New York Amsterdam News May 14 - May 20, 2026

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Ayesha Delany-Brumsey takes inaugural DCS commissioner role focused on community impact

By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff

The Big Apple can’t keep this doctor away. Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Dr. Ayesha Delany-Brumsey as the city’s first-ever Office of Community Safety commissioner last Tuesday, May 5. In a phone interview, she expressed excitement about employing her nearly two decades of experience in mental health care and criminal justice reform toward heading the new agency.

“My work from the beginning has really focused on [improving] health outcomes for all communities, but with a particular emphasis on communities of color,” said DelanyBrumsey. “A lot of my work in grad school was research on health equity … [and] that work took me on a trajectory in my career to think about how the different systems we interact with, particularly the criminal justice [and] criminal legal system, can have an impact on the health and well-being of the people and the communities that it’s interacting with.

“That is where I started my career and I’ve transitioned into a more significant focus on thinking about crisis systems and looking upstream and what happens at the

point of a 911 call.”

Delany-Brumsey comes most recently from the Office of Behavioral Health at New York City Health + Hospitals as senior advisor and director of community-based services. There, she oversaw part of the city’s mental health response pilot, B-HEARD, which Mamdani pledged to reform through his Office of Community Safety proposal. The program diverts emergency mental health calls from police to unarmed medical professionals who are trained to de-escalate crises and provide informed health assessments.

In her new role, Delany-Brumsey will continue working with the pilot and coordinate between her current employers and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), whose paramedics serve as B-HEARD first responders with H+H clinicians. The program started roughly a year after visiting Black Chicago resident Daniel Prude died in Rochester after a mental health response in 2020, and was largely assigned catchment areas in majority Black and Brown neighborhoods like Harlem.

A NYC Comptroller audit published last

See DCS COMMISSIONER page 27

Shady landlords face $31 million payout over decades of neglect in Bronx building

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

Two Bronx landlords — Rajmattie Persaud, building owner of Robert Fulton Terrace and Fordham Towers in Morrisania in the Bronx, and Karan Singh, an officer representing the building company — are being held accountable for decades of neglect in a $31 million class action lawsuit. Tenant organizers are hoping that this legal win will improve their living conditions.

The building topped the watchlist as the worst building in the Bronx in 2023, and Singh was on the top 25 worst landlords list in 2025.

A total of 691 buildings that contain 15,739 units were on Public Advocate Jumaane Williams’s latest Top 100 Worst Landlords Watchlist. Last year, these buildings — including Fulton Terrace and Fordham Towers — had several critically hazardous violations.

“This is a long time coming,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a press conference in the packed community room of the Bronx building on May 6, 2026. “For years, Singh and Persaud let more than 1,000 violations accumulate while they collected rent month after month. They have over-leveraged this building and Fordham Towers multiple times.”

Fed up tenants like Talibra Harrison, seeing no movement, started bypassing 311 complaint calls and writing letters to city agencies with their complaints. In 2024, they banded together with the Legal Aid Society to file a lawsuit with the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD’s) Anti-Harassment Unit. In the lawsuit, ten-

ants described going without hot water for days and using boiled water just to bathe. They also dealt with rampant rat infestations and broken elevators that made it difficult to navigate the 17-story building.

After two years, HPD has secured $31 million in penalties, the largest civil penalty won in HPD history, on behalf of the residents of these buildings.

“With an administration committed to hous-

ing justice, tenant support, and using all of the tools available to deliver, I’m invigorated by the change that we can create,” said Williams at the press conference. “With the resources of the city and the energy of tenants fed up with dangerous conditions and rising rents, we can overhaul not only buildings, but [also] the entire system that has created this housing crisis.”

See LANDLORDS PAYOUT page 36

Mamdani, housing activists react to Rent Guidelines Board preliminary vote on rent freeze

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

Amid an auditorium of screaming housing activists, the city’s Rent Guidelines Board made its preliminary vote in an attempt to acknowledge the widespread affordability crisis impacting New Yorkers. It wasn’t exactly the rent freeze that many demanded, but they counted it as a tentative win.

“New Yorkers are being crushed by the cost of living, and they need real relief. I’m encouraged to see the board taking seriously the data around affordability, operating expenses, and the pressures facing both tenants and small property owners as it sets this preliminary range,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani on the vote.

One of the key parts of Mamdani’s affordability agenda was a rent freeze for over 2 million rent-stabilized tenants, which he pushed often during his mayoral campaign.

The board agreed to a 0-2% increase for rent-stabilized one-year leases and 0-4% for two-year leases after October 1, 2026. Though a ‘rent freeze’ and a negative adjustment range of -3-0% for one-year leases and -4.5-0% for two-year leases were proposed, the RGB voted them down.

“As the RGB begins its public hearings, tenants, owners, and New Yorkers from every borough should make their voices heard and speak directly to what this housing crisis looks like in their lives,” said

Mamdani in a statement. “I’m confident the Board will weigh those perspectives carefully and arrive at a decision later this summer that reflects the urgency of this moment.”

true cost of living (TCOL), according to the city’s Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice 2026 report.

NYC Racial Equity Commission Chair Tigani recaps citywide racial equity tour

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

The NYC Commission on Racial Equity (CORE) has wrapped its 30-day citywide community engagement and listening tour to gather public feedback about the Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s recently released racial equity plan, which aims to address longstanding disparities and systemic inequities across the city.

“The tours have been amazing. We’ve been working closely with community organizations to be able to put these on [and] they are excited to provide feedback on the mayor’s preliminary racial equity plan,” said CORE Chairperson Linda Tigani in an interview with the Amsterdam News. “The goal here is to make sure that we are able to give as much opportunity in as many different ways [for] the community to provide feedback, so the tours allow for individuals who may or may not be associated with an organization to come into the fold and make sure that their voice is heard.”

“Today is about organizing. Today is about thinking far, planning in the future of now,” said Councilmember Yusef Salaam at the CORE town hall in Harlem. “Take this word to those who are not in the room.”

The city’s racial equity plan, mandated under the New York City charter, is essentially a preliminary version of itself. The

tours are designed to get feedback about what else Black and Latino New Yorkers would like to see in the plan.

Tigani said people wanted to know how much money in the city’s $127.4 billion budget will be going toward implementing the racial equity plan, which was just released by the mayor’s office on Tuesday of this week, and how it will be a framework for financial decisions in the future.

She said that various organizations have called for disaggregated data, a charter requirement for both the preliminary and final plans, which is essential for evaluating the city’s progress in achieving tangible improvements for communities affected by systemic racism and social injustice. This would be data broken down by characteristics and demographics, such as age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, income, neighborhood, and race.

Above all, town hall attendees said they want to make sure the city addresses things like childcare, the cost of food, housing, and making much-needed repairs to New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) buildings. They also want those committing misconduct in the NYPD, federal ICE agents present in the city, the education department, and children’s services to be held accountable.

“We’ve heard, unsurprisingly, a lot about

George Gresham, former 1199SEIU president and powerhouse of New York labor, dies at 71

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

Powerful labor leader George Gresham, who served as president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East from 2007 until his retirement in 2025, died May 8 after a long illness. He was 71. Gresham leaves a legacy of social justice and union organizing, as well as praise and recognition for his impact on the next generation of organized labor changemakers.

Gresham, who was also a longtime contributor to the Amsterdam News, began his union career 50 years ago while working in hospital laundry and housekeeping at what is now NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He started in the housekeeping department and with the help of 1199’s Training and Upgrading Fund was able to go back to school, move into radiology work, and become an MRI technologist. Co-workers elected him to serve as a shop delegate, and he later joined the union staff as an organizer.

SEIU Secretary-Treasurer emeritus Gerry Hudson, who came up in the movement alongside Gresham and 1199 legend Dennis Rivera, said the trio’s partnership took shape in the late 1980s.

“George and I, along with Dennis Rivera … we started back in ’87, ’88,” Hudson recalled. During those “formative years,” Hudson said the union moved from shopfloor activism to a political and bargaining force that would reshape New York’s labor landscape.

Hudson pointed to 1989 as a crucial moment: “Dennis became president of 1199 in ’89,” he said, and it was “also the year that we … won a historic hospital strike” and helped elect David Dinkins as mayor. For Hudson, those wins illustrated what they were committed to from the start — building worker power at the bargaining table and using it in the public arena to change who had power in City Hall and across the state.

In the span of four decades, Gresham held every elected office at 1199, serving as a delegate, organizer, vice president, executive vice president, and secretary-treasurer before being elected president in 2007, succeeding Rivera, another standout 1199 leader. Under Gresham, 1199SEIU focused on securing wage increases, affordable health benefits, retirement security, and continuing education for healthcare workers.

His administration worked to expand standards, add childcare, and advocate for safer staffing levels. Gresham also advanced 1199’s role in coalition politics, linking labor issues to racial justice, immigrant rights, and broader progressive efforts in New York and beyond — an approach Hudson said was foundational, not optional. “For us, the whole question of social jus-

tice was always in our DNA,” Hudson said. “We did not believe you could separate off the battle for economic justice inside of the labor movement from the battle for racial justice in the country as a whole.”

During Gresham’s tenure, the union grew to 450,000 members across New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, and Washington, D.C. It became the nation’s largest healthcare union and a powerful force in New York politics. Gresham pushed for improved job standards for frontline caregivers and made 1199SEIU a key player in the state’s labor and electoral arenas.

Asked how 1199 made that linkage real, Hudson emphasized member ownership — and early proof points. “It was never a hard sell for our members,” he said, adding that the union’s victories in 1989 showed their approach could win beyond the workplace: “Our ability to help Dinkins get elected and to beat the … Voluntary Hospital Association in ’89 also said, you know, not only were we able to sort of sell ourselves on it, we could sell the world on it.”

Hudson looks at 1199’s growth as one of the clearest measures of that strategy’s success. “We were 89,000 to maybe 90,000 members … [in] mostly downstate New York,” he said. “And now we are in Boston, we’re in New York, we’re in New Jersey, we’re in Maryland, we’re in Florida … in five to six states and the union is somewhere in the neighborhood of about 450,000.” That jump “from 89,000 or so to 450,000 or so,” he said, happened largely “under Dennis and then under George’s leadership.”

Even amid today’s polarized politics, Hudson said the union’s next generation inherits both an obligation and an advantage. “They have no choice,” he said of con-

tinuing Gresham’s work, noting that leaders now “begin with an incredible history and a much bigger union … they’re not starting with something small, they’re starting with something big.” Hudson added that the challenge is national in scope: “Not only are we battling to revitalize the labor movement, but I think we’re also battling to revitalize the democracy and the country as a whole.”

With his death, tributes from labor and political leaders poured in; Gov. Kathy Hochul called George Gresham a “legendary labor leader,” and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie described him as “a vital voice in the progressive movement.” New York City ordered flags to half-staff, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a statement honoring Gresham’s dedication to fighting for the dignity, safety, and economic security of healthcare workers and their families, adding, “Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and the entire 1199SEIU community.”

In a statement, SEIU International President April Verrett said, “Today, the SEIU family, the labor movement, and the global fight for social justice have lost a giant.”

For those who worked alongside him — and the young organizers he opened doors for — Gresham’s power was never only in contract talks. “He was a fearless advocate and a powerful voice for working people,” said Bill Lynch III, who worked closely with Gresham through labor and coalition campaigns.

Marvin Bing, a civil rights and cultural organizer who worked with Gresham during the Obama-era “One Nation Working Together” mobilization, said his first meeting with Gresham reshaped his understanding of labor leadership. “Up until that point, I never even knew that there was ever an African American president of a labor union,”

Bing said. “So it was sort of like a culture shock for me as a young guy who, again, wasn’t really a student of labor unions as a whole at the time, to find out that there was Black leadership in this union.”

Bing said Gresham backed the work in concrete ways. “Over the course of One Nation, you know, George Gresham gave us an office out of his union where we worked every day,” he said, adding that the group spoke to Gresham “almost three, four times a week” about the organizing progress.

He pointed to the 2010 “One Nation” march in Washington, D.C., as an example of Gresham’s ability to mobilize and then step back so younger leaders could lead.

“He was really a catalyst for that mobilization,” Lynch said, recalling that organizers brought “several thousand people down” and that the broader demonstration drew thousands of people.

Bing said Gresham’s approach resonated because he treated a union member’s work life and community life as one struggle. “Because I think he understood that every table is interconnected, right?” Bing said. “He was fully invested in the totality of his members’ lives in and outside of them being a part of the union.”

During his last year as president, Gresham faced a notably competitive internal election race. In May 2025, members ousted him and chose veteran 1199 leader Yvonne Armstrong as president and Veronica Turner-Biggs as secretary-treasurer. The election took place after there had been intense criticism of his administration’s spending and oversight, especially after an investigation by POLITICO last year, which reported allegations of misuse of union funds — claims Gresham denied. The union hired an outside firm, Union Neutrals, to conduct an independent review of expenses. Gresham publicly congratulated Armstrong and Turner-Biggs on their win, and his term ended in June 2025.

For many members and allies, that orderly transfer of power — under scrutiny — became part of Gresham’s closing chapter. In its announcement, 1199SEIU said, “President Gresham served our union proudly for many years and we owe a debt of gratitude for the many fights he championed over the decades, starting from when he joined 1199 as a rank-and-file member at Presbyterian Hospital 50 years ago.” The union added, “Over the course of his tenure, he inspired, strengthened, and grew our union in numerous ways, and for that we will always be grateful.”

Bing urged those Gresham mentored to carry the work forward. “Pray for his family and all the people that he touched and young people that he mentored,” he said. “I just hope and pray that somebody follows his example in the fight we have today and in the future.”

Photographer Alex Harsley remains East Village’s legend in plain sight

Black

New

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff

It takes a village to raise a child, but legendary photographer Alex Harsley needed the East Village to truly find himself after a tough childhood. Today, his 4th Street Photo Gallery endures down the street from Astor Place and dates back more than five decades since he first opened the storefront’s doors.

While his works can be found everywhere, including currently on display at the “Photography and the Black Arts Movement” exhibition in Los Angeles, Harsley remains essential, and fundamental, to the East Village.

Born to an unwed mother in 1938, Harsley hails from South Carolina where he spent his early years as an outcast from his family. He arrived in New York City in 1948 “after much hassle and [weirdness] and ridiculousness,” originally landing in the Bronx and just missing a major snowstorm, according to the other kids. He quickly familiarized himself with the subway system and everything else required of a young man new to the city. The entire five boroughs ultimately opened up to him (so much so that he worked as a messenger), but Manhattan’s East Village spoke to him the loudest.

“I found myself coming down to the Village,” said Harsley. “What was down in the Village? People [were] able to be who they wanted to [be] in the Village.”

In an interview at the 4th Street Photo Gallery, Harsley recalled the past 60 or so

years, largely out of chronological order but in a picture-perfect detail enough to rival some of his most iconic shots. Harsley also pulled up a half-hour slideshow he put together for the AmNews, annotated by his dry wit. Several young people passed by the door as he talked, some draped in violet NYU graduation gowns and most in oversized baggy pants. None walked in.

Harsley’s illustrious photography career stems from self-taught skills. Early on, he found himself regretfully working for the photo departments at the Manhattan District Attorney — anger fills his voice when recalling his former employer’s prosecution of Hulan Jack, the first Black Manhattan Borough president. Then, the Vietnam War started. Harsley was drafted and he decided against returning to the D.A.’s Office after wrapping up his service. “I wasn’t interested in working [for] institutions anymore after the army,” he said.

His achievements are evidenced by prints of Black luminaries like Muhammad Ali, John Coltrane, and Shirley Chisholm displayed at the 4th Street Photo Gallery, but his work also includes lesser-known subjects, capturing both mundane Black city life and bold, experimental scenes he claims the ritzier galleries avoided at the time. His space opened in 1973, a few years after he established the Minority Photographers, Inc., an arts nonprofit that he describes as Facebook before Facebook.

“I was a little bit early in terms of technology,” said Harsley. “In terms of number [of] people, I began to communicate around the world with a newsletter — I was able to mail any place in the world for one penny, and I use that to communicate with people all around the world. That’s what grew in terms of getting those other arts to come here … those people [are] only coming here because it’s a safe haven.”

Half a century later, Harsley remains in the East Village despite the rising rents and dramatic demographic shifts. He starts his days late and his moments of brilliance are best developed at the back of the store where the natural light is the dimmest. His vintage Dodge Dart, which he bought in 1974, sits parked outside the gallery. Even in Manhattan, the neighborhood knows better than to take his spot. Despite the car’s age, the engine remains strong — Harsley starts it up and gives it a few revs as proof.

“I’ve been on the street for 50-some years. You know what I’ve learned?” asked Harsley with a wry smile. “Everybody’s stupid. How are they stupid? You can’t know everything, so I tried to get to know things that most people didn’t know about and I would like to introduce those things to them … that’s the Village in the Lower East Side. That’s what I came into. Why am I down here on the Lower East Side? It’s the spirit.”

THE URBAN AGENDA

By David R. Jones, Esq

Trump Ramps Up Financial Crisis for Student Borrowers

The Trump administration has released new student loan repayment rules that make it harder for Americans to free themselves of their federal student loans.

The changes mean bigger monthly payments, lifetime caps on borrowing and harsh collection measures as student loan delinquencies and defaults soar to record levels. Consider this: one borrower defaults every nine seconds – we’re talking about hardworking teachers, nurses, union members and veterans — young and old, urban and rural, Black and White.

It also means more aspiring students must depend on private student debt lenders, who are the big winners in the policy changes. Yet, 40 percent of Americans do not qualify for private student loans, according to research by the Century Foundation and Protect Borrowers.

Make no mistake, the federal government is putting the squeeze on students and working people with student debt who are already struggling to make ends meet. As a consequence of these policies, more Black and Brown people are going to have limited opportunities to pursue higher education because it will be financially out of reach. Add to that the alarming number of student loan borrowers who themselves are victims of unscrupulous lenders and may face crushing debt the remainder of their lives.

Recently released Department of Education data shows that by the end of last year, roughly a quarter of the 43 million recipients of federal student loans were significantly behind in their payments. About 7.7 million borrowers nationwide had defaulted on $181 billion in student loans, the data said. In New York, about 11 percent of New York’s 2.4 million borrowers were in default by late 2025, rising to over 19 percent when including those in severe delinquency, the data shows. Those with loans over 270 days past due face involuntary collections, including wage garnishment without a court order, adverse credit reporting, seizer of their tax refunds and, for seniors, deductions from their social security payments.

Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature deserve credit for helping student borrowers by funding the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP), the first-in-the-nation state certified student loan assistance program. Run by my organization, the Community Service Society, it offers free assistance to borrowers trying to navigate their loan repayment and forgiveness options.

If you’re behind in your loan payments, take action now to contain the damage. Contact EDCAP at 888-614-5004 or schedule an appointment online. Borrowers in default may be able to rehabilitate or consolidate their loans to get out of default, but it’s important to get expert help to choose the best option.

EDCAP’s clients are overwhelmingly women, half have household incomes below $60,000 and 45 percent are Black or Latino/a. Among New York City’s indebted, 13.6 percent owe less than $5,000, while 22.7 percent owe an average of $28,287, according to the New York Federal Reserve Bank’s most recent household credit update. That may not seem like a ton of money, but it represents a huge burden on top of rent, child care, food, commuting costs, health care and other daily necessities. It also represents a significant barrier to saving, starting families, buying homes, and further education.

Trump officials argue their revamp of student loans “lower college costs” and makes repayment easier. They argue limiting loans will force colleges to lower tuition. Nothing could be further from reality.

Millions of student-loan borrowers face significantly higher monthly payments beginning July 1 as the Trump administration winds down the most generous income-based repayment plan, Saving on a Valuable Education Plan (SAVE). It is being replaced by two options: a revised version of the existing standard plan or a new program that charges a flat percentage of gross annual income called the Repayment Assistance Plan (or RAP). There are also new limitations on Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Beginning this summer, aspiring students face new lifetime federal loan caps: $20,500 annually ($100,000 total) for graduate students, $50,000 annually ($200,000 total) for professional degrees, and $20,000 annually for Parent PLUS loans. That is not enough to make ends meet, especially for low-income and out-of-state students. The average total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, and board) for a four-year degree ranges from more than $108,000 for public to over $230,000 for private.

Perhaps the most troubling change is the Trump administration’s move of the nation’s federal student loan portfolio from the Education Department to the Treasury Department, which has powerful tools to collect from millions of borrowers who are in default. Unlike other debt, bankruptcy protections are limited and there is no statute of limitation on the collection of student loans.

The current policy shift is an about-face from the Biden administration, which introduced policies to reduce monthly bills and canceled $138 billion in student debt for 5.3 million borrowers.

Today, the situation facing student borrowers is poised to get worse. Fortunately, the state’s support of EDCAP means New Yorkers have a resource to help mitigate the effects of harmful federal policies out of touch with the struggles of those trying to make a better life for themselves and their families.

Uncovering historical gems on 135th Street: Schomburg explores founder’s treasures

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

Why did Arturo “Arthur” Schomburg have such a passion for collecting books about Black people?

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Schomburg famously spent 20 years traveling the world to track down manuscripts, books, and artifacts documenting the roles Black people have played in world history. On May 7, 1926, the New York Public Library purchased Schomburg’s collection.

A century later, on May 7, 2026, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture opened “To Uncover and Reveal to the World: Arturo Schomburg’s Library,” a new exhibition that points to what compelled Arturo “Arthur” Schomburg to become so passionate about collecting

books about Black people.

The exhibition, curated by University of Delaware historian Dr. Laura E. Helton, runs through Dec 5, 2026, and showcases 100 original objects from that collection.

The exhibit gives visitors a sense of how vast and prolific Schomburg’s collecting was –– and how what he assembled became one of the world’s greatest public archives of African diasporic life.

Some of the items on view include displays of Schomburg’s distinctive bookplate, featuring an owl and the Masonic Eye of Providence, which he used to stamp his collected artifacts. A copy of the 1885 pamphlet “Ecos del alma” by the Afro-Cuban journalist and revolutionary Rafael Serra.

A copy of René Maran’s 1921 novel “Batouala.” Copies of books inscribed to Schomburg by authors like Claude McKay,

Matthew A. Henson (who wrote about his journey to the North Pole), William H. Ferris, and Eric Walrond. And an image of the parlor room in Yonkers, New York, where Florence and John Edward Bruce held Negro Society for Historical Research meetings.

The parlor, a placard in the exhibit states that this room, “was richly decorated with paintings, portraits of Black leaders, and African carvings, including a Yoruba Gelede mask. Above the fireplace hung a historic map of Africa by a French cartographer — one of the first drawings to accurately depict the continent’s coordinates. [And] a framed copy of the Society’s logo featuring three Egyptian motifs: the Sphinx, a pyramid, and a palm tree.”

Before he could house his collection at the library, Schomburg kept it at his home.

The exhibition notes that Schomburg lived at 63 West 140th Street in Harlem and, by 1918, at 105 Kosciuszko Street in BedfordStuyvesant, Brooklyn. Visitors described his home as filled with books “from the cellar to the top floor, in every room, including the bathroom.”

When Schomburg died in 1938, the 4,600 items the library bought weren’t cataloged, and items from the original collection began to blend with later acquisitions. Only recently did researchers find a 30page typescript in Nashville’s Fisk University Archives titled “Library of Arthur A. Schomburg: Collection of Books on the Negro Race, Slavery, Emancipation, West Indies, South America, and Africa” that delineated the original collection.

The Schomburg Center’s “To Uncover and See story on next page

Reveal to the World” exhibit also prominently features the Jan. 17, 1927, New York Amsterdam News article that heralded the establishment of the Schomburg collection. The article quotes Schomburg, who spoke of how proud he was that his collection had become part of the NYPL: “Speaking of the collection, he said it was the fruit of thirty-five years’ work, beginning as a boy in Porto Rico, where he was born, and with no dream that the collection would one day be placed in a library, all being for his own pleasure. The first books collected were those of Negro authors of Spanish descent, he said.”

