August 2020 Which Embrace

Af-Am Your VOICE OINT O IEW Your COMMUNITY P F V Your POINT OF VIEW www.afampov.com Our Community News Magazine august 1, 2020 WHEN THE BUILDINGS STOP BURNING “In the blink of an eye, white people were forced to VOTE realize the fragility of lives across racial lines.” By Dr. Bridgette Baldwin – 5 st BLACK LIVES MATTER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 “We are living through a historic moment and helping our children stand up for what is right, to speak out against injustice and to value diversity…” By Nicole Blais – 7 PRIMARY TIME IS BLACK LIVES MATTER RALLY “For hundreds of years, Black people have been over policed, overrepresented in jails and prisons, ELECTION TIME and endured longer and harsher criminal sentences By Frederick A. Hurst Frederick A. Hurst than people of other races.” By Hampden County Defenders – 8 t’s voting time again. But I assure you that And I don’t mind re- VOTE not voting at all is not the VOTE EVERY YEAR FOR EVERY Iminding folks of their JOSEPH P. KENNEDY III answer to your frustration SEAT… obligation to take a few UNITED STATES SENATOR especially if you are not “Young people who are just starting to vote cannot minutes out of their day to ALEX MORSE satisfied with the incum- do what our generation did and stop voting after a fulfill their obligation to UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bents who are always few elections.” vote on September 1st for ADAM GOMEZ laser focused on getting By Zaida Govan – 9 candidates of their choice. HAMPDEN STATE SENATOR their voters out, which GARDEN OF HOPE I must admit my frustra- DENISE HURST guarantees their re-elec- Every plan to kill is fertilizer…for those who be- tion, however, at past low 9th HAMPDEN DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE tion―whether they de- lieve…that Black Lives Matter…” voter turnouts where the JACOB OLIVEIRA serve it or not―if you By Renay Intisar Jihad – 10 vote in communities of 7th HAMPDEN DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE don’t vote. color was simply unfor- To the contrary, the BLACK LIVES MATTER—TO givably low especially in primary elections. vote is your voice. And if you do not exercise it, and are WHOM? Yet, I must admit, I understand how difficult it is to known not to exercise it, then you can forget about get- “It’s an enormous battle cry with years of injustice, vote when voting so often yields so little from candidates ting the attention of people in power or those who aspire inequality, and institutional racism behind it that who promise the moon and all but disappear after they to be in power. You simply won’t count. everybody talking about it can’t possibly know its are elected. It happens altogether too often. continues to page 2 depth…” By Willette Johnson – 11 PERCEPTIONS… “I immediately noticed that the majority of passengers were unconsciously or consciously avoiding this one passenger. He was a young, African American man…” By Zelmon Johnson – 17 NO MENTHOL. KNOW WHY. “It’s no coincidence that so many people of color Joseph P. Kennedy Alex Morse Adam Gomez Denise Hurst Jacob Oliveira smoke menthol – it’s by design.” By Sara Moriarty – 18 ANONYMOUS VOTE “There is a lot of concern about how the Spring- field Police Department treats minorities in the st community and rightfully so.” TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 By “Anonymous” – 25 af-am point of view page two august 1, 2020 VOTE, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST understand the reasons why they all his district while his primary oppo- Election Time have earned our respect and endorse- nent is more known for his absence. continued from page 1 Mayor Alex Morse for United States ments. We think our choices will all bring But an equally important reason necessary new life to both state and The election on September 1st is House of Representatives. for our endorsements is that our en- federal government and we urge you the primary election which is more For State Senator in the Hamp- dorsees are fresh faces who have la- to vote for them. important than ever because the win- den District, we endorse City Coun- bored selflessly for years doing We want to re-emphasize the ners of the primaries of many election cilor Adam Gomez, a long-time face-to-face good things for people in importance of voting in the Septem- contests will automatically win in the community activist who has spent their districts. We believe that they ber 1st primary. If Adam Gomez and November 3rd final election either be- several active years on the Spring- cause they have no November oppo- field City Council. And for State Rep- will not forget where they come from Denise Hurst win their respective th sition or because their opponents are resentative in the 9 Hampden and whom they serve, which alto- contests, they will automatically win too weak to mount a serious chal- District, we endorse Springfield gether too many incumbents often do. office because they have no opposi- lenge. So, if you put off voting until School Committeewoman Denise Two serve on school committees tion in the November elections. If the final election, as altogether too Hurst whose