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A Publication of For The Good, Inc. www.uticaphoenix.net Radio:95.5FM Facebook.com/The Utica Phoenix Sam Cooke’s Daughter Makes Music Too! Story on page 7

My Aunt, Dr. Jean Harris from the 1955 cover of Ebony Magazine. She was the first Black doctor graduated from the State of Virginia. Her sister, Dr. Diane Harris, was the first Black female dentist in Richmond, Virginia. Aunt Diane married State Senator Henry Marsh, the first Black Mayor of Richmond, Virginia. Their sister, Gladys E. Harris was a Licensed Psychiat- ric Social Worker in Washington, D.C. Their brother, my father, Vernon J. J. Harris, Jr., hired in 1952 was one of General Electric’s first Black Aerospace Engineers. Their father, Vernon J. J. Harris, Sr. M.D. was prominent Black physician in Richmond Virginia. Aunt Jean’s story is on page 3. CHL Phoenix Editorial Page Letter to the Editor So, Leeenna... Becoming a Caricature of Ourselves From Editor-in-Chief I’m pretty left of center when it comes to the past for their great accomplishments, Cassandra Harris-Lockwood the majority of issues, specifically those understanding also that they (live every- Ok. So, I got a call from one of the female Est. 2003 that are socially engineered. But a recent one else) has negative aspects attributed to family members from the Riot at Revels. AP story caught my attention and made me them. Presumably she was a rioter as she was de- Editor-in-Chief: C.Harris-Lockwood shake my head in a befuddled sort of way. termined to tell me why I should listen to Photography: CHL, Eamon Handzel Most sane people on all sides of the po- her side of the story; saying that there are The article referenced the San Francisco litical spectrum would agree with me, but a always two sides of a story. She called twice Layout Editor: C.Harris-Lockwood school board and its decision to rename 44 counterproductive move like this gives all and gave two different names. The first time Copy Editor: Stephen L. Lockwood, Jessica Szabo schools in the district that bore the labels of us progressives a bad name. 74 million I asked her name she sneered it out for me, of such American tyrants as Abraham Lin- people voted for Donald Trump this past “Leeeenna” and wouldn’t give her last name. Webmaster: David Laguerre coln, George Washington, and Paul Revere November – and this is just a guess – 70 I told her that ‘yes, there are always two News: Eamon Handzel, Jess Szabo, C. due to perceived racial or social injustices million of them did so against their own sides to the story,’ in this case there is the one Harris-Lockwood, Susan Tomley that run hundreds of years into the past. In- best interests. Why? It’s because The Right with integrity, which I wrote about, and the Columnists: Roger Chambers, Ted cluded in the name-wipe is current Califor- has the ability to snatch up stories like this Rajchel, Joan Shkane, Doug George one which is morally bankrupt, which I did Kanentiio, Mark Ziobro, Jessica Szabo nia Senator Dianne Feinstein over a 1984 and exploit the ridiculousness of them. not care to hear about.’ incident in which she replaced a confed- Yeah, Joe Biden will provide me with “Leena’ was snide and demanding that I erate flag that had been stolen from a city health care or a better cost of living, and hear her out. I told her to tell her story to the For The Good, Inc. hall display used to symbolize the differ- won’t act like a fool on the world’s stage. District Attorney ‘cause I didn’t want to hear Board of Directors ent stages of American history. To be clear, But he’s also on the team that wants to ex- it. She behaved as if I was obligated to inter- President: Cassandra Harris-Lockwood I’m on the side of removing Confederate communicate Paul Revere from the history view her and hear her out and write her side. Chairperson: Onama Tanner-Connors monuments and symbols from public plac- books because (and I had to look this up) I told her I got enough information from the es, wherever they may be, and while that he was a commander in the Penobscot Ex- victims, the police and the District Attorney. Vice Chairperson: Frank Drayton in and of itself is a separate article, what pedition of 1779 and mistakenly believed And that she should feel free to tell her side Treasurer: Charlene Levonski Feinstein did 37 years ago is hardly a sin to have stolen land from a native tribe. of the story. In fact to tell her story to the DA. Secretary: Stephen L Lockwood of racial injustice, especially considering We ended the conversation saying she Denise Prince, Loretta Johnson, Sparkle Moves like this add ice to the already slip- she’s been at the forefront of progressive could go right ahead and do that. She told Anthony, Eamon Handzel pery slope of Cancel Culture and retroac- ideas and social causes for decades. me I should write it. I told her she was wel- tive modifications to history. If the students come to write her version. I had written my Utica Phoenix Radio The real issue lies with a liberal bastion of San Francisco can’t handle attending a version. 95.5FM like San Francisco becoming a caricature school named after the first president, how The arrogant and indignant manner in “The Heat” of itself. So left of center that Abraham are they going to handle the currency with which she came was ridiculous. Repulsive. Lincoln isn’t worthy of honor because of his image splashed across it? Deleting the Classic Hip Hop, Rhythm & perceived mistreatment of Native Ameri- On what grounds? What basis did she have Blues, Funk, Blues, Soul, Jazz, founding members of our history doesn’t to attempt to justify the violence, disrespect, cans. Not being able to comprehend that accomplish anything positive, but the Gospel, Daily News, Talk, the name Washington is all over the coun- the destruction, the brutality? Pathetic. What Opinion. Streaming Online at downsides are endless. You want Donald they did was wrong! try because he was an instrumental general Trump or someone like him (or worse) to uticaphoenix.net or during the American Revolution in spite of Shortly after Leeena, or whatever her win again in four years? Keep doing things name was, hung up she called a second time 955TheHeat.com the fact that he owned slaves, and not be- like this and it will happen. cause of it. History is important, and I’m a calling herself Felicia, warning me that she was going to use my words against me and Contact Us: fan of its place in our culture and heritage. Matt DeCristo Phone: (315) 797-2417 One should celebrate these figures from again demanding that I hear her out. The audacity. How is it that this woman’s Fax: (315) 797-7025 consciousness was so distorted, so self-righ- Email: [email protected] [email protected] TOP DOLLAR PAID FOR teous that she could not accept that the dam- [email protected] Coins, Jewelry age, the violation and indecent conduct that Ads: [email protected] Approved by she was a part of were truly horrific in nature. Address: 1113 Linwood Place, (even broken jewelry), Utica NY 13501 NYS Weights There’s no explaining away the sin, Lady. Silverware Sets, There’s no excusing the sin. www.uticaphoenix.net & & Measures It’s kinda like the Trumpublicans, feeling www.955theheat.com Pocket Watches, that whatever their unfounded beliefs are that The Utica Phoenix reserves the right to edit Over they are entitled to cram The Big Lie down submission for space constraints or content Comic Books and Stamps 30 years in Contents copyright 2014 by the individual business! the throats of anyone else who doesn’t see authors; all rights reserved • For permission at things their way. to reproduce articles in any form, please contact the paper • The opinions expressed in In one case, The Big Lie, was that there was the Utica Phoenix are not necessarily those of LEGGS DiAMOND no body in the casket. The other case, The newspaper’s staff • For reprints, back issues, Big Lie was that the election was stolen. But subscriptions, and advertising inquiries, 8439 Seneca Tpke, contact the Utica Phoenix at (315) 797-2417 BUY • SELL look at the similarities. or e-mail at [email protected] • The New Hartford A bloodthirsty White mob attacks the Utica Phoenix is not responsible for typos or TRADE in the Big Apple Plaza Capitol bent on destruction and mayhem. grammar mistakes in submitted ads. WE ALSO BUY WHOLE ESTATES 1-888-GO-LEGGS Here a Black bloodthirsty mob does their (465-3447) best to destroy the oldest Black business in the County all based on lies. Now Under New Management