The article noted that Schomburg had recently been in Seville, Spain, searching for

additional documentation on Black people. He found letters between the Catholic pope and other politicians about the naming of Francisco Xavier de Luna y Victoria as the first bishop of Panama. Luna y Victoria was Black, and many opposed his appointment, but the pope stood up for him. Schomburg also spoke of the pride he felt in seeing paintings by Juan de Pareja, who Diego Velázquez enslaved, and by Sebastián Gómez, who was enslaved by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.

“We should be very proud of these two men,” the article quotes Schomburg as saying, “men born slaves, who were so able to grasp the techniques of painting. In an age when no stress was laid on color, just imagine how many works of this sort may be hidden.”

City Hall finally balances NYC budget without property tax hike

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

After some delay, New York City has reached a consensus for the $124.7 billion executive budget without a nerve-inducing property tax hike on homeowners.

“For too long, working New Yorkers have been told that austerity was the answer to adversity,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani at the City Hall press conference on Tuesday, May 12.

First, Mamdani said his team worked hard to partner with Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and City Council Speaker Julie Menin to close the looming city $5.4 billion budget gap without implementing a 9.5% increase on property taxes.

The racial implications of raising property taxes in a housing market that has changed substantially over the past 50 years, and now has higher property values in many predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods, could have been dire.

To address the gap on the city level, Mamdani and Menin are working to reduce the unincorporated business tax (UBT) credit that is estimated to raise about $68 million.

“We had a productive meeting with Mayor Mamdani on the Executive Budget, and we appreciate that the administration has moved toward an approach championed by the Council that identifies savings and avoids raising proper-

ty taxes or raiding reserves,” said Menin in a joint statement with Councilmember Linda Lee, chair of the committee on finance.

The city budget highlighted critical investments like baselining funding for libraries, fair fares, parks, CUNY, and cultural institutions; childcare providers and early childhood education support; and capital funding for housing and comprehensive renovations to New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments.

But one group that is still dissatisfied with the city budget is advocates committed to expanding the City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) housing voucher program.

Mamdami said that his team identified an additional $1.2 billion in savings by addressing systemic inefficiencies in critical programs, but intend to “strengthen” CityFHEPS in the coming years.

“The Mayor’s Executive Budget underscores a critical disconnect between his campaign promises and the commitments he intends to keep to benefit everyday New Yorkers. The erasure of CityFHEPS expansion funds is a betrayal that stands to leave thousands of families unnecessarily stuck in the shelter system,” said Christine C. Quinn, president & CEO of WIN, and former City Council speaker. “This is a budget balanced on the backs of homeless New Yorkers.”

To help on the state level, the city was delegated $4 billion in support, which includes $352 mil-

Harlem plans another Malcolm X celebration for 101st birthday

lion more in direct aid; $3.2 billion in state authorizations, like pension liability restructuring and class size flexibility; and $500 million in revenue from the proposed pied-à-terre tax on second homes valued above $5 million.

According to a short analysis from New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, the updated city budget lays a viable path forward but still relies on certain things coming through in the exceedingly late state budget that hasn’t been approved yet.

“Importantly, the city is no longer relying on a 9.5% property tax hike, which would have broadly added cost pressures for households and businesses,” said DiNapoli in a statement.

“The city also removed rainy day funds and retiree health benefits trust as one-time revenue to close the budget gaps, which had concerned my office as imprudent,” he continued. “These judicious changes were made possible by actions anticipated at the state level and other one-time choices that will help the city to balance its budget through FY 2027, but they also underline the cost pressures that remain in the later years of the financial plan.”

The next steps in the budgeting process will be for the city council to review the Mayor’s executive budget and hold a series of oversight hearings to reach a final plan. In the meantime, the city waits with bated breath on the final state budget from the governor and state legislature.

By AMSTERDAM NEWS STAFF

Malcolm X Day returns to Harlem on the Black liberation leader’s 101st birthday on May 19. While tributes span across the world, few places can rival the historic Black neighborhood’s importance when discussing the legacy of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.

A Black Power rally and march will assemble at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building and the subsequent annual “Shut Em Down” rally will take place between 1 and 4 p.m., closing down the businesses along 125th Street’s main corridor.

The shutdown dates back more than three decades through the December 12 Movement. Last year, Chickfil-A notably drew boycotts and protests after the Atlanta-based fast food chain remained open. December 12 Movement leaders asked people to continue boycotting Chick-Fil-A this year. The Harlem location will remain open this year.

“While our restaurant re -

mains open to serve our guests, per our corporate operating standards, our commitment to this neighborhood extends far beyond our front doors,” said the location’s local owner, Kevin Young over email. “I am grateful to be out in the community, engaging with several of the local organizations we are proud to support year-round.”

Malcolm X’s history is well documented in Harlem, particularly during his time as minister of the Nation of Islam when he preached at Temple No. 7, now known as Masjid Malcolm Shabazz. He first came onto the Amsterdam News ’ radar after organizing outside the 28th Precinct in order to free Johnson X Hinton, a Black Muslim who the NYPD brutalized and arrested after he intervened in a police-involved beating. This led to his column in the paper for a year.

Last year, Harlem also honored him by unveiling Malcolm X Plaza, at Malcolm X Boulevard and 110th Street/ Central Park North.

Divine Nine News

AKA leader rings Nasdaq bell to celebrate mothers

Elicia Pegues Spearman, Esq., a champion for women and girls, and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut and the North Atlantic Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, was excited to join other mothers earlier this month when Adolfo Villagomez, CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, rang the iconic opening bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square.

The bell ringing on May 5 marked the 50th anniversary of the flower company and served as a pre-Mother’s Day tribute to women. Spearman expressed appreciation to

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, its founder and chair Jim McCann, and Nasdaq for the invitation to be a part of the ceremony. “In both of my roles, I connect with countless mothers daily. I pay tribute to them, and of course, honor my own mother,” she said. “I know the sacrifices mothers, godmothers, aunts, and grandmothers all make and the care they give to their children and their families and they are, indeed, worthy of flowers.”

As Alpha Kappa Alpha’s North Atlantic Regional Director, Spearman leads more than 16,000 members of the sorority in 11 states and Washington, D.C.

Union Matters Unemployment spike among Black women drives concerns as Black workers lose 179,000 jobs in April

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

The U.S. added jobs again in April, but Black workers saw their unemployment rate rise to 7.3% — still the highest among any major racial group, even though the national unemployment rate remained at 4.3%, according to the latest Employment Situation Summary report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

That “stronger-than-expected” number tends to obscure the worsening picture for Black jobseekers, a fact that has become a recurring feature of the labor market, said Cantrell Dumas, senior researcher for financial regulation and policy at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. “You may see headlines about unexpected job gains,” Dumas said, “but I think the underlying headline people

are not going to talk about is the fact that Black workers decreased by 179,000.”

The BLS reported that the number of private-sector and government jobs rose by 115,000 in April, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.3%, but the Joint Center’s April Jobs Day analysis, based on that BLS release, found that the unemployment rate for Black workers rose from 7.1% in March to 7.3% in April and estimated that the number of Black workers employed fell by 179,000 last month.

In April, the unemployment rate for white workers was 3.7%, compared to 5.0% for Hispanic workers and 3.3% for Asian workers, the BLS reported. At 7.3%, Black unemployment remained nearly double the white rate. The Joint Center’s analysis shows the unemployment rate for Black men fell from 7.9% in

March to 7.6% in April, while the rate for Black women rose from 6.3% to 6.9%.

“If you look at it, you can do a breakdown,” Dumas said. “Black women increase by 6.6%, and Black men decrease by, I’d say, 2%, 2.3%, so, it kind of evened out there. I think the main thing to take away from this is that you’re going to hear a lot about how the economy is stable, about how the economy added 115,000 jobs, exceeding the forecast, but I want to point out to you that Black workers’ employment decreased by 179,000, so even though the headline is ‘Better-than-expected job gains,’ that headline doesn’t necessarily mean employment gains for Black workers.”

Month-to-month changes can also mask how the labor market shifts beneath the surface, Dumas warned, especially when policy and business decisions

take time to show up in hiring.

“You don’t really see the repercussions from a positive change until months after, right? You see things quarterly. It’s hard to see any major changes month to month,” he said.

The largest increase was among young Black workers: According to the Joint Center analysis, their unemployment rate climbed from 12.3% in March to 13.4% in April; the overall youth unemployment rate increased from 8.2% to 8.5% over that period. Dumas said it is too early to look at those numbers and predict what will happen during the summer hiring period, “but it’ll be interesting to see,” he said, “when the June jobs report comes out in July, what the youth unemployment rate will be.”

Where the jobs are and where they’re decreasing

LIRR strike threat closes in on May 16 deadline

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

No contract negotiation talks have been scheduled between Long Island Railroad workers, represented by a coalition of five unions, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority as a strike looms for workers on the transit system, which carries more than 300,000 daily passengers.

Representatives from the coalition of five unions said in a release that, despite the May 16, 12:01 a.m. strike deadline, the MTA didn’t seem concerned about preventing the strike. The coalition leaders said they wanted to hold contract negotiations on May 12, but “representatives from the transit agency said they would be unavailable.”

Bargaining talks were scheduled to resume as the AmNews went to press on May 13, with negotiations still at a stalemate. Union members vowed to attend the negotiations, but said their rank-and-file members were also scheduled to begin preparing strike picket signs at IBEW Local 589 in Patchogue, N.Y.

BLS said April job gains were concentrated in health care, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade, while federal government employment continued to decline. In an interview with the AmNews , Dumas pointed to losses in parts of the information economy, including telecommunications, as one place to watch, while the overall labor market is still leaning on health care as a steady source of jobs.

“Telecommunications lost 3,000 jobs: information-sector employment is down 7% since its peak in 2022. The major industries — mining, oil and gas, construction — didn’t see much change, so I think it was probably just telecommunications. And that’s one of those industries that could be affected by automation. I think health care is still where we’re getting hired or maintaining our jobs.”

and other essential crafts.

Both the MTA and LIRR workers say they are aligned about retroactive raises for the first three years of a new contract: 3% for 2023, 3% for 2024, and 3.5% for 2025. The standoff has been over the last year. The unions want 5%; the MTA is offering 3% and says going higher would strain the agency’s finances and could hit riders with higher costs.

MTA officials also point to work rules they say drive up costs, including extra pay for engineers who operate different types of trains in a single day. Without changes, the agency argues, it can’t responsibly raise its wage offer. Union leaders counter that trading away protections without a stronger final-year raise would leave workers falling behind in one of the country’s most expensive regions. The unions have not seen a raise since their last contract expired in April 2022.

On the MTA’s Instagram page, the agency advised riders to “work from home, if possible. The MTA will provide limited shuttle bus service on weekdays for essential workers and those who cannot telecommute.” MTA

Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), International Brotherhood of Electrical Work-

ers, and Transportation Communications Union (TCU). Together they represent engineers, signal workers, machinists, electricians,

Nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide while attack on diversity policies continues

When the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued The New York Times, claiming discrimination against a worker, we were ready to cheer the action. But we quickly reversed that move when we learned it was a white worker seeking the promotion and being denied.

According to the complaint, the man, who was not named, was interviewed for the deputy real estate editor job in 2025, but was not selected for the panel interview. Four candidates — a white woman, an African American man, an Asian-American woman, and a multiracial woman — advanced to the panel review.

Those chosen matched the Times ’ sex and race characteristics; the paper sought to increase its leadership. However, the white man claimed that he was more qualified than the person who got the job. He then took his complaint to the EEOC, and it claimed that the Times “had engaged in unlawful employment practices.”

If this sounds familiar and resembles the spurious claims made against the Southern Poverty Law Center, you have your head screwed on right. What is evidently at play is the reversal of everything DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies were attempting to rectify.

The same perversity obtains in the realm of education, which, under Secretary Linda McMahon, has ended all DEI protections. Such is the sad state of affairs, and the Times will find its appeal as futile as that of any other entity facing the onslaught of policy shifts under the Trump administration. Things are pretty much as Martha and the Vandellas sang: “Nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide.”

Medicaid change could improve care for incarcerated youth — if states get it right

By HELENA ADDISON, Ph.D., RN

New York City is moving closer to closing Rikers Island with part of that plan being the opening of a Therapeutic Housing Unit at Bellevue Hospital, which would provide medical care for incarcerated adults with serious health conditions outside of jail. This is an encouraging step toward what many New Yorkers have long demanded.

Many of us remember Kalief Browder, who was 16 when he was sent to Rikers and spent three years incarcerated — including two in solitary confinement — without trial. After release, he struggled with severe depression and trauma and died by suicide in 2015 at age 22. His life galvanized the movement to close Rikers and exposed the deep health harms of incarceration, especially for young people.

As a nurse scientist, I’ve seen these harms firsthand. I’ve cared for patients in mental health crises after leaving jail due to trauma and lack of follow-up care. In my research, people describe how being incarcerated at a young age leaves lasting impacts on mental health and help-seeking.

On any given day, nearly 32,000 children and adolescents are held in U.S. juvenile facilities. Most have mental health conditions and have experienced significant trauma before and during incarceration. Nearly all will eventually come home.

and connected to services like case management and behavioral health screening, starting 30 days before release and continuing at least 30 days after.

This policy addresses a longstanding barrier. For years, many states terminated or suspended Medicaid upon incarceration, leaving people to reapply and find providers after release. Navigating insurance and appointments is hard enough. For a teen or young adult facing housing instability, disrupted schooling, or family stress, that process is often impossible, leading to gaps in medication, untreated trauma, and preventable crises.

rollment for people leaving incarceration. Young people face competing priorities like school or family issues. Clinics may have long waits. Providers may lack trauma-informed training. Community organizations may be asked to do more without additional funding.

tion — those who were incarcerated when they were young and their families. They know the barriers firsthand.

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher and Editor in Chief

Cyril Josh Barker: Digital Editor

Damaso Reyes: Editor at Large

"Sam"

Editor

A federal law passed in 2023 offers an important opportunity to meet their health needs — but only if states implement it correctly. Effective January 2025, this law requires states to ensure incarcerated youth (up to age 21, or 26 for former foster youth) are enrolled in Medicaid

The health needs of these young people are significant. About two-thirds of boys and nearly three-quarters of girls in detention meet criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder — depression, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders are common. More than half have had suicidal thoughts, and roughly one-third report a prior suicide attempt, rates far higher than those in the general population.

But good policy on paper does not guarantee good outcomes. Coverage alone does not always ensure care — as seen with past efforts to boost Medicaid en-

Well-intentioned reforms can also be implemented inequitably. Over 25 years, youth incarceration rates have declined overall, yet racial disparities have widened. Research on diversion programs shows Black, Latino, and Indigenous youth are less likely to be diverted and more likely to face formal charges than white youth for the same behaviors. And though youth transfers to adult courts have been cut in half since 2005, Black youth remain more likely to be transferred. A policy that appears progressive can still reproduce injustice if equity isn’t embedded from the start. To ensure this Medicaid change delivers on its promise, three things are essential:

First, invest in the right partners — community organizations with trusted ties in neighborhoods, offering trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.

Second, embed people with lived experience of incarcera-

Third, build in equity-focused accountability. Beyond knowing how many people enroll, we need to know who actually gets care and whether their health improves. Data should be broken down by race, ethnicity, income, foster care status, and other factors to identify and correct disparities early. This policy arrives amid broader uncertainty for Medicaid. Proposed federal changes — including work requirements and other restrictions — could limit coverage and create new barriers to care. State leaders are navigating sometimes contradictory policy proposals. These young people are part of our communities. This policy is a real opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing, but only if we get it right through sustained investments, meaningful inclusion, and clear accountability.

Helena Addison, Ph.D., RN, is a nurse scientist and postdoctoral fellow in the National Clinician Scholars Program at Yale University and a Public Voices Fellow of the Op-Ed Project in partnership with Yale University.

Why last winter’s extreme cold was a public health failure on Staten Island

By OLIVER PALACIOS

The extreme cold that hit New York City, but felt most prominently in Staten Island, last winter was not just unbearable, it was lethal. A couple of months ago, news reports stated that prolonged cold exposure here in New York City was the culprit in multiple deaths. Media, as usual, underrated the problem — framing it as isolated incidents and urging people to stay inside — when half of the tragedies happened inside homes where no heating was provided, and the rest were caused by prolonged exposure to extreme weather. According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, these deaths were preventable.

As a medical professional with clinical and research experience, and a North Shore Staten Island resident who has seen firsthand how poor housing infrastructure amplifies medical risk, I am pro-readiness and pro-prevention — not reactive. I encourage system preparedness to prevent tragedies like those

we have recently witnessed. Keeping neighborhoods safe and protecting our senior citizens are not political goals; they are common sense, community obligations that neighbors rely on when infrastructure fails.

Nearly one-fifth of homes in Staten Island were built before 1930, and 63% before 1980, according to Cornell’s Program on Applied Demographics. There has been little new residential development in recent decades. An aging housing stock increases health risk during extreme cold: older structures suffer cumulative damage from repeated freeze cycles, and heating upgrades are costprohibitive for older residents living on fixed incomes.

The situation is even more dire for residents experiencing homelessness. They remain outdoors longer in a borough with limited shelters, scarce public transportation, and isolated warming centers — far fewer than in other boroughs. Emergency departments across the city see predictable surges during extreme cold, from falls on

icy streets to respiratory distress and cold-related injuries, a pattern documented year after year by NYC Health Department cold-weather surveillance data.

Extreme cold is rarely framed through the lens of climate change the way summer heat waves are — but it should be. Climate change is not just about rising temperatures; it is about weather instability. Warmer winters and recordhot summers can coexist with sudden, severe freezing spells that catch communities off guard. As the EPA’s climate indicators report underscores, sudden freezes strain aging energy systems and housing infrastructure, increasing outages precisely when heat becomes a medical necessity.

New York City agencies and Staten Island elected officials have actionable paths forward. The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development should conduct mandatory boiler inspections before each winter and shorten emergency repair timelines for aging

equipment in older homes.

NYC Emergency Management should improve borough-specific communication around weather alerts and actively promote warming center locations across Staten Island — not just in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

The 18 deaths that occurred in New York City this past winter should not fade from public memory once temperatures rise. They exposed longstanding gaps in infrastructure investment, senior support, and healthcare access in what is too often called “the forgotten borough.” Cold weather in New York is nothing new — but dying from it, because of policy neglect, should never be accepted as inevitable. Preventing more deaths is not a matter of awareness. It is a matter of action.

Oliver Palacios, MPH Candidate, is a medical professional and public health researcher based on the North Shore of Staten Island, with a focus on environmental health equity and community preparedness

Can a sanitation truck become art?

It can in DSNY’s The Trucks of Art

Festival

CHRISTINA GREER, PH.D.

I’m often asked about what I like doing when I am not talking, writing, teaching, and thinking about politics. It’s a stressful time in our nation and world and I am constantly looking for ways to satisfy my diverse interests. Anyone who follows this column knows I love the theater, the Knicks, birding, talking about transportation, and most recently, learning all about New York City’s trash systems.

Yes, I am a trash nerd who took a free online course with the Sanitation Foundation’s Trash Academy to learn all about how NYC moves trash, recycling, waste, and compost for close to 9 million people each day.

moving works of art seen daily across New York City.

“Each design celebrates the work of keeping New York City clean while highlighting sustainability, waste reduction, and the essential DSNY workforce,” according to organizers. What better way to celebrate New York than with a moving canvas? The unveiling of the trucks will take place next Tuesday at a family-friendly (and free) event in Union Square.

By HERB BOYD

On my way to review the photo exhibit by Chester Higgins Jr. at the Bruce Silverstein Gallery, I passed a huge, inflated rat symbolizing a strike by the District Council of Carpenters against Vanderbilt University on W. 21st Street. Moments later, I received a text that noted labor leader George Gresham was dead. I paused for a moment, considered the irony, and reflected on George’s unwavering commitment to workers’ causes. The erosion of area standards was often something he discussed in his many columns in the Amsterdam News. I have no reserva-

tions that the fight waged by the carpenters would be right in his bailiwick.

Several months ago, I learned that he was ill, and I hadn’t seen his column in quite a while; even so, I was stunned to learn of his passing. I met him on several occasions, most before he began contributing to these pages.

The first time we crossed paths was when I was teaching a College of New Rochelle course at 125 Barclay, where the office of District Council 37 is located. He was there for a meeting, and we warmly exchanged greetings and promised to stay in touch, which we did, mainly through phone calls and texts about union affairs.

Once during a Local 1199 SEIU demonstration, we walked together. His gregariousness was infectious, and he kept up a steady pace as he fielded my ques tions. Now, many years later, as I left the exhib it and headed back to the subway station, the workers at Vanderbilt — yep, that university based in Tennessee, which is set to open a branch here this fall — had increased considerably, just the kind of assembly that would have made George a proud participant.

Verrett, President of SEIU, she said, “Our hearts go out to George’s family, his loved ones, and the entire 1199SEIU membership. We honor him today not just with our words, but by recommitting ourselves to the work he loved so dearly.”

In a statement from

My sentiments entirely.

I initially took the course to learn about trash and quickly realized that the Trash Academy, which was attended by people from across the United States and the world, aims to “advance efforts that strengthen New York City’s cleanliness, sustainability, and civic pride.” Keeping a city clean is also keeping a city safe. We choose to live with millions of people and the collective action needed to keep NYC thriving is really a larger conversation about how we collectively view community and our intertwined futures.

The Sanitation Foundation is constantly finding ways to increase our collective sensibilities and this year will be celebrating the Trucks of Art festival, co-hosted with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) on May 19th in Union Square. The festival is a citywide public art initiative, led by the NYC Department of Sanitation in partnership with the Sanitation Foundation. They invited independent artists to transform active DSNY sanitation trucks into bold,

At the event, the newly painted trucks will be on display. You can also view massive artworks up close, meet participating artists, enjoy various activities, learn all about sustainability, waste reduction, and the essential work of NYC Sanitation. According to the Sanitation Foundation, you can even roll up your sleeves and volunteer to participate in Community Cleanups, presented by Mack Trucks.

I am so excited to see if I can spot the colorful artistic trucks in various neighborhoods throughout the city in the months to come. Maybe seeing the trucks will inspire you to submit a design one day! To learn more about this event and other interesting and engaging opportunities, check out the Sanitation Foundation website at www.sanitationfoundation.org. And be sure to enroll in the Trash Academy; we need more trash nerds keeping our city clean.

Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of the books “How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams.” and “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.

Caribbean Update Caribbean umbrella university dumps British charter; growing trend in region

By BERT WILKINSON

Special to the AmNews

Last week, cabinet ministers in Antigua and Barbuda took their oaths of office without swearing allegiance to the British monarchy as part of a growing trend across the Caribbean to change customs and national symbols to reflect local identities rather than their colonial past.

In late December, the federation’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment that allowed for a change of clauses which had previously demanded that oaths be made to King Charles, his heirs, and successors. Rather, sworn allegiances must now be made to the state of Antigua and Barbuda, as the federation has been independent since 1981.

During the debates, Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin said the old system should have been long discarded as, “...in my view, to what prevails today in Antigua and Barbuda. We have noted that the people of this nation are now so conscious of their indepen -

dence that they believe we ought to be swearing allegiance to the state of Antigua and Barbuda and not to His Majesty the King in England. The time is right,” he argued as the bill was debated.

“We will once and for all finally not be swearing to His Majesty in England, his heirs and succes -

sors in England. We are swearing the oath of allegiance to the state of Antigua and Barbuda, its constitution and its laws.”