broad experience, polit- (Denise Hurst and Jacob Oliveira) Joseph P. Kennedy III wins his pri- many so often do, you will, in effect, ical activism and people skills will where the work is hard and the acco- mary Senate contest, he will coast to waste your vote. Voting in the pri- serve the people of the 9th Hampden lades few. One serves as a city coun- victory in November as will Alex mary election is extremely important. District well. Likewise for the 7th cilor (Adam Gomez) who has no Morse if he wins. So don’t forget to We at Point of View have some Hampden District, we endorse candi- qualms fighting against the status quo vote on September 1st. Jacob preferences who we urge you to vote date Jacob Oliveira whose record of for the good of his constituents. An- Oliveira’s opponent in the September for. For United States Senator we en- public service is extensive. other, Alex Morse, is the effective primary dropped out of the race but thusiastically endorse Congressman Each of the candidates endorsed mayor of one of the more challenging he will face a Republican opponent in Joseph P. Kennedy III who shows up by Point of View has a distinguished cities in the Commonwealth. And, November. and has demonstrated the compassion background that makes each unequiv- Joseph P. Kennedy III is well known There are other primary races and understanding that makes for a ocally qualified for the offices they for his hardcore, unassuming ap- but these are the ones we chose to good elected official. We equally as seek. For more information, simply proach to service in Congress and his focus on and we hope you will do the enthusiastically support Holyoke Google the name of each and you will constant contact with the people in same. ■ NOT VOTING IS NOT AN OPTION John Lewis Made America a More Perfect Union WASHINGTON, DC – July 18, 2020 – The nation “We honor the life of John Lewis awakes to the overwhelmingly sad news that Congress- by redoubling our work to man John Lewis of Georgia, a champion for democracy restore the Voting Rights Act, and civil rights, has passed. The following is a statement a law achieved in part from Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of through the violence he the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law: “From marching in the streets to fighting in the halls endured in Selma, Alabama of Congress, John Lewis literally dedicated his life to the while peacefully marching project of making American democracy stronger, more for the right to vote. We open and equal to all. Because of his sacrifice, Black peo- also recommit ourselves ple have had greater access to the ballot and have had the to carrying forth Lewis's ability to serve in elected office at every level in our coun- legacy by fighting voter try. He was fearless, tireless and a dedicated voice of con- suppression and working science for Congress and the nation. The world has lost one of its most enduring voices on civil and human rights. to ensure that everyone has a voice in Background: February 21, 1940 our democracy.” — In 2017, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights July 17, 2020 Under Law honored John Lewis with the organization's highest award, its Robert F. Kennedy Justice Prize. While accepting the award, Congressman Lewis said, “When you see something that’s not right, not just, you have to stand up. You have to speak out. And Photo appleinsider.com you have to get in the way.” af-am point of view page three august 1, 2020 CLASSIFIED/REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS ...... 39 AN AFRICAN AMERICAN Point of View 688 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119 COMMUNITY Phone: (413) 796-1500 ● Fax: (413) 796-6100 Community Beat ...... 17 CONTENTS E-mail: [email protected] ● Website: www.afampointofview.com www.facebook.com/ https://plus.google.com/ www.twitter.com/ Community Calendar...... 39 AfAmPointofView +PointofViewSpringﬁeld AfAmPOV Community Information ...... 13,15,16 Point of View is a monthly news journal with an African American orientation. It is distributed Community Perspectives ...... 6 free to select locations in Hampden and Hampshire counties and in Connecticut. Letters, articles and comments appearing in the newspaper reflect the opinions of the contributors Congratulations...... 34-38 and do not constitute an endorsement by POV and are subject to editing. POV assumes no Connecticut Community Focus...... 22 responsibility for photos, articles, letters, press releases or unsolicited materials. Decisions as to the editing and publishing of material are based on space availability and the discretion Food for Thought ...... 9 of the publisher and editor. Distribution locations are listed on our web site. POV assumes From the Springfield City Council ...... 14 no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect placement or ty- pographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of Good News...... 31 their advertising and claims and offers contained within their advertising. POV reserves the Law Notes ...... 23 right to refuse advertising for any reason. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Leadership Pioneer Valley...... 