FEBRUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 28, 2017 • VOL. 18 • No. 8 WASHINGTON HEIGHTS • INWOOD • HARLEM • EAST HARLEM NORTHERN MANHATTAN’S BILINGUAL NEWSPAPER EL PERIODICO BILINGUE DEL NORTE DE MANHATTAN
NOW EVERY WEDNESDAY TODOS LOS MIERCOLES
“Too damn high” p9
by Gregg McQueen Polémica pendiente
Photo p9
Record p16 Art p8 Exhibit p3 improved accommodations for female workers. New contract backed “The contract does not lock us into a long-term commitment, which provides an important hedge against any unforeseen by transit workers spike in infl ation,” TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen said in a statement. “For the fi rst time, this contract has secured an agreement from the MTA to hire and utilize in-house forces to retrofi t the older parts of the transit infrastructure to provide clean, comfortable and safe crew areas for our sisters in transit.” “Over the next several months, our union will be plotting the course for 2017 and 2018, knowing that the potential of a national right-to-work bill and other destructive anti-trade union Workers discuss conditions with elected offi cials. A worker holds a sample ballot. laws are likely coming our way,” continued Samuelsen. “In this age atifi ed by the ranks. February 15th to ratify the new terms of a pay hike, with the union pushing of national political uncertainty, contract by a 70 to 30 percent for raises higher than the 2 percent increase we must unite or risk great harm.” R Transit workers margin. the MTA had initially sought. have backed a new The union had announced The new contract also provides enhanced For more information, please visit www. 28-month contract with on January 16 that it had health benefi ts for all employees and twulocal100.org. the Metropolitan Transit reached a tentative contract Authority (MTA). agreement with the MTA. In balloting conducted That deal was struck by the American Arbitration several hours after the Association, members of previous contract expired Nuevo contrato respaldado Transport Workers Union a month later, with the two Trabajadores AAA abren sobres de boletas electorales. (TWU) Local 100, the union sides negotiating into the early representing approximately morning hours. 38,000 transit employees, voted on TWU and the MTA had navigated the
atifi cado. y mejora de las acomodaciones para las trabajadoras. R Los trabajadores del transporte público han “El contrato no nos bloquea en un respaldado un nuevo contrato de 28 meses con la compromiso a largo plazo, lo que proporciona Autoridad Metropolitana del Trasporte (MTA, por una cobertura importante contra cualquier sus siglas en inglés). aumento imprevisto de la infl ación”, dijo En una votación realizada por la Asociación el presidente de TWU Local 100, John Americana de Arbitraje, miembros del Sindicato de Samuelsen, en un comunicado. “Por primera Trabajadores del Transporte (TWU, por sus siglas vez, este contrato ha conseguido un acuerdo en inglés) Local 100, el sindicato que representa a de la MTA para contratar y utilizar fuerzas aproximadamente 38,000 empleados de tránsito, internas para modernizar las partes más votaron el 15 de febrero por ratifi car el nuevo antiguas de la infraestructura de transporte contrato por un margen de 70 a 30 por ciento. público para proporcionar áreas limpias, El sindicato anunció el 16 de enero que había cómodas y seguras para nuestras hermanas llegado a un acuerdo de contrato tentativo con la en transporte público”. MTA. “En los próximos meses, nuestro sindicato Ese acuerdo fue alcanzado varias horas planeará el rumbo para 2017 y 2018, sabiendo después de que el contrato anterior expirara un que el potencial de un proyecto de ley nacional mes más tarde, con las dos partes negociando en sobre el derecho a trabajar y otras leyes las primeras horas de la mañana. anti-sindicales destructivas probablemente El TWU y la MTA habían navegado los términos lleguen”, continuó Samuelsen. “En esta era de un alza al salario, con el sindicato empujando de incertidumbre política nacional, debemos por aumentos mayores al 2 por ciento que la MTA unirnos o arriesgarnos a grandes daños”. había buscado inicialmente. El nuevo contrato también proporciona mejores Para obtener más información, por favor benefi cios de salud para todos los empleados visite www.twulocal100.org.