The swearing in followed general elections held at the end of April that saw the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) winning by a landslide, carting away 15

of the 17 seats. In doing so, after the results had poured in, its cabinet ministers and other officials became the first to actually swear allegiance to the federation rather than to the British crown.

Meanwhile, it appears that the umbrella University of the West Indies (UWI) is also heading in the

direction of regionalistic change as it is moving to cut decades-old ties with Britain.

The multi-island school system announced recently that it plans to jettison the British royal charter which was used as the legal foundation to establish the university system back in 1948.

The Barbados Today reported that the school will now be defined by the Treaty of Chaguaramas, the founding legal or regional charter document establishing the 15-nation Caribbean Community more than 50 years ago. The change will allow for the school to be an “independent regional university forever,” declared Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles.

As the school genuflects from its colonial origins, Beckles contends that the future would be more defined by “reparatory justice and intellectual liberation.”

“We have the power to give degrees, compliments of the King of England. If the King of England woke up one morning and said, See CARRIBBEAN continued on next page

When ‘suicide’ becomes a repeated explanation

FELICIA PERSAUD

IMMIGRATION KORNER

Seventeen immigrants have reportedly died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody since January 2026, and five of those deaths have been described by ICE as suspected suicides.

Each case now remains under investigation, and each one raises a difficult question: how many deaths labeled “suicide” must occur before the public begins asking harder questions about the conditions inside America’s immigration detention system?

The most recent involved 33-yearold Cuban national Denny Adan Gonzalez, who died on April 28 at the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia after being found unresponsive in his cell. ICE said the suspected cause of death was suicide.

Earlier in April, on April 12 to be exact, 27-year-old Cuban national Aled Damien Carbonell-Betancourt died in federal detention in Miami after what officials again described as an apparent suicide attempt.

On March 16 at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, 19-year-old Royer Perez-Jimenez of Mexico died under similar circumstances.

In January, there were two more reported deaths by suicide — both on January 14 but in different locations. Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old from Nicaragua, died in ICE custody at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, and a Mexican national, Heber Sanchaz Domínguez, 34, passed away while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody at the Robert A. Deyton Detention Center, also reportedly by suicide.

In every case, the official cause of death so far remains “under investigation.”

The facts differ, but the pattern is unmistakable: Young and middle-aged men; many detained for immigration violations or relatively minor criminal charges. Several were held for only days or weeks before they were found dead. Some had reportedly shown no signs of distress during intake screenings.

That does not mean the official explanations are wrong, but it does underscore the need for scrutiny and oversight into the official results of the supposed “investigations.”

Immigration detention is not supposed to be punitive. It is a civil process designed to ensure that individuals appear for hearings while their cases are pending. Yet, detention carries profound psychological consequences. People are separated from family, confronted with uncertainty, and left wondering whether they will

be deported to countries they may no longer know.

For some, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. That reality makes mental health screening, timely care, and independent oversight essential.

And it raises broader questions about whether the system is equipped to identify and respond to people in crisis. The issue is not limited to detention conditions alone.

According to data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, immigration courts are carrying a backlog of more than 3 million cases. Many detainees face prolonged uncertainty as they wait for hearings and decisions that will determine their future.

In that context, detention can become more than temporary custody. It can become a state of limbo.

Whatever their immigration status or criminal history, their deaths warrant more than a press release. They warrant answers. Because when a civil detention system repeatedly ends in death, the question is no longer just what happened to those individuals. It is what is happening inside the system itself.

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.

ICE routinely states that it is committed to providing safe, secure, and humane conditions for those in its custody. Perhaps so, but when deaths continue to mount — and “suspected suicide” becomes a recurring explanation — public confidence depends on transparency, accountability, and independent review. These were not statistics; they were human beings. Men with families, histories, and futures that ended behind locked doors.

International News

African Union Summit emphasizes need for water access, self-sufficiency

How Iran turned trap and hip hop into viral war propaganda

Experts say “hiphop-aganda” videos reveal how Black culture, AI, and internet humor are being fused into a new kind of propaganda for the doomscroll era.

(Credit: YouTube)

By CLAYTON GUTZMORE Word in Black

expanded. There are videos about Donald Trump falling asleep in a press conference and the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ dinner.

Dr. A.D. Carson, associate professor of hip hop in the global south at the University of Virginia, said the videos operate like a funhouse mirror, portraying Donald Trump and other political figures as goofy, cartoonish villains. This form of propaganda, he said, reflects the absurdity of our times.

“It feels as if they have their fingers on the pulse of something rhetorically significant,” Carson said. “Using Legos and hip hop as a way to cut through the noise around political discourse is something to admire.”

At the same time, “I think that we should be vigilant about any of the media that we are engaging in — even if it is something that we see as entertaining or funny,” Carson said. “The stakes are incredibly high.”

Need for media literacy

The missiles flying over Tehran and the Strait of Hormuz are real. So are skyrocketing gas prices, war jitters, and political exhaustion hanging over Americans already battered by inflation and another ugly election season.

said, rap and hip hop are a “global language of resistance and identity” that have served as the soundtrack to revolutions and resistance movements worldwide.

“Based on what these individuals from Iran are doing, they are vocalizing their frustration with the U.S.,” Howard said.

curred: “Another banger from the Iran Lego News crew. The Donny Boy smackdown continues.”

By MYA TRUJILLO

The Washington Informer | Word in Black

Despite water being a vital resource for all living things worldwide, equal access is scarce, especially in Africa, a disparity that the African Union (AU) is fervently working to address.

Online, however, the latest conflict involving the United States and Iran has been repackaged into something stranger: viral AI-generated Lego videos that mock President Donald Trump with rap music, trap beats, punchlines, and cartoon explosions. The clips are goofy on purpose, but beneath the humor is something critics say is more sophisticated, insidious — and far more dangerous.

where African citizens are deprived of safe access to drinking water and adequate sanitation, which is a collective challenge that requires courageous, integrated, and sustainable responses,” said João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, president of Angola and Chairperson of the AU.

News reports have tied the videos to Explosive News, a propaganda network with ties to the Iranian government.

In an interview with the New Yorker, an unnamed representative of Explosive News insisted it is a “student-led media team with a background in social activism.” The representative also insisted on anonymity out of fear that the success of their viral videos might make them targets of the U.S. government.

User @axiom.daze, however, was “conflicted” about enjoying obvious propaganda that nevertheless expresses their feelings about the Trump administration. “This is a Lego AI video allegedly from Iran, laying out everything our government tries to hide … and it shouldn’t be this catchy,” they wrote. “What a time to be alive.”

A broader lesson from this content is the growing need for media literacy. Both Carson and Howard said viewers in the U.S. should learn to think critically about what they’re seeing — even if it’s a humorous message that mocks Trump, slams an unpopular war, and calls out political hypocrisy.

To accelerate funding into the WASH sectors, the AU heads of state adopted the Continental Africa Water Investment Program (AIP) in 2021 as part of the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).

The union held its annual AU Summit from February 11–15 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

It’s propaganda masquerading as entertainment — and using a Black American art form, one rooted in struggle, hardship, and poverty, as the delivery device. Call it “hip hop-aganda.”

Soundtrack of resistance

Caribbean

Continued from page 14

As part of the mission, the continental union created the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy framework, which places water as a crucial factor in transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future — Agenda 2063’s main goal. According to the recently introduced plan, access to clean water will catalyze the elimination of poverty and hunger in Africa while promoting industrialization and climate resilience.

Africa contains 9% of the world’s freshwater, making it the fourth-largest continental supply of the resource. According to UNICEF, in 2022, 418 million people across Africa lacked basic drinking water services, 779 million did not have basic sanitation services, and 839 million lacked basic hygiene services.

According to Simon Howard, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Miami, it’s no accident that the Iranian regime chose Black American music as the soundtrack for the campaign. After all, he

The organization, he said, is “totally independent” — no government. No military. No state TV.”

‘I just love it so much’

Monitoring Report, half of the continent’s population is at a disadvantage regarding sound access to safely managed drinking water, one in seven people defecate publicly, and sanitation and hygiene financing averages 0.25% in gross domestic product (not meeting the 0.5% goal). Africa is also heavily dependent on external funding in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) budgets, comprising 78%, which could threaten resource sovereignty and sustainability.

What is clear, however, is that these videos are landing — hard — on social media.

“I’m loving all of the music!” Threads user @gnamo69 wrote in a recent post. “I was kind of losing my faith [about] hip hop lately. I don’t know [if] it’s just I’m old but these things are so [on] point[.] I just love it so much.”

For decades, hip hop has been used to convey political messages and reflect where we are in society. From Jadakiss’s 2004 hit “Why” to Young Jeezy’s “My President Is Black,” hip hop has been seen as a voice for the voiceless.

With inflation still squeezing workingclass Americans, fears of a wider Middle East war growing, and Trump’s approval ratings taking a nosedive, the videos land in an audience primed for cynicism.

The videos are “the kind of thing that draws more people in than the event,” particularly among people who get most of their news online, Carson said. Vigilance “is going to be incredibly important because our ability to scrutinize media will determine what we are vulnerable to.”

ress in mending their water access disparities, economic and health autonomy could be easier to achieve, potentially bringing stability, peace, and self-sufficiency across the continent.

With videos created by A.I., one social justice organization argues that this propaganda devalues the art form.

“The efforts we have undertaken to build the Africa we want cannot be fully realized without making significant investments that deliver tangible results in the water and sanitation sector,” Lourenço said.

said, ‘Well, I’m revoking that charter,’ then the UWI would not exist. It would be abolished in a stroke,” said Beckles.

“Despite the abundance of water resources on the continent, we continue to see countless situations

While progress has been made in the last two decades, members of the AU recognize there is still more work to be done. Under the guidance of the Africa Water Vision of 2025, commissioned by the World Water Council in 2000, Malawi reduced untreated wastewater by 80%, Senegal distributes at least 10% of its budget to water and sanitation services, and others like Egypt and Tunisia have put an end to public defecation.

Regional leaders had endorsed the switch to the treaty at their summit in St. Kitts in Feb-

Another Threads user, @srblaker, con-

ruary, with Chairman and local Prime Minister Terrance Drew suggesting that the move brings the region a step closer to “indigenizing that institution.”

“Water investment is a catalyst for transformation. It strengthens food security, drives industrial growth, reduces health care costs, and it creates jobs for the growing population,” said H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), during the AU Summit. “However, to meet the [U.N. Sustainable Development Goal] six targets, we have to close an estimated investment gap of about $30 billion (USD) annually.”

Dope beats, high stakes

The Lego clips mock American power and exploit public frustration, using hip hop to package propaganda as relatable internet culture.

Although most are stinging critiques of the war with Iran, the videos’ subject matter has

today, officials say.

The initiative urges leaders to prioritize shrinking the water access gap, increase transparency and accountability regarding efforts to finance water needs, encourage the adoption of innovative financing measures to build resource sovereignty, promote gender equality in decisionmaking, and incorporate water funding into economic planning.

Although African nations represent 54 of the 193 member states of the General Assembly, and the continent accounts for approximately 18% of the world’s population, it is the only region in the United Nations that isn’t represented in the Permanent Five.

The Hip hop Caucus is an organization that mobilizes communities of color to fight for racial, climate, and economic justice. Brittany Bell Surratt, senior director of storytelling and communication, believes the Iranian Lego videos could dilute the art form because it lacks the lived experiences of Black communities navigating systemic inequality.

According to the 2024 Africa Water and Sanitation Sector

The constitutional amendment by the federation is part of an effort across the Caribbean community to change symbols and other relics from the British colonial era to reflect the cultural and political realities of

From resource sovereignty to sustainable stability

Last year, Trinidad and Tobago ditched images linked to the ships of Christopher Columbus’s initial voyage to the West Indies, replacing them on the national coat of arms with the steelpan, the national instrument.

Currently, only $10–$19 billion is invested annually in water security and sustainable sanitation in Africa.

Grenada, Barbados, and Jamaica have also localized their national oaths, with Barbados taking it a step further by

With the successful implementation of the AU-AIP, the continent of Africa can make strides toward becoming a major actor on the world stage, because plans like these foster independence and less dependency on external forces. Leaders note that if they can address and make prog-

“This is 2026, not 1946,” said U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, expressing his displeasure that there are no permanent African seats in the U.N. Security Council. “Whenever decisions about Africa and the world are on the table, Africa must be at the table.”

“When A.I. tools replicate the sound and esthetic of hip hop without that lived context, it extracts from the culture,” she said. “What we’re seeing is both a testament to hip hop’s universal appeal and a warning about how easily culture can be extracted and repurposed without accountability.”

Lourenço emphasized the interconnection of all injustices and instabilities that African nations face, acknowledging that the road to an abundant, self-reliant, and secure continent requires a multifaceted, collaborative approach.

opting to become a republic in late 2021. In doing so, it also dumped the British king as its head of state and installed a local as ceremonial president.

“I do, or solemnly affirm that I will faithfully bear true allegiance to the state of Antigua and Barbuda, its constitution and laws, so help me God,” reads Antigua and Barbuda’s brand new oath.

This post appeared first on The Washington Informer.

nypl.org/uncoverandreveal

Arts & Entertainment

‘Lisette Model: The Jazz Pictures’: A trove of jazz photo treasures finally sees the light

By ROBERT E. GERHARDT, JR. Special to the AmNews

This new book presents nearly 200 beautifully printed photographs and tells the story of the largely unknown jazz photographs that Model made over a decade in the 1950s but that were only recently rediscovered. Photographer Lisette Model has a life story that has stuck for many years. Model was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1901. Growing up, she studied piano and music composition, before moving to Paris, where, in 1933, she gave up music, changed to photography, and quickly became a full-time photographer. In 1938, she and her husband immigrated to New York City, where she fell in love with the photo community. Her work was widely published, and was included in the 1940 exhibition “Sixty Photographs: A Survey of Camera Aesthetics,” the inaugural exhibition of the Museum of Modern Art’s department of photography. In the 1950s, she began to teach photography: some of her more well-known students included Diane Arbus, Rosalind Solomon, and Larry Fink. But

she taught hundreds of other students at the New School for Social Research, while at the same time, she stopped making photographs.

But that is not really the whole story.

While she was working on her Ph.D., Audrey Sands was looking through Model’s archive and made an astounding discovery about the years when Model had supposedly stopped making photographs.

“I was amazed and surprised when going through the archive of negatives that’s held in Canada to find not just a couple pictures from this period, but as we now know, a couple thousand negatives and specifically negatives focused on a specific theme,” Sands told me on the phone. “The theme being jazz. So that was how I came to discover those pictures.”

The photographs were originally planned as a basis for a book with text by Langston Hughes. Model’s agent, Henrietta Brackmann, knew Hughes, and had reached out to him about the project.

“Hughes was deeply insinuated in the world of visual arts, but specifically photography. And we of course know his very famous col-

laboration with the Black photographer Roy DeCarava, ‘The Sweet Fly Paper of Life,’” Sands said. “Henrietta Brackmann reached out to Hughes by telegram, and it’s an illustration in the book.”

Hughes was very interested in the project, and there is followup correspondence in his archive, which is held at Yale.

But the project never came to fruition. With the rise of McCarthyism, Model’s involvement with the New York Photo League, which was classified as a “communist organization,” led to her being placed on the National Security Watchlist.

“Essentially it was that the editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, who knew Lisette Model very well, was also very close with Helena Rubinstein, the cosmetics mogul. Rubinstein was very interested in photography and the visual arts too, and had committed to fund the project,” Sands said. “But she had come to an understanding, perhaps through Carmel Snow, that Lisette’s politics were a thing to be avoided. And that’s how the project as a sort of formal collaboration with funding for it to become a book really fell apart.”

And with the end of the project, the photographs were filed away, and Model herself took extensive steps to cover up their existence, even though she had multiple opportunities to revisit the work in later decades, including when there was a boom in the photography market in the 1970s.

“She described it either not at all or extremely minimally in chronologies of her life, either completely eliminating them from those stories, or couching them to this very narrow period that we know because the pictures are dateable because they’re actual performances that happened throughout the 1950s,” Sands explained. “She would say that it was a period that she photographed jazz only from the late ‘40s to the beginning of the 1950s before abandoning the project altogether. And that’s of course deeply fascinating.”

Unlike her work from the 30s and 40s that is more widely known, Model’s jazz photographs are much livelier and more dynamic. Where her more wellknown photographs are much more severe in their treatment of their subjects, and critical in their gaze and exaggerate the bodies,

these photographs show not just her interest in the subjects in front of her. They show Model’s tender view and reactions to the jazz and the Black culture she was witnessing, at a pivotal time in the music’s history. She is caught up in the excitement and the play in the music and people in her viewfinder. And it shows through the work.

“The pictures themselves are just an extraordinary glimpse into one person’s travels through this roaring cultural scene that jazz occupied in the 1950s,” Sands said. “Just understanding that one person attended these numerous festivals in Rhode Island and New York and numerous clubs and photographed so many different figures and audience members and teachers of jazz, jazz history, and record label producers really just speaks to the density and aliveness of that scene as not just as a subculture, but a dominant culture of the period.”

“Lisette Model: The Jazz Pictures” is published by the Eakins Press Foundation and can be purchased through their website at eakinspress.com.

Continued on next page

Louis Armstrong on Tour Bus, Newport Jazz Festival, Newport, Rhode Island, July 5-7, 1956. (© Lisette Model Foundation, courtesy of Eakins Press Foundation/Lisette Model fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives)

Dizzy Gillespie, New York Jazz Festival, Randall’s Island Stadium, New York City, August 24-25, 1956. (© Lisette Model Foundation, courtesy of Eakins Press Foundation/National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution)

Count Basie, New York Jazz Festival, Randall’s Island Stadium, New York City, August 23-24, 1957. (© Lisette Model Foundation, courtesy of Eakins Press Foundation/ Baudoin Lebon)

Dizzy Gillespie, Music Inn, Lenox, Massachusetts, late August 1956. (© Lisette Model Foundation, courtesy of Eakins Press Foundation/ Lisette Model fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives)

AmNews FOOD

Open a Korean ‘Small Parcel’ at SOPO in Midtown

For the moms, I hope you had a great day being celebrated for Mother’s Day. For the family, I hope my last minute five-step plan helped to celebrate the special mom in your life. Please save it and use it for any other day to celebrate the special people in your family, any day of the week. Still on a high from my fabulous Thai experience at Sappesian, I was then invited to try out a new Korean fast-casual concept in Midtown West last week and their limited-time collaboration (ending May 24) with Bibigo, a Korean food brand. My chance encounter at Ongi and my love of Asian foods would make the answer ‘dangyeon-hi ne’ (an absolute yes)!

I hopped on the A train to 34th Street and made my way to SOPO (463 7th Avenue). I was instantly greeted by owner, Tae Kim, and Executive Chef Dennis Hong. Kim gave me an overview of the concept of SOPO, ‘small parcel’ or ‘care package,’ and how its design aligns to their traditional Korean heritage, from the colors red (gochujang, red chili paste), white (rice), and black (hospitality), to the vaulted and textured ceiling resembling a dosirak (a Korean compartmentalized lunch box), all built to showcase their food offerings.

Chef Hong was ready for me to get to the food, and I certainly did not object. If the varied banchan (side dishes), house-made sauces, and red enameled cast-iron pots filled with warm proteins hadn’t already won me over, Kim’s mention of their in-house machine that rolls fresh kimbap (seaweed and rice wrapped around cooked proteins and pickled ingredients) did the trick. After presenting me with two traditional Korean beverages — a nutty Oksusu-cha (iced corn tea) and a sweet Bae (pear-based drink) — I was seated in what felt like the red jewel box of the 900-square-foot space.

While I waited for my meal, Kim brought out SOPO’s four signature sauces — Ssam Aioli, Fire Sauce, Perilla Princess (an homage to green goddess dressing), and Sweet Heat — plus the limited SOPO x bibigo collab: the Kimchi Perilla Verde sauce. I wouldn’t appreciate the full power of these sauces until I was home on my couch, devouring the two kimbap (beef bulgogi and spicy pork) they sent me home with along with my leftovers.

Finally, I was digging into a gorgeous ‘sopo’ (using the name in a sentence!) consisting of purple rice with fried seaweed, SOPO greens, kimchi, and the two collaboration stars: Kimchi BBQ Chicken and Sweet Piquillo Gimmari (a crispy seaweed roll filled with japchae, a sweet potato starch noodle). If this wasn’t enough, I also dove into their saucy dumplings (a must for my texture enthusiasts), cucumber

kimchi, and garlic broccoli. The food is incredible; Chef Hong’s Michelin pedigree, having worked at Le Bernardin and for Jean-Georges, is present in every morsel.

SOPO is a must-visit. I will be back for more kimbap (OBSESSED!) and for their next collaboration with OMA (May 26–June 12), featuring beef and plant-based miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) — a dish traditionally served for postpartum recovery. Kim is intentional in all things SOPO, from the design, the quality of ingredients, and the authenticity of the food, to the happiness of the customers and the growth of the business. From one University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School alum to another: Tae and team, you’ve done good. Now keep going and gamsahamnida.

Thanks for reading and happy eating!

Questions, comments, requests, feedback, invitations! Email us at AmNewsFOOD@SCHOPnyc.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, @NYAmNewsFOOD.

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.

Travel & Resort

Get your geek on at Blerdfest 2026!

By LILITH DORSEY Special to the AmNews

There are lots of reasons to travel to New Orleans. The most popular attractions are the music, the history, the food, the spirit — and now the Blerds. Black Nerds, or Blerds as they’re called, are the focus of Blerdfest 2026. The oneday event will be held this year on June 6 and it’s not to be missed.

The event is a cavalcade of lectures and workshops, live musical performances, film screenings, video gaming, table gaming, an anime car show, a free retro arcade, a kids’ corner, a quiet room, and loads of fun. It is a celebration of all we are, and all we can be. All ages are welcome and there is a wide range of activities for people of all ages.

Blerdfest producer True filled me in on the inclusive scope of this amazing event. He said Blerdfest is for “anyone that is interested in anything nerdy, or geeky, whether that’s cosplay, or science fiction, or books, or video gaming, and really it goes beyond that. … Most organizations that cater to nerds define a nerd as someone with a particular interest in a specific sub-genre of trading cards, or comic books, or ‘Lord of the Rings,’ or whatever it is. Black Nerds love all those things, too, but because the Black community has more needs than that, we expand that definition so that someone who has zero interest in superheros, or science fiction or any of that, could still be a part of the event if they were an archeology nerd, an architect nerd, an opera nerd — any sort of academic pursuit that had nothing to do with any sort of the fictional worlds that people follow. As long as you are nerdy about something, we make space for you.”

When asked about the event’s focus, True replied, “We focus our content on Black stories and Black storytellers, [but] that’s not to say that no one else is welcome. ... Anyone is welcome as long as they know the focus of the event is the Black experience.”

The large vending area features a wide selection of melanated merchants displaying their wares. Many unique and handmade items are available from both local artisans and those who have

traveled far and wide to showcase their merchandise here. Local nonprofit organizations and even the local library also have tables, and the atmosphere is definitely one that feels like family. Blerdfest legacy volunteer Sister May commented, “My favorite thing about Blerdfest is that it brings consumers and creators together, in person, allowing us to share knowledge and become inspired

while also having fun.”

Some of the best parts of the event are the panel discussions. In the past, I was fortunate enough to participate on the writing panel, where fellow authors, from young adult to comic books, to nonfiction — the full range of genres — were represented. We had a chance to speak to aspiring writers about what counts, such as best practices for break-

ing into the industry, marketing, contracts, agents, myths, misconceptions, and more.