2 MarchWe’re 2021 an essential business! THE UTICA PHOENIX www.uticaphoenix.net Curbside and Appointments Welcome My Aunt Dr. Jean Harris was a Trailblazing Female Physicisan plied its students with battered, torn Harris was the mayor of Eden Prairie, books handed down from the white Minnesota, a city near Minneapolis. In schools - books that were covered in a life filled with firsts, she was that -mu the scrawls and notes of the students nicipality’s first black mayor. who had previously owned them - Harris’ mother erupted in righteous Jean Louise Harris grew up in the outrage, raising an uproar at a school Church Hill neighborhood of Rich- board meeting and declaring, “I will mond, not far from the MCV campus. not accept this.” The books were re- Her neighbors included L. Douglas placed with new ones. Wilder, the future governor of Virgin- ia, who she remembered as being like Inspired in part by her “quiet fireball” “Peck’s Bad Boy” - an infamously mis- of a mother, who refused to bend to chievous child who starred in a series unjust rules, and her physician father, of newspaper stories and books - while Vernon Joseph Jackson Harris, a fam- a classmate of hers at George Mason ily practitioner who would routinely Elementary School. She later gradu- take her on rounds and house calls, ated from Armstrong High School, be- Harris may have been the ideal candi- fore attending Virginia Union Univer- date to integrate the Medical College sity, where she was a standout student. of Virginia (now the Virginia Com- monwealth University School of Med- Harris knew she wanted to be a doc- icine), which she did in 1951 when she tor like her father, whom she described became the first-ever black student at as her “idol,” but she and her parents the venerable medical school. Harris believed attending MCV was a long thrived as a student at MCV and then shot, assuming she had little chance of throughout a rich and varied career being accepted at a school that had yet that followed . In doing so, Harris, who to enroll a black student. In her 1982 died in 2001, became an integral part interview, however, Harris looked of VCU’s history. back on that time and believed MCV ultimately saw “the handwriting on the Among her many accomplishments, wall” that school desegregation was in Harris was both the first black and the motion. The school accepted her, and first woman to ever serve in a Virginia she joined the 1951 incoming class. In- governor’s cabinet, holding the post of stead of leaving the state for her medi- secretary of health and human resourc- cal education, as would have been nec- es from 1978 to 1982. Also, in the essary, Harris would be staying close When Jean Louise Harris was a child a 1982 interview for the Church Hill realm of public policy, Harris served to home. growing up in segregated Richmond, Oral History Project, “the clerk be- as a consultant on health issues to the her mother, Jean Pace Harris, took hind the counter was so taken aback U.S. Agency for International De- The initial adjustment to medical her and her sister shopping one day at she didn’t really know what to do. velopment, the National Institutes of school was a difficult one for Harris - Charles Department Store, which like She did not know how to handle this Health, the U.S. Department of Health not as much academically as socially. many public places had separate “col- brown woman and two brown children and Human Services, and the U.S. She had never before been in the pres- ored” and “white” water fountains. sitting there and the whites on either Congress. She held advisory positions ence of more than a few whites at a Harris grew thirsty inside, and her side looked and then in embarrassment on health commissions for multiple time and never in such isolation. Years mother directed her to the white water looked straight ahead. No one wanted presidents. In 1990, she ran unsuccess- later, she would laugh with her class- fountain. Before Harris could get a sip, to deal with this. We were served. And fully for lieutenant governor in Minne- mates about the confusion she had felt a white woman rushed toward them she did this repeatedly and they never sota, becoming that state’s first black among them her first days on campus. and said, “You can’t drink there.” knew what to do. So rather than cre- candidate for statewide office. In fact, she said, she had not been able ate a great brouhaha, they would serve to tell one white person from another Without hesitating, Harris’ mother us.” Harris also served stints on the faculty for the first six to eight weeks of class. calmly but firmly told her daugh- of MCV (where she was the school’s They had all blended together. Her ter, “Drink.” Then she turned to the One store that didn’t sell clothes to first full-time black faculty member), classmates, meanwhile, “did not know white woman, looked her in the eye, blacks always sold clothes to her moth- Howard University in Washington, what to expect of me either. The only and asked, “Why?” It was a challenge er, Harris recalled. She simply walked D.C., Johns Hopkins University in blacks they had seen had been princi- more than a question. The woman re- inside and bought them as if she be- Baltimore and the Drew Postgraduate pally in their kitchens.” treated without saying another word. longed, because she believed she did. School of Medicine in Los Angeles. Once, as Harris’ mother inspected a In addition, she held posts as director One early incident poignantly illustrat- The moment was not an isolated one hat at Thalheimer’s, a saleswoman of medical affairs for the University of ed her circumstances. She was grouped in Harris’ childhood. Years before the sternly warned her that blacks could Minnesota Hospital and Clinic, as vice with other new students for their first integration of lunch counters in the not try on the hats. Harris’ mother re- president with Control Data Corp. and dissection of a human body. They were South, Harris’ mother would take her sponded by giving the saleswoman a as president and CEO of the Ramsey assigned a cadaver, but it was too rot- children to the lunch counter at Pio- tongue-lashing. Then she modeled the Foundation. ten and they had to get a new one. In neer Woolworths, sit them at the coun- hat, returned it to its place and said she anticipation, one of her classmates re- ter and wait to be served. The first time guessed she did not need it and left. At the time of her death following she did this, Harris remembered in When Harris’ elementary school sup- cont’d on page 5 a three-year battle with lung cancer, www.uticaphoenix.net THE UTICA PHOENIX March 2021 3 work hard and reach goals. You’ll need I Hate My Job: Cam’Ron the radio edit if you plan on listening As hopeful as we all want to be with The Heat Beat: Songs About to this one while you’re actually at work goals, sometimes jobs, work proj- ects, freelance assignments, and even By Jess Szabo, Arts Writer work, but it’s a great boost for those times when you’re working on some- whole careers just don’t work out. We Work Playlist: hate them. Nothing goes right, nothing lyrics “You own it, you better never thing people thought you couldn’t do. is right for us, and we just don’t want let it go, you only got one shot….this or need to be there anymore. Featuring opportunity comes once in a lifetime..” Hate Me Now: Nas the line, “Being here eight hours sure can apply to any career a person is pas- The narrator of this 1999 song has al- will get you nauseous,” this song is sionate about. ready made it, and is looking back at all those who might be jealous or re- one to listen to in those situations. Just make sure to play it at home to avoid Hard Luck Boogie: St. Louis Jimmy sentful of the money he made and the making things even worse for you at Oden things he bought with it. We may not the office when your supervisor hears The song was released in 1953, but it all be working to afford the Gucci and it. could be the Blues theme of everyone Fendi mentioned in the song, but most Be sure to tune in to 95.5 The Heat: watching YouTube and wishing they people who work toward a goal and Phoenix Radio throughout the work Spring is often a time for new ca- could quit their nine to five job and make it can look back on people who week, before, during, and after hours reer goals. Many of us are looking earn their living filming themselves seemed unsupportive and resentful of for the best in Blues, Rap, Jazz, Hip- for a new job, as we look forward to eating takeout, shopping, and fixing their progress and success. Hop, Gospel, R& B, and Soul. turning the corner in the Covid-19 pan- up their appearance like many of their demic. Others have fresh goals or proj- favorite content creators. After detail- ‘Till I Collapse: Eminem (with Nate Jess Szabo is a novelist, arts writer, ects for existing businesses or careers. ing all of the work he does, the narrator Dogg) and writing teacher from Utica. See For everyone working on their work proclaims, “Can’t find nothing easy to Work goals do not always flow more of her work at www.artistcafeu- goals this month, here is the Heat Beat make big money like you.” smoothly. Sometimes, you start down work playlist, featuring music from a professional path, and all you seem tica.com the genres heard on 95.5 The Heat: Work Song: The Cannonball Adder- to find are obstacles. The harder you Phoenix Radio. Some of these songs ley Quintet work, the more obstacles seem to are about work or working toward a The title alone makes this song a come up. If it’s something you truly dream career. Others are just good to work song of course, but