11 PUBLISHER: Frederick A. Hurst EDITOR: Marjorie J. Hurst EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: THIS ISSUE AF-AM Newsbits...... 4 Artist in Residence Renée Flowers Health Matters Doris Harris, Editor Children’s Book Corner Terri Schlichenmeyer Sara Moriarty Letters to the Publisher ...... 24,25 Community Beat Ken Harris Law Notes Dr. Bridgette Baldwin, Editor Community Calendar Jynai McDonald My View...... 24 Prof. Justin Dion Community Perspectives Bishop Talbert W. Swan II Op Ed ...... 17,25 CT - Community Focus Dwight Bachman Leadership Pioneer Valley Lora Wondolowski Congratulations Linda Howell/Willette Johnson Letters to the Publisher Anonymous EDUCATION Katara Robinson Charlie Peck Early Education & Care Nicole Blais Early Education & Care ...... 7 Op - Ed Zelmon Johnson Education & Hope Gianna Allentuck Entertainment Review Yvonne Mendez Pen & Ink Berdia M. Brown Education & Hope...... 12 Features Dr. Bridgette Baldwin Renay Intisar Jihad FEATURES Ed Cohen Juanita Torrence-Thompson Willette Johnson John Tranghese John Lewis by Lawyers’ Comm. for Civil Rights Under Law ....2 Food for Thought Zaida Govan From the City Council Springfield City Councilors Religious Point of View Rev. Dr. Atu White, Editor When the Buildings Stop Burning by Dr. Bridgette Baldwin...... 5 Good News Jay Griffin Pastor Samuel Saylor, Sr. Black Lives Matter Rally ...... 8 Got H.E.R.S. Latoya Bosworth, PhD Your Health Baystate Medical Center Artistic/Multimedia Director - Marie ● Distribution Manager - Shawn Merriman Black Lives Matter–To Whom by Willette Johnson ...... 11 Photographer - Ed Cohen The MLK Jr. Family Services, Inc.-Part II by Ed Cohen...... 32 LOCATE OUR ADVERTISERS HEALTH Alden Baptist Church------27 Mt. Zion Baptist Church------27 Health Matters...... 18 Alex Morse for Congress ------9 New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C.------27 Your Health - Baystate Medical Center...... 1-19 Alterations & Dressmaking by Lewins------12 Progressive Community Baptist Church------27 Arise for Social Justice ------15 Real Living Realty Prof. – Roberta B. Johnson---39 LIVING Bright Futures Early Learning Center------35 Canaan Baptist Church of Christ------27 Revival Time Evangelistic Center ------27 Got H.E.R.S...... 15 Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church------27 Center for Human Development (CHD) ------31 PHOTO GALLERY...... 20-21 Committee to Elect Denise Hurst for State Rep ----5 Solid Rock Community Baptist Church------27 Ed Cohen Photography ------35 Springfield Public Schools--We are Hiring!------12 RELIGION Family Church ------27 Springfield Technical Community College------36 Religious Point of View ...... 26 HCS Head Start, Inc. ------7 St. John’s Congregational Church ------27 Home Inspections by Marco, Inc.------39 Third Baptist Church------27 Religious Directory...... 27 Hurst & Hurst, P.C. ------39 Visionary Realty, LLC - Seneca Slaughter ------39 Keller Williams Realty - Brandi Gamble ------39 THE ARTS WEIB 106.3 Smooth FM------34 MBC Realtors, LLC - Migdalia Khatib ------39 Artist in Residence ...... 28 Maplegate Rehab Inc.------19 Wesley United Methodist Church------27 Mason Wright Senior Living ------11 WTCC FM 90.7 ------30 Children’s Book Corner ...... 28 Mount Calvary Baptist Church------27 Zion Community Baptist Church ------27 Entertainment Review...... 30 POV CAN ALSO BE READ ONLINE AT WWW.AFAMPOV.COM Pen & Ink ...... 10, 29 VOTEMMM VOTEMMM VOTEMMM VOTEMMM LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE FOR SEPTEMBER 1ST PRIMARY IS SATURDAY, AUGUST 22ND af-am point of view page four august 1, 2020 rehire five officers who were under indictment. That AF-AM NEWS bits didn’t work out too well. By Frederick A. Hurst CLAPPROOD/SARNO/MOSS RULES A DEVASTATING REPORT should also keep a lawyer on hand whom they might ecause of a social media posting on Facebook, the f you still need to understand why the Springfield pay with the thousands of dollars in Community De- BSpringfield Police Department revoked Kashawn IPolice Department, like many around the country, is velopment Block Grant money the city gave Nathan Harris’ gun license and confiscated his two guns with- being castigated for its treatment of Black and Brown Bill even while its owners remained under indictment. out as much as a hearing. Harris is a well known DJ people, you need only read the United States Justice who runs a business called DJ Boogy Entertainment. Department’s 28 page report on its investigation of the WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT? He obtained a license to carry and purchased two guns department’s Narcotics Bureau. It is a powerful testi- he Springfield City Council cut $800,000 out of because he travels to many different venues with very monial to the blatant, regular, random and institution- Tthe city budget that was intended for a firing range expensive equipment often very late at night…guns alized violence against Springfield’s Black and Brown for city police. The $800,000 was the city’s first pay- he had never even fired before except once at a firing residents that extends – the report found – well beyond ment on a 20-year lease for a building that was pur- range. Some