The event typically also features panels about music, art, and additional topics. All of this helps to connect different members of the community in new and meaningful ways. Last year, the most popular panel, hands down, was made up of Blerds who had worked on the hit film “Sinners.” Fans packed

the audience and heard the real stories of professionals connected to this epic film.

The full schedule for this year is still being finetuned, but the lineup promises to be both exciting and informative in every way. Another highlight of Blerdfest has been the musical performances. All varieties and types of music are featured, showcasing some of the best musicians in New Orleans. One of these is Teena May, the Happy Black Songstress, who commented that she likes the event because “it fosters Black joy and Black play!” Her music is a refreshing blend of country, Americana, folk, and neo soul, and is always delightful.

Some attendees would probably say that the most exciting part of the event is the cosplay, especially the Cosplay Throwdown. Like at most cons, a large portion of the attendees here dress as their favorite characters from anime, comics, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more. The Throwdown is where Blerdfest attendees register their cosplay creations and take the stage at the end of the day to compete for prizes. The younger ones are absolutely adorable and also very serious as they strike their best superhero poses, while the older Blerds dazzle and impress with their intricate creations that look like they belong on an Afro-futuristic fashion runway. “Blerdfest isn’t a constant cash grab like other cons,” said Maya Mastersson, chef and Blerdfest cosplay judge. “Sure, there are vendors, but that’s not the focus. The focus is community and that’s what makes Blerdfest special.”

This unique and special event is a yearly highlight for the local Black community and those who support them to gather and enjoy themselves.

The theme of this year’s event is “Once upon a Resistance.” It will take place on June 6, 2026, at McDonogh 35 High School (4000 Cadillac Street, New Orleans) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fun, however, doesn’t stop there — a number of related events happen throughout the entire weekend. Last year, those included an after-party, picnic, and other fun stuff.

Get ready, Blerds, Blerdfest 2026 is coming! For more info and for tickets, visit linktr.ee/BLERDFESTNOLA.

‘Proof’ is poignant on Broadway

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

With “Proof,” a very poignant and riveting play at the Booth Theatre on West 45th Street, playwright David Auburn gives us the story of Catherine, the daughter of a renowned mathematics professor named Robert, who, after his death, must show proof that brains actually run in the family. This play depicts the male-dominated the field of mathematics and questions it. It also looks at mental illness and what the child of someone who loses their faculties faces when they think about their own mental health and what could be lurking in the future for them.

We meet Catherine, stunningly played by Ayo Edebiri, who questions the idea of her own sanity, and who also doubts her own capabilities, until she finds she must acknowledge and believe in her mathematical findings. Don Cheadle portrays Robert with a firmness and with patience, and as a man who is realizing that he is losing control of his actions, but cannot stop himself. Jin Ha plays Hal, Robert’s former student,

who admires him greatly and just wishes he had a tiny bit of Robert’s genius. Hal also wants fame as a mathematician, but realizes he does not have it in him. Kara Young plays Claire, Catherine’s older sister, who has not lived at home for years. She flies in after their father dies to try to persuade Catherine to go back home with her and move on with her life.

The storyline has twists and turns that will keep you intrigued and engrossed. It is also interesting to watch the scenes where the character’s mental illness comes to the fore. We might not often think of geniuses as having mental health issues, but this play makes clear that they are just as susceptible as anyone else.

Thomas Kail’s engaging direction truly makes this a moving play to experience.

On the technical side, the production has scenic design by Teresa L. Williams, costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting design by Amanda Zieve, sound design by Justin Ellington and Connor Wang, along with wig and hair design by Mia Neal. For tickets, visit proofbroadway.com.

By TARESSA STOVALL Amsterdam News Special Branded Article

A time was had in Harlem as the Amsterdam News spotlighted community-honored Black New Yorkers, and cheered the inaugural Reader’s Choice award winners during its “Best of NYC” 117th Anniversary celebration on Monday, May 4, 2026. The event, held at the newspaper’s historic headquarters at 2340 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, was sponsored by Google and the MacArthur Foundation. The Amsterdam News, founded in 1909, is one of the oldest and most influential Black-owned newspapers in the United States.

“Our anniversary celebration was a huge success with 135 guests in attendance,” said Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Elinor R. Tatum. “We heard from many longtime subscribers who shared that they had never been invited into the building before, so this was a true community celebration, made especially remarkable by the presence of so many of New York’s unsung heroes.”

Guests were treated to a showing of a recent ABC mini documentary about the building’s transformation into what Amsterdam News President and Educational Foundation CEO Siobhan Bennett described as “A public gathering space and educational center celebrating the ongoing pivotal role of the Black press in history.”

To that end, the iconic location, which has housed the newspaper since around 1940, was designated one of New York’s 2025 – 2026 Seven to Save historic sites to be restored as an essential part of the City’s Black history into a real hub for the community. This transformation is being funded by the Mellon Foundation Humanities in Place Program.

Guests enjoyed a complimentary dinner from Manna’s, a double finalist in the Best Soul Food Restaurant and Best Business in Harlem categories. A delectable array of artisanal wines from diverse vineyards was served by The Winery NYC, Reader’s Choice winner in the Best Wine Selection category.

The Reader’s Choice awards Amsterdam News readers re-

sponded enthusiastically to the inaugural Reader’s Choice “Best of NYC” awards, nominating 777 NYC business and cultural institutions in 100 categories. All 128 of the finalists were invited to the event. The 45 Reader’s Choice winners, who were announced online at Amsterdamnews.com, will receive discounted advertising, complementary signage with their winning status, and other benefits, including the Studio Museum of Harlem, Smoke Jazz and Supper Club, La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, Comedy in Harlem, Make My Cake, and many others. See the full list.

Black New Yorkers

The Amsterdam News has been spotlighting Black New Yorkers who are unsung community leaders since 1996. The Black New Yorkers feature was designed to spotlight “everyday” people doing extraordinary things — ranging from community activists and artists to local entrepreneurs and educators — ensuring their stories are told and archived alongside major political figures.

Members of this year’s “Amsterdam News 52” were honored at the 117th Anniversary celebration with free subscriptions to the Amsterdam News print and digital editions, complimentary invitations to all future Amsterdam News events, and other gifts.

The Black New Yorkers column was founded in 1996 by Herb Boyd, an acclaimed journalist, author of more than 20 books, and longtime contributor to the Amsterdam News. Boyd’s work with this column, which remains one of the Amsterdam News’ most beloved long-running series, is often cited as a masterclass in local journalism, providing a granular, weekby-week history of Harlem and the broader Black New York community. This year, the Amsterdam News established a new tradition by honoring the 2025 Black New Yorkers at the anniversary celebration.

Honoring outstanding contributions to the Black press

A trio of leaders was honored at the celebration for their outstanding contributions to the Black press. Herb Boyd was recognized for his stellar career as an award-

Amsterdam News honors community, excellence, and leadership at their inaugural ‘Best of NYC’ 117th Anniversary Celebration

winning author and journalist. His most recent books are “Epic Harlem” and the biography of jazz legend Max Roach, both to be published this fall. The more than 20 acclaimed books he’s authored include “Harlem Renaissance Redux,” “Black Firsts,” “Baldwin’s Harlem,” and “Black Detroit—A People’s History of Self-Determination.” Boyd has been inducted into three Halls of Fame, including the National Association of Black Journalists and the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent. He has taught African American History and Culture at the City College of New York in Harlem and at the College of New Rochelle.

Alicia Bell, director of the Racial Equity in Journalism Fund at Borealis Philanthropy, was honored for her work to expand economic security and power for and with BIPOC journalism institutions, and for creating initiatives that stand the test of time. From founding the youth program at Brooklyn Community Pride Center and the Media 2070 campaign for media reparations, to their innovative sculptural broom work, Bell’s contributions are inspired and informed by their family lineage of birth workers, railroad workers, and land stewards and fueled by the belief in building a world where everyone can live, rest, work, play, and care in meaningful abundance.

Chrissy Towle, a 20-year veteran at Google, is director of news partnerships where she oversees a team focusing on collaborations with local publishers and associations to promote sustainability within the local news industry with the best of Google products and programs. Towle spent her first eight years at Google working in business development on the Google Ads team, and prior to that, she was a national seller of premium wine and spirits for Young’s Market Company.

Noting the success of the event and anticipating its growth, award-winning Executive Editor Madison “Joe” Gray said, “We barely had enough room for all of these amazing Black New Yorker 2025 honorees with their families and friends. Next year, we’ll be moving to a bigger venue!”

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST ART GALLERY

Long Gallery Harlem

BEST COMEDY CLUB/NIGHT

Comedy In Harlem

BEST COMMUNITY EVENT/FESTIVAL

HARLEM WEEK

BEST JAZZ CLUB

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Apollo Theater

BEST LOCAL MUSEUM

/CULTURAL CENTER

The Studio Museum in Harlem

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY

Power 105.1/ Breakfast Club/ Charlamagne

BEST THEATER GROUP

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

(SELF-CARE & STYLE)

BEST NAIL SALON

Forever Lucky Nail & Spa

COMMUNITY & EDUCATION

BEST CHARTER SCHOOL

Sisulu-Walker Charter School Of Harlem

BEST COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

Columbia University

BEST COMMUNITY LEADER

Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E.

BEST HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Emanuel AME Church

BEST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

ArchCare at Providence Rest Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center

BEST TEACHER/EDUCATOR

HCZ Promise Academy II Elementary

WINNERS Category

FOOD & DRINK (THE SOUL OF THE CITY)

BEST BAKERY

Make

Coming up: Andrew Cyrille, Jazz Power Initiative, Iridium

For the month of May, Sistas’ Place celebrates the exciting Kujichagulia/Sankofa Festival. On May 16, master drummer Andrew Cyrille (who spent 15 years with the innovative Cecil Taylor) leads a celebration in honor of the inventive cornetist and composer Olu Dara. On Saturday, May 23, the venue will premiere a new collective ensemble featuring Pheeroan akLaff, Jay Rodriguez, Stomu Takeishi, and Ricardo Gallo. On May 30, Mike Monford and AfroFuturistic Ether, featuring Kenyatta Beasley, Willerm Delisfort, Alex Blake, and Warren Trae Crudup III, celebrate African Liberation Day; and on June 13, Mejedi Owusu comes through with the Sharp Radway Trio.

This year, for May, African Liberation Month will pay tribute to one of the Kwanzaa principles of the Nguzo Saba created by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga in 1966 — the principle of Self-Determination, known in Swahili as Kujichagulia. Tribute will also be paid to the Ghanaian principle of Sankofa looking back to the Wildflowers Recordings, an event that happened 50 years ago. The recordings were made at Studio RivBea from May 14 through May 23 in 1976 on the Lower East Side during the Loft creative music scene.

The Loft Jazz scene was a response to avant-garde and Black artists’ exclusion from mainstream festivals like Newport Jazz. Musicians organized their own spaces and festivals, emphasizing self-determination,

community control, and cultural autonomy, as exemplified by the New York Musicians Association and the principles of Kujichagulia and Sankofa.

“Also, specifically, we want to acknowledge Sam Rivers and Bea Rivers, Patricia Ali and Rashied Ali for creating venues [Studio RivBea and Ali’s Alley, respectively] that allowed musicians opportunities to perform and develop their careers when there was nowhere else for them to hone their crafts,” said trumpeter and composer Ahmed Abdullah, the curator of the month-long festival. “We must remain proactive and continue to build our institutions. The trumpeter with his Diaspora ensemble featuring poet/vocalist Monique Ngozi Nri opened the festival last week with a rousing performance to a sold-out audience. For reservations, call 718398-1766. Two shows at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

If you consider the silly notion that Jazz is dead or is losing its potency, take a ride to Washington Heights and have a chat with Eli Yamin, co-founder, as well as managing and artistic director of Jazz Power Initiative (JPI). I was so impressed some years ago by his program that I became a supporter, checking out an array of aspiring youngsters performing in jazz, theater, and the arts. Yamin is like a roaring comet, who constantly inspires me.

For the past 22 years, JPI’s unique approach to jazz education has combined jazz, theater, and performance to engage young people and expand access to arts education, particularly in the uptown African American and Latin American communities central to jazz’s origins.

This year, JPI’s annual fundraiser, Syncopated Celebration

on May 14, will be hosted by multi-Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride. The honorees this year represent those who create, present, curate, and support the arts and jazz in particular. They are: Grammynominated saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, WBGO President & CEO Steve Williams, and Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa. The event will take place at Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space, 250 West 95th Street, Manhattan at 6 p.m. Jazz Power is also celebrating

the recently announced partnership with WBGO Radio, the global leader in Jazz. The two organizations have a shared commitment to “curate, preserve, present, and teach jazz as a living force for personal growth, community connection, and cultural understanding.” The Jazz Journalists Association will present Yamin with the 2026 Jazz Heroes Award for his many years of community service and perseverance in spreading this music called jazz from active participation to classroom studies; being

a bandleader and pianist with his quartet blues band; and as cultural ambassador for the U.S. Department of State in Russia, Guatemala, Montenegro, and Mali. For tickets, visit jazzpow er.org.

Trombonist and composer Clifton Anderson’s jaunting tones swing beyond the simplicity of just listening. As a student of metaphysics, his performance goal is to have music energy just flow through him. “I try to be organic and just let it flow. I want my music to be devoid of external things and rely on my creative expression; we have an infinite reservoir to draw from,” said Anderson.

The trombonist says his uncle, saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins, is one of those rare artists who played in a metaphysical state, very spontaneous, consistently playing in every moment. These were magical moments he enjoyed as a constant member of Sonny’s band over a 20-year period and appearing on over a dozen of his albums.

For Anderson’s upcoming May 15 set at Iridium (1650 Broadway) 8:30 p.m., he will be joined by such artistic heavyweights as saxophonist Antoine Roney, bassist Belden Bullock, pianist Hector Martignon, drummer Steve Johns, and percussionist Victor See Yuen. Although he hasn’t played a major NYC jazz club in five years or more, the consummate composer assures me he has more than enough material. He will be ready with new compositions, new originals, and material from his previous four albums, flowing distinctive trombone nuances that intensify on high romping tunes and ballads that become whispering shouts in the dark. For reservations, visit theiridium.com.

Danny Mixon, pianist with alluring sound, dies at 76

By RONALD E. SCOTT

Danny Mixon, the pianist and composer whose harmonic phrasing earned him recognition as a first-call pianist with the likes of Grant Green, Art Blakey, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Eddie Jefferson, died on May 1 at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He was 76 and had battled prostate cancer for many years, as confirmed by a family spokesperson.

Mixon’s stimulating musical journey explored a storied piano jazz history from his five decades of experience. The pianist, arranger, and composer was underrated on the jazz radar screen but his music and contribution to the field is a big deal. He perfected the art of stride piano, similar to his legendary predecessors James P. Johnson and Fats Waller. As his many trios demonstrated, he was not stuck

in one style — he mastered the entire piano with elegant flair, from deep melodic tones to tickling the pearly keys with short, playful notes reminiscent of Count Basie. “This is a part of my life that I lived — it’s the spirituality of playing piano, not playing a ton of notes,” Mixon told me during a 2015 AmNews interview. For many years, Mixon performed with vocalist Antoinette Montage. “He called me his mu-

sical partner. We were a musical marriage who soared with highpower energy, creativity, and love,” said Montague. He played music with a feeling of openness and clarity that gave Montague freedom to swing into the blues, ballads, or fast-moving scats. His signature style enticed a variety of music titans to hire him, including Kenny Dorham, Pharoah Sanders, Joe Williams, Ben Vereen, Liza Minnelli, and Yusef Lateef.

The consummate sideman was often busy with his own trio or quartet, arranging, composing, and touring. His many trios revolved with such artists as Earl Grice, Nate Lucas, Bryce Sebastian, James Stewart, Winard Harper, McClenty Hunter, and Melissa Slocum. He was an avid supporter of Jazzmobile and performed on a regular basis. He

Hispanic New Yorkers face the highest TCOL rate at 77.6%, followed by Black New Yorkers at 65.6%.

Darryl Randall, a Metropolitan Council on Housing member and long-time BedStuy resident, attended the press conference ahead of the vote.

“This isn’t rocket science. I live on a fixed income, and each rent hike puts more pressure on my already limited budget,” said Randall. “I’ve lived in Brooklyn for 40 years, and I’ve never been robbed. But I feel like

CORE

Continued from page 3

housing, in particular the ongoing request to ensure that repairs to NYCHA housing happen at a faster rate,” said Tigani. “We have heard a lot about family intervention and ensuring that family members have rights, and children remain safe in the system. We’ve heard a lot about the cost of living, and lastly, holding the NYPD accountable for harm they commit in communities … ensuring NYPD officers who have beaten, falsely arrested, and/or killed folks are held accountable. We’re clear that that is essential to moving forward. This

I’ve been robbed by landlords and policies that take money out of my pocket and force me to make decisions about what to eat in a day so that I can pay rent.”

During the board’s meeting, housing organizers relentlessly chanted about the previous rent hikes under former Mayor Eric Adams. Rent went up by 12.6% under Adams over the last four years. They added that the Trump administration has initiated cuts to critical social supports including SNAP, housing aid, healthcare, and childcare, while ramping up ICE raids in sanctuary cities and inflation costs for groceries and gas, which is only compounding the need for a rent freeze.

work began because of an unprecedented uprising across the nation, and certainly here in New York City, after George Floyd.”

The

ongoing lawsuit

In 2025, CORE filed a lawsuit against former Mayor Eric Adams and his administration for missing deadlines to release the city’s mandated racial equity plan back in January 2024. The litigation tried to legally compel his office to release the plan, but he refused. Tigani said the lawsuit is still technically ongoing under Mamdani’s office and not settled as of this week.

“We are still in court,” said Tigani. “The suit was against the city of New York to comply with the charter. Now that the preliminary plan has been re -

The biggest opposition to a rent freeze is real estate entities, like the Real Estate Board of New York and New York Apartment Association (NYAA).

“This range is an example of politics over people. The final vote impacts hundreds of thousands of tenants and owners. Politics has pitted the two groups against each other as if they’re not all New Yorkers who are investing in their communities and seeking the same thing: the means to live,” said NYAA CEO Kenny Burgos in a statement. “An owner’s ability to pay for operating costs should matter to every tenant. Rent isn’t going into the pockets of rentstabilized owners, it’s going into keeping

leased, that’s certainly great, but again, the goal of the plan and the process was to align with a budget cycle … we are working to make sure that all future cycles will comply with the dates in the charter so this work is seen and respected in the same way that putting out the city budget is respected, and that those dates are not changed without negotiation conversations. We are working to make sure that that continues.”

Tigani said CORE received “an initial judgment” and the city did file a motion to dismiss, which was denied by a judge. Mamdani’s office said that they “cannot comment directly on ongoing litigation.”

“The Mamdani administration is committed to releasing the final Racial Equity

the buildings standing. This threat of a rent freeze nearly guarantees our owners and tenants will live in declining conditions for years to come.”

Several speakers at the rally described the long-term neglect and disrepair in their homes under bad landlords in the past four years, insinuating that rent hikes don’t result in better living conditions.

The next step is a series of Rent Guidelines Board public hearings on the preliminary vote on May 21, June 4, June 8, June 11, and June 16.

The final board vote to cement the rent adjustments will be held on Thursday, June 25, at El Museo del Barrio in Manhattan.

Plan once the public comment period has closed and the feedback of New Yorkers has been incorporated into the final plan,” said a Mayor’s Press Office spokesperson in a statement. “Within its first 100 days, as pledged, the administration was proud to release a preliminary Racial Equity Plan after the previous administration ignored the legal deadline for publication. The administration is committed to building a more equitable New York that addresses the city’s history — and continuing legacy — of discriminatory policies and practices.”

CORE’s preliminary report, with collective feedback about the racial equity plan, was set to be released this week, the office said.

Tulsa Race Massacre reparations is soul-redeeming work for the U.S., Oklahoma civil rights lawyer says

By AARON MORRISON Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — It wasn’t until his junior year of college that civil rights attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons learned about a devastating massacre that took place in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

His African American studies professor lectured about what is known today as the Tulsa Race Massacre — the days in 1921 when white mobs carried out a scorchedearth campaign against an outnumbered Black militia protecting the fabled Black Wall Street, a prosperous all-Black community.

“I actually told a teacher, ‘I’m from Tulsa. That’s not true,’" Solomon-Simmons recalled. “And of course, I was wrong.”

That day planted a seed for the then-aspiring attorney, who went on to lead a reparations campaign for the living survivors of the massacre and their descendants. Nearly 105 years later, no one has been compensated for what they lost, and none of the culprits have been held accountable.

That fight for reparations is the subject of Solomon-Simmons’ first book, “Redeem a Nation: The Century-Long Battle to Restore the Soul of America,” which is intended as a blueprint for justice in historic atrocities that Black Americans endured but for which they never received reparations. The book hits shelves Tuesday.

hood known as Greenwood were leveled in fires, an estimated 191 businesses were destroyed, and roughly 11,000 Black residents were displaced. The state of Oklahoma declared the death toll to be only 36 people, although many historians and experts who have studied the event put the death toll between 75 and 300.

Greenwood, founded in 1906, had been a bustling city within a city, with Black-owned grocery stores, soda fountains, cafes, barbershops, a movie theater, music venues, cigar and billiard parlors, tailors and dry cleaners, rooming houses, and rental properties.

After the massacre, more than 35 city blocks of the neighbor-

“If you can ignore Greenwood, which was the beacon of Black prosperity and Black progress in the history of this country, then you can ignore Black people in general,” Solomon-Simmons recently told The Associated Press. “I think that’s why people around the nation are so focused on the work that we’re doing, because they understand what it means to all of Black America.”

Solomon-Simmons’ book comes just months before the United States will mark 250 years since its founding in 1776. That was 89 years before the institution of chattel slavery — meaning an enslaved person was held as legal property of another — was abolished. The civil rights attorney questions the idea that Americans can truly celebrate the country’s accomplishments when it has yet to pay reparations, which historians say informs modern day disparities in wealth between Black and white people.

“We cannot talk about what America has been and will be, without making sure that these issues are discussed and we get reparatory justice for both” slavery and the Tulsa massacre, Solomon-Simmons said.

‘America has never had a soul’

In 343 pages, Solomon-Simmons does more than recite the history of the massacre or make a legal thriller out of his reparations campaign. For him, securing justice for

the survivors and descendants of the massacre is also about healing a nation whose earliest promises of equality for all rang hollow.

“When I speak of repairing America’s soul, I do not mean restoring something that was once whole,” Solomon-Simmons writes in the book. “America has never had a soul. … There was no moral center to recover.”

He suggests that America’s soul cannot be repaired if it is forced to choose between rebuilding the nation or repairing Black America. They must do both, he says.

“The struggle for justice in Greenwood is not about returning to a mythical past. It is about proving whether America can build a soul at all through truth, through justice, through repair.”

Reparations for slavery and other historical racial injustices have been debated in the U.S. since Reconstruction, through the Civil Rights Movement, and for much of the 21st century. Jennifer L. Morgan, a professor of history at New York University, said such debates are complicated by the question of exactly who pays the reparations and exactly who receives the payment.

“I don’t think that we’re talking about individuals who owe anybody else reparations. I think we’re talking about states, about institutions, about the nation,” Morgan said.

“America is still grappling with reparations because America is still grappling at the legacy of slavery, racial discrimination, Jim Crow, and violent exclusion of Black people from the body politic.”

Some opponents of reparations argue there are no living culprits or direct victims of enslavement, much less people with verifiable claims of harm that can be presented in a court of law.

Solomon-Simmons disagrees.

“We know who did the massacre — the perpetrators are still living in Tulsa,” he said referring to the city and the chamber of commerce, which plaintiffs alleged had a

hand in obstructing Greenwood’s recovery.