the song it- feel called to do in life, you keep go- play when you need a boost of energy, self is one to play when you need to get ing, even to the point that you feel like or a moment of calm, in your work day. something done fast, while remaining you can’t make it anymore. Eminem’s in a pleasant mood. 2002 song talks about pushing through Working in the Coal Mine: Lee it all until you reach your goals. Dorsey You About to Lose Your Job: Joh- This 1966 R&B hit can best be de- niqua Charles, DJ iMarkkeyz & DJ scribed as an ode to the kind of job Suede most of us hope we don’t have to take, Although made in the summer of at least not as our permanent job. The 2020, this one is likely to evolve into a KURT’S GOURMET lyrics describe a workday in which Rap classic in no time. While the song you’re already gone at five in the is about a police officer losing a job for morning, and looking forward to the detaining someone for doing nothing weekend. Of course, by the time the wrong, the story behind it is a tale of weekend gets here, the narrator is al- an undiscovered talent helping some- ready too tired to enjoy it. In contrast one out of a bad situation. Charles was to the lyrics, the beat of this song re- involved with illegal drugs, estranged flects the way we hope we all feel at from her family, and homeless when work. she was detained by a police officer. She felt the arrest was unnecessary, Started from the Bottom: Drake and began to freestyle rap the lyrics (Clean Version) “You about to lose your job..” The ar- Hip-Hop artist Drake’s 2012 song resting officer recorded the rap, which about starting from the bottom is the was later mixed by DJ iMarkkeyz and one to listen to at the launch of your DJ Suede. According to various press next big project or goal. While you sources, as of the summer of 2020, might expect a song with that title to Charles was reunited with her family be about the despair of starting life on and working on improving her situa- the bottom, this song is about starting tion. Hopefully, she’s still rapping. from the bottom and making to the top. The catchy hook and upbeat tempo So Ambitious: Jay-Z further makes it a great energizer for “Motivation for me was them telling those early mornings and late nights me what I could not be,” is the open- needed to get you from your own bot- ing line of this 2009 rap. It goes on to HAND-CRAFTED IN SMALL BATCHES tom to the top. tell a story from the point of view of FOR THE DISCERNING PALETTE someone who is continously told they Lose Yourself: Eminem are not going to amount to much. But FACEBOOK.COM/KURTSGOURMET Eminem is rapping about taking your instead of letting that convince them shot at a career in music in this theme this is true, the narrator uses the insults 315-269-1793 song to his movie “8 Mile.” But the and condescending attitudes as fuel to 4 March 2021 THE UTICA PHOENIX www.uticaphoenix.net just six fellow women in her class, and dency at MCV. She was relieved that Aunt Jean Medical Trailblazercontinued from page 3 “our teachers, as well as the boys in the discrimination never kept her from marked offhandedly, “Gee, I hope we ably helped prepare me for [later] shar- class, let it be known that they consid- learning and practicing what she need- get us a big fat [N-word] mammy.” ing a rotation and room with a very ered us intruders. We were taking up a ed to know, and she appreciated that good black intern in Cincinnati. I feel slot that should have rightfully gone to MCV ensured her experience fell in The student immediately “went abso- indebted to Jean for enlightening me.” another man.” line with her peers. lutely red and everything went quiet,” Harris remembered. Harris was aston- John Myles, M.D., who was part of Myles and McGuire both acknowledge “I worked on both the white wards and ished but determined not to show it. Harris’ clinical rotation her final two now that they were surprised to be in the black wards,’’ she said. “I deliv- She searched for a response and re- years of medical school, said the de- medical school with women. Myles, ered white babies and black babies. I plied - with what she remembered as manding, intense nature of medical who spent his first two years of medi- did my surgical training on white pa- equanimity - “Do you think that one school helped strengthen the ties be- cal school at West Virginia University, tients and black patients, and it was a will be easier to dissect than the one tween all of the students. He remem- where there were no female students good experience for MCV as well as we have now?” The class, noticeably bered Harris as an affable, pleasant in medicine, said he had simply never for me, and it certainly was a good ex- and collectively embarrassed, pro- classmate who endured with poise the considered women would be studying perience for those white patients who ceeded with the dissection. same daily challenges the rest of them alongside him at MCV. “It had just would otherwise never have seen a faced - while dealing with a set of is- never occurred to me,” he said. black physician. And, of course, they Afterward, the student who had made sues uniquely her own. “Our whole never saw me as a student or an intern. the remark approached Harris at her mode was survival,” he said. “We were In that climate, Harris was comforted They saw me as a, quote, ‘physician,’ locker and said, “I hope you will for- absorbed by ideas in medical school.” by the friendships she formed with which made a difference in terms of give me. I wasn’t thinking.” some of her fellow women students. their perception of black ability.” Harris would later recall the satisfac- Still, when a new sorority was formed Soon, Harris felt a bond develop with tion she felt proving herself in the to provide support for the small band Harris graduated in the spring of 1955 her classmates and understood there classroom among the overwhelm- of female students, Harris was the only in the top five of her class. The mag- was a level of acceptance. “They be- ingly white and male student body one not invited. Two of her classmates nitude of Harris’ accomplishment be- gan to feel I was a part of that commu- and faculty. She served notice with her refused to join in protest. “These are came apparent soon after her gradua- nity,” she said. When she joined some first neuroanatomy examination - she the small things that eventually began tion when Ebony magazine featured fellow students for a study session at scored a 96 - that she was more than to break down,” Harris said. her on the cover of their July 1955 is- the Skull and Bones, a campus restau- proficient enough to belong. sue. Less conspicuously, but perhaps rant, the manager refused to serve her. Faculty and fellow students were not even more powerfully to Harris, the Her classmates, however, responded “The whole Department of Anatomy the only ones who had to adjust to same faculty members she had fought that they wouldn’t be served there ei- was informed,” she said. “They did Harris’ presence. There were also the to convince of her worthiness made an ther, providing her with a jolt of en- not believe this. One of my professors patients. During her clinical rotations, effort to advocate for her in her pro- couragement, and then left with her to came to me and said, ‘You had a 96,’ Harris would often care for patients fessional pursuits. Several of them study elsewhere. with all that that implied in his voice who could not believe she was black. wrote letters of recommendation to and face - that they could not believe They openly wondered if she was colleagues, and two worked to get her Hunter McGuire Jr., M.D., was one of a black could think. I had penetrated Spanish or Puerto Rican or just deeply admitted to study at the Octagon Insti- Harris’ classmates at MCV. He admits, their own stereotypical barriers of tanned from a trip down South. “It was tute in Paris. “I was not prepared for Jean. I was what Negroes were like.” all kinds of things,” she said. raised in a Confederate cradle and un- She did not opt for that path, instead til then my school and college classes Harris’ status as a woman made her Her race, however, never affected her choosing a medical career in the Unit- had been all-male, all-white and most- experience doubly difficult, forc- training, she said - not during her time ed States and building a family with ly private school graduates. I wasn’t ing her to overcome twice the doubts in medical school nor during her resi- continued on page 10 a snob or active segregationist. I was about her ability to succeed. She had just naive.”

McGuire said that Harris’ presence was influential not just for the many aspiring black physicians who would follow Harris to MCV after she broke the school’s color barrier. It also was critical for white students such as McGuire, who needed to have their world expanded and their assumptions and prejudices confronted head on. It helped that Harris was such a likable person and impressive student, he said. And it must be added that she was as beautiful as she was intelligent.