2 FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • MANHATTAN TIMES • www.manhattantimesnews.com
Jamie Okuma The museum is located in Manhattan. (Luiseño and Shoshone- Native Bannock), boots, 2013–14. Glass beads on boots designed by Christian Louboutin. Best Museum commission with By Alejandra O’Connell | Voices of NY support from Katrina Carye, s Fashion Week comes to John Curuby, an end, so, coincidentally, Karen Keane A and Dan Elias, does the tour of “Native Fashion Cynthia Gardner, Merry Glosband, Now,” the country’s fi rst large- and Steve and scale traveling exhibit of Native Ellen Hoffman. American Fashion. Photo: Walter Silver. The collection of nearly 70 pieces, most of them modern work from Native American designers, now goes on display at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in New York until Sept. 4th. who have a message.” casually parade with a war bonnet was seen Studies, KTZ clothing was inappropriate Notwithstanding the museum setting, Cultural appropriation of indigenous as offensive and a backlash against Victoria’s because of its misuse of Northern Cheyenne/ the vibrant works offer a sharp rejoinder clothing and designs is commonplace in the Secret quickly ensued. According to Professor Crow patterns. In her blog Keene states to typical views of Native American dress fashion world. In 2012 model Karlie Kloss Fleming, embarrassment and pain could have that the brand copied the work of native and a telling rebuke to clothing designers donned a feather headdress during a Victoria’s been easily avoided if a designer or curator designer Bethany Yellowtail. and manufacturers who seek to appropriate Secret fashion show. According to Walter had simply spoken to a native person. “Bethany’s design is not just a collection cultural images. Fleming, a professor of Native American When U.K-based brand KTZ debuted its of abstract shapes, she utilized Crow “We are not just relics of the past, we Culture and History at the University of Fall/Winter collection during 2015 Fashion beadwork that had been in her family for are not just museum pieces to be admired,” Montana, headdresses, or war bonnets, are Week the pieces were described as tributes generations for her design,” said Keene in said Martha Redbone, a singer of Cherokee, very powerful status symbols in many native to indigenous peoples. But according to her blog. “The colors, the shapes, and the Shawnee, and Choctaw heritage who communities. “They have to be earned and Adrienne Keene, creator of the blog Native patterns have meaning, origins, and history. attended the exhibit’s press preview. “We are gender specifi c,” said Fleming. Appropriations and Brown University are actually living, thriving people, artisans The choice to have a female model professor of American Studies and Ethnic See FASHION p23
La exposición se extenderá hasta septiembre. Moda Por Alejandra O’Connell | Voices of NY original
Por Alejandra O’Connell | Voices of NY A pesar del escenario del museo, las vibrantes obras ofrecen una dura réplica ientras la Semana de la Moda llega a las vistas típicas del vestido de los a su fi n, también, por coincidencia, nativos americanos, y una reprimenda a M los diseñadores de prendas de vestir y los lo hace la gira de “Native Fashion Now”, fabricantes que buscan apropiarse de las la primera exposición itinerante a gran imágenes culturales. escala del país de la moda de los nativos “No somos solo reliquias del pasado, no americanos. somos solo piezas de museo que hay que admirar”, dijo Martha Redbone, una cantante La colección de casi 70 piezas, la mayoría de de herencia Cherokee, Shawnee y Choctaw, ellas trabajos modernos de diseñadores nativos quien asistió a la exhibición de la prensa. americanos, está en exhibición en el Museo “En realidad somos un pueblo próspero y de Nacional del Indio Americano (NMAI, por sus artesanos que tiene un mensaje”. siglas en inglés) en Nueva York hasta el 4 de La apropiación cultural de la indumentaria y septiembre. Vea MODA p23
FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • MANHATTAN TIMES • www.manhattantimesnews.com 3 It’s Time To Get Your
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4 FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • MANHATTAN TIMES • www.manhattantimesnews.com Restart with Renewal
Story and photos by Gregg McQueen 7 percent since the program launched in 2014. enewal is showing results. Attendance has improved in 92 percent of the schools, while test scores in English R The city’s Renewal Schools program profi ciency have improved in 96 percent of is boosting attendance and test scores at the schools, said Aimee Horowitz, Renewal previously struggling public schools, said Schools Superintendent at the DOE. Department of Education (DOE) offi cials. Renewal Schools receive specialized Speaking at a community media roundtable academic resources and targeted social at Tweed Courthouse on February 17, DOE services, including vision screening and representatives said that graduation rates mental health services. across the 86 renewal schools have increased Seven schools have food pantries on campus, and 14 feature adult literacy programs. “We started off with a needs assessment so we can offer customized support,” said Horowitz. “We identifi ed a turnaround strategy based on what teachers, principals and families needed.” Students receive an extra hour of instruction per day. All Renewal Schools are partnered with a community-based organization in the area to Aimee Horowitz is the Renewal Schools Superintendent. offer services to families. “We make partnerships Among other Schools program, which many education to harness the collective criteria, schools were advocates feel could be a model for the rest of power of the community,” chosen for the Renewal the country, if successful. said Christopher Caruso, the program because they Dorald Bastian, principal of MS 328 in DOE’s Executive Director of were in the bottom the South Bronx, said that his school has Community Schools. 5 percent of lowest- seen improvements in the Renewal School The city began the Renewal Schools performing schools. program because parents are more engaged. “We make partnerships,” said program in 2014, initially with 94 sites, in Much is riding on the performance of these “Families are more collaborative,” Bastian Christopher Caruso, Executive schools, as the city has pumped over $500 Director of Community Schools. attempt to boost the failing schools rather than close them outright. million in additional funding into the Renewal See RENEWAL p17