There is one remaining massacre survivor involved in the reparations lawsuit: 111-year-old Lessie Benningfield Randle.

“If we cannot get her reparations while she’s alive, for the massacre, it’s gonna make it that much harder for us to get reparations for enslavement, Jim Crow, redlining, and all those things that we are owed,” SolomonSimmons said.

Fight for Tulsa reparations continues

In the book, Solomon-Simmons reflects on what committed him to the reparations fight.

While in law school, he was introduced to high-profile civil rights attorneys working for the Reparations Coordinating Committee — the late Harvard Professor Charles Ogletree Jr., who mentored Barack and Michelle Obama; and the late Johnnie Cochran, who is widely known for defending O.J. Simpson during his trial for the murder of his ex-wife. Solomon-Simmons became a law clerk for the committee.

After witnessing Ogletree argue a Tulsa reparations case in federal court in 2004, Solomon-Simmons said the practice of law stopped being just a credential for speaking, writing, or teaching. It became a calling.

In 2020, Solomon-Simmons led a lawsuit on behalf of 11 plaintiffs, including the last three known living survivors of the massacre, against the City of Tulsa and seven defendants. The suit was the first of its kind in state court and the first to get far enough to see a judge. In 2024, the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit. In the final days of the Biden administration, the Justice Department released a report saying it had determined there is no longer an avenue for criminal prosecution over the massacre.

But the fight continues, Solomon-Simmons says, for cash payment to Randle and other descendants, as well as the return of land stolen after the massacre and during a period of urban renewal in Tulsa.

In 2025, the city’s first Black mayor, Monroe Nichols, endorsed a broad proposal dubbed Project Greenwood, which calls for financially compensating Randle, funding a scholarship program for descendants of victims, and designating June 1 as Tulsa Race Massacre Observance Day.

Solomon-Simmons also runs the nonprofit Justice for Greenwood, which he founded a year before the community marked the centennial of the massacre in 2021.

“One thing I’ve learned from this work, and as a lawyer in general, is that people want justice,” he said. “People want reparations, but people [also] want acknowledgment. They want to be seen. They want people to understand that something happened to them and their family, and they want an apology.”

Aaron Morrison is the race and ethnicity news editor at the Associated Press.

DCS commissioner

year found the NYPD still responded to many calls potentially eligible for a BHEARD team (mental health responses involving weapons or imminent danger do not qualify and receive “traditional” police and ambulance deployment). Delany-Brumsey said working with the FDNY and H+H to build a strong foundation plays a key role in ensuring the pilot reaches “as many New Yorkers as it should.”

Long-term, Delany-Brumsey wants to expand B-HEARD, not just geographically, but in other types of calls teams can respond to. She pointed to how similar programs tackle the likes of noise complaints and quality of life requests.

To be clear, the Office of Community Safety exists beyond just B-HEARD and mental health response. It now oversees several smaller agencies, including the Office to Prevent Gun Violence, Office to End Domestic and GenderBased Violence, and Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. “All of that work is essential work to ensuring safety for New Yorkers,” said Delany-Brumsey. “BHEARD is a key component, but it’s not the only thing that we’re going to be working on.”

Mamdani released his Department of Community Safety plan on April 1

last year during his mayoral run, proposing a “smart on safety” approach by addressing crime’s root causes and focusing the NYPD on investigating serious crimes. His blueprint delineates ambitions for retooling B-HEARD and bolstering the city’s Crisis Management System to prevent gun violence, among other non-police investments in public safety and health.

The campaign promise was no April Fool’s joke — this March, Mamdani signed an executive order to establish the Office of Community Safety after complications with a City Council bill to form the full-fledged department. He also appointed Renita Francois as deputy mayor of community safety, whom Delany-Brumsey reports directly to.

“With the Office of Community Safety, we are developing a coordinated, citywide strategy that ensures every situation gets the right response — not a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Mamdani in a statement. “I’m confident Dr. Delany-Brumsey will lead the Office of Community Safety with both deep expertise in public health-based practices and deep commitment to communityled solutions.”

“Dr. Delany-Brumsey will help us strengthen how the city responds — deploying the appropriate personnel and resources in every situation and delivering a more holistic, effective approach to safety across the five bor -

oughs,” added Francois in a statement.

Lengthy resumé

Delany-Brumsey is no stranger to inaugural roles — she was the first chief strategic growth officer at Fountain House. That experience will come in handy, especially since the mental health nonprofit, and the “peer clubhouse” model it pioneered, feature heavily in the Mamdani’s Department for Community Safety proposal as a cheaper, more humane alternative to incarceration or forced hospitalization. Fountain House CEO Ken Zimmerman pointed to her time developing a scaling strategy for the sevendecade-old organization to expand in the state and across the country.

“What’s exciting to us about Ayesha’s appointment is — and I think it’s reflected in what the mayor’s ambitions are for this office — is to recognize the proactive and preventive nature of community mental health,” said Zimmerman. “There is a public health frame to this effort, and this is where clubhouses offer such a critical opportunity. We know that every individual with serious mental illness, unsheltered or not, needs access to sustained and meaningful care [and] access to appropriate long-term housing, but also needs connection to community and belonging.

“Those three ingredients feel like what that Office of Community Safety is designed to advance citywide. And because

Ayesha’s experience bridges all of those things, I think it bodes exceedingly well in terms of both vision [and] the practical experience that she brings to bear.”

In addition to her Fountain House and H+H experience, Delany-Brumsey also worked previously at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, Council of State Governments Justice Center, and Vera Institute of Justice. Her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from UCLA focused on health equity research.

Last year, Mamdani mentioned “an allergy on behalf of politicians to acknowledge anything that has worked in previous or current administrations” when talking about his proposal. The Office of Community Safety will not make the same mistake. Delany-Brumsey plans on “taking a moment to step back” during her upcoming first days as commissioner, despite her enthusiasm.

“I’m going to look with our agency partners at this portfolio of community safety and focus on crisis response and … the places where New York City is strong, because we do have good work that’s already going on,” she said. “But there [are] also places where there are gaps, so I’m looking forward to working with our agency partners, with our community advocacy partners, [and] our service provider partners, to get a good landscape of that and use that to drive the work that we’ll be doing going forward.”

Health

Is there a racial discrepancy in NYC’s air quality?

By DAVINA TOLEDANO Special to the AmNews

Jenny Torres, a florist who lives in Upper Manhattan, has noticed a change. Since October, she has been more out of breath and her son Joshua’s asthma has been aggravated more often. The two frequently use the 1 train to visit their family on 110th Street, and the effects of Manhattan’s air quality in the subway have become impossible to ignore.

“Around this area, 168th Street, it’s horrible,” said Torres. “They really need to get better ventilation in [the subway station].”

Torres’s family is not alone in their concerns about local air pollution; users of the 1 train in both directions have reported a strange metallic, dusty taste in the air on the train station platform that is worse in the summer.

In recent decades, both the New York City and State governments have worked hard to lower air-polluting emissions and improve the quality of air in the local environment. Despite the progress, indoor pollutants remain persistent drivers of asthma and cardiovascular stress in the five boroughs. Experts are realizing that while outdoor air pollution levels are trending down, indoor air quality hasn’t seen the same progress.

On subway platforms, this issue is felt the strongest among the elderly, children, and those with underlying health conditions. As the hot summer months approach, the conditions in the New York City subway system become a focus of environmental health. The platforms are notorious for trapping underground air with poor ventilation, and that has prompted concerns about air quality in the subway system, particularly in Black and Latino communities.

“Every time I walk in [to the 168th subway station], I’m hit with stuffiness immediately,” said Nicole Odibo, a resident of Washington Heights and a student at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health who takes the subway twice daily. “There is an uncomfortable congestion in the air, and a certain odor that isn’t present at other stations. I find myself covering my nose and mouth with a cloth to filter out the smell of whatever particles I’m breathing in.”

The source of her discomfort has been traced directly to small particles of liquids and solids that can remain suspended in the air for prolonged periods, called PM2.5. These particles are about 30 times smaller than a human hair, and they may enter the lungs and increase the risk of wheezing, shortness of breath, and general symptoms

of asthma when exposure increases.

In subway stations, these tiny particles, made up of iron and black carbon, are generated from the friction of the wheels, rails, and the brakes on a subway car each time it comes to a stop. Usually, subway stations are equipped with a ventilation system to clear the air, but many subway stations in low-income neighborhoods have outdated infrastructures that cannot keep up with the level of pollutants.

In Washington Heights, a predominantly Latino community, the extent of the air pollution problem has been recorded by a local project led by WE ACT, which has found that indicators of a decrease can be misleading.

“While PM2.5 has been going down year after year, this doesn’t mean that indoor contaminants are equally decreasing,” said Valentina Rojas, WE ACT’s environmental health manager. “The problem of indoor pollutants has made it necessary to push elected officials to invest in updates [that] produce visible health impacts.”

The effects of pollution exposure are stated in the data: In Washington Heights, PM2.5 asthma hospitalizations for children ages 5–17 are among the highest in the city, and while NYC has made signifi-

cant progress, there still seems to be a gap in the city’s indoor air pollutants.

Along with subway platforms in the Heights, similar effects exist in the Bronx, downtown Brooklyn, and downtown Manhattan, especially in Black, Latino, and Asian communities. It is in these same areas that the underground PM2.5 level has been higher than most other parts of the city.

Conversely, downtown and midtown Manhattan are central business hubs and are mainly inhabited by white workers who live in close proximity to their jobs. This means shorter commutes, and significantly lower exposure to underground PM2.5. The large racial disparity in exposure to subway air pollutants highlights a systemic failure in infrastructure maintenance; the burden of this issue is borne mainly by Black and Latino communities of NYC.

People living in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, and downtown Brooklyn also face an apparent double jeopardy when it comes to their health: They tend to face both longer commutes and worse quality subway infrastructure.

Research conducted by New York University pointed out that residents in these areas tend not to work near their homes,

with 35% of workers in Brooklyn, 29% in Queens, and 22% in the Bronx working in the same borough where they live, forcing longer subway commutes and more PM2.5 exposure risk.

“This discrepancy is partly attributed to the reliance on the subway system among lower-income populations, who have limited access to alternative transportation options like private vehicles or carpool services,” the report said. “Conversely, many affluent workers can avoid lengthy subway commutes by living in proximity to their workplaces.”

Interestingly, while lots of evidence has recorded the worrisome air quality in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods, the effects of this problem have been reviewed by experts at the New York City Department of Health. City officials say that while there are risks of short term exposures to PM2.5 as subway users wait on the platforms, much of these particles are filtered out by the ventilation systems in the train car.

Meanwhile, the MTA said it is tackling tunnel pollution directly by investing $386 million in cleaner hybrid maintenance locomotives, slated for use starting in 2027 to

Danny Mixon

was an instructor at Jazzmobile and a professor at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.

“As a friend, father, and grandfather, he was deeply committed; without hesitation, I can say Danny was a loving and devoted family man,” said Robin Bell-Stevens, a friend. “It saddens me to realize that the last time [has passed that] I will be able to say to an audience, ‘... and on piano, it’s the maestro, Danny Mixon, and together they are the Danny Mixon Quartet.’”

In 2004, Mixon was one of the first musicians to be honored by the National Jazz Museum in Harlem in a series entitled “Harlem Speaks,” which resulted in an invitation to the White House for Black Music Month. A longtime resident of Brooklyn, the pianist was given his own day, as decreed by Borough President Mark Markowitz: “Danny Mixon Day” in Brooklyn in 2011.

During Harlem’s zenith, the Lenox Lounge proprietor Al Reed hired Mixon as musical director. He was responsible for bringing in such noted performers as legendary vocalist Irene Reid, Craig Holiday Haynes, and Bill Lee, who introduced the young trumpeter Theo Croker. For a short period, he was music director at the historic Minton’s Playhouse until its closing in 2012.

“Danny was a dear friend and collaborator. He helped us define what our organization can do,” said Will Glass of the Jazz Foundation of America. “He performed at parks, hospitals, and senior citizen centers, bringing deep swing and great joy. He was a constant inspiration to the whole jazz community and will be deeply missed.”

Daniel Asbury Mixon was born on August 19, 1949, in Harlem. Raised in Brooklyn, he grew up in a musical household, influenced by his mother and grandparents at an early age. He immediately took to dancing and studied tap dancing at Harlem’s then popular Ruth Williams Dance Studio. At the High School of Performing Arts, he majored in dance (ballet and modern), but became so inspired after watching jazz performances at the Apollo Theater with his grandfather that he switched to piano. Mixon’s grandparents started his piano lessons at age 12. He said his grandfather was always playing recordings of Sonny Stitt, Dizzy Gillespie, and Louie Prima.

At the age of 17, Mixon joined trumpeter Sam Brown’s band, backing Patti LaBelle & the Blue Bells in Atlantic City. After a stint with the inventive vocalist Joe Lee Wilson (1967–1970), he became Betty Carter’s regular pianist from 1971–1972. Jazz impresario Jim Harrison played a role in his working with Betty Carter. “I learned a lot from Betty,” said Mixon. Mixon credited the bassist Chris White (Dizzy Gillespie and Nina Simone) as an influential mentor in his life. He was an

alumnus of the ferocious boot camp of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.

After Mixon sat in with saxophonist/ composer Frank Foster at Brooklyn’s Muse Arts Center, Foster immediately took him under his wing. Mixon continuously played for Foster’s Big Band, his Loud Minority, and his quartet the Non-Electric Company. “Frank was like my college education. He was my mentor and great friend,” Mixon said.

“Danny and I met in [the] 1960s. We were involved with the Muse Art Center culture exchange program, [which] took us to Italy. I remember we didn’t even have passports at that young age in 1968,” said saxophonist Bill Saxton. “Over the years, we were always playing together, either in Frank Foster’s Big Band, Mingus Dynasty, or with Clarke Terry, and others. Danny was always able to find a great melody to fit in the moment. He had a great musical wit for inserting cartoon melodies into any composition and making it work — it was funny and genius at the same time. I will miss him and all his melodies.”

Mixon released six CDs as a leader; one of his last recordings is titled “Pass It On,” which received critical acclaim as one of his best efforts. “These are tunes I believe people need to hear and standards that I wanted to present in a different way,” said Mixon. “The only way to keep this jazz tradition going is to pass it on because it was passed on to me. I want to lift audiences spiritually, make them feel better than they did before.”

Mixon is survived by Cheryl Alavanet, his partner of 20 years; his brother Robert Mixon; son Jaesyn Mixon; daughter-inlaw Dr. Sonyja Mixon; and his grandchildren Carlyn Mixon and Hunter Mixon. A memorial for Mixon is being planned.

Refinancing readiness and navigating the process in today’s market

Sponsored content by JPMorgan Chase

Depending on where you are in your homeownership journey, refinancing your mortgage can be an effective strategy to help you meet your financial goals. Refinancing may help you save money over time or add money back to your monthly budget if you score a lower interest rate. And depending on the type of refinance you choose, you could also borrow against your home’s equity to pay down debt or make a major purchase.

Understanding when and why a refinance might make sense is the first step toward getting the most from this financial tool. There are also different types of refinances to consider, and one might work better for your goals than another.

Ennell Esperance, an HLA in New York City explains more about the refinancing process and how you can navigate it in today’s market.

What is refinancing?

Refinancing replaces your current mortgage with a new one—usually with a new rate and/or terms. It can often also come with a new set of closing costs. It may also come with a new lender.

So when does it make sense to refinance? You might want to consider a refinance if you want to:

• Change the loan length or lower your monthly payments

• Secure a better or lower interest rate to save on monthly payments

• Switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate one.

• Change the loan type to remove mortgage insurance costs

• Access your home equity to fund home improvements, buying another property, or consolidate debt.

How does refinancing work?

Much like your original mortgage, the refinancing process involves a thorough review of your current financial status to determine if you qualify.

Here’s an example of what a lender may review:

• Credit score and history: Score requirements vary by lender and loan type; 620 is a general minimum for conventional mortgages. Lenders want to see responsible credit use, such as a positive payment history on your debt.

• Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: This metric shows how much debt you have in relation to your income. To calculate your DTI, add up your monthly debt payments and divide by your gross monthly income. Then multiply by 100 to get a percentage. A low DTI lets lenders know you’ll likely be able to manage your monthly payments with minimal issues.

• Property value and equity: Many homeowners have built equity over time, and the real estate market can cause property values to appreciate as well. When refinancing, your current loan balance and market value of the property will help the lender calculate a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. Refinancing qualifications usually prefer lower LTVs.

What are my refinancing options and how do I choose the right one?

Let’s break down a few commonly offered types of refinancing:

• Rate-and-term refinance: This option allows you to replace your current loan with a new one with a different interest rate, different term or both. The primary aim is to secure terms that better suit your current financial situation, while the principal balance remains the same.

• Cash-out refinance: A cash-out refinance allows you to replace your existing mortgage with a new loan for more than you currently owe, leveraging equity you’ve built up in your home. This type of mortgage refinance might be more suited for those who need funds for significant expenses, such as home renovations or debt consolidation.

• No closing cost refinance: A no closing cost refinance allows borrowers to refinance without paying the upfront fees usually required. The lender may charge a slightly higher interest rate or fold the closing costs into the total loan amount.

Understanding your current financial goals and needs can help you decide which option works best.

The bottom line

Refinancing can be a smart financial move for many people. You may be able to save money in the long term, and you also have options to take cash out if that’s what would support your goals. A qualified mortgage professional or home lending advisor can help clarify whether a mortgage refinance makes sense for you and ensure you’re on the right path to achieving your financial goals.

For more information, visit chase.com/afford.

Remembering Marilyn “Mama” Mosley, community leader; mother of former NY Secretary of State Walter Mosley

By HERB BOYD

When Cynthia Marilyn D. Mosley, affectionately known as “Mama Mosley,” graduated from Girls High School in 1959, she was voted “Most Likely to Succeed,” a prophecy she more than fulfilled. She went on to become an esteemed community leader, mentor, activist, and tireless public servant.

On May 4, 2026, the indefatigable educator joined the ancestors. She was 84.

Notwithstanding her outstanding achievements, she may be best remembered as the mother of Walter T. Mosley III, the former New York Secretary of State. But she also played a critical role in his election to the New York State Assembly in 2012, where he represented Assembly District 57.

A native of Brooklyn, she began her teaching career at the very school she attended, where she proudly taught alongside her mentor, Clara Cardwell, and thus began a long tenure in the city’s public schools. She taught her students with the same excellence she acquired at Morgan State University and City College, from which she graduated cum laude. A recipient of a master’s degree in science and mathematics and a second master’s degree in educational administration and supervision, induction into Phi Delta Kappa, and later a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,

were inevitable.

Among her many civic and leadership roles was serving as Director of the Citywide Task Force on Pregnant and Parenting Teens. In this capacity, she was indispensable in providing the young women with counseling and expanding their educational and later employment possibilities. But this was a mere stepping stone for her subsequent duties in city government, including her work as an assistant to Howard Golden, Brooklyn Borough President, and later as an administrative manager for the New York City Comptroller’s Office from 1992 to 2018.

For the next four years after leaving the Comptroller’s Office, she was a special advisor to Speaker Corey Johnson. To list the various community and civic organizations that profited from her leadership and insight would be quite lengthy, but we must mention her association with and guidance of the Progressive Association for Political Action Democratic Club, as well as her role as a delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention for the 10th Congressional District.

Mosley was honored by Brooklyn Council Member Crystal Hudson two years ago and cited for her invaluable contributions to the city and state. Preceding her death was her daughter, Allyson Mosley. She is survived by her son, Walter.

A school where education meets character

SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

NOTICE OF SALE

CLASSIFIED ADS

RULES AND REGULATIONS

CANCELLATIONS must be made in writing by 12 Noon Monday.

The forwarding of an order is construed as an acceptance of all advertising rules and conditions under which advertising space is sold by the NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS. Publication is made and charged according to the terms of this card.

Rates and regulations subject to change without notice. No agreements as to position or regulations, other than those printed on this.

Til forbid orders charged for rate earned. Increases or decreases in space take the rate of a new advertisement.

The New York AMSTERDAM NEWS reserves the right to censor, reject, alter or revise all advertisements in accordance with its rules governin g the acceptance of advertising and accepts no liability for its failure to insert an advertisement for any cause. Credit for errors in advertisements allowed only for first insertion.

CLASSIFIED

• Classified advertisements take the regular earned rate of their classification. Four line minimum on all ads except spirituals and horoscopes (14 lines).

CLASSIFIED DISPLAY

• Classified Display (boarder or picture) advertisements take the regular earned rate of their classification. Display (boarder or picture) advertisements one column wide must be 14 lines deep; two columns, 28 lines deep; 3 columns, 56 lines deep. Classified Display (boarder or picture) placed as close to classifications as rules and makeup permit.

CLASSIFICATIONS

All advertisement accepted for publication is classified according to the standard classifications. Misclassification is not permitted.

BASIS OF CHARGE

Charges are based on point size and characters per line. Upon reaching 15 lines the rate converts to column inch. Any deviation from solid composition such as indentation, use of white space, bold type, etc., will incur a premium.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF BRONX

OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC, -against-

JORGE MUJICA, 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 Bronx on August 16, 2017, wherein OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC is the Plaintiff and JORGE MUJICA, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BRONX COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 851 GRAND CONCOURSE, COURTROOM 711, BRONX, NY 10451, on June 1, 2026 at 2:15PM, premises known as 1035 HOLLYWOOD AVENUE, BRONX, NY 10465; and the following tax map identification: 5421-54.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF BRONX, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 380444/2009E. Jody P. Vorchheimer, 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.

SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff ‑against‑ ONE57 36B LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 16, 2026 and entered on March 9, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on June 2, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, in the prem ises known as "The 157 West 57th Street Condominium" Unit being designated and de scribed as Unit No. 36B. Togeth er with an undivided 0.2668% interest in the General Common Elements. Block: 1010 Lot: 1720 Said premises known as 157 WEST 57TH STREET, UNIT 36B, NEW YORK, NY 10019

al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 16, 2026 and entered on March 9, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on June 2, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, in the prem ises known as "The 157 West 57th Street Condominium" Unit being designated and de scribed as Unit No. 36B. Togeth er with an undivided 0.2668% interest in the General Common Elements. Block: 1010 Lot: 1720 Said premises known as 157 WEST 57TH STREET, UNIT 36B, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Approximate amount of lien $5,416,461.44 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgag ee’s attorney.

Index Number 850387/2024.

ROBERTA ASHKIN, ESQ., Ref eree

David A. Gallo & Associates LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 7777.373

{* AMSTERDAM*}

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -against- TREVOR C. MORAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated April 22, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on June 2, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. The Unit known as Residential Unit No. 10A in the building known as The Heritage at Trump Place, 240 Riverside Boulevard, in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, Together with an undivided 0.7911% interest in the common elements. Block: 1171 Tax Lot: 2111. Said premises known as 240 RIVERSIDE BOULEVARD, UNIT 10A, NEW YORK, NY 10069. Approximate amount of lien $5,673,292.89 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 850110/2019.

THOMAS KLEINBERGER, ESQ., Referee, David A. Gallo & Associates LLP, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030. File# 5025.1930

{* AMSTERDAM*}

SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE 254 PARK AVENUE SOUTH CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff ‑against‑ PEDRO LUIS GONZALEZ, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 10, 2026 and entered on March 30, 2026, I, the under signed Referee will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 2:15

p.m.

BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE 254 PARK AVENUE SOUTH CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff ‑against‑ PEDRO LUIS GONZALEZ, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 10, 2026 and entered on March 30, 2026, I, the under signed Referee will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Man hattan, City, County and State of New York, being designated and described as Unit No. 4R in the Condominium known as "254 Park Avenue South Con dominium" together with an un divided 0.6639 percent interest in the common elements. Block: 849 Lot: 1636

Said premises known as 254 PARK AVENUE SOUTH, UNIT 4R, NEW YORK, NY 10010

Approximate amount of lien $33,303.99 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 159976/2025.