“I recall Jean as being gentle, smart but never showy, happy to help but never demanding,” McGuire said. “These qualities made me want to take her side when the MCV trustees decided to cancel a graduation dance rather than integrate. Having seen and sided with her graceful example prob- www.uticaphoenix.net THE UTICA PHOENIX March 2021 5 Utica’s Burmese Protest Legal Myths & Reality By Judge Joan Shkane ly support the adoptee. The next step was a hearing to decide if the adoption Military Coup in MyanmarBy Eamon Handzel was in the adoptee’s best interest. This is the same standard used in a child custody dispute, among other types of cases. “Best interest” is an interna- tional standard, used in many parts of the world in many types of cases. The trial court found that adoption was in the best interest of the adoptee, even though she was unable to consent. The Court of Appeals decided that permit- ting the adoption without consent was best for this particular adoptee. Most This is a continuing discussion of importantly, the Court laid out the ap- propriate steps to be followed in future Legal Myths and Reality, because cases of this sort, including a best in- those informed are always the most terest hearing. This will be a guide to On a frigid afternoon of Friday the both domestically and abroad. successful. all lower court judges in the future, and 12 outside of Munson Williams mu- The conditions for the Burmese to lawyers, on how to proceed. The seum, a crowd of about 50 Burmese people in Myanmar have become se- MYTH: An adult incapacitated per- Court of Appeals made clear the law immigrants rallied to show solidarity vere. A protests movement has begun son with a significant developmental and the correct way to proceed. with their country Myanmar (formally across the nation called CDM (Civil disability cannot be adopted because MYTH: If you have placed an order called Burma) which has been over- Disobedience Movement), whereby the adult’s consent is required, and an with Amazon for a product and the taken in a military coup. Christian, regular citizens stop working and thus incapacitated person cannot legally product is not satisfactory, you are un- national services grind to a halt. The Muslim, and Buddhists all marched consent. able to sue Amazon for credit or other together over to Oneida Square where universities, hospitals, transportation, REALITY: An adult in New York satisfaction, but must try to figure out, their numbers swelled to well over etc have all stopped due to their em- State can be adopted. This law has been if you can, who made the product and 100 people. Participants complained ployees simply striking. The military used for various reasons, including, has strengthened its grip on the popu- who distributed it. about the freezing temperatures, yet but not limited to, instead of marriage persisted in demonstrating their rage lation in response. REALITY: This area of the law is before LGBTQ persons could legally over the seizing of their government. known as product liability law. Under marry. However, it has long been the This was only one of many Burmese Response in Utica this law those who make, distribute or protests taking place all over the world The crowd itself in Utica, while almost law that the adult person’s consent is sell a defective product are liable for as the Burmese people are petitioning entirely Burmese, was rather diverse. required if the adoptee is over 14 years harm caused by the product. The legal any and every government to intervene The Burmese have several major eth- old. The law also provides that a judge theory is that an injured buyer should and return control of the Burmese gov- nic factions that historically have seen can proceed without the incapacitated not have to figure out who specifically ernment back to the people. much conflict with each other. The adult’s consent under certain unde- to sue for injuries. The consumer can largest religious group by far are the fined circumstances. Sometimes New sue anyone in a chain of distribution What happened in Myanmar Buddhist, but there are also the Chris- York’s highest court makes a decision of a defective product. That entity can The short version of their recent history tian Karen people and Muslim Ro- on the exact definition and appropri- then sue other responsible entities, and is this: in 1962, the Burmese military hingya people. There has recently been ateness of a law. Sometimes the court ultimately the real responsible party took over the democratic government a large amount of solidarity between speaks on appropriate procedure for all will be sorted out and part of the law- and began an oppressive dictatorship these groups as they have all come to- courts to follow. New York’s highest suit. This is helpful to a consumer that greatly restricted civil liberties. In gether as one Burmese population with court has recently considered the issue when it is not clear who the respon- 1988, civilians began uprising via pro- a common enemy that is the military of absence of consent to adopt because sible party is, or when the responsible tests that were met with mass violence headed by Min Aung Hlaing. of incapacitation. party is not within the jurisdiction from the state. It wasn’t until 2011 that One of the Burmese organizers spoke The Court of Appeals now confirms (power to decide) of New York State. the military allowed elections again. with the Phoenix about the rally’s that, indeed, a court can order an adult This can apply to a product made in agenda: In 2015, the population overwhelm- adoption without the consent of the another state, or another country, for ingly voted for the National League Daniel: “The Burmese military has adoptee in certain circumstances, and instance, China. been killing many ethnic civilians in for Democracy party headed by Aung explores those circumstances. The For the first time a New York State San Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi has been an the ethnic area –Rohingya and Karen subject case involved an adult woman trial level court decided that Amazon – so [we’re here] to denounce all of it, extremely popular president which who suffered from a significant devel- is liable for injuries caused by a defec- makes her problematic for the military to show our support and solidarity, and opmental disability. Because of the se- tive product offered on its website by wanting to regain control. make our Utica community aware of vere disability she was unable to give a third party vendor. New York joins In November of last year, the De- what is going on in Burma” only several other state’s courts that mocracy party again won the elec- E. Handzel: “How optimistic are you her consent to the adoption by petition- ers who had operated a Family Care agree. (California agrees, Ohio does tion. Upset by Aung San Suu Kyi’s that there’ll be some sort of US inter- not, and cases in other states are pend- victory, the military insisted that the vention (I didn’t mean militarily)?” home and had custody of the adoptee ing.) This decision is not binding on election was fraudulent and used this Daniel: “We wanna see, like physi- since she was a child. Her disability other New York courts because it is as grounds for their coup. The military cally, the US intervene. We [the West] made her non-verbal. She had no liv- trial level, not appellate level, and is lead by Min Aung Hlaing arrested Suu have been doing sanctions for many ing relatives. The petitioners wanted subject to further arguments based on Kyi and most of her administration years, nothing happened. In the UN, to provide permanency for the adoptee, facts and legitimate defenses. Howev- and announced that they would allow China staunchly...they veto everything who was 66 years old. After procedur- er, its expansion to include Amazon is elections to occur again in one year, (I believe his point was that China ve- al steps, including a hearing, the Court groundbreaking. but that promise has not been greatly to’s all sanctions against Myanmar as found that there was a lot of love be- The legal issue is what is the defini- believed by the civilians. Since the China supports the military agenda in tween the adoptee and the petitioners, tion of “seller” within the law. With coup, the military has shut down the Burma)” and that the petitioners could financial- respect to Amazon, for some of the internet and various media outlets. The Continued on page 7 Burmese people have begun protesting Continued on page 14 6 March 2021 THE UTICA PHOENIX www.uticaphoenix.net Sam Cooke’s Daughter and Granddaughters Make music Too! By Phoenix Staff As the family has been research- daughter Tiffany Trapps Richard- ing and studying the great man in the son of Rome are both preachers. past year, Rose has noticed some of “Preaching runs in the family, on the similarities she sees between her both sides myself and my daughter father’s work and her own. Tiffany Richardson are preachers. I “I see myself in his music that is his claim and pray for all my children love of Gospel and Soul music. He to follow in ministry one day!” says was very passionate about his lyrics Trapps. like me as a song writer. I’ve noticed Sam Cooke’s legacy further lives The late Sam Cooke and newly discovered daughter Roselyn Trapps Cooke his music is short sweet and to the on in Trapps’ daughters as Rose has Today, getting your DNA tested is a from the generations, some of them point. I also love short sweet and to six daughters, all of whom are gos- trend. People pay a fee to businesses turn out to be accurate, while others the point.” pel singing artists like their mother like My Heritage DNA or Ances- stem from something a family mem- Another family similarity is the and grandfather. “Evers since they try dot com, receive a kit, and then ber invented. Trapps was sure this love of God. Sam Cooke’s father, were little, Tiffany and Nicole would submit their DNA through a saliva story was true, even before the DNA Rev. Charles Cook was a preacher write poems and make up songs. sample. The DNA is then analyzed, test, for precisely the opposite rea- and Sam Cooke started singing in When I was little girl I would make and the results posted on a secure son. It took her family years to reveal the church. Roselyn Trapps and her songs too. I would sing and make up webpage. Most people learn more the identity of her biological father. continued on page 8 about their ethnic background, or “I knew it to be true because my learn they have some heritage they whole life I was told my father was continued from page 5 never knew they had before. Some deceased. Then one family member Myanmar are surprised, even shocked, to learn came forth with the truth, other fam- “We wanna see like UN troops. We just other earlier demonstration, several their ethnic background is not what ily members knew it was the right want someone to intervene physically. individual police officers in a riot unit they thought it was. Central New time for me to know the truth and it E. Handzel: “What do you