El programa fue lanzado en 2014. Renovación trae resultados Historia y fotos por Gregg McQueen Hablando en una mesa redonda de medios comunitarios en el Juzgado Tweed el 17 de a renovación febrero, representantes de está mostrando DOE dijeron que las tasas de L graduación en las 86 escuelas resultados. de renovación han aumentado un 7 por ciento desde que el El programa Renovación programa se lanzó en 2014. de Escuelas de la ciudad está La asistencia ha mejorado en aumentando la asistencia 92 por ciento de las escuelas, y las califi caciones de los mientras que las califi caciones exámenes en las escuelas de los exámenes en inglés han públicas con difi cultades, dijeron funcionarios del mejorado en el 96 por ciento, dijo Aimee Horowitz, Departamento de Educación (DOE, por sus siglas en inglés). Vea RENOVACIÓN p17
FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • MANHATTAN TIMES • www.manhattantimesnews.com 5 City residents ages 14-24 can apply EL PROGRAMA DE EMPLEO JUVENIL DE VERANO (SYEP) Los residentes de la ciudad de 14 a 24 años de edad pueden aplicar a la lotería en www. nyc.gov/dycd hasta el viernes 17 de marzo as solicitudes están abiertas para depósito directo a una cuenta bancaria de el Programa de Empleo Juvenil de su elección. Los jóvenes que se inscribieron EARLY APPLICATION PROCESS L para depósitos directos y/o cuentas de ahorro Verano 2017 (SYEP, por sus siglas en abiertas, son elegibles para recibir más de 2,000 inglés) desde ahora y hasta el viernes premios depositados en sus cuentas que van FOR SUMMER YOUTH 17 de marzo de 2017. El proceso de desde $25 a $500 dólares. El verano pasado, solicitud fue lanzado a principios de más de 16,000 jóvenes se inscribieron en EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (SYEP) cuentas de depósito directo, un aumento del 200 este año por tiempo adicional para por ciento desde 2014. La iniciativa plurianual es SYEP offers workshops on job readiness, planear para el verano. Los participantes fi nanciada por Ciudades por el Empoderamiento City residents ages career exploration and fi nancial literacy, and son seleccionados por sorteo para el Financiero (CFE, por sus siglas en inglés) y la opportunities to continue education and social programa, que se extenderá del 5 de Fundación Citi. 14-24 can apply growth. Ladders for Leaders is an employer- julio hasta el 19 de agosto. Las solicitudes se pueden completar en línea paid internship component of SYEP for youth o en una organización comunitaria participante for lottery through aged 16-22. SYEP es la iniciativa de empleo juvenil de durante el período de solicitud. Las solicitudes en As part of a national effort to encourage verano más grande de la nación y desde 1963 ha línea están disponibles en el sitio web de DYCD Friday March 17 young people to save and make healthy proporcionado a jóvenes de la ciudad de Nueva (nyc.gov/dycd) Las actualizaciones también se fi nancial choices, SYEP participants have the publicarán en los sitios de Facebook, Twitter e pplications are open for York entre los 14 y los 24 años, con hasta seis option to receive their wages via direct deposit semanas de experiencia básica en lugares de Instagram de DYCD. Para más información, llame Athe 2017 Summer Youth to a bank account of their choice. Youth who trabajo en los cinco condados. El verano pasado, al 311 o a DYCD Youth Connect al 800.246.4646. Employment Program (SYEP) signed up for direct deposit and/or opened un récord de 60,113 jóvenes fueron empleados en savings accounts are eligible to receive over Los empleadores y los lugares de trabajo now through Friday, March 17, más de 10,000 lugares de trabajo. 2,000 rewards deposited to their accounts Los participantes de SYEP son compensados que buscan apoyar los programas de empleo 2017. The application process ranging from $25-$500. Last summer, more por su labor en miles de diversos lugares de para jóvenes de la Ciudad de Nueva York, was launched early this year for than 16,000 young people signed up for direct trabajo, incluyendo agencias gubernamentales, incluido el SYEP, deben dirigirse al sitio web additional time to plan for summer. deposit accounts, a 200 percent increase since hospitales, campamentos de verano, del Centro de Empleo Juvenil (www.nyc.gov/ 2014. The multi-year initiative is funded by the organizaciones sin fi nes de lucro, pequeñas cye). Los empleadores interesados también Participants are selected by lottery Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) and empresas, bufetes de abogados, pueden enviar un correo electrónico al Fondo for the program, which runs from the Citi Foundation. museos, empresas deportivas y del Alcalde a [email protected] para más July 5 through August 19. Applications can be completed minoristas. También está detalles. online or at a participating disponible una programación community-based organization especializada para jóvenes SYEP is the nation’s largest summer youth during the application period. employment initiative, and since 1963 has discapacitados, en hogares Online applications are available de acogida, sin hogar e provided New York City young people between on the DYCD website (nyc.gov/ the ages of 14 and 24 with up to six weeks of involucrados con la corte. dycd) Updates will also be posted SYEP ofrece talleres sobre preparación entry-level experience at worksites in all fi ve to DYCD’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram boroughs. Last summer, a record 60,113 young para el trabajo, exploración de carreras, sites. For more information, call 311 or DYCD alfabetización fi nanciera y oportunidades people were employed in more than 10,000 Youth Connect at 800.246.4646. worksites. para continuar con la educación y el SYEP participants are compensated for crecimiento social. Ladders for Leaders their work at thousands of diverse worksites, Employers and worksites looking to es un componente de SYEP que consiste including government agencies, hospitals, support New York City’s youth employment en una pasantía pagada por el empleador summer camps, nonprofi ts, small businesses, programs, including SYEP, should go to para jóvenes de 16 a 22 años. law fi rms, museums, sports enterprises and the Center for Youth Employment’s website Como parte de un esfuerzo nacional retail. Specialized programming for disabled, (www.nyc.gov/cye). Interested employers para alentar a los jóvenes a ahorrar y tomar decisiones fi nancieras saludables, foster care, runaway/homeless and court- can also email the Mayor’s Fund atfund@ Más de 60,000 jóvenes involved young people are also available. cityhall.nyc.gov for details. los participantes de SYEP tienen la opción de recibir sus salarios vía fueron empleados en 2016.