CLARK WHITSETT, ESQ., Ref eree

COZEN O'CONNOR

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 3 WTC, 175 Greenwich Street 55th Floor, New York, NY 10007

{* AMSTERDAM*} SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE BROAD EXCHANGE BUILDING CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff ‑against‑ NICOLE LAM BERT, et al Defendant(s). Pur suant to a Judgment of Foreclo sure and Sale entered herein and dated April 10, 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, June 16, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, said Unit be ing designated and described as Unit C‑PH2 in the Building known as "The Broad Exchange Building Condominium" togeth er with an undivided 0.5659% interest in the common ele ments. Block: 25 Lot: 1311 Said premises known as 25 BROAD STREET, UNIT C‑PH2, NEW YORK, NY

Approximate amount of lien $123,342.47 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850355/2025.

JASON PAUL SACKOOR, ESQ., Referee

Rivkin Radler LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 477 Madison Avenue, Suite 410, New York, NY 10022

{* AMSTERDAM*}

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF WELLS FARGO COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE SECURITIES, INC., MULTIFAMILY MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2018-SB57, Plaintiff, vs. 145 allen legacy ltd liability co., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 1, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF WELLS FARGO COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE SECURITIES, INC., MULTIFAMILY MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2018-SB57, Plaintiff, vs. 145 allen legacy ltd liability co., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 1, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Supreme Court, room assignment will be posted outside of room 130, 60 Centre Street, New York, New York 10007 on June 9, 2026 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 145 Allen Street, New York, New York 10002. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 415 and Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment is $2,682,806.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850259/2025. Sofia Balile, Esq., Referee McCarter & English, LLP, 250 W 55th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, successor in interest to Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, for Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Inc. Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, MLMI Series 2005-A5, Plaintiff AGAINST Angus W. McCallum a/k/a Angus McCallum; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 31, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at New York County Courthouse, see posted location outside room 130, at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on June 16, 2026, at 2:15PM, premises known as 200 East 65th Street, Unit 21K a/k/a 210 East 65th Street, Unit 21K, New York, NY 10065. 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, Block 1419 Lot 1296. Approximate amount of judgment $781,965.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 850399/2023. Thomas R. Kleinberger, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: April 20, 2026 For sale information, please visit www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2831 89916

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York , SIG CRE 2023 Venture LLC , Plaintiff, vs . Area Columbus LLC , ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on April 3, 2026 , I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction, assigned room will be posted outside of Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York , SIG CRE 2023 Venture LLC , Plaintiff, vs . Area Columbus LLC , ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on April 3, 2026 , I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction, assigned room will be posted outside of Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on June 9, 2026 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 60 Columbus Circle, Office Unit-A2, New York, NY 10023. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 1049 and Lot 1242 together with an undivided 1.1634 percent interest in the Common Elements, as well as all personal property of Defendant as identified in that certain Mortgage Consolidation, Modification, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of April 2, 2018, and recorded on April 4, 2018 as CRFN 2018000112982, and excluding any funds held by Plaintiff in any reserve escrow or suspense fund, excluding any funds held by Plaintiff in any cash management account, and excluding any funds held by the court-appointed receiver. Approximate amount of judgment is $35,859,621.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850432/2024. Jeffrey R. Miller, Esq., Referee Polsinelli PC, Alina Levi, Esq., 600 Third Avenue, 42nd Floor, New York, New York 10016, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. NEW YORK COUNTY. FLUSHING BANK, Plaintiff. vs. LUIS A. DIAZ, JR., et al Defendant(s). Index #850207/2025. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale and decision + order on motion entered April 8, 2026 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on June 9, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. ALL that certain plot, piece of parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of the Manhattan, City and State of New York known as 171 East 111th Street, New York, NY a/k/a Block 1639, Lot 29. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,232,233.61 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

RONALD ZEZIMA, Referee. WESTERMAN BALL EDERER MILLER ZUCKER & SHARFSTEIN, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 1201 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556. #102915

Notice of formation of New York's Studio Salon LLC , LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on April 1st, 2025. Office location: Queens. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Evelin Enciso: 10835 53rd ave 2F, NY, New York 11368. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

parcel of land, with

SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

VOYA RETIREMENT INSUR

ANCE AND ANNUITY COMPA

NY, Plaintiff ‑against‑ UNIWAY

PARTNERS, L.P., et al Defen dant(s). Pursuant to a Decision and Order on Motion and Con sent Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 10, 2026, and entered on March 30, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 2:15 p.m.

PARCEL I:

The Condominium Unit (herein after referred to as the "Unit") in the building (hereinafter referred to as the "Building") known as the 30 East Ninth Street Con dominium, and by the Street Number 30 East 9th Street, Borough of Manhattan, Coun ty, City and State of New York, said Unit being designated and described as Unit No. 2 (Com mercial) in a certain Declaration dated 3/5/1986, made by the Sponsor pursuant to Article 9‑B of the Real Property Law of the State of New York (hereinafter referred to as the "Condomini um Act") establishing a plan for condominium ownership of the building and land (hereinafter referred to as the "Land"), upon which the Building is situate (which Land is more particularly described below), which Decla ration was recorded in the New York County Office of the Reg ister of The City of New York on 5/9/1986 in Reel 1061 Page 1910, as amended and Restat ed by Amended and Restated Declaration of Condominium, dated 5/12/1986 and recorded 5/13/1986 in Reel 1063 Page 329, and further amended and restated by Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Condominium, dated 7/29/1986 and recorded 7/30/1986 in Reel 1095 Page 1991 (which decla ration and amendments thereto are hereinafter collectively re ferred to as the "Declaration").

This Unit is also designated as Tax Lot 1002 in Block 560 of the Borough of Manhattan on the Tax Map of the Real Prop erty Assessment Department of the City of New York and on the Floor Plans of the Building filed with said Assessment Depart ment as Condominium Plan No. 306, and also filed in the City Register's Office on 5/9/1986 as Map No. 4456. TOGETHER with an undivided 27.84% interest in the Common Elements (as such term is defined in the Dec laration). The Land on which the Building containing said Unit is more particularly bounded and 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 York, which comprises Lots 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132 and 133 as shown on Map of Property of the Trustees of the Sailor's Snug Harbor in the City of New York, made by Edwin Smith, C.S., dated 4/13/1848 and filed in the Office of the Register of the City of New York, New York County, now Register of the City of New York on 4/27/1848 as Map No. 158, which said Lots taken together are bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at the cor ner formed by the southerly side of East 9th Street, and the east erly side of University Place; RUNNING THENCE easterly and along the southerly side of East 9th Street, 227 feet 7‑3/4 inches. THENCE in a souther ly direction at right angles to

of East 9th Street, and the east erly side of University Place; RUNNING THENCE easterly and along the southerly side of East 9th Street, 227 feet 7‑3/4 inches. THENCE in a souther ly direction at right angles to the southerly side of East 9th Street, 187 feet 10 inches to the northerly side of East 8th Street; THENCE westerly and along the northerly side of East 8th Street, 241 feet 3‑5/8 inches to the easterly side of University Place; and THENCE northerly along the easterly side of Uni versity Place, 188 feet 3‑7/8 inches to the point or place of BEGINNING. Block: 560 Lot: 1002

and along the southerly side of East 9th Street, 227 feet 7‑3/4 inches. THENCE in a souther ly direction at right angles to the southerly side of East 9th Street, 187 feet 10 inches to the northerly side of East 8th Street; THENCE westerly and along the northerly side of East 8th Street, 241 feet 3‑5/8 inches to the easterly side of University Place; and THENCE northerly along the easterly side of Uni versity Place, 188 feet 3‑7/8 inches to the point or place of BEGINNING. Block: 560 Lot: 1002

Said premises known as 21 UNIVERSITY PLACE a/k/a 30 EAST 9TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003

Said premises known as 21 UNIVERSITY PLACE a/k/a 30 EAST 9TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003

PARCEL 2:

PARCEL 2:

The Condominium Unit (herein after referred to as the "Unit") in the building (hereinafter referred to as the "Building) known as the 40 East Ninth Street Con dominium and by the Street Number 40 East 9th Street, Borough of Manhattan, Coun ty, City and State of New York, said Unit being designated and described as Unit No. 2 (Com mercial) in a certain declaration dated 3/5/1986, made by the Sponsor pursuant to Article 9‑B of the Real Property Law of the State of New York (hereinafter referred so as the "Condomini um Act"), establishing a plan for condominium ownership of the building and land (hereinafter referred to as the "Land"), upon which the Building is situate (which Land is more particularly described below), which Decla ration was recorded in the New York County Office of the Reg ister of The City of New York on 5/9/1986 in Reel 1061 Page 1971, as amended and Restat ed by Amended and Restated Declaration of Condominium, dated 5/12/1986 and recorded 5/13/1986 in Reel 1063 Page 186, and further amended and restated by Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Condominium, dated 7/29/1986 and recorded 7/30/1986 in Reel 1095 Page 1840 (which decla ration and amendments thereto are hereinafter collectively re ferred so as the "Declaration"). This Unit is also designated as Tax Lot 1102 in Block 560 of the Borough of Manhattan on the Tax Map of the Real Prop erty Assessment Department of the City of New York and on the Floor Plans of the Building filed with said Assessment Depart ment as Condominium Plan No. 304, and also filed in the City Register's Office on 5/9/1986, as Map No. 4455. TOGETHER with an undivided 16.87% inter est in the Common Elements (as such term is defined in the Declaration). The Land on which the Building containing said Unit is more particular ly bounded and 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 York, which com prises Lots 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 123 and 124 in Block 560, as shown on map of property of Lessor, made by Edwin Smith, City Surveyor, dated 4/13/1848 and filed in the Office of the Register of the County of New York, now Reg ister of the City of New York, New York County on 4/27/1848 as Map No. 158, which said lots taken together are bounded on the North by East 9th Street, on the West by the easterly lines of Lots 125 and 173, respectively in Block 560, as shown on said map on the South by East 8th

The Condominium Unit (herein after referred to as the "Unit") in the building (hereinafter referred to as the "Building) known as the 40 East Ninth Street Con dominium and by the Street Number 40 East 9th Street, Borough of Manhattan, Coun ty, City and State of New York, said Unit being designated and described as Unit No. 2 (Com mercial) in a certain declaration dated 3/5/1986, made by the Sponsor pursuant to Article 9‑B of the Real Property Law of the State of New York (hereinafter referred so as the "Condomini um Act"), establishing a plan for condominium ownership of the building and land (hereinafter referred to as the "Land"), upon which the Building is situate (which Land is more particularly described below), which Decla ration was recorded in the New York County Office of the Reg ister of The City of New York on 5/9/1986 in Reel 1061 Page 1971, as amended and Restat ed by Amended and Restated Declaration of Condominium, dated 5/12/1986 and recorded 5/13/1986 in Reel 1063 Page 186, and further amended and restated by Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Condominium, dated 7/29/1986 and recorded 7/30/1986 in Reel 1095 Page 1840 (which decla ration and amendments thereto are hereinafter collectively re ferred so as the "Declaration"). This Unit is also designated as Tax Lot 1102 in Block 560 of the Borough of Manhattan on the Tax Map of the Real Prop erty Assessment Department of the City of New York and on the Floor Plans of the Building filed with said Assessment Depart ment as Condominium Plan No. 304, and also filed in the City Register's Office on 5/9/1986, as Map No. 4455. TOGETHER with an undivided 16.87% inter est in the Common Elements (as such term is defined in the Declaration). The Land on which the Building containing said Unit is more particular ly bounded and 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 York, which com prises Lots 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 123 and 124 in Block 560, as shown on map of property of Lessor, made by Edwin Smith, City Surveyor, dated 4/13/1848 and filed in the Office of the Register of the County of New York, now Reg ister of the City of New York, New York County on 4/27/1848 as Map No. 158, which said lots taken together are bounded on the North by East 9th Street, on the West by the easterly lines of Lots 125 and 173, respectively in Block 560, as shown on said map on the South by East 8th with Street and on the East by the westerly lines of Lots 116 and 182, respectively in Block

Lots 125 and 173, respectively in Block 560, as shown on said map on the South by East 8th with Street and on the East by the westerly lines of Lots 116 and 182, respectively in Block 560, as shown on said map, which plot is more particularly bounded and described as fol lows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of East 9th Street, 248 feet 1‑7/8 inches westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of said south erly side of East 9th Street, and the westerly side of Broadway; RUNNING THENCE southerly at right angles to the southerly side of East 9th Street, a dis tance of 187 feet 10 inches to the northerly side of East 8th Street, which point is distant 235 feet 7 inches westerly from the corner formed by the inter section of the said northerly side of East 8th Street, with the westerly side of Broadway; THENCE westerly at right an gles to the last mentioned line and along the northerly side of East 8th Street, a distance of 200 feet to a point, 241 feet 3‑5/8 inches easterly from the corner formed by the intersec tion of the said northerly side of East 8th Street, with the east erly side of University Place; THENCE northerly at right angles to the northerly side of East 8th Street, a distance of 187 feet 10 inches to the south erly side of East 9th Street, which point is distant 227 feet 7‑3/4 inches easterly from the intersection of the said souther ly side of East 9th Street, with the easterly side of University Place; THENCE easterly at right angles to the last mentioned line of 200 feet to the point or place of BEGIN NING. Block: 560 Lot: 1102 Said premises known as 40 EAST 9TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003

the West by the easterly lines of Lots 125 and 173, respectively in Block 560, as shown on said map on the South by East 8th with Street and on the East by the westerly lines of Lots 116 and 182, respectively in Block 560, as shown on said map, which plot is more particularly bounded and described as fol lows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of East 9th Street, 248 feet 1‑7/8 inches westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of said south erly side of East 9th Street, and the westerly side of Broadway; RUNNING THENCE southerly at right angles to the southerly side of East 9th Street, a dis tance of 187 feet 10 inches to the northerly side of East 8th Street, which point is distant 235 feet 7 inches westerly from the corner formed by the inter section of the said northerly side of East 8th Street, with the westerly side of Broadway; THENCE westerly at right an gles to the last mentioned line and along the northerly side of East 8th Street, a distance of 200 feet to a point, 241 feet 3‑5/8 inches easterly from the corner formed by the intersec tion of the said northerly side of East 8th Street, with the east erly side of University Place; THENCE northerly at right angles to the northerly side of East 8th Street, a distance of 187 feet 10 inches to the south erly side of East 9th Street, which point is distant 227 feet 7‑3/4 inches easterly from the intersection of the said souther ly side of East 9th Street, with the easterly side of University Place; THENCE easterly at right angles to the last mentioned line of 200 feet to the point or place of BEGIN NING. Block: 560 Lot: 1102 Said premises known as 40 EAST 9TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003

PARCEL 3:

PARCEL 3:

The Condominium Unit (herein after referred to as the "Unit") in the building (hereinafter referred to as the "Building") known as the 60 East Ninth Street Con dominium and by the Street Number 60 East 9th Street, Borough of Manhattan, Coun ty, City and State of New York, said Unit being designated and described as Unit No. 2 (Com mercial) in a certain Declaration dated 3/5/1986, made by the Sponsor pursuant to Article 9‑B of the Real Property Law of the State of New York (hereinafter referred to as the "Condomini um Act"), establishing a plan for condominium ownership of the Building and land (hereinafter referred to as the "Land"), upon which the Building is situate (which Land is more particularly described below), which Decla ration was recorded in the New York County Office of the Reg ister of The City of New York on 5/9/1986 in Reel 1061 Page 1849, as amended and Restat ed by Amended and Restated Declaration of Condominium, dated 5/12/1986 and recorded 5/13/1986 in Reel 1063 Page 257, and further amended and restated by Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Condominium, dated 7/29/1986 and recorded 7/30/1986 in Reel 1095 Page 1916 (which decla ration and amendments thereto are hereinafter collectively re ferred to as the "Declaration"). This Unit is also designated as Section 2 Tax Lot 1202 in Block 560 of the Borough of Manhat tan on the Tax Map of the Real Property Assessment Depart ment of the City of New York and on the Floor Plans of the Building filed with said Assess ment Department as Condo minium Plan No. 303, and also filed in the City Register's Office on 5/9/1986 as Map No. 4457.

and on the Floor Plans of the Building filed with said Assess ment Department as Condo minium Plan No. 303, and also filed in the City Register's Office on 5/9/1986 as Map No. 4457.

TOGETHER with an undivided 27.34% interest in the Common Elements (as such term is de fined in the Declaration). The Land on which the Building con taining said Unit is more partic ularly bounded and 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 York, which com prises Lots 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111,112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 182, 183, 184, 185 and 186 in Block 560, as shown on Map of Property of the Trust ees of the Sailor's Snug Harbor in the City of New York, made by Edwin Smith, C.S., dated 4/13/1848 and filed in the Of fice of the Register of the City of New York, New York County on 4/27/1848 as Map No. 158, which said lots taken together are bounded on the North by East Ninth Street, on the East by Broadway, on the South by East Eighth Street, and on the West by easterly lines of Lots 117 and 181, respectively in Block 560 as shown on said map, and which said lots are more particularly bounded and described as follows: BEGIN NING at the corner formed by the intersection of the souther ly side of East 9th Street, with the westerly side of Broadway; RUNNING THENCE souther ly along the westerly side of Broadway, 188 feet 3 inches to the corner formed by the inter section of the northerly side of East 8th Street, with the west erly side of Broadway; THENCE westerly along the northerly side of East 8th Street, 235 feet 7 inches: THENCE northerly in a straight line and at right an gles to East 8th Street and East 9th Street, 187 feet 10 inches to the southerly side of East 9th Street; THENCE easterly along the southerly side of East 9th Street, 248 feet 1‑7/8 inches to the corner, the point or place of BEGINNING. Block: 560 Lot: 1202

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 25 feet by 99 feet 11 inches by 25 feet.

Block: 1802 Lot: 40

Said premises known as 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, bound ed and described as follows:

BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of East 126th Street, distant 325 feet easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the said south erly side of East 126th Street and the easterly side of Second Avenue; being a plot 99 feet 11 inches by 25 feet by 99 feet 11 inches by 25 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 de scribed 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.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850136/2025.

ings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York. Block 1536 and Lot 1298.

Approximate amount of judgment $766,031.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #850632/2023.

Christy M. Demelfi, Esq. , Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP - Attorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York , Loan Funder LLC, Series 31312 , Plaintiff, vs . 236 West One Enterprises Inc. , ET AL., Defendant(s).Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on September 17, 2024 and a Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on September 29, 2025 , I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on June 16, 2026 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 236 West 136th Street, New York, NY 10030. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 1941 and Lot 49. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,541,954.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850683/2023. Clark Whitsett, Esq., Referee McCarter & English, LLP, 250 W 55th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff

The Condominium Unit (herein after referred to as the "Unit") in the building (hereinafter referred to as the "Building") known as the 60 East Ninth Street Con dominium and by the Street Number 60 East 9th Street, Borough of Manhattan, Coun ty, City and State of New York, said Unit being designated and described as Unit No. 2 (Com mercial) in a certain Declaration dated 3/5/1986, made by the Sponsor pursuant to Article 9‑B of the Real Property Law of the State of New York (hereinafter referred to as the "Condomini um Act"), establishing a plan for condominium ownership of the Building and land (hereinafter referred to as the "Land"), upon which the Building is situate (which Land is more particularly described below), which Decla ration was recorded in the New York County Office of the Reg ister of The City of New York on 5/9/1986 in Reel 1061 Page 1849, as amended and Restat ed by Amended and Restated Declaration of Condominium, dated 5/12/1986 and recorded 5/13/1986 in Reel 1063 Page 257, and further amended and restated by Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Condominium, dated 7/29/1986 and recorded 7/30/1986 in Reel 1095 Page 1916 (which decla ration and amendments thereto are hereinafter collectively re ferred to as the "Declaration"). This Unit is also designated as Section 2 Tax Lot 1202 in Block 560 of the Borough of Manhat tan on the Tax Map of the Real Property Assessment Depart ment of the City of New York and on the Floor Plans of the Building filed with said Assess ment Department as Condo minium Plan No. 303, and also filed in the City Register's Office on 5/9/1986 as Map No. 4457.

Said premises known as 60 EAST 9TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003

Approximate amount of lien $56,906,206.99 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850412/2025.

ROBERTA E. ASHKIN, ESQ., Referee KRISS & FEUERSTEIN LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 360 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10017

{* AMSTERDAM*}

SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

SIG RCRS D MF 2023 VEN TURE 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 Court house, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY, in the courtroom des ignated by the posting outside of Room 130, on June 16, 2026 at 2:15 p.m.

ALLISON FURMAN, ESQ., Ref eree

Windels Marx Lane & Mitten dorf, LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 120 Albany Street Plaza, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 {* AMSTERDAM*}

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT- COUNTY OF NEW YORK

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST , Plaintiff, AGAINST KELLY J. CONDON A/K/A KELLY CONDON , et al. Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on March 12, 2026.

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre St, Room 252, New York, NY 10007 on May 26, 2026 at 2:15 PM premises known as 1601 3rd Avenue, Apt 28C, New York, NY 10128.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, Not in its Individual Capacity but Solely as Trustee of MFA 2021-INV2 Trust, Plaintiff, vs. 414 East 115 LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on January 14, 2025, and a Decision + Order on Motion entered on March 25, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction to be posted outside of at Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on June 16, 2026 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 414 East 115th Street, New York, NY 10029. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 1708 and Lot 142. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,800,390.76 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850427/2023.

TOGETHER with an undivided

PARCEL 1: situate, lying and being in the Borough of New York, County of New York, bounded and de scribed 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 25 feet

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for New York County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York. Block 1536 and Lot 1298.

Tom Kleinberger, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 224262-2

CLARITY TAX COUNSEL PLLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 04/17/2026. Office in New York Co. SSNY desig. agent of PLLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 43 West 43rd Street, , Suite 449, New York, NY 10036. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STORMFIELD CAPITAL FUNDING I, LLC , Plaintiff, against 2647 BROADWAY APTS LLC; JONAH BAMBERGER; AMIR HELDI; ZVI CHALAMISH; AMACO MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION INC; IMP PLUMBING HEATING CORP; NYC FIRE SERVICES GUARDS LLC; CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; and JOHN DOE NO. 1 THROUGH JOHN DOE NO. XXX, inclusive, the last thirty names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint, Defendants. INDEX NO. 850438/2025. TO DEFENDANTS JONAH BAMBERGER AND AMIR HELDI: You are hereby summoned to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property, which is New York County, New York. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an Order of Francis A. Kahn, III, a Justice of the Supreme court, dated April 16, 2026, and filed with the supporting papers in the New York County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose on the property known as 2647-2649 Broadway, New York, New York 10025, legal description: Block 1872 and Lot 52 of the New York County Tax Assessment Map in the Borough of Manhattan, State of New York. The relief sought is the finding that Plaintiff has a first and best lien on the property; an Order finding that Plaintiff has the legal right and is authorized to foreclose on the Property; an Order finding the such foreclosure will vest in the purchaser thereat free and clear title to the Property, free of any and all interests that are or might be asserted by the Defendants; an Order that Plaintiff has the right to credit bid at such foreclosure sale any and all amounts due to Plaintiff under the Loan Documents; an Order directing that the Sheriff of New York County, New York, or any referee appointed in this action, foreclose the Property and deliver the title to the successful bidder at such foreclosure; an Order directing how to apply the proceeds of the sale; an Order that Borrower has no right of redemption or reinstatement with respect to the Property; and an Order finding that Plaintiff has preserved its right to pursue any deficiency that may exist. Dated: April 27, 2026, POLSINELLI PC, Aaron P. Davis, Esq., Attorneys for Plaintiff STORMFIELD CAPITAL FUNDING I, LLC, 600 Third Avenue, 42nd Floor, New York, New York 10016, adavis@polsi

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

right to pursue any deficiency that may exist. Dated: April 27, 2026, POLSINELLI PC, Aaron P. Davis, Esq., Attorneys for Plaintiff STORMFIELD CAPITAL FUNDING I, LLC, 600 Third Avenue, 42nd Floor, New York, New York 10016, adavis@polsinelli.com, (212) 803-9918.