have to say joined the protesters against the mili- about the Military promising to rein- tary regime. York minister and musician Roselyn was revealed to me that Sam Cooke state free elections in one year?” The conflict in that part of the world Trapps can top all of those. was my father,” Trapps explained. Daniel: “Ha! That’s not gonna happen. is undeniably getting worse. One lo- Her DNA test revealed she is the Rose, which her family calls her, is Last time they had elections back in cal Burmese source, who is in contact daughter of American music legend a beautiful woman. Sam Cooke was 1990, they said that they were gonna with her family in Myanmar, told the Sam Cooke. a handsome man. Once the DNA was give power to the civilian government. Phoenix that much of the population “I learned he was my father just a confirmed she reached out to a few It took, what, like over 20 years. So, is struggling to get food. This is be- year ago,” Trapps said. “I was first family members in the past year. At it’s highly unlikely. We don’t believe cause the Burmese banks are staying it. It’s all a lie. That’s why it’s now or closed to prevent the population from one point when Rose found a Cooke told he was my father by a family never. withdrawing all of their money and member. I then questioned my moth- relative on Facebook she sent a pho- “We’re sending letters to our congres- thus sending the banks into bankrupt- er and she advised me to get DNA to of herself. The resemblance was sional leaders and representatives. In cy. The nation operates almost entire- done. I got the DNA done through so great that she was mistaken for DC, we sent letters to the president ly on a cash basis. Without cash, citi- Ancestry dot com. It went back ten the mother of the new found relation. and the State Department, so as a re- zens have trouble buying food which generations of his bloodline and And then there’s the voice. Once sult of that, President Biden has had is becoming increasingly expensive proved he was my father.” Roselyn begins to sing it is clear strict sanctions on the Burmese mili- there. The source stated a fear that tary leaders, which is a good thing. So, as the situation grows worse, vio- While many people hear family that there is a quality to her voice we need to keep that pressure up. We lent rebellion will become inevitable. legends, stories that get passed down that is shockingly magical. There is cannot let up. We cannot give up. Should that occur and the Military no doubt that she is a gifted musi- The crowd massed around Oneida Dictatorship begin killing more civil- cian and that it is authentic. She has Sqaure at first in rows, and then- be ians, the UN may be forced to militar- a resonance which is unique, refined gan chanting in their native language. ily intervene. This makes China’s re- and captivating. Rose has since been Many of them wore red bandanas or sponse the big worry in this scenario. accepted as the unexpected and pre- sashes showing their support for the China backs the Dictatorship because NLD (Democratic party). One person it wants certain trade rights and ac- cious daughter of the greatest Black played guitar and the crowd began cess to the Bay of Bengal, as well as a singer/songwriter of the 1960’s. singing (in their language) Dust In The foothold in South East Asia. Burmese Wind by Kansas. The support from citizens believe that the Chinese are cars driving by says something about actively supplying the Dictatorship, how integral the Burmese population though this belief is as yet unsubstan- has become to the Utica area. Like tiated. the Poles, Irish, Italians, and Bosnians In the Cold War from Korea to Af- before them, the Burmese are now ghanistan, America and Russia fought becoming one of the many groups brutal proxy wars through smaller that shapes Utica’s identity, and what countries. Should armed rebellion in transpires in their native country will Myanmar take place, will we end up greatly affect their presence here. in another proxy war where we fund Update on the Burmese Conflict or even aid Burmese rebels and the On Sunday the 28th, Burmese police Chinese back the Burmese military? cracked down on yet another peaceful This question is one of many reasons protest. Multiple reports state that the why Uticans should pay close atten- police used live rounds on peaceful tion to what happens now in Myan- protesters, killing at least seven people mar. and wounding more. Though at an- www.uticaphoenix.net THE UTICA PHOENIX March 2021 7 some beautiful singing. I kept them me shiver. If I had to compare them busy with a drill team. And they were to anyone it would be the Sounds of Sam Cooke’s Family Sings Too! in church four days a week! Sunday Blackness,” said Trapps. church service, Bible study twice a “If I say C’mon let’s put together week, Tuesday and Thursday. Satur- a song, five minutes later, they have day praise service and choir practice. a song. It’s amazing the harmonies That went on for 12 or 13 years.” they make and some of my girls are “When they first learned he was rappers. Just naturally they’re rap- their grandfather, they were astound- pers so, the sound is fresh. They’re ed, and overwhelmed with excite- just amazing. They’re really talent- ment,” Trapps said. “They were also ed” eager to write more songs and to sing Tiffany Richardson, Rose’s 2nd more.” oldest daughter is her mom’s admin- The family now records and per- istrative assistant to operate the Soul forms under the name of the “Rose- Stirrers. “She really holds it togeth- lyn Cooke ‘Soul Stirrers”. Soul er,” Trapps noted, listing daughters Stirrers is the name of the Gospel Kristina is the eldest, then Tiffany, group founded by the legendary Sam Nicole, Quinta, Tamique, Aleah. Cooke at the beginning of his career. Youngest daughter Autumn will soon The use of this name is with special become a singer as well as the oldest permission and acknowledgement of grandchild Jazanay. the estate of Sam Cooke. As a matter “Tiffany also helps me maneuver of fact, Roselyn Cooke has access to all of the legal challenges that are all songs all of the time. I never knew harmony. Their first group was called any and all of the music of her fa- new to me. They’re new to all of us. this would be the outcome, but my Go 7. The mother and six daughters mous father. This is such a dramatic change in who kids did the same thing! Of course I wrote and sang gospel favorites. Just “My girls sound so wonderful we are and how we are perceived. It encouraged it.” like her father and their grandfather when they sing. We have first and is so exciting and wonderful. Roselyn Trapps family has been Sam Cooke who began as a gospel second soprano, first and second alto, “Tiffany also has written songs for singing together since the girls were singer in the church as well. tenor and baritone. The sounds they the Soulsters and does a lot of the all youngsters. Roselyn as their mom, “Lord knows, I had six daughters, make as a group is a phenomenon. organization and is an outstanding as well as choir director, began train- six girls. You know I had to keep When I listen to them sing it makes music professional in her own right. ing them at young ages to sing in them busy. They wrote songs and did

8 March 2021 THE UTICA PHOENIX www.uticaphoenix.net ly from what it was when Sam Cooke was at his height, we remain in wait the promise of justice and freedom. Roselyn told a story of her father’s encounter with a White Supremacist Sheriff when their tour bus was go- ing through the South. The troupe had stopped for a meal at a roadside restaurant and there was trouble with being served. Dionne Warwick was on the tour bus and had a bad encounter with a waitress in the restaurant. Once the band had returned to the bus, the Sheriff board- ed the bus and louded the group de- manding to know ‘Which one of you So juxtaposed to the ugliness of ny and finally A Change is Gonna gals had given that lady a hard time?” the nightly news scenes of assasina- Come. It was Cooke and other artists The story goes that Sam Cooke tions, protestors being beaten and whose music flew in the face of the Her ministry is based in Rome which stood and stepped to the law enforce- killed, churches and homes being tar- shameful, bigoted and violent treat- includes a praise team. She runs a ment officer to inform him that there geted and bombed came the sounds ment Blacks were subject to. It was Facebook page, called “Women are were no “‘gals’ on this bus” and that of sweet Soul music from Motown, not to be denied but coveted for gen- Free” which provides inspirational he had best get off of said but go on Philly and Chicago. Soul music pre- erations to come. messaging for women. The mother about his business.” sented the era’s height of artistic cre- And Sam Cooke was only one man and daughter team also produce pod Sam Cooke was an activist and a ation clamored for and drawn from among the many who brought that casts. giant in the midst of the 60’s when by musicians all over the world. sweet Soul Music to the forefront of On the go live program she invites America first began to wrestle with And in the midst of all of this American culture and, bring it he did. other guests on the show different its racist past. When segregation was fabulous music and artistry, Cooke He was a king among the many who topics. Richardson leads the choir, being fiercely defended by White su- brought hit after astonishing hit like came and now, we here in Upstate called One Voice Community Choir premacists, when it was believed that Twistin’ The Night Away, Cupid,You NY have the blessing to have among with Randal Beavers. The choir has Black folks were inferior, incapable Send Me, Only Sixteen, Chain us his progeny, his Princess Roselyn between ten and fifteen members of intellectual achievement, not fit Gang, Another Saturday Night and I and her royal court of daughters and has had limited rehearsal during the to walk among White folks, when Ain’t Got Nobody, Frankie and John- granddaughters intent upon keeping Coronavirus pandemic. She has been Black life was controlled in every his name and music alive among us. a guest on the Hot Seat. way shape and form came this music. “It’s a journey. We are the beginning The impact and acceptance of Soul of a beautiful journey. It’s all new Music was so powerful it could and unfolding right here in all of this not be stopped. Neither could it be beautiful music. Like now I’m re- matched or denied. Scores of Ameri- writing, reworking several of my fa- can youth Black and White danced ther’s great hits into Gospel versions. and sang and reveled in the joy it We’ve already recorded ‘You Send brought and brought it with class Me’ into ‘Lord You Saved Me. Right and style. Elegant, stylish, trending, now I’m working on “A Change is beautiful Black faces delivered up Gonna Come.” I put a twist into it this new form of fresh, unique, sexy with his style,” says Roselyn. and smooth music that penetrated the And as our world changes so great- very fabric of American culture.