www.manhattantimesnews.com [email protected] 5030 Broadway, Suite 807 New York, NY 10034 TRANSLATORS T: 212-569-5800 FOUNDERS/ EDITOR PRODUCTION Yamilla Miranda PUBLISHERS Debralee Santos Ramon Peralta Verónica Cruz F: 212-544-9545 Roberto Ramírez Sr. Erik Febrillet DISTRIBUTION EDITORIAL STAFF MEMBER: MANAGER Chamber of Commerce of Luís A. Miranda Jr. Gregg McQueen OFFICE MANAGER Landa M. Towns Washington Heights and Luis Puntiel Jennifer Saldaña Inwood
6 FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • MANHATTAN TIMES • www.manhattantimesnews.com Workers cheered “It’s not right the announcement. to cheat us” Immigrants victimized by employer kickback scheme speak out Story by Gregg McQueen He did not want to share his surname. “I had mortgage to pay, bills were piling ahase Harrypaul knew up,” he said. “My wife was working two jobs something wasn’t right. because of it. It was very hard on me.” M Harrypaul, who drove construction vehicles The native of Trinidad and Tobago was and performed carpentry at the job sites, said employed for three years on various Bronx he brought the compensation matter to his construction sites for K.S. Contracting, a fi rm supervisor. awarded numerous contracts by city agencies “He ignored it,” remarked Harrypaul. “We for projects such as Morrisania Health complained, but the company did nothing Center and Bronx River Park, a Sanitation about it. They just keep it quiet.” Department garage in Brooklyn and upgrades Eventually, one of Harrypaul’s co-workers to Rikers Island. fi led a complaint with the offi ce of City The workers, mostly immigrants of Latino, other companies that the city will protect its On paydays, Harrypaul would be given Comptroller Scott Stringer, who launched an South Asian, or West Indian descent, were workers. cash by his supervisors, but felt he was being investigation into the company in May 2010. defrauded out of $1.7 million in wages and “If you’re a company that cheats its shortchanged. On February 13, Stringer announced that benefi ts, Stringer said. employees out of an honest day’s pay, we’re “It’s hard when you expect to get one thing the years-long investigation revealed K.S. Stringer has assessed fi nes of $3.2 million going to fi nd you,” he stated. for pay, and you get something else,” said Contracting had engaged in a kickback against the construction fi rm for cheating “I think it’s a good thing to make an example Harrypaul. “It’s a struggle to make a living.” scheme targeting immigrant workers. The workers out of prevailing wages and debarred of them,” said Harrypaul. “Contractors should Sookdeo, an immigrant from Guyana who Comptroller accused the company and its the company for fi ve years. not be taking advantage of workers. They worked for K.S. Contracting for more than a owner, Paresh Shah, of cheating at least 36 The fi ne includes back wages which must went against New York State law and need to year, explained that he too was underpaid for workers out of prevailing wages and benefi ts be repaid to the defrauded workers, as well as be punished.” work he performed at the Rikers Island site, on seven public works projects between interest and civil penalties. Business listings for K.S. Contracting
and said it caused him fi nancial hardship. August 2008 and November 2011. Stringer said the case should signal to See K.S. p20
within the public sphere in other ways.
elevating the voice of low-income groups
expanding participatory budgeting, and
for the implementation of climate policies,
elected offi cials, organizing direct actions
building partnerships with City agencies and services at the building and block level in a
making processes by training local leaders, allow for rapid deployment of emergency
Increasing community power in policy- and taking other related measures that will
4) Participatory Governance: systems, collecting necessary supplies,
strengthening and expanding communications
carry out other movement building activities. Building social cohesion among neighbors,
workspace, store supplies, attend seminars, and 2) Emergency Preparedness:
spaces where people can hold meetings, use
3) Social Hubs: Creating new community unemployed and cost savings for residents.