COUNTY OF NEW YORK

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NA, SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, NA, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE CHASE MORTGAGE FINANCE TRUST FOR MULTICLASS PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007S1,

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NA, SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, NA, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE CHASE MORTGAGE FINANCE TRUST FOR MULTICLASS PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007S1,

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NEW YORK THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NA, SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, NA, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE CHASE MORTGAGE FINANCE TRUST FOR MULTICLASS PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007S1,

-againstSVETLANA V. BUKHARIN JUSTER, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE

-againstSVETLANA V. BUKHARIN JUSTER, 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 March 18, 2026, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NA, SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, NA, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE CHASE MORTGAGE FINANCE TRUST FOR MULTICLASS PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007S1 is the Plaintiff and SVETLANA V. BUKHARIN JUSTER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the NEW YORK COUNTY CIVIL SUPREME COURTHOUSE, ROOM 252, 60 CENTRE STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10007, on June 2, 2026 at 2:15PM, premises known as 100 CENTRAL PARKWAY SOUTH, 6G, NEW YORK, NY 10019; and the following tax map identification: 1011-7033.

-againstSVETLANA V. BUKHARIN JUSTER, 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 March 18, 2026, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NA, SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, NA, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE CHASE MORTGAGE FINANCE TRUST FOR MULTICLASS PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007S1 is the Plaintiff and SVETLANA V. BUKHARIN JUSTER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the NEW YORK COUNTY CIVIL SUPREME COURTHOUSE, ROOM 252, 60 CENTRE STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10007, on June 2, 2026 at 2:15PM, premises known as 100 CENTRAL PARKWAY SOUTH, 6G, NEW YORK, NY 10019; and the following tax map identification: 1011-7033. THE CONDOMINIUM UNIT (THE "UNIT") KNOWN AS UNIT NO. 6G IN THE BUILDING (THE "BUILDING") KNOWN AS TRUMP PARC EAST CONDOMINIUM AND BY THE STREET NUMBER 100 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH, BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, COUNTY, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK, SAID UNIT BEING DESIGNATED AND DESCRIBED BY THE ABOVE UNIT NO. IN A CERTAIN DECLARATION DATED APRIL 2, 1998, MADE BY TRUMP CPS LLC PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 9-B OF THE REAL PROPERTY LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (THE "CONDOMINIUM ACT")

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 March 18, 2026, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NA, SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, NA, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE CHASE MORTGAGE FINANCE TRUST FOR MULTICLASS PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007S1 is the Plaintiff and SVETLANA V. BUKHARIN JUSTER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the NEW YORK COUNTY CIVIL SUPREME COURTHOUSE, ROOM 252, 60 CENTRE STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10007, on June 2, 2026 at 2:15PM, premises known as 100 CENTRAL PARKWAY SOUTH, 6G, NEW YORK, NY 10019; and the following tax map identification: 1011-7033.

THE CONDOMINIUM UNIT (THE "UNIT") KNOWN AS UNIT NO. 6G IN THE BUILDING (THE "BUILDING") KNOWN AS TRUMP PARC EAST CONDOMINIUM AND BY THE STREET NUMBER 100 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH, BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, COUNTY, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK, SAID UNIT BEING DESIGNATED AND DESCRIBED BY THE ABOVE UNIT NO. IN A CERTAIN DECLARATION DATED APRIL 2, 1998, MADE BY TRUMP CPS LLC PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 9-B OF THE REAL PROPERTY LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (THE "CONDOMINIUM ACT")

THE CONDOMINIUM UNIT (THE "UNIT") KNOWN AS UNIT NO. 6G IN THE BUILDING (THE "BUILDING") KNOWN AS TRUMP PARC EAST CONDOMINIUM AND BY THE STREET NUMBER 100 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH, BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, COUNTY, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK, SAID UNIT BEING DESIGNATED AND DESCRIBED BY THE ABOVE UNIT NO. IN A CERTAIN DECLARATION DATED APRIL 2, 1998, MADE BY TRUMP CPS LLC PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 9-B OF THE REAL PROPERTY LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (THE "CONDOMINIUM ACT")

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ PETER WIND OLSEN, LIS BETH STEEN OLSEN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 25, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. premis es 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 .009864% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership inter est in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declara tions. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Approximate amount of lien $33,293.32 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850154/2023.

SOFIA BALILE, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39143 {* AMSTERDAM*}

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to Plaintiff, Defendants. INDEX NO.: 850217/2023 FILED: April 30, 2026 Plaintiff designates New York County as the place of trial pursuant to CPLR §507 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the plaintiff's attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within 30 days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant an Order of the Hon. Francis A. Kahn III, a Justice of the Supreme Court, of New York County, dated April 21, 2026 and entered April 28, 2026. Dated: April 21, 2026 Westbury, New York. Maria Sideris, Esq. DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, New York 11590 (516) 876-0800

Notice of Qualification of NH 446 FULTON LLC

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/17/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/20/26. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of DE, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

MTA REAL ESTATE Request for Proposals

RFP#GD050626: Metro-North’s Hartsdale Station Retail, 223 E. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale, NY 10530 – 1,440 sf Retail Space. For information on this RFP, please go to https://new.mta. info/agency/real-estate/

Notice of formation of Refilling the Well Mental Health Counseling, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/30/2026. 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 Yekis Fortunato: 52 Arden Street, Apt. 2N, New York, NY 10040. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION OF Wishlab LLC Application for Authority filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/10/26. Office Location New York County. LLC formed in California on 4/3/2026. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: Wishlab LLC at 9255 Sunset Blvd, 805, W. Hollywood, CA 90069. Reg. Agent: eResidentAgent, Inc. 1 Rockefeller Plz, 1204, NY, NY 10020. CA address of LLC is 9000 Sunset Blvd.,1260, W. Hollywood, CA 90069. The principal business address of the LLC is 9255 Sunset Blvd, 805, W. Hollywood, CA 90069. Certificate of LLC filed withSecy. of State of CA located at 1500 11th St, Sacramento, CA 95814. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF [WILKINSON FORGE & FOUNDRY LLC].Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on [04/13/2026]. Office Location [NY] County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The P.O address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the [LLC] served upon him/her is: [45 Main Street Suite 238 Brooklyn NY 11201]. The principal business address of the [LLC] is [199 Water St. , 34th fl, New York, NY 10038].

Notice of formation of Spiral Staircase Editions LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/23/2026. 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 SSNY: jdd17@me.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED 0.7139 PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS AS SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN THE DECLARATION; 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

TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED 0.7139 PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS AS SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN THE DECLARATION;

TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED 0.7139 PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS AS SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN THE DECLARATION; 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

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 850629/2023. Georgia Papazis, 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.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 850629/2023. Georgia Papazis, 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

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 Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 850629/2023. Georgia Papazis, 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.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff, -againstSPENCER NUTTING, if living, and if he be dead, any and all persons unknown to Plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs-at-law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-at-law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to Plaintiff, Defendants. INDEX NO.: 850217/2023 FILED: April 30, 2026 Plaintiff designates New York County as the place of trial pursuant to CPLR §507 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DE

Notice of Qualification of OptionsBuddy LLC. Certificate of Authority filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/30/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). Limited Liability Company (LLC) formed on 12/15/2025. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Wyoming Registered Agent: 1621 Central Ave #8720 Cheyenne WY 82001. Articles of Organization originally filed with Secretary of State (SOS). Herschler Bldg East Ste 100 & 101 Cheyenne WY 82002-0020 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of PROCELLARX, LLC. Certificate of Authority filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/25/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). Limited Liability Company (LLC) formed on 2/23/2022. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to PROCELLARX, LLC: 5680 King Centre DR ST 600 Alexandria, VA 22315. Articles of Organization originally filed with Secretary of State (SOS). 5680 King Centre DR ST 600 Alexandria, VA 22315 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of BLACKSTONE ABF WHOLE LOAN ASSOCIATES LLC

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/19/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/25/21. Princ. office of LLC: 345 Park Ave., 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: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: The nature of the business and purpose of the Company is to act as general partner for certain limited partnerships that invest in privately originated credit and other income-generating investments in the asset based finance market.

Notice of formation of LA MAISON DE SOHO, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/24/2026. 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 Cohen Edderai LLP: 14 East 4th St., Suite 501, New York, NY 10012.. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Spriteview Capital, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/04/2026. 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 Jason Burak: 155 W 68th Street #29F, New York, NY 10023. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Crucianelli Consulting LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/02/2026. 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 LEGALZOOM USCA, INC: 45 Main Street Suite 238 Brooklyn NY 11201. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Elevate Support Services, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/26/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Nina Mathieu: 437 East 12th Street Apt #15 New York, NY. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Eric David LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/21/2026. 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 Eric David: 865 W End Ave, 6C, New York, NY 10025. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Firm of Kenneth M. Berman LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/10/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Kenneth M. Berman: 228 Park Ave S. #547283, New York, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of FR HORIZON LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/25/26. 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 Frayda Resnick: 1641 Third Ave #19k New York, NY 10128. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Corsoura LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/21/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: LegalZoom USCA, Inc., 45 Main St, Ste 238, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. SLK COVENTURES LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 02/08/2026. Office in New York Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 224 W, 35th St Ste 500, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

19 EAST 92GP LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/30/26. Latest date to dissolve: 12/31/2080. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 80 Varick Street, Suite 1A, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of 203 W 90th 2G LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/30/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Peta Couzens : 1060 Logan Blvd S, Naples Fl 34116. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 713 MADISON 28 TIC OWNER, LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/31/26. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543, regd. agent upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of Alessandra Stanley, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/10/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to the LLC: 270 Riverside Drive, Apt 12B, New York, NY 10025. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Bring It Back Boutique LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/16/2023. Office location: Schenectady County. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Diane Rositano: dlee123789@gmail.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Cap Studio. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/24/2026. 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 Leyla Ozden: 959 First Ave, 19C. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Carter & Stanley LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/01/26. Office Location New York County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: Carter & Stanley LLC at 888 7th Avenue 4th Floor, NY, NY 10106. The principal business address of the LLC is 888 7th Avenue 4th Floor, NY, NY 10106. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of Heights Mental Health Counseling PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/16/2026. 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 Anita N. Sung: PO Box 307, New York, NY 10040. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Hideaway Hospitality LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/11/2026. 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 John Anthony Ober: 3520 Leverich St Apt C447 Jackson Heights NY 11372. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of HOUSE OF GILLES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/22/2023. 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 ERESIDENTAGENT, INC.: 1 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, SUITE 1204 NEW YORK, NY, 10020, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Just The Top, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/10/2026. Office Location New York County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: Just The Top, LLC at 888 7th Avenue 4th Floor, NY, NY 10106. Reg. Agent: eResidentAgent, Inc. 1 Rockefeller Plaza Suite 1204, NY, NY 10020. The principal business address of the LLC is 888 7th Avenue 4th Floor, NY, NY 10106. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of KETA WATERS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/28/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Adam Massmann: 90 Convent Ave, Apt 22, New York, NY, 10027. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of Myka NY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/17/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Registered Agents Inc., 418 Broadway, Ste R, Albany, NY 12207. R/A: Registered Agents Inc., 418 Broadway, Ste R, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: any lawful activity.

M/WBE bids sought for 666 East 170th Street construction project. A scope meeting will be held on May 18th. Contact bidding@taxaceny.com for details

Notice of formation of Wensta Design, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/29/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to BRETTE WINDHAUSEN: 228 East 13th St APT 21. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

This is to announce that the next open meeting of the Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy I Charter School Board of Trustees will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 4:30 PM at 245 West 129th Street, New York, NY.”

Notice of formation of RDM Immigration Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/18/2026. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against it to 447 Broadway, 2nd Fl #1525, New York, NY 10013.

Notice of formation of Lumavec Group, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/12/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to United States Corporation Agents, Inc.: 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of mackenzie.jpg LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/20/2026. 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 Secretary of State of New York: New York Department of State Division of Corporations One Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12231. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Mestun Cosmo LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/26/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Elif Ozyurekoglu : 145 East 48th Street Apt 32B New York, NY 10017. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of MILLIE WIGS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/17/2026. 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 LEGALCORP SOLUTIONS, LLC: 11 BROADWAY, SUITE 615 NEW YORK CITY, NY, 10004, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of MITA Advisory, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/11/2026. 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 SSNY: 133 East 64th Street, Apt 2B, New York, NY 10065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NDL 305 LLC Art of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/01/2025. Office: NEW YORK COUNTY. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Nexvara Media LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/24/26. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 9 E 53rd St, NY, NY 10022. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of Preventive Health Medical NY, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/17/2026. Office location: New York County. SSNY is designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: The LLC, 100 Christopher Columbus Drive, #2210, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA. Purpose: to engage in the practice of medicine and any lawful act or activity for which a professional limited liability company may be organized under the laws of New York.

Notice of formation of Nutritional-E Coaching LLC.. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/06/2026. 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 Republic Registered Agent Services Inc.: 54 State Street, Suite 804, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Olive Tree Creative LLC, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/16/2026. 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 NY Department of State: New York Secretary of State, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

TriHaus RE, LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect'y of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/29/2026. Office: New York County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: The LLC, 11 N Moore St, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: any lawful act.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York, Athene Annuity and Life Company, Plaintiff, vs. 534W175TH LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on March 12, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at Room 252 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on June 2, 2026 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 534 West 175th Street, New York, NY 10033. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 2131 and Lot 35. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,788,234.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850427/2024.

Georgia Papazis, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 241847-1

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Dean Conigliaro; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 30, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse outside room 130, at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on June 16, 2026, at 2:15PM, premises known as 287 East Houston Street Unit 3D, New York, NY 10002. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County and State of New York, Block 350 Lot 1407. Approximate amount of judgment $902,024.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 850153/2024. Clark Whitsett, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: April 9, 2026 89802

Notice of formation of Yahweh is Faithful LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/13/26. 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 Yanerlis Marrero: 4 Fordham Hill Oval Apt 1H Bronx, NY 10468. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Simple Spaces Real Estate LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 10/18/24. Off Loc: New York County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 89 Division St, New York NY 10002. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

M/WBE bids sought for 138 Osborn Street, Brooklyn, NY construction project. A scope meeting will be held on May 18th. Contact bidding@taxaceny.com for details

Notice of Qualification of ERICA KRAKOVITZ PSYD ,PLLC. Certificate of Authority filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/27/2025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) formed on 10/27/2025. SSNY designated as agent of Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to ELISSA MULEE: KRAKOVITZ.ERICA@GMAIL. COM. Articles of Organization originally filed with Secretary of State (SOS). 4 OAK BRANCH DRIVE, BROOKFIELD, CT, 06804, USA Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of CORSICAN EAGLE, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/17/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/21/25. Princ. office of LLC: 84 Wooster St., Ste. 400, NY, NY 10012. 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: 221 W 9th St., PMB 959, Wilmington, DE 19801. 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 of Qualification of EDGE EDGECOMBE OWNER LLC

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/31/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/16/26. Princ. office of LLC: c/o Edge Property Group, LLC, 3 West 57th St., 8th Fl., NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19801. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of GO HUDSON YARDS LLC

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/30/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/25/26. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 80 Fifth Ave., Ste. 1201, NY, NY 10011. DE addr. of LLC: c/o Corporation Service Co., 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 OF FORMATION of Myka Window LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/20/2026. Office location: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 79 Melba Street, Milford, CT 06460. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of Halo Software LLC. Certificate of Authority filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 9232025. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). Limited Liability Company (LLC) formed on 1/14/2022. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to FIRSTBASE REGISTERED AGENT INC.: 447 BROADWAY, 2ND FL #187 NEW YORK, NY, 10013. Articles of Organization originally filed with Secretary of State (SOS). Herschler Bldg East, Ste.100 & 101 Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of KRANE NEW ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 2 L.P. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/29/26. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/23/26. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of MAG 122 VARICK DEVELOPER LLC

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/30/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/20/26. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., P.O. Box 898, Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of NORWEST LIMITED, LLC

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/19/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/28/98. Princ. office of LLC: 90 South 7th St., Minneapolis, MN 554027506. NYS fictitious name: WF NORWEST, LLC. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19801. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of HARBINGER ADVISORY LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY on 010/8/2026. Office location: New York County. SSNY designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Cassiope Sydoriak, 99 John Street 1107, New York, NY 10038. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Qualification of PLG INSURANCE SERVICES LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/31/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 01/29/26. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 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 of Qualification of SUMOMON LLC. Certificate of Authority filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/27/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). Limited Liability Company (LLC) formed on 8/22/2025. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to SUMOMON LLC: 630 NINTH AVENUE, SUITE 1411, NEW YORK, NY 10036. Articles of Organization originally filed with Secretary of State (SOS). 262 CHAPMAN ROAD, SUITE 240, NEWARK, DE 19702 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of COLLEN LAW, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/02/2026. 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 Peggy L. Collen: 390 Riverside Drive, #3C, New York, NY, P/B/A: 17 State Street, 40th Floor, New York, NY 10004 . Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION OF DOUBLE LJK, LLC

Application for Authority filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/06/26 Office Location New York County. LLC formed in Florida on 3/03/26. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: DOUBLE LJK, LLC at 3920 North Ocean Drive, 15B, Riviera Beach, FL 33404. Reg. Agent: eResidentAgent, Inc.1 Rockefeller Plaza1204, NY, NY 10020. Florida address of LLC and principal business address of the LLC is 3920 North Ocean Dr, 15B, Riviera Beach, FL 33404. Certificate of LLC filed with Secy. of State of Florida located at 2661 Executive Center Circle, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of EAG PARTNERS SPV LLC

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/17/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/24/26. 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, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION OF FEGAN SCOTT LLP. Notice of Registration filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/23/2026. Office Location New York County. LLP formed in IL on 2/3/2026. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005. Address of the principal office: 305 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10007 . Certificate of LLP filed with IL Secretary of State, 115 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60603. Purpose: Practice of Law.

Notice of formation of FLIGHTLINE LEGAL, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/27/2026. 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 COGENCY GLOBAL INC.: 122 EAST 42ND STREET, 18TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10168. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of FYT NEW YORK 2 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/09/2026. 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 BRANDON ZHI CHIN: 195 CANAL ST 203 NEW YORK NY, 10013. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of Intentional Funds LLC. Certificate of Authority filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/23/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). Limited Liability Company (LLC) formed on 07/25/2022. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to ZenBusiness Inc.: 41 State Street, Suite 112, Albany, NY 12207. Articles of Organization originally filed with Secretary of State (SOS). 401 Federal Street, Suite 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of KINDLEWORTH SERVICES LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/10/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/31/26. 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, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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 Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 4:30 PM at 245 West 129th Street, New York, NY.

Notice of Qualification Plante & Moran, PLLC

Plante & Moran, PLLC (the "PLLC"), a professional service limited liability company formed on October 1, 2002 under the laws of the State of Michigan, filed an Application for Authority with the New York Department of State on December 30, 2025, pursuant to Section 1306 of the New York Limited Liability Company Law. The county in New York in which the office of the PLLC is located is New York County (Manhattan Borough). The PLLC is authorized to practice the profession of certified public accountancy and public accountancy in the State of New York. The Secretary of State of the State of New York has been designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process served upon it to: 3000 Town Center, Suite 100, Southfield, Michigan 48075.

Notice of Qualification of NW 150 GREEN STREET LENDER LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/24/26. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/15/26. Princ. office of LLC: c/o Northwind Group, 1700 Broadway, 25th Fl., NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, State of DE, 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of Bebida TCG LLC. Certificate of Authority filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/09/2026. Office location: New York County (Manhattan). Limited Liability Company (LLC) formed on 4/06/2026. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to CORPORATE SERVICE CENTER, INC.: 300 DELAWARE AVE., STE 210 Wilmington, DE 19801. Articles of Organization originally filed with Secretary of State (SOS). 130 West 25th Street Suite 5C, New York, NY 10001 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF MAXGEN SOLUTIONS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Sec'y State of NY (SSNY) on 3/02/2026. Office Location: New York County. SSNY is designated agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail any process against the LLC to 22 West 83rd Street, #4B, New York, NY 10024. The principal business address of LLC is 22 West 83rd Street, #4B, New York, NY 10024. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Affirmed Medical, PLLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 03/17/26. Office in New York Co. SSNY desig. agent of PLLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 125 W 31 St, Apt 55B, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION OF Vertigo Autos, LLC Application for Authority filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/20/26 . Office Location New York. LLC formed in DE on 07/10/2014. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: Vertigo Autos, LLC at 135 W 50th St, Fl 17, NY, NY 10020. Cert. of LLC filed with Secy of State of DE located at 401 Federal St, 4, Dover, DE 1990.Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Logistics Q&M LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 4/1/2026. Office Location: New York County, New York. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to 45 Main St. Suite 238, Brooklyn, NY, 11201. Registered Agent: LegalZoom USCA, Inc. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #NA-0340-25103028 for beer, wine & liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine & liquor at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 994 Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10025 for on-premises consumption; Limone LLC

NOTICE is hereby given that a license, number NA-0370-24135212 for liquor, wine, beer & cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, wine, beer & cider at retail in a bar/tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 4371 3rd Ave; Bronx, NY 10457 in Bronx County for on premises consumption. Zion Restaurant and Lounge Corp d/b/a Zion Restaurant and Lounge

THOMPSON 65 REALTY LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/14/26. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 215 Devoe Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10705. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

WWK Realty LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 07/25/23. Off Loc: New York County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 15 Division St Fl 2, New York NY 10002. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

WRECKTANGLE LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 04/03/2026. Office in New York Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 50 Riverside Blvd. Apt. 9M, New York, NY 10069. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Landlords payout

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Redlining runs deep

Robert Fulton Terrace first opened in 1967. The apartments were once advertised to middle-income families as “luxury you can afford” with amenities like a playground, communal spaces, reserved senior housing units, and reasonable monthly rents. The building was comparable to lauded Mitchell-Lama housing initiatives that provided stability and security for thousands of families at the time.

M/WBE bids sought for 3930 Carpenter Avenue, Bronx, NY construction project. A scope meeting will be held on May 18th. Contact bidding@taxaceny.com for details

195 HELP WANTED

Notice of Qualification of AP CREDIT SOLUTIONS HOLDINGS (AIV) II, L.P. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/08/25. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/26/24. Princ. office of LP: Attn: General Counsel, 9 W. 57th St., 43rd Fl., NY, NY 10019. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the Partnership at the princ. office of the LP. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: c/o Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with The Secy. of State of the State of DE, Dept. of State, Div. of Corps., John Townsend Bldg., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Occupational Therapist Priority Care Staffing. Full time. Bronx. 75,712/year (36.4/ hour) Evaluate patients’ conditions; Develop and implement treatment plans; Demonstrate exercises to help relieve patients’ pain; Evaluate results and progress of occupational therapy on patients; Educate caregivers and family members of clients on patient care. usotjobs@prioritycarestaffing. com.

not happen yesterday, but it is a horrible pattern by a negligent landlord that does not prioritize tenants — hardworking families that pay their rent every single month and deserve more.”

ceedings, to work with HPD and tenants to identify a preservation buyer.