www.uticaphoenix.net THE UTICA PHOENIX March 2021 9 Aunt Jean continued frmo page 5 Moody Launches 2021 Campaign and sustainable change. Not-For-Profit her husband Leslie Ellis, with whom Agencies, Corporations, Government she had three daughters. The career “The fact is that if we hadn’t been agencies are all reinvesting in the future that unfolded ultimately was a mes- ready to sacrifice and butt our heads of the area and it is exciting!” merizing and astonishing thing to the against the wall and prepare and excel, “This past year since, I led the effort woman who led it. then it would have been more difficult. for over $500k going into direct Rental It wouldn’t have come as fast. I mean, Assistance for Uticans, reinstated the “I believed that I could do anything. I laws, you can change a law, but if you Utica Youth Common Council, advocat- really believed that. I set my mind to haven’t got somebody to walk through ed for regulation of Corner Stores, and it, but never in my wildest dreams an- that door, the door may as well remain provided UPD with necessary tools to ticipated the advances that blacks as a shut.” crack down on noise violations over the group would make or that I as an indi- summer. I have been on the front line of vidual would make,” she said. “In my *Jean Louise Harris, the first African the cause of justice and equity in Utica. lifetime, I feel I have been fortunate to American to be named to the Virginia From being invited and traveling across be standing in the right place when the state Cabinet as Secretary of the De- Councilman Delvin J. Moody is excited the Mohawk Valley to speak with Po- train comes by.” partment of Health and Human Re- to announce his candidacy for Re-Elec- lice Departments to organizing close to sources, was born in this year. tion to the City of Utica Common Coun- 1,000 people for a peaceful rally, I have In 1998, Harris told the St. Paul Pio- cil. He notes that it has been an honor of been committed to change.” neer Press that she was not always ea- Dr.Jean Louise Harris also served stints a lifetime to serve the people of Cornhill “We are nowhere near done. I am run- ger to take on the next task. She was on the faculty of MCV (where she and he feels that the area is moving in ning to ensure economic development the right direction. in Cornhill which is why I proposed a brave but not immune to feeling daunt- was the school’s first full-time black First elected in 2019, Councilman MWBE certification program in the City ed and discouraged. faculty member), Howard University Moody has been a strong voice in city of Utica. I believe we can improve pub- in Washington, D.C., Johns Hopkins hall for Cornhill and a dedicated leader lic safety by passing my proposed Cam- “There were so many times I didn’t University in Baltimore and the Drew of equity and inclusion. era Surveillance Ordinance for apart- know if I could face the challenge. But Postgraduate School of Medicine Councilman Moody States: “I am ment buildings. Leaving both landlords, I learned to become a calculated risk- in Los Angeles. In addition, she held pleased to announce my candidacy for residents, and homeowners with a sense taker. I also learned that each chal- posts as director of medical affairs for Re-Election to the Utica Common Coun- of security. There is so much to be done lenge created a richness in the whole. the University of Minnesota Hospital cil. Since my election, this past year we and I look forward to serving on the Uti- By surmounting the obstacles, I was and Clinic, as vice president with Con- have been able to restore a city-wide ca Common Council again. Let’s move able to grow.” trol Data Corp . and as president and commitment to development in Cornhill Utica forward together!” CEO of the Ramsey Foundation . In her own way, Harris spent her life perpetually in her mother’s footsteps, At the time of her death (in December refusing to bow to indignities and de- 2001) following a three-year battle termined to push through apparent ob- with lung cancer, Harris was the mayor stacles. She marveled at the influence of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a city near she had, and she reveled in the reward- Minneapolis. In a life filled with firsts, ing opportunity to observe - and par- she was that municipality ‘s first black ticipate in - steady, if ever-incomplete mayor. progress.

In her 1982 interview, Harris said she felt optimism for the young people she saw reaching new heights, and she felt a sense of accomplishment know- ing she was one of the many men and women who had helped prepare the path for them. Stephen L. Lockwood, P.C. General Practice of Law Zoom Conferencing Available

Se Habla Español 285 Genesee Street Utica, NY 13501 Telephone: 315.724.5177 [email protected]

10 March 2021 THE UTICA PHOENIX www.uticaphoenix.net VoicesBy Ted Rajchelof Polonia Jadwiga Queen and Saint Queen Jadwiga of Poland was the uanian and Ruthenian lands. Ruthenia first female monarch of the Kingdom is located on the southern slopes of of Poland, reigning from the 16th of the eastern Carpathian Mountains bor- October 1384 until her death on the dered by Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, 17th of July 1399. She was the young- and Romania. Its people followed the est daughter of Louis, the Great, King Byzantine Rite. The department had of Hungary and Poland and his wife, a great influence of raising the profile Elizabeth of Bosnia. Jadwiga was a of the university, which from then on member of the Capetian House of An- really counted in Europe and whose ton, but she had more close forebears revival had great meaning in the his- among the Polish Piasts, the first his- tory of Poland. It is here (from the six- torical ruling dynasty of Poland. teenth century called The Jagiellonian In 1997 she was canonized by University) that Mikolaj Kopernik, St. the Catholic Church as a Saint of the John Cantius, Karol Wojtyla (Pope Church. On the 8th of June 1979 Pope John Paul II) and the current President John Paul II prayed at her sarcopha- of Poland, Andrzej Duda studied, to gus; and the Congregation for Divine name a few. Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments officially affirmed her be- Queen Jadwiga ; “Let Us Hurry to atification on the 8th of August 1986. Love People” The pope went on to canonize Saint Jadwiga and Wladyslaw reigned to- Jadwiga in Krakow, Poland on the 8th construction site, she noticed that one jects’ conversion. Meanwhile, William gether for almost 13 years despite the of June 1997. One example of a mir- of the workers was very sad. This re- hastened to Krakow, hoping to marry large difference in their age, they really acle she performed is when Jadwiga ally moved her and she asked him for his childhood fiancee, Jadwiga, but in understood each other. Wladyslaw re- was taking part in a Corpus Christi the reason of his sadness. He answered late August, 1385, the Polish nobles ally loved Jadwiga, who despite the dif- Day procession, a coppersmith’s son her with his difficult family situation: expelled him. Jogaila, who took the ficult beginnings of their relationship, drowned by falling into a river. Jad- His wife, the mother of three chil- baptismal name Wladyslaw, married with time also loved him. They had wiga threw her mantle over the boy’s dren, was very sick and close to death. Jadwiga on the 15th of February 1386. great respect and trust for each other. body, and he regained life. Despite his work in construction, he Legend says that she had agreed to The king wished for a child, an heir. Jadwiga was born of February 18, wasn’t able