart, who was named the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP) as the United AM News States brought home their fifth straight gold 09/24/26 on September 13, had game highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds, while
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center Jonquel Jones added 18 points and 12 rebounds. Liberty point guard Sabrina Ionescu, a four-time WNBA All-Star, was just 3-12 from the field (2-7 from 3-point range) while committing two turnovers and fouling out in 29 minutes of playing time. At the start of the league’s games on Tuesday night, the seedings were still fluid. The Liberty were 26-17 and the eighth and final seed in the playoff standings. The 26-17 Dallas
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