of his postings were of old iconic photo- the Narcotics Bureau as a regular part of the culture of chased from Smith and Wesson by a private group for graphs of armed Black Panthers, photos that are very the entire Springfield Police Department. The report less than $800,000. To make the record clear, the city public and have been viewed by millions and millions leaves no doubt that we who are critics of the depart- entered into the lease to pay $800,000 for each of the of people for years and years… “vintage” photos as ment have been absolutely correct in our conclusions next 20 years without informing the city council, which described in an article in The Republican (July 8, that the rot is much deeper than “a few bad cops” and had to approve the first payment as part of the annual 2020). He posted other comments that might have will only be corrected by a wholesale reformation of budget and will be required to approve each of the re- been insulting to some but nothing that would be out- the manner in which policing is conducted in Spring- maining nineteen payments each year. After purchasing side of his constitutional right to free speech and noth- field. And the proposed comprehensive state law the building, the buyers made substantial contributions ing that would justify the cancelation of his license to passed by the state Senate would be a good start be- to Mayor Sarno’s campaign before the contract with carry or the confiscation of his guns…except, it seems, cause it appears that it won’t happen on the local level. the city was signed. The rational for entering into a con- in the minds of the police, his blackness. But Harris (See full report at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/jus- tract that will eventually cost the city $16 million dol- protested. And things happened, including inquiries tice-department-announces-findings-investigation- lars was that the buyers had to spend several million made to the Commissioner as to police policy by some narcotics-bureau-springfield) dollars to renovate the building. Nevertheless, given concerned elected officials that remained unan- the numbers, no mathematical calculation can justify swered…that is until in the same article, Mayor Sarno, NATHAN BILL RESTAURANT HAS SHOWN such a lopsided deal and the council was right to cut it who inaccurately dramatized the postings as a threat ITSELF TO BE A RACIST CANCER out of the police budget. (See pg. 14) on him and his family, became involved in a puzzling way that nobody will fully understand. Part of his IN SPRINGFIELD WAS IT RIGHT OR WAS IT SPITE? comment was, “Police officials followed their usual ne would think that the owners of Nathan Bill couldn’t help but suspect that Springfield police procedures in this matter and to the best of my knowl- ORestaurant on Island Pond Road would have Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood terminated police I edge this matter has been resolved.” Oh, yeah! Re- learned a lesson from recent events in which two of detective Florisa Fuentes out of spite after she resolved how? Well, the mayor’s aide, Darryl Moss, its owners are under indictment for assisting the five posted her niece’s participation in a Black Lives Mat- called the executive aide to Commissioner Clapprood White police officers for assaulting four of its Black ter protest on Facebook. Unfortunately, her niece was and informed him/her that he was coming to the sta- patrons, especially after the recent demonstration out- holding a sign containing an anti-police slogan. When tion with Harris to retrieve his license and guns, which side of its location in protest of the rehiring by Mayor Fuentes began receiving angry calls from fellow offi- he did. Just like that! In spite of the fact that, by law, Sarno and Commissioner Clapprood of five police of- cers, she immediately removed the post and apolo- Mr. Harris was required to file an appeal before a judge ficers indicted for helping to cover up the investigation gized profusely explaining (very credibly) that her within 90 days of the revocation. Somebody, or maybe into the incident. A recent racist posting on social intent was to highlight her niece’s activism and not to everybody in their official capacity broke the law… media suggests they haven’t learned anything. Not insult police. The 30-year-old Fuentes grew up in the mayor, Domenic Sarno, if he ordered his aide, Dar- only was the posting a confirmation of their racist ori- Springfield’s North End neighborhood and joined the ryl Moss, to use his political clout or Darryl Moss if entation and a cause for another demonstration but it police department last year and succeeded in advanc- he acted without the mayor’s instructions, Clap- also showed their ignorance of the state Public Ac- ing to detective before the end of her first year. Al- prood’s executive aide if he/she acted on his/her own commodations Law that makes it illegal to discrimi- though her post was not directed at her fellow officers, or Commissioner Clapprood if she gave the okay to nate against people because of their race. The she was instantly terminated by the commissioner who reverse the revocation without following proper