to afford the treatment. marry him only after lengthy prayer Jadwiga gave birth to a daughter, Eliz- 1374 in Buda (presently Budapest). In Queen Jadwiga, moved by the man’s seeking divine inspiration. Jogaila, abeth Bonifacia, but after three weeks her veins flowed the blood of French, misery, leaning over, pulled a slipper now in Polish styled Wladyslaw Jagi- the little princess died. Following her, Polish, Hungarian, and Bosnian ances- from her foot and unfastened from it a ello, was crowned King of Poland on two days later, because of child birth tors. Jadwiga was a tall and beautiful golden buckle, which she offered him. the 4th of March 1386. As Jadwiga’s complications, the 25 year old Jadwiga girl with red hair. In Europe she was In this same moment, her bare foot co-ruler, Jagiello worked closely with died. Her death was a shock for the famous not only for her beauty, but leaned against a stone covered with his wife. Kingdom of Poland and was widely also for wise diplomacy and deep de- lime, leaving an impression of her foot heard about in Europe. The queen was votion. Besides the Polish and Hun- on it. When she left, the bricklayer no- Benefactor of the Academy of Kra- buried in the Cathedral loin Wawel in garian languages, she also knew Latin, ticed the impression and placed it into kow Krakow. Jagiello, even though he mar- German, and Italian. the wall of the church. To this day the Queen Jadwiga really cared for her ried three times afterward, until the She had a strong personality and impression of the foot of Queen Jad- relationship with Jesus and did a lot to end of his life, wore the ring given to confident character, the only woman wiga can be admired by all who see it. bring him closer to her relatives and him by his beloved Jadwiga. on the throne of Poland. Young, beau- Surrounded by wire, it can be seen subjects. She also cared for the spread tiful, very smart and she could have ev- on one of the corners of the Church of the Word of God, funding a transla- People Remembered Her Love of erything a soul desired! She chose the Carmelites at Karmelicka, Poland. tion of the Holy Bible and the writings God good of her subjects and country, over Jadwiga was crowned “King” in Po- of the Fathers of the Church for Wawel Her subjects, who remembered which she reigned. This choice gave land’s capital, Krakow, on the 16th of Cathedral in Krakow. She wished that the goodness and uniqueness of the Poland stability and prosperity for the October 1384. Her coronation either the Lord would be praised there with queen came to the cathedral, so as to, next few hundred years, but Queen reflected the Polish nobility’s opposi- the psalms without ceasing, so she es- in prayer, thank God for the gift of her Jadwiga was mainly known for her tion to her intended husband, William, tablished a special college of sixteen life. They also believed in Her Holiness gentleness, courage, wisdom, and care becoming king without further negoti- people who praised God night and day. and asked for her intercession in their for her subjects, the people of Poland. ation, or simply emphasized her status To strengthen the fundamentals of the affairs. Numerous votive offerings at She had a great concern for politics. as queen regnant. With her mother’s faith in the Kingdom of Poland, she her tomb witness that her intercession The good of her subjects was close to consent, Jadwiga’s advisors opened bequeathed her fortune to the renewal was effective. In a short time after her her heart: she funded many hospitals negotiations with Jogaila, Grand Duke and expansion of the impoverished death, the efforts for her beatification and churches. Tied with the construc- of Lithuania, who was still a pagan, Academy of Krakow. She obtained the began. When she became a saint in tion of one of them was the Carmelite concerning his potential marriage to pope’s permission to open a Depart- 1997, people prayed to her: Saint Jad- Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Jadwiga. Jogaila signed the Union of ment of Theology, which greatly has- wiga, help me to be merciful, that in There is a legend about this: A cer- Krewo, pledging to convert to Ca- tened evangelization in the whole area continued on page 13 tain day when the queen came to the tholicism and promote his pagan sub- of the vast kingdom in the Polish, Lith- www.uticaphoenix.net THE UTICA PHOENIX March 2021 11 Jadwiga Queen and Saint the face of Jesus, I will see the face of engraved on her request on a precious another person, recognize his desire chalice, which was placed in the Waw- and fill him with life. May the Holt el Cathedral, asked Our Lady to place Spirit come to me through our prayer Poland under her protection. Jadwiga and sanctify me, that in contemplating was venerated in Poland soon after her the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, death. She was one of the most Chris- I may become a servant of all. Amen. tian queens. Sermons written in the She was a patron of religion and schol- early 15th Century emphasized that arship. Jadwiga sought to promote the Jadwiga had been a representative of religious development of the nation the traditional virtues of holy women, that she had united, founded a special such as mercy and benevolence. Nu- college for Lithuanians in Prague and merous legends about miracles were financed the restoration of the Univer- recounted to justify her sainthood. sity at Krakow, which was affected The two best known are those of “Jad- after her death and later named the Ja- wiga’s cross” and Jadwiga’s foot. Jad- giellion University. Chiefly Jadwiga’s wiga often prayed before a large black work, the university was modeled after crucifix hanging in the north side of the University of Paris and became the Wawel Cathedral. During one of those center of Polish civilization and influ- prayers, the Christ on the cross is said ence. to have spoken to her. The crucifix, She had Great Holiness “Saint Jadwigs’s Cross” is still there. Saint Jadwiga was closely related The supposed footprint, known as to the saintly 14th century princesses “Jadwiga’s foot” can still be seen in venerated in Hungary and Poland, one of Krakow’s churches. including Elizabeth of Hungary and her nieces, Kinga and Yolanda and References: Solomea of Poland. She was born to 1. Jadwiga of Poland—Wikipedia a family famed for its religious zeal. 2 Jadwiga/Queen of Poland/ Britan- She attended Mass every day. In an nica ordinance with her family’s tradition, 3. Saint Jadwiga, Queen of Poland Jadwiga, was especially devoted to the 4. Jadwiga (Queen of Poland (1373- Blessed Virgin Mary. An inscription 1399) Genealogy

12 March 2021 THE UTICA PHOENIX www.uticaphoenix.net ‘One Night in Miami’ A Deeply Affecting and Necessary Picture At Withthe Mark Movies Ziobro That is One of This Year’s Best are at once dynamic and approach- able. Goree plays Clay with bravado and ferocity, while imbuing a tender- ness that is awe-inspiring to see. Aldis Hodge, in Jim Brown, is stoic and af- fecting, showing both pain and passion with equal measure. Leslie Odom Jr. is soul-stirring as Sam Cooke, allow- ing us to see his love of music and his dreams for himself, fighting against a system of oppression that has one mu- sic label for Blacks, and another for the rest. And, rounding out the cast, Kingsley Ben-Adir, as Malcolm X, is tasked with the monumental task of selling the necessity of his speech not to us, the viewers, but his friends. The performances of the four are powerful, hard-hitting, and sublime. The couldn’t have worked with their actors, who all deserve award-nominations aplenty.