during a crisis, while also creating jobs for the
use, urban design, and architecture. ensure that energy systems are responsive
plans that articulate local visions for land ownership of distributed energy generation can
infrastructure according to community-based tenants and/or local organizations. Local
future crisis. Also building climate-prepared systems that are owned and managed by
solar, geothermal, and other green energy
1) Energy Democracy: Building wind,
areas of change: The report lists four key “Fue muy duro para mí” Historia por Gregg McQueen del Bronx para K.S. Contracting, una fi rma que recibió numerosos contratos por agencias de la ciudad para proyectos como el Centro de Salud ahase Harrypaul sabía que algo no Morrisania y Bronx River Park, un garaje del Mestaba bien. Departamento de Recolección de Basura en Brooklyn, y remodelaciones en Rikers Island. El nativo de Trinidad y Tobago estuvo empleado En los días de pago, Harrypaul recibía efectivo durante tres años en varios sitios de construcción de sus supervisores, pero sentía que estaba siendo engañado. “Es difícil cuando esperas obtener una cosa como pago y recibes otra”, dijo Harrypaul. “Es una lucha por ganarte la vida”. Sookdeo, un inmigrante de Guyana que trabajó para K.S. Contracting por más de un año, explicó que él también fue mal pagado por el trabajo que realizó en el sitio de Rikers Island, y dijo que le causó difi cultades fi nancieras. “Tenía una hipoteca por pagar, las cuentas se acumulaban”, dijo. “Mi esposa tenía dos empleos a causa de ello. Fue muy duro para mí”. Harrypaul, quien manejaba vehículos de construcción y realizaba trabajos de carpintería en los lugares de trabajo, dijo que tocó el asunto de compensación con su supervisor. “Él lo ignoró”, comentó Harrypaul. “Nos quejamos, pero la compañía no hizo nada al respecto. Simplemente lo mantuvieron en secreto”. Eventualmente, uno de los compañeros de trabajo de Harrypaul presentó una queja ante la ofi cina del contralor de la Ciudad, Scott Stringer, quien inició una investigación sobre la compañía en mayo de 2010. La investigación se El 13 de febrero, Stringer anunció que la inició en mayo de 2010. Vea K.S. p20
FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • MANHATTAN TIMES • www.manhattantimesnews.com 7 Project your Pollock Get inspired by the Museum of the City of New York’s exhibit, “New York at its Core,” and create a Pollock of your own on Sun., Feb. COMMUNITY NEWS 26th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The family workshop will provide guests with unique Celebrate Black History Taller de danza materials like water pipettes to mimic the at Morris-Jumel. Participe en los talleres de danza de artistas dripping techniques and chaotic strings the invitados en el Centro de Recreación Pelham Fritz artist is known for. Guests can register by el sábado 25 de febrero de 1:30 p.m. a 3:00 p.m. visiting http://bit.ly/2kTZGC4. The museum Los talleres maestros de danza son impartidos is located at 1220 Fifth Avenue and 103rd por expertos en su campo, quienes enseñarán Street. habilidades como baile hip hop, popping and For more information, please call locking, y “voguing”. Los bailarines de todos los 212.534.1672 or visit www.mcny.org. niveles y orígenes están invitados a asistir. El centro se encuentra en el No. 18 de Mount Morris Proyecte a su Pollock Park Oeste. Inspírese en la exposición del Para obtener más información, por Museo de la Ciudad de Nueva favor llame al 212.860.1380 o visite www. York: “New York at its Core”, nycgovparks.org. Mantenga a y cree un Pollock propio el Celebre el Mes de la Historia See COMMUNITY p17 su bebé sano. domingo 26 de febrero de 11:00 Negra en Morris-Jumel. Keep your baby healthy. a.m. - 2:00 p.m. El taller familiar proporcionará a los invitados histórico desde 1930. El museo se encuentra en materiales únicos, como pipetas de el No. 65 de Jumel Terrace. Breastfeeding Workshop agua y cuerdas caóticas para imitar las técnicas Para obtener más información, por The Inwood Library welcomes expecting de goteo por las que el artista es conocido. Los favor llame al 212.923.8008 o visite www. and new mothers for an informational participantes pueden inscribirse visitando http://bit. morrisjumel.org. workshop on breastfeeding on Mon., Feb. 27 ly/2kTZGC4. El museo se encuentra en el No. 1220 that 10:30 a.m. The workshop will be led by de la Quinta Avenida y la Calle 103. Dance Workshop La Leche League, a non-profi t whose mission Para obtener más información, por favor Take part in the guest artist dance workshops is to educate mothers on breastfeeding llame al 212.534.1672 o visite www.mcny.org. at the Pelham Fritz Recreation Center on Sat., through support and education and to promote Feb. 25th from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Master a better understanding of nursing as an History Tour dance class workshops are taught by experts important element in the healthy development Learn about the history of Morris-Jumel in their fi eld, who will showcase such skills of mother and child. The meeting is open to Mansion and its surrounding neighborhood as hip hop dancing, popping and locking, all women, and guests are encouraged to bring on Sat., Feb. 25th from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and “voguing.” Dancers of all levels and any questions. The library is located at 4790 Morris-Jumel docent and historian Gregory backgrounds are invited to attend. The center Broadway. Washington will lead the tour detailing the is located at 18 Mount Morris Park West. For more information, please call Learn some For more information, please call African presence at the house. These will Aprenda nuevos movimientos. 212.942.2445 or visit www.nypl.org. include some of the enslaved persons who 212.860.1380 or visit www.nycgovparks.org. new moves. lived in the mansion including Ann Northup Taller de lactancia materna and her children who resided there from 1841 La Biblioteca Inwood da la bienvenida a las to 1843, and the African Americans who have madres nuevas y embarazadas para un taller lived in the historic district since 1930. The de información sobre lactancia materna el lunes museum is located at 65 Jumel Terrace. 27 de febrero a las 10:30 a.m. El taller será For more information, please call dirigido La Leche League, una organización 212.923.8008 or visit www.morrisjumel.org. sin fi nes de lucro cuya misión es educar a las madres sobre la lactancia materna a través del Recorrido histórico apoyo y la educación para promover una mejor Conozca la historia de la Mansión Morris- comprensión de la lactancia materna como un Jumel y su vecindario circundante el sábado elemento importante en el desarrollo saludable 25 de febrero de 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Gregory de la madre y el niño. La reunión está abierta a Washington, docente e historiador de Morris- todas las mujeres y se invita a las participantes a Jumel, dirigirá el recorrido detallando la presencia realizar cualquier pregunta que tengan acerca de africana en la casa, que incluye a algunas de la lactancia materna. La biblioteca está ubicada las personas esclavizadas que vivieron en en el No. 4790 de Broadway. la mansión, como Ann Northup y sus hijos, Para obtener más información, por favor quienes residieron allí entre 1841 y 1843, y los llame al 212.942.2445 o visite www.nypl.org. afroamericanos que han vivido en el distrito
Paint like Pollock.