pro- restaurant posted new rules describing people who had recently come under criticism by Black and His- cedure. We’ll never know quite what happened be- would be banned from the property based upon their panic councilors. Commissioner Clapprood’s petu- cause nobody’s talking. But one thing we do know, if dress and appearance that were clearly directed at a lance has been on display before and it is not unfair to Kashawn Harris had not been wrongfully targeted in Black and Brown audience. The owners probably con- suspect that her instant termination of Fuentes for an first place, none of this keystone cop foolishness sidered themselves clever by not expressly stating their innocent mistake, while coddling other officers who would have happened. intent to discriminate but by masking their racial intent have committed far more serious intentional offenses, in neutral language. But that only shows their igno- was an act of spite. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, THINGS ARE rance of the law regarding “pretext” and “disparate im- typically defended Commissioner Clapprood saying, CHANGING FOR THE BETTER pact,” which penetrates such duplicity. Whether or not “I concur with Police Commissioner Cheryl Clap- am trying so hard not to be cynical about current they continue to cater to police clientele, who seem to prood’s decision…” Of course, he was equally as events suggesting that “racial reckoning” is really like beating up on Black and Brown people, they dogmatic in support of Clapprood’s recent decision to I continues to page 24 af-am point of view page five august 1, 2020 FEATURE ARTICLE When the Buildings Stop Burning Corporate America in the Wake of the BLM Movement By Dr. Bridgette Baldwin, Professor of Law, Western New England University School of Law e must recognize that blacks refusing to put out her cigarette. And Cooper and Rayshard Brooks and on For every Colin have been utilizing popular Minnesota officers killed Philando and on and on. Kaepernick, there Dr. Bridgette Baldwin Wculture to explore issues of Castille even after he told them he was A nationwide reckoning with the is a Candance racial justice and democratic possibility a registered gun owner on tape. But ravages of racial oppression has im- Owens. For every Juneteenth, there is a since the rise of this medium. But even after Covid-19, things were different. In pacted our popular culture. It has even Trump rally in Tulsa without any regard in the most recent history, things rang- an instant, people had lost their jobs, touched the top offices in our cultural for social distancing or health care. For ing from Young Jeezy’s “My President” workers were in food lines, citizens institutions. Corporate America began every Nascar ban on the confederate after the inauguration of Obama to faced state-sanctioned lock downs. to flash “Black Lives Matters” across flag, there is a private plane flying over “#OscarsSoWhite” campaign have ex- Americans were forced to confront just their website masts; soccer players head with a confederate banner that isted. What I think is critically prescient a fraction of what it means to be black across the world began to take a knee; reads “defund Nascar.” There are no guaranteed victories here―popular cul- right now is that the global pandemic in America. And then with nowhere to and everyday Americans started asking ture remains a site of struggle. has created a relative sense of parity or go, they couldn’t look away from the 8 questions about this “strange new event And when it came to the global at least empathy. In the blink of an eye, minute and 46 second clip of George called Juneteenth,” going as far as to pandemic, black cultural commentators white people were forced to realize the Floyd’s life being snuffed out by the recommend it become a national holi- were clear: our current administration fragility of lives across racial lines. knee of a state agent who was charged day. So, in this brief recounting of the was okay with the quarantine until they Let’s be clear, the proliferation of with serving the public. All of a sudden last month we could walk away assum- found out the health crisis was dispro- camera phones and social media has after years of attacking Colin Kaeper- ing there has been a drastic change in portionately impacting black people at widely circulated the “tragedy porn” of nick, people began to see why he took a our popular culture. However, with all a higher ratio than white Americans. black death before. Sandra Bland died knee. And then there was Ahmaud Ar- of these popular culture landmarks, the in police custody after being arrested for bery and Breonna Taylor and Christian regressive counter position holds fast. continues to page 13