What works most about “One Night in Miami,” however, is that it is built of authentic conversations that doubt- “One Night in Miami” is electric. Re- their lives. History is a prerequisite for felt. Scenes of Clay’s bravado and glee less occurred. Yes, King and Kemp gina King’s ode to four powerhouses this film, but “One Night in Miami” is during his fights and discussions with fictionalize this meeting and its- con of the Civil Rights era, with fictional- transcendent. Its viewing creates not Malcolm X are poignant, as are shots versations (though the four did meet in ized, creative license, presents one of only empathy but necessity, and after of Sam Cooke singing to himself in his Miami of the night of February 25th, the deepest and most affecting motion experiencing the hearts, thoughts, and sun-baked Miami hotel. We see Mal- 1964 in Miami), yet it is fictionalized pictures this year, if in many years. Its minds of its players, you’ll want to colm’s struggle between righteousness in a way that lets us understand these performances are top of the line, pull- know everything you can about them and family, as well as a growing con- conversations as real, painful struggles ing you into a world decades-removed, had you not already. sternation with the Nation of Islam— that lined these times. Just as in Ken yet one that feels fresh and impera- yet his face lights up at the thought of Loach’s haunting “The Wind That tive. The film takes its source mate- What works about “One Night in Mi- speaking to his now-sleeping children. Shakes the Barley,” we are allowed rial, a play written by Kemp Powers, ami” is how quickly and almost imper- to see politics as something not eas- and forms it into a narrative you can ceptibly you are drawn into its story. Its Jim Brown discusses a recent part he ily removed from the lives of those it grasp. And under it all, it is thought opening features a boxing match loss played in a motion picture, his face affects. History tells us the how; but provoking and dynamic: this is a film of a young, 1960s Cassius Clay (Eli sharing similar notes. The film, in so King’s film, with its heartfelt and stir- that leaves in its wake a powerful im- Goree) before he became Mohammad many ways—devoid after its opening ring writing, cinematography, and per- pression, stirring thought and allowing Ali. We see Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom scenes of White voices—becomes a formances, lets us know the why. viewers to truly feel its protagonists’ Jr.) perform an unfulfilling show be- struggle between necessity and soul: lives and emotions. fore a mostly-White audience, as well “One Night in Miami” is simply a stel- as a tough conversation between Mal- Malcolm has accepted the necessity of lar film that deserves to be seen by all. With any historical drama, there runs com X (Kingsley Ben-Adir) and his the fight and abdicated his passions, Its performances are awe-inspiring, its the risk of the necessity of the mate- wife (Joaquina Kalukango). And we while Cooke, Brown, and Clay under- themes relevant and necessary, and its rial giving way to the boredom of ex- see, perhaps toughest of all, football stand it but long to be free to explore cinematography and score subtle and cessively long pictures. “Lincoln” is a player Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge) visit life and love. In one affecting scene, meek: the camera shines on its leads powerful film, but its slow burn and 2 the wealthy Mr. Carlton (Beau Ridg- Malcolm plays “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and lets them do the rest. In a cinema hour and 30 minute run make it hard es), their conversation expected but which both angers and awakens the season that brought us the excellent to digest. But here, at 1 hour and 54 still shocking. Carlton’s nonchalant fight in Cooke. And yet down the road, “The Trial of Chicago 7,” here we minutes, King has discovered a win- drop of the ’N word’ before reminding Jim Brown will casually explain to have yet another 1960s-era picture that ning formula in her fictionalized dis- Brown Blacks are not allowed in the Malcolm that ‘we are not weapons,’ all is required, complementary viewing. cussions between her four leads: skip- house reminds us the necessity of the while Cassius allows Cooke to under- Regina King evokes the soul of large ping the necessity of history, she and Civil Rights movement in succinct ap- stand the dynamics of power in soci- feelings of colossal almost indescrib- Powers assume its audience’s familiar- proachability. ety. able weight—and her greatest accom- ity with the backstory of Mohammad plishment is how approachable and Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Amidst it all, however, King lets us We need to talk about the performanc- affecting the material seems once the Brown, and drop them feet-first into into a picture that is warm and heart- es. All four leads outdo theirselves and credits roll. www.uticaphoenix.net THE UTICA PHOENIX March 2021 13 REALITY: In 2020, New York State study and recounted some of her for developing an interest in the law. asked former Homeland Security experiences. She told how she was However, if specific legal issues are Legal Myths Secretary Honorable Jeh Johnson to repeatedly excluded in the courts as important in your life, for instance, contrinued from page 6 chair a task force on the existence of a lawyer, which she attributed to her regarding custody of children or products they offer on their website, racism in the court system. Stake- race and gender. One time she was money payable for any reason, it is they are clearly the seller. With other holders across the State were asked asked to wait outside the courtroom wise to consult a lawyer who can ad- products, the product is sold by third- to weigh in on the issue, and hun- until her case was ready to proceed, vise you on the truth of legal myths. party merchants who have a contract dreds of private persons were inter- while other White or male attorneys with Amazon that Amazon will list viewed. The result was an in-depth were allowed to move freely between This discussion is not intended to products, and fulfill orders, includ- report. The committee reported to waiting area and courtroom. Some render legal advice on specific cases ing taking payment. Amazon has the Chief Judge of New York that other events she recounted were not or to express an opinion on any spe- often claimed that it is not a seller racism is pervasive. Not a surprise to so subtle. cific case. when they just list a product, process those who work in the system. The Based on the interviews and tes- a payment and fulfill an order. If a commission proposed methods to timony Secretary Johnson’s commit- future appellate court agrees with the fight racism in the courts, including tee found racial disparities pervasive trial level court, then consumers in mandatory bias training and improv- in the legal system. It is found in the New York State can look to Amazon ing the system for filing complaints. staff, and among judges. They also to make good on the product, regard- Within the last decade I had the found racism against attorneys, court less of who made it and sent it to the privilege of spending a training officers, defendants and visitors of consumer. An important consumer weekend in the company of Jus- color. The Chief Judge will be acting protection law. Thank the Hon. Ge- tice Edwina Mendelson, the Deputy on this report to improve access to rard Neri of Onondaga County! Chief Administrative Judge for Jus- justice for all New Yorkers, thereby tice Initiatives. (She was then a Fam- trying to bring reality to the court MYTH: New York State courts ily Court Judge.) She is smart, kind, system. are not in touch with reality on the and very good natured! She actively Giving attention to legal myths is ground. participated in Secretary Johnson’s not wrong. It can be a starting point

14 March 2021 THE UTICA PHOENIX www.uticaphoenix.net Mohawk Valley Almanac March 2021 EditionBy Roger Chambers March is the beginning of spring For the outdoor activities, solo March 20 Vernal Equinox .season of longer hours of daylight. in the Mohawk Valley even though sports such as running, bicycling and March 25 Seward’s Day Spring officially begins on the vernal there is frequently still at least some hiking are good options. It is still un- (Alaska) equinox of March 20. snow on the ground, especially in certain at this time the amount of in- higher elevations of the southern terscholastic school sports that might March 27 Passover begins at sun- valleys and the North Country. De- be held this spring. For runners in down Rising & Setting Times for Sun, spite the sometimes still cold and training, the Boilermaker has already March 28 Palm Sunday Moon and Visible Planets on Vernal blustery days, longer daylight hours been postponed from July to October March 31 Cesar Chavez Day Equinox, March 20, 2021 after the change to Daylight Savings due to the pandemic. Time seem to brighten most people’s As the pandemic continues and In the Night Skies spirits after the short days and cold vaccines become increasingly avail- Sunrise 7:01 A.M. weather of winter. able, all would be encouraged to An early morning linear conjunc- Sunset 7:14 P.M. For those in the city and lower ly- make an appointment and get vac- tion of Saturn, Jupiter and Mercury Moonrise 10:45 A.M. ing areas, there are often a few days cinated. The sooner a majority of occurs in the east on May 1st. On the Moonset 1:34 A.M., warm enough with the snow gone to people get vaccinated, the sooner 5th, Jupiter and Mercury appear to Mercury Rises6:23 A.M. get an early start on the garden, es- life returns to near “normal.” As the merge into one “star.” These events Mars Sets 1:18 A.M. pecially with radishes, beets, peas, year progresses, things will begin to are just before sunrise, and being Jupiter rises Rises 5:37 A.M. spinach and other greens. Even if it open up more. However, in the short very low in the sky, not visible un- Saturn Rises Rises 5:08 A.M. snows again, a few inches of snow term over the next few months it is less one has a very flat eastern ho- in March usually melts in just a few still important to wear a mask, and rizon. A bit easier to see on the 8th, days and cool weather crops get a continue with social distancing and about 40 minutes before sunrise, the March Phases of the Moon good start. Crocuses and other small avoiding unnecessary crowds. same three planets form a triangular March 5 Last Quarter Moon bulb flowers provide early splashes conjunction about 8° high. As the March 13 New Moon of purple and other colors in the gar- Holidays and Observances in month progresses, Jupiter and Saturn March 14 Shift to Daylight den. March are both clearly visible higher in the Savings Time at 2:00 A.M. (set As the Covid 19 Pandemic is enter- eastern pre-dawn sky. clocks ahead on hour) ing its second year, the festivals and March 1 St. David’s Day A nearly First Quarter Moon has a March 20 Vernal Equinox other annual events celebrating the March 2 Texas Independence Day conjunction with Mars in the evening (first day of Spring) seasonal changes remain in limbo at March 2 Town Meeting Day in Ver- of the 19th, just above Aldebaran, March 21 First Quarter Moon the time of this writing in mid-Feb- mont (First Tuesday); Mardi Gras; an orange star of Taurus. The Full March 28 Full Worm Moon ruary. It is likely that many events, Shrove Tuesday Worm Moon, sometimes called the including the annual St. Patrick’s Pa- March 8 International Women’s Day Full Sap Moon or Full Crust Moon, rade in Utica will be cancelled. Other March 14 Daylight Savings Time be- is at the end of the month on the 28th. events like Maple Weekends usually gins at 2 A.M. With the change to Daylight Sav- held the last two weekends of the March 15 Ides of March; ings Time beginning at 2 A.M. on month will either be canceled or lim- March 17 St. Patrick’s Day; March 14, sunset is an hour later, ited in scope. March 19 St. Joseph’s Day and sets after 7 P.M., beginning the

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