Pinte como Pollock.
8 FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • MANHATTAN TIMES • www.manhattantimesnews.com “Too damn high” New take on transit
Story and photos by Gregg McQueen One in four low-income residents is unable to afford fare costs. ienvenida Cabrera is on the Bhunt. include funding for half-price MetroCards in his 2018 budget. She recently became unemployed and is To date, De Blasio has declined to include searching for a new job. such funding in his preliminary budget, and But Cabrera is struggling to get to job has suggested it is Albany’s responsibility to interviews because of transportation costs. fund the MTA, a state-run agency. “Even getting to the unemployment offi ce Public Advocate Letitita James pointed to is diffi cult,” she said. “I have to make diffi cult a recent news report that Governor Andrew choices like not paying my electric bill to Cuomo would cut $65 million in MTA afford a weekly MetroCard.” funding from his executive budget, and said Cabrera and other transit riders rallied she hoped de Blasio would change course. at City Hall on Mon., Feb.13th, imploring “The reality is that the mayor has said no on Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council a number of initiatives, and he has reversed to prioritize half-priced MetroCards for low- himself on a number of issues,” James said. income New Yorkers. The campaign calls for reduced-price MetroCards. “The governor and the mayor of the New Members of advocacy groups Riders York need to step up and realize that not only Alliance and Community Service Society low-income New Yorkers is unable to afford on a subway, go to work, or take their child to is the rent too damn high, but the fare is too (CSS), joined by several elected offi cials, the cost of bus and transit fares. school. This has been the dirty secret of mass damn high as well,” she remarked. gathered in advance of a City Council A discounted fare would save about transit for a long time,” Stringer remarked. Advocates pointed to de Blasio’s track oversight hearing on transportation needs. 800,000 city residents up to $700 a year, the “If we can help the 800,000 people who record on progressive issues such as universal Since last year, the two groups have conducted report said. struggle just to get to work, we will keep the Pre-K and paid sick days, and said that “Fair a “Fair Fares” campaign that calls for reduced- City Comptroller Scott Stringer said he economy growing,” he added. “This is the Fares” could also serve as a signature program price MetroCards to be made available for city strongly supported the half-price MetroCard best investment we can make.” to help impoverished New Yorkers. residents living below the federal poverty line. proposal, as it would boost the city’s economy. The Riders Alliance and CSS have launched A 2016 report by CSS stated that one in four “New Yorkers simply can’t afford to get a petition campaign to urge de Blasio to See TRANSIT p21
February 13th – February 18th Okay, do yourself a favor and check out history of Sherman Creek. The pioneering Pop + Pour ASAP. The latest edition to the Ballet Hispánico will be doing their thing at ever popular Dyckman Strip, Pop + Pour the venerable United Palace on March 11. Get (200 Dyckman) exudes a sexy, swank and your tickets post-haste. sophisticated vibe. It also boasts an inventive Laura Dimon, Shayna Jacobs, Graham New American menu created by critically Rayman of the NY Daily News reported that acclaimed Chef Ricardo Cardona that “two detectives were arrested Thursday on is eclectic and downright delicious. Such accusations they fabricated seeing a man with delectable fare as Wagyu beef with truffl e a gun in Washington Heights and repeated butter, chicken and waffl es and lobster rolls the lie on a search warrant and before a grand gives you an inkling of what Pop + Pour is jury.” bringing to the Uptown culinary landscape. Add This week’s installment of the Black History to that an artfully curated selection of wines and Month In Brief series takes a look at the El concejal Ydanis Rodríguez (centro) habló sobre la desigualdad de ingresos. craft beers and this may just become your new meaning of freedom as defi ned by an Uptown favorite spot on the Dyckman Strip. The space elder that marched at Selma with Dr. King. itself is so chic, cozy and comfortable that you Shout out to my good friend A.J. Sidransky for may not want to leave. Especially after imbibing another outstanding piece. In the latest episode Polémica pendiente their stellar sangrias, which come in red, white of the Latinos Out Loud Podcast, Juan Bago, and champagne. Check out Pop + Pour pronto! Rachel La Loca and the crew chop it up with Historia y fotos por Gregg McQueen pagar una MetroCard semanal”. You can thank us later. actor Danny García. Cabrera y otros pasajeros del Transporte I have once again fallen madly in love. ienvenida Cabrera está a la caza. Público se manifestaron en el Ayuntamiento el 13 I mean head over heels. Her name is Keep checking us out at de febrero, implorando al alcalde Bill de Blasio Champagne and she is a 2017 Lincoln www.uptowncollective.com. B Recientemente se y al Concejo Municipal dar Continental. Please don’t judge me. Shout out quedó desempleada y está prioridad a las MetroCards to Emmanuel Abreu for the awesome pictures Led Black buscando un nuevo trabajo. a mitad de precio para los of my new boo and I. Thanks again to the Editor-in-Chief Pero Cabrera está neoyorquinos de bajos good folks at the Lincoln Motor Company for The Uptown Collective luchando para llegar a las ingresos. always showing the Uptown Collective love. Sally Goldenburg of Politico reported on The UC’s mission is to become “the” definitive, transformative entrevistas de trabajo debido Miembros de los grupos and community-based force impacting the arts, culture, business and a los costos de transporte. de defensa Alianza de Pasajeros y Sociedad de the massive mixed-use development slated New York City’s overall perception of Upper Manhattan. Its objective for East Harlem. Sergey Kadinsky, author of is to reset, reboot and positively redefine Uptown’s artistic, political, “Incluso llegar a la ofi cina de desempleo es Servicios Comunitarios (CSS, por sus siglas en cultural and business spheres via the online space as well the difícil”, dijo. “Tengo que tomar decisiones difíciles Hidden Waters of NYC, provided a fascinating collective’s initiatives and functions. como no pagar mi factura de electricidad para Vea TRANSPORTE p21 FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • MANHATTAN TIMES • www.manhattantimesnews.com 9 HEALTH INSURANCE FOR $0 PREMIUM?