Adams indictment

Continued from page 4

However, “as the years wore on, the dream of luxury you can afford descended into a nightmare. The two buildings were sold to a series of speculators and soon fell into a pattern of disrepair and foreclosure. While irresponsible landlords lined their pockets, tenants in the buildings — nearly 500 units — paid the price,” said Mamdani. Some tenant organizers and long-time residents were visibly crying with an outpouring of emotion at the press conference as they spoke about their

“I have lived through those violations and what they really meant, not as a list on a report but as an everyday challenge that affected my sense of safety, comfort, and dignity,” said Ahshaki Long, president of the Fordham Towers Tenants Association, who lived at 480 East 188th Street for 25 years. “We are struggling with broken elevators that make it difficult just to get home; rats and roaches that turn living spaces into sources of stress; old and failing appliances that are never replaced; persistent leaks that damage our homes; and mold that threatens our

Long added that “on top of that, many of us have endured constant manipulation, ha-

rassment, and intimidation from Karan Singh and his management team. These experiences have made an already difficult living situation even more overwhelming, and now, after years of fighting, the city is finally fighting to get more responsible owners. I have felt the frustration, the uncertainty, [and] the moments where it seemed like nothing would change, but I have also witnessed something powerful rise out of that hardship: friendship, unity, resilience, and courage.”

Other tenants were angry about their prolonged living conditions, demanding to know when repairs would be made from the lawsuit money.

“During the wintertime, we got sick because we had no hot water, no heat. The stove didn’t work so we have to buy food out. That’s why a lot of us get backed up in our rent. We have to survive, too,” said one frustrated tenant to the mayor. “We are not animals. We’re human beings. What is directly going into our pockets?”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, who was the councilmember for District 16 a decade ago, witnessed the decline of the buildings firsthand. She remembered struggling alongside the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB), Our Bronx, the Legal Aid Society, and the tenant associations to make changes to the residents’ living conditions. She recalled years of responding to malfunctioning elevators, insufficient heat and hot water, vermin, mice and rats, multiple fires, and water damage and leaks for multi-generational Black and Brown families.

“It’s been years of neglect, folks,” Gibson said. “This did

HPD Commissioner Dina Levy, formerly a UHAB tenant organizer who worked with Gibson, added, “This is a story I know well. I organized tenants here back in 2009, when they were first coming out of Mitchell-Lama. Since then, tenants have been subject to decades of mistreatment, but that comes to an end today. Thanks to aggressive litigation by HPD’s Anti-Harassment Unit, we now have a record $31 million judgment against the owners. That gives us leverage in bankruptcy proceedings, which we’ll use to deliver better outcomes for residents.”

Councilmember Althea Stevens, who currently represents District 16, said the lawsuit was really “about sending a clear message to our community that we are not disposable and that housing is a human right for every single person. Most importantly, [for] landlords who choose to profit over being held accountable, that stops today.”

Fixing what was left broken

To start making immediate repairs, the city has designated an Independent Chief Restructuring Officer who is tasked with managing more than $900,000 seized from the landlords’ bank accounts toward fixes in nearly 500 apartments, according to the city. They have also hired a new property manager to ensure that repairs are actually made, said Mamdani.

Mamdani is also calling on the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), which holds the mortgage on these buildings and has initiated foreclosure pro-

“I’ve been very clear about our belief that we have to build more affordable housing in the city, but we also have to preserve the affordable housing that we have. This is a clear example of housing that’s been affordable enough for New Yorkers to be able to make a life in and the conditions have been uninhabitable,” Mamdani told the Amsterdam News

“First, we have insisted that they direct the receiver to immediately start making urgent repairs across the buildings,” said Levy about the future of Robert Fulton Terrace. “Second, we have called on Fannie Mae to sell these buildings to a responsible preservation buyer with the endorsement of both the tenants and the city. Finally, we will expect Fannie Mae to recognize the cost to fully renovate Robert Fulton Terrace and Fordham Towers as part of any future sale.”

To go a step beyond that, State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda is also advocating for passage of the Anti-Slumlord Act (S9332), which prohibits property owners with outstanding immediately hazardous housing violations from buying new properties. “It helps protect tenants and hold negligent landlords accountable,” said Sepúlveda in a statement. “No landlord is above the law, and no tenant should have to endure living in deplorable housing conditions. Housing is a fundamental right, and I will continue to fight, along with my colleagues at all levels of government, to ensure every New Yorker has access to safe, stable, and dignified housing.”

The timeline for disbursement of the $31 million settlement as a whole was unclear.

The Liberty begin the 2026 WNBA season eyeing another title

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

The core of the New York Liberty team that won a championship in 2024 — forward Breanna Stewart, center Jonquel Jones, and guard Sabrina Ionescu — are all back and at the heart of arguably the best roster in the league. The franchise also added Ionescu’s college teammate, explosive forward Satou Sabally, who averaged 16.3 points per game a season ago for the Phoenix Mercury. The Mercury eliminated the Liberty in the playoffs last season.

The Liberty are led by new head coach Chris DeMarco, a 40-year-old former Golden State Warriors assistant. DeMarco was hired in December to replace Sandy Brondello, whose contract was not renewed. Brondello, now the head coach of the expansion Toronto Tempo, guided the Liberty to their 2024 title and started last season 9-0 before in-

WNBA great Tina Charles takes NYC swagger into retirement

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

Queens-raised Tina Charles, an All-American and Gatorade National Player of the Year at Christ the King High School, announced her retirement on May 5 after an outstanding basketball career. The top pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft, Charles has been WNBA Rookie of the Year, 2012 WNBA MVP, a fivetime All-WNBA First Team selection, a four-time All-WNBA Second Team honoree, and a member of the league’s 25th Anniversary Team.

The 37-year-old future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer also won two NCAA championships when starring for the UConn Huskies, three Olympic gold medals, and three World Cups. She has also been a vibrant presence in the New York City basketball community.

“Growing up in Queens, New York, basketball wasn’t just a game, it was

Voting Rights Act

Continued from page 40

no segregation. And we want that for our kid because that’s the real world.’”

Given the sordid history, past and present, of Louisiana, Kiffin’s

a language, a rhythm, its survival, its expression,” wrote Charles in announcing her retirement. “It pulled me in early, and I gave myself fully to it. It shaped me into the woman I am today and for that, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

While New York City is home to the mecca of basketball, Madison Square Garden, not many of the city’s natives have played in the WNBA. In addition to Charles, there were Chamique Holdsclaw and Nancy Lieberman from Queens, Kia Vaughn from the Bronx, Epiphanny Prince from Brooklyn, Shannon Bobbitt from Manhattan, and Nicky Anosike and Jennifer Derevjanik from Staten Island. NYC basketball has a certain grit and determination, which now falls to Emily Engstler from Queens, the only New Yorker currently in the WNBA.

(For this article, we’re not including players from Long Island such as the legendary Sue Bird or players

viewpoint is either ignorant, disingenuous, or both. It is the proverbial pot calling the kettle black, an appropriate idiom for this issue. His assessment is more self-serving than impartial. LSU’s nickname, the Tigers, is adopted from Louisiana Confederate Civil War regiments.

juries plagued the team, resulting in a first-round playoff exit.

The Liberty are 2-1 heading into tonight’s second game of a back-toback road trip against the Portland Fire, another expansion franchise. New York lost to the Fire 98-96 on Tuesday. They have begun this season with key players sidelined. They won their home opener against the Connecticut Sun last Friday at the Barclays Center 106-75 and defeated the Mystics in Washington on Sunday 98-93 without Ionescu and Sabally. Ionescu suffered a left foot/ ankle injury on May 3 and has yet to make her season debut and Sabally has not played due to a cyst.

However, guard-forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has returned after missing all of last season with a knee injury. While Laney-Hamilton works her back into form, the team is eagerly looking forward to Ionesu and Sabally getting back into action — notably the newcomer Sabally.

“Adding Satou to a pretty loaded roster already is really exciting,” said Stewart last week prior to the season opener. “I think that the biggest part from that is now, when it looks good on paper, making it actually look good on the court, and we’ve all really been invested in doing that in training camp and having a selfless mentality.”

DeMarco has also laid out his vision for the team.

“I think more than anything, I want to be connected,” he said ahead of the Liberty’s first game. “I want to be unselfish, and I want to compete, so those are the three things we’re focused on. I want our opponents to feel that, and I want our fans to see that … if we’re competing, we’re giving effort every night, and if we’re connected, every [opposing] team feels that and the fans feel it.”

The Liberty will return to Barclays Center next Thursday to host the Golden State Valkyries.

from Upstate New York. First-year New York Liberty forward Satou Sabally is also not part of the group, despite being born in New York City as she was raised in Gambia and Germany.)

Charles’s retirement came as a moderate surprise because she has been busy in 2026. She played in the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball league, ranking among its most productive performers, and afterward played in China for several weeks. “Like my mom always taught me, don’t stop at what you’ve done, keep going toward what you still see. And I see so much,” Charles wrote.

Drafted by the Connecticut Sun in 2010 as the WNBA’s No. 1 overall pick, she was traded to the Liberty in 2014. Those last four years that the team spent at the Garden with Charles at the forefront were electric. The team memorably stood together in protest in 2016 in the face of fines from the league for their T-

The grandparents Kiffin referenced, along with parents, coaches, and other caretakers should educate the young recruits on the targeted systematic regression of Black people’s status in what is taking place not just in the South, but across the nation. Inform them how President Donald Trump and Republicans are

shirts with #BlackLivesMatter. Another indelible moment was a man and his family meeting Charles in the Liberty locker room to thank her for the defibrillator that saved his life, which came from her Hopey’s Heart Foundation.

employing federalism, commonly called states’ rights, buttressed by the Supreme Court, to enact their sinister plot to take this country, in essence, back to a time before the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments — the Reconstruction Amendments — were ratified. The Republican Party controls 28

Charles’s final WNBA season with the Sun was last year, coming full circle. “Beyond the accolades, records, and All-Star appearances, Tina brought heart to the organization,” noted the Sun in a statement. “We’re all going to miss that.”

of the 50 state legislatures. The Democrats have the majority in 18 and four are split. So they will gerrymander and eliminate the Black and progressive political dynamic across the vast American landscape. Thus, there is a clarion call for athletes to stand up and be forcefully felt and heard!

Howard’s Kery Davis is not your cookie-cutter athletic director

By TONY PAIGE

Special to the AmNews

(Part 2 of 2)

The March 12–18 cover story of the AmNews, entitled “The Future of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness),” pointed out the concerns of how it benefits the student-athletes, but the NIL byproduct is also making college coaches even more powerful.

According to ESPN.com, Oklahoma men’s basketball coach Porter Moser said that the Sooners’ resources need to match the program’s expectations.

HBCUs don’t have the deep pockets of the power schools, but their talented players have caught attention. Student-athletes have much more power in controlling their future than they realize.

A case in point is former Howard University safety Bryan Cook.

“He spent his first two years at Howard … was a terrific player for us both years,” recalled Kery Davis, athletic director and vice president of athletics for the Washington, D.C.-based Howard University. “He started as a true freshman. Then

he went to Cincinnati because he’s from Ohio and he always wanted to play at that level. (Former Jet) Sauce Gardner was his teammate, and he ended up being a second-round pick in the NFL.”

Cook won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs and last month signed a three-year, $40.25 million deal with his hometown Bengals.

Davis is glad it worked out for Cook.

“As university administrators, you have to look at what the reality is,” Davis said. “The way it used to be 10 years ago — that’s irrelevant. That’s not the world we’re living in.”

Being an athletic director (AD) today is not your traditional gig.“The role of athletic director and commissioners and sports [is] changing and widening the net of people they can look at,” said Davis, who’s been an AD at Howard for 10 years. “They’re widening the net of people they can look at and choosing jobs like this. For example, I was not a cookie-cutter choice.”

A graduate of Dartmouth with a law degree from Cornell, Davis has seen the sports landscape change.

Tony Petitti, a former CBS TV sports executive, is a commissioner of the Big Ten and Brett Yormark, formerly CEO of the Brooklyn Nets, is a commissioner of the Big 12. Davis fits the mold at Howard, now 159 years old. Under his charge,

he has 500 student-athletes and 21 sports teams. And they win. Whether it is football, basketball, women’s volleyball, swimming and diving, soccer, golf, or track and field, they win: Howard has captured 31 conference or national titles under Da-

vis’s leadership since 2015.

“They were looking for someone who was a creative and innovative business person who could develop a strategy to have the university compete in an ever-changing landscape,” said Davis. “That’s what people are doing now.”

Davis sits on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee. When asked if the NCAA might expand the tournament, Davis said he’s not on that committee, but that “it wouldn’t change in the next two or three years.”

To show how fast things do change, a week later, the NCAA announced it was expanding from its current 68-team field to 76 beginning next year.

The NIL issue may not be the wild, wild west, but it seems as if the wagons are headed in that direction. With all that is happening in the universe of college sports, Davis loves his job.

“You have to have passion for what you’re doing,” he said. “The best part of this job for me is being a part of the journey of young people. If you don’t have that as your mission, then this is not the job for you.”

Black MMA stars shine at UFC 328 at Prudential Center in Newark

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

Black MMA fighters delivered eye-opening performances that ended early at UFC 328 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday.

In the final bout on the preliminary card, 24-year-old Cameroonian MMA competitor Ateba Gautier dropped opponent Ozzy Diaz with a powerful right hand and finished him a few seconds later to earn a knockout victory in round two of the middleweight showdown. But he may have made more news after the big win when he called out one of the greatest middleweights ever.

“My dream fight would be against, respectfully, my big brother, Israel Adesanya,” Gautier said of the former two-time UFC middleweight champion. “I really want to find him because, since I started MMA, I really, really admire him, so I want to face him.”

Adesanya, who will turn 37 this summer, lost his fourth consecutive fight — the last two by TKO — including to Joe Pyfer in March. Despite the losses, Adesanya said emphatically after the fight that

Cameroonian MMA competitor

Ateba Gautier lands a right punch against opponent Ozzy Diaz in a middleweight fight at UFC 328 on Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark. (Ed Mulholland/ Zuffa LLC photo)

he is not retiring. Perhaps a fight against Gautier would be a fitting way to pass the torch to a fellow African.

In the first fight on the main card. Veteran UFC fighter Bobby Ray Green, better known as King Green, defeated Jeremy

Stephens with a rear-naked choke submission in the first round. Though Green received a $25,000 bonus for finishing his foe, he also made an unsuccessful bid for one of the night’s bonuses. Fight of the night went to Joshua Van, who successfully

defended his UFC flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira, and performance of the night went to Jim Miller and Yaroslav Amosov, who performed an impressive breakdancing move following his triumphant performance. Each received a $100,000 bonus.

Later this year, the UFC will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its first event in New York City. While the company has hosted fight cards at Madison Square Garden annually since 2016, it has also held them at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, just outside of Queens.

“[Prudential Center has] been great to us,” UFC President and CEO Dana White told the AmNews when asked why Newark has become the second venue the company uses in the New York City area. “We came back in here and broke our record again at the Pru, and we will be back to MSG and, yes, MSG and Newark are the two spots that I’m going to keep hitting out here in this area.”

The UFC hosted its first event at Prudential Center in 2007, but White shared that its recent success there is why the promotion has returned for a fourth consecutive spring.

“The history here is number one, number two, number five, and number six, highest gates here,” White shared. “We kill it in this arena. The fans are always great here. The arena’s been good to us. The city’s been good to us. The state’s been good to us.”

espnW Summit NYC presents blueprint for women’s sports facilities

By LOIS ELFMAN

Special to the AmNews

At last week’s espnW Summit NYC, the panel “Purpose-Built: Facilities for Women’s Sports” addressed the building of women’s sport-specific stadiums and facilities. As an example, last year, the New York Liberty announced a dedicated 75,000-square-foot state-ofthe-art practice facility being built in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and projected to open in 2027.

“Purpose-built is about intentionality,” said Sherri Privitera,

senior principal women’s professional sports director of Populous, a global architecture and design firm that designed the Liberty’s facility.

“It can be intentional for the user of a training facility, like our athletes and coaches, and it can be intentional for … women’s sports fans.”

There are substantial business advantages for a team that controls its venue, including having access to major sponsorship assets, such as naming rights. It also means controlling scheduling, such as scheduling games on weekends. Women’s physiology is obvious-

ly different from men’s, noted Avi Greene, senior associate and architect at Populous, and those differences were in mind for this project. There are four principles: women’s health, privacy and security, baseline standards, and lifestyle support. At the Liberty’s practice facility, two private lounges will include family and nursery areas. Populous met one-on-one with Liberty players to discuss needs. Things like the height of training tables matter. “Players tell us they stand in line for the [wheelchair-] accessible shower stall because

Women’s Elite Rugby professional league

kicks off year two

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

Women’s Elite Rugby, the first women’s professional rugby league in the U.S., recently started its second season with the motto “Fearless Athletes. Fierce Action.”

The league’s six teams each play 10 games — five home and five away. For the New York Exiles, home is Memorial Field in Mt. Vernon. Wing/fullback Jordyn Marlin, 28, is in her second year, and was energized and eager to see what the season brings. “Last year, there was a ton of excitement because it was so new,” said Marlin.

“I feel like this year there are new names and new faces … and we’ve kind of ramped up. There are even more eyes on the league.”

Marlin began her rugby journey in college. In 2016, the summer before her freshman year, women’s rugby sevens debuted in the

Olympics and she watched, thinking the sport looked like great fun. Her college, Lafayette, had a women’s rugby team, and that was the first club she joined when she got to campus.

Women’s professional rugby is still in a developmental phase.

“It’s not lost on me or any of my teammates that we are starting something new,” Marlin said. “Last year was a big transition from a really intense hobby … to that step up in competition. There was a collective understanding that we are working toward something that is bigger than any individual one of us.

“It is really hard keeping a fulltime job … and still giving your all, more than you’ve ever given to the sport, in hopes that there will be another generation of players who don’t have to sacrifice as much as we have,” she added. Marlin works in ad-

ministration for KIPP, a charter school network, in its New Jersey branch. There is no real break from her job, even during New York Exiles season.

“It’s one day at a time,” she said. “Every now and then, something has to give, but I have a strong drive to do what I need to do for my team.”

She is also a referee for rugby, refereeing high school and college matches. “That’s part of how I give some time to developing younger generations,” Marlin said. “We’re all relying on each other to make this work.

The Exiles went to the championship last year (losing to the Denver Onyx), so we’re not looking for anything less than that this year.”

The Exiles have begun the season 0–2. Their next match is at home on Sunday against the Chicago Tempest.

that’s the only stall that has a removable wand (shower head) — they all don’t want to get their hair wet every time they take a shower,” said Privitera. “We can give every shower stall a removable wand.”

Asrat Alemu, vice president of Ariel Project Level, noted that a challenge for an arena or stadium is capacity-building because women’s sports are rapidly growing. You don’t want a team to outgrow its venue, but you also don’t want to plan too large and have many empty seats. Ideally, there is flexibility to expand capacity

over time. Also important is creating optimal fan experiences, such as offering diverse food and beverage options.

“We are starting to analyze a survey we just finished with Deloitte on women’s sports fans,” said Privitera. Having an open mindset and paying attention to details will create enhanced experiences for athletes and fans. “Imagine the potential and what we’re going to be seeing in a few years,” said Greene. “We need to be intentional, so athletes can reach their optimal level of performance.”

The ascending Knicks await the Pistons or Cavs in the East Finals

By JAIME C. HARRIS

AmNews Sports Editor

Who’s got next?

For the ascending Knicks, it shouldn’t matter. They will ultimately have to defeat either the Detroit Pistons or the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were tied 2-2 in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals series going into Game 5 last night in Detroit, to make it to the NBA Finals, where they haven’t been since 1999.

On social media and other platforms, Knicks fans are commenting on and debating which of the two they prefer. If they believe the Knicks are who they were while decimating the Atlanta Hawks in Games 4 (114-98), 5 (126-97) and 6 (140-89) in a 4-2 opening round series victory, then sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers 4-0 — concluding with a 144-114 spanking on Sunday in Philly to close out

their East semis matchup — then diehard supporters should be supremely confident regardless of which team the Knicks face the rest of the way. This includes the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

“It’s just us being very locked in to the moment,” said Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns after Sunday’s win.

It’s been a remarkable sevengame stretch for the Knicks, whose last loss came in Game 3 (109-108) to the Hawks on the road on April 23 to fall behind 2-1 in the series. It seems like an eternity ago when a plethora of Knicks fans were on edge and had a more grim outlook on their championship prospects.

But head coach Mike Brown and his staff maintained steady hands, and it translated to the players, who flipped a switch and have been a collective juggernaut ever since. But it also could be fool’s gold. In

retrospect, the Hawks lacked the interior size and physicality to functionally combat the Knicks, and the 76ers’ minimal quality depth and a broken-down Joel Embiid posed little threat to New York.

Note: the 76ers prudently parted ways with their president of basketball operations Daryl Morey on Tuesday but smartly retained head coach Nick Nurse. Morey is an early NBA devotee of analytics who has gained a large following of analytics disciples yet abjectly underperformed in his role with the 76ers for the past six seasons, and prior to that stint, as the general manager of the Houston Rockets from 2007 to 2020. While the Knicks exposed Morey and the 76ers, and have an incredible +194 point differential this postseason, don’t expect them to continue to breeze into the Finals. Playoff runs are never linear. Adversity lies ahead. But they are

seemingly levitating at the right time and have coalesced on both ends of the floor to elicit hope that

With the razing of the Voting Rights Act, athletes must stand up!

Protestors demonstrate in front of the Supreme Court in October as the court hears arguments in the Louisiana case drawing new congressional district boundaries, which was decided on April 29. (AP

By JAIME C. HARRIS

AmNews Sports Editor

Many accomplished high school, collegiate, and professional athletes possess the tools to compel a plurality — if not most elected officials — to reconsider and deviate from their racist policy positions as this country enters an overt neo-Jim Crow existence.

Social constructs and political structures are inextricably inter-

woven into the fabric of America’s sports culture. Sports have been, and still are, weaponized by those holding political power to influence public opinion and legislation, disrupting the economy in the process. And economic disruption, more than almost anything else, determines political outcomes.

Evidence: Over 90% of U.S. congressional candidates who have a larger war chest than their opponents win their respective races.

Today, the agency of athletes, especially Black athletes, is urgently needed as arms in the battle against the intensifying existential perils with which people of the African diaspora are confronted in the United States, the name a misnomer in a decidedly divided country.

On April 29, when the United States Supreme Court, in an opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito, ruled 6-3 on the Louisiana v. Callais case pertaining to racial gerryman-

dering and redistricting in Louisiana, it effectively disemboweled Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The decision by the court’s Republican supermajority is another iteration of the intentional and strategic decades-long assault on the self-determination of this nation’s Black population by extreme right-wing elements.

Then this past Monday, through what’s known as a shadow docket order, the Supreme Court further suppressed the legal capacity of Black people to have equitable and proportionate electoral representation in state and federal legislatures by effectively allowing Alabama to erase one of its only two primarily Black congressional districts.

It provides Republicans the ability to now redraw their current congressional map and use a map in the November 2026 midterm elections that lower court rulings had previously disallowed on the basis it violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

In a recent Vanity Fair interview, Lane Kiffin, the new LSU head football coach, said the quiet part out loud about race and sports in the South — quoting players he recruited at Ole Miss to make his point. Kiffin took the LSU job in late November, leaving Ole Miss mid-season as the Rebels were making a run to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

“[They would say], ‘Hey, coach, we really like you. But my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi,’” Kiffin said to the publication.

“That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Parents were sitting here this weekend saying the campus’ diversity feels so great: ‘It feels like there’s