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10 FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • MANHATTAN TIMES • www.manhattantimesnews.com Count on Counsel ow they can count on counsel. represented by an attorney 90 percent of the time, while tenants only have legal assistance N Low-income tenants will no longer in 27 percent of cases. be at a disadvantage when facing a landlord “New York City’s eviction epidemic is is housing court, as New York City has a tragedy on so many levels. But starting agreed to fund universal access to legal today, that will change,” remarked Levine, services for tenants facing eviction. the primary sponsor of the legislation in the Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Council City Council. Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and “This announcement marks the beginning Councilmember Mark Levine announced of a new era for tenants in New York City,” on February 12th that the city will provide he said. “No longer will low-income New a $93 million allocation to provide legal Yorkers have to face the life-altering threat representation to residents in housing court, of an eviction alone. I am proud that the a move that is expected to reduce unlawful Council and Mayor de Blasio have come evictions and prevent displacement. together to make this historic program a The agreement will provide free legal reality.” representation to New Yorkers with The new funds will be phased in over household incomes below about $50,000, the next fi ve fi scal years, starting with $15 and legal counseling to those earning more. million in fi scal year 2018, and topping out at The city estimates that 400,000 residents $93 million by 2022. will be served under the program every year. At full implementation, the city’s Since the de Blasio administration investment in anti-eviction legal services will implemented a $62 million-a-year total $155 million. commitment for tenant legal aid in 2014, “This agreement represents a huge step evictions citywide have dropped by 24 towards making New York City a more fair percent. and equitable place,” said Chris Widelo, “We are the fi rst city in the country to level Associate State Director for AARP New York. the playing fi eld between tenants and “It will prevent wrongful evictions and save Councilmembers Mark Levine and Vanessa landlords in housing court,” said de Blasio. taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in Gibson championed the legislation. “To anyone being forced out of their home or the process by keeping New Yorkers in their neighborhood, we are fi ghting for you. This homes and out of the shelter system.” legal representation. become homeless,” said Díaz. “Recognizing is still your city.” Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. “Research shows this proposal would be a tenant’s right to counsel in housing court is Each year, close to 300,000 New Yorkers said the right to counsel announcement is a cheaper than funding shelter beds and other a tremendous step towards increased stability are brought to housing court. Landlords are victory for advocates who pushed hard for services for tenants who might otherwise in our neighborhoods.”
fi scales, empezando con $15 millones de dólares Protecciones nuevas en el año fi scal 2018, y alcanzando $93 millones de dólares en 2022. En plena implementación, para inquilinos la inversión de la ciudad en servicios legales anti- hora pueden contar con un medida que -se espera- reducirá los desalojos ilegales y prevendrá el desplazamiento. desalojo sumará $155 Aabogado. El acuerdo proporcionará representación millones de dólares. legal gratuita a los neoyorquinos con ingresos “Este acuerdo representa Los inquilinos de bajos ingresos ya no familiares por debajo de $50,000 dólares, y un gran paso para hacer de estarán en desventaja cuando enfrenten a un asesoría legal a los que ganan más. la Ciudad de Nueva York un propietario en un tribunal de vivienda, ya que La ciudad estima que 400,000 residentes serán lugar más justo y equitativo”, la Ciudad de Nueva York ha acordado fi nanciar atendidos bajo el programa cada año. dijo Chris Widelo, director el acceso universal a servicios legales para los Desde que la administración de Blasio estatal asociado de AARP inquilinos que enfrentan el desalojo. implementó un compromiso de 62 millones de Nueva York. “Evitará los El alcalde Bill de Blasio; la presidenta del dólares al año para ayuda legal a inquilinos desalojos injustifi cados y Concejo Municipal, Melissa Mark-Viverito, en 2014, los desalojos en toda la ciudad han ahorrará a los contribuyentes y el concejal Mark Levine; anunciaron el disminuido en un 24 por ciento. cientos de millones de 12 de febrero que la ciudad proporcionará “Somos la primera ciudad en el país en nivelar dólares en el proceso al una asignación de 93 millones de dólares el campo de juego entre los inquilinos y los mantener a los neoyorquinos para proporcionar representación legal a los propietarios en el tribunal de vivienda”, dijo de en sus hogares y fuera del residentes en el tribunal de vivienda, una Blasio. “A cualquiera que sea forzado a salir de sistema de refugios”. su casa o vecindario, estamos luchando El presidente del condado del Bronx, Rubén Díaz Formaron una coalición. por usted. Esta sigue siendo su ciudad”. Cada año, cerca de 300,000 Los nuevos fondos serán introducidos Jr., dijo que el anuncio de neoyorquinos son llevados al tribunal durante los próximos cinco años fi scales. derecho a un abogado de vivienda. Los propietarios son es una victoria para los representados por un abogado el 90 “Este anuncio marca el comienzo de una defensores que presionaron por ciento del tiempo, mientras que los nueva era para los inquilinos de la ciudad de duramente para obtener representación legal. inquilinos sólo tienen asistencia legal en Nueva York”, dijo. “Los neoyorquinos de bajos “Las investigaciones demuestran que esta el 27 por ciento de los casos. ingresos ya no tendrán que enfrentar solos la propuesta sería más barata que fi nanciar “La epidemia de desalojo de la amenaza de vida de un desalojo. Me siento camas de refugio y otros servicios para los ciudad de Nueva York es una tragedia orgulloso de que el Concejo y el alcalde De Blasio inquilinos que de otra manera podrían quedar en tantos niveles. Pero a partir de hoy, se hayan unido para hacer de este histórico sin hogar”, dijo Díaz. “Reconocer el derecho eso va a cambiar”, comentó Levine, el programa, una realidad”. de un inquilino a un abogado en un tribunal de principal patrocinador de la legislación Los nuevos fondos serán introducidos vivienda es un tremendo paso hacia una mayor en el Ayuntamiento. gradualmente durante los próximos cinco años estabilidad en nuestros vecindarios”.
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12 FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • MANHATTAN TIMES • www.manhattantimesnews.com SBS ampli es services “Equity and opportunity” and outreach unsure how the new orders Story and photos by Gregg McQueen would immediately affect how immigrant business BS is open for business – and owners operate. more. “I have to truthfully tell S businesses owners ‘I don’t The city’s Department of Small Business know,’” he stated. “But what Services (SBS) will soon unveil a capital I do know is that the city access program to assist Minority and will remain committed to Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/ immigrants and immigrant WBEs), allowing businesses to borrow up to entrepreneurs.” $500,000 at a 3 percent interest rate if they Bishop said his agency also provides help with have won a city contract or are bidding on a The Neighborhood 360° city contract. Fellows program in action. understanding the regulatory “We think that’s going to be a game changer environment, and can send for a lot of M/WBEs in terms of getting have the staffi ng capacity to devote adequate consultants to visit a small business to ensure they are in compliance access to capital,” said SBS Commissioner “We’re doing things with a lens attention to replying to RFPs. Gregg Bishop, who revealed the funding “They may forget to sign page 35 on with city ordinances. of equity and opportunity,” said “Any business owner can request a program during a discussion at the CUNY Commissioner Gregg Bishop. Addendum A,” remarked Graduate School of Journalism’s Center for Bishop. “We want to make compliance advisor to come visit their site, and we do a Community and Ethnic Media (CCEM) on loans during 2016. sure we eliminate all the Fri., Feb. 10th. technicalities.” mock inspection to identify “We’ll help you package your loan potential violations before Bishop said proper fi nancing is one of application, and we won’t leave you until you Bishop discussed his the top challenges facing the city’s small agency’s Immigrant an inspector comes out,” get the loan,” said Bishop. explained Bishop. businesses, and explained that his agency Bishop said that while the city considers small Business Initiative, through assists business owners in getting loans. which SBS collaborates with Since the program launched, businesses to be entities with 125 employees over 4,000 businesses have “Businesses spend a lot of time looking or less, SBS often caters to much smaller community-based partners for the right lender. In some cases, they fi nd to host workshops in various been helped by an SBS businesses, with 15 or fewer employees. compliance advisor, Bishop noted. the wrong lender,” Bishop said. “We want to The agency provides extensive resources to languages. Almost half of small businesses in make sure that businesses know that we are New York City are immigrant owned. SBS is also completing an online portal, assist M/WBEs in responding to Request for slated for launch by the end of 2017, where there to guide them through that process.” Proposals (RFPs), he added. While Bishop pledged his agency would SBS works with a network of more than 40 support immigrant-owned businesses in the business owners can view all of their city “We have staff members who will sit down licenses with in one place and conduct banks, Bishop said, which connected small and review the RFP with you,” said Bishop, face of executive actions coming from the businesses with more than $60 million in who noted that M/WBE’s frequently don’t Trump administration, he admitted that he is See OPPORTUNITY p22
“Equidad y oportunidad”