Paid for by the committee to elect Denise Hurst af-am point of view page six august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES An Open Letter to Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood Dear Commissioner Clapprood, Did the police collude to ensure no charges would be filed against the officers by the DA? YES have been on the forefront of the fight for justice in the city of Springfield, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and across the nation for the better part of 30 Is the only reason the 14 current and former officers got charged because Attorney Iyears. I have worked diligently on advocating for police reform, voting rights, General Maura Healy launched an investigation and indicted the cops involved? YES access to health care, women’s rights, political reform, and criminal justice reform to name a few. From pushing for the divestment of the University of Massachusetts out Did you reinstate 5 cops under criminal indictment for falsifying police reports to of apartheid South Africa as a student to being an integral part of the coalition that cover up a crime? YES brought about ward representation in Springfield, my entire adult life has been a long Did you defend the reckless decision to reinstate the officers? YES string of efforts to bring about justice and to bring into existence the beloved community espoused by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Did you and the mayor ignore pleas from the city council, Urban league, NAACP, My efforts have come at a great sacrifice. As you are well aware, I consistently FBI, and the community to re-suspend the officers? YES receive death threats and threats of bodily harm as there are currently ongoing inves- Did you and the mayor agree to participate in a digital town hall on police account- tigations by your department and the FBI. My family has been threatened. I have ability sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Project and the NAACP? YES been profiled by our local police department and have received hateful communications from them. My children have had opportunities denied because those in decision Did you and the mayor pull out of your commitment to participate in our digital town making positions have disagreed with stances taken by their father. I make no com- hall and subsequently plan one where you could control who was invited, who could plaints about the indignities I have suffered because I understand they come with the speak, the agenda, etc? YES territory of being a freedom fighter and a warrior for social justice. I have worked to better police community relations in Springfield my entire Did the police and the mayor attempt to spin a protest we planned at Nathan Bill as adult life. Those efforts have often resulted in strained relations with mayors and po- potentially nonpeaceful? YES lice chiefs/commissioners who were uncomfortable with my uncompromising posi- Did the police instruct the city’s towing contractor to tow cars from Nathan Bill in an tions and penchant for brutal honesty when it comes to police brutality/misconduct, attempt to disrupt our protest? YES white supremacy, racism, and anti Black bigotry. Again, that comes with the territory. I worked with your predecessors John Barbieri, William Fitchet, Edward Flynn, Paula Did the mayor request the officers be re-suspended only after tremendous community Meara, Daniel Spellacy, and Ernest Stelzer. While we never fully agreed on matters pressure and the climate of civil unrest in the nation? YES regarding police/community relations, there was a mutual respect regarding the very different roles we played in the community. Did you claim to support the mayor’s request to re-suspend the officers, yet defend As a local pastor, jurisdictional bishop of the largest African American Pente- your original decision to reinstate them? YES costal denomination in America, and the president of the Greater Springfield NAACP, Do we have a problem with police officers who lie on police reports and Brady cops I represent the interests and speak the sentiments of thousands of constituents in our on the force? YES city and across the region and nation. I’m convinced that how you handle an individual also speaks volumes about what you think about the people the individual rep- Is there a problem with trust between the Black community and the police that has resents. been exacerbated by the recent actions of reinstating and seemingly protecting in- I was somewhat taken aback by your public declarations to a group of residents dicted police officers? YES who interacted with you at the police department to express their concerns regarding Did the department suspend Officer Bigda for 60 days (a slap on the wrist) for threat- police accountability. During that discussion, the topic of building trust came up. You ening to murder a Latino suspect during an interrogation? YES took that as an opportunity to slander my efforts and paint me as a problematic leader who’s not ‘helping to bridge the gap’ between the community and the police. While Is the only reason Bigda is facing accountability because of a federal indictment after you have the right to your opinion, venting your obvious frustration with my advocacy your department failed to properly discipline him and investigate his crime so charges for accountability was unprofessional, counterproductive, and divisive. could be filed by the district attorney? YES I’m not the problem, corruption within the department you lead is the problem. I’m not the problem, reinstating rogue cops under indictment for lying on police re- Did the same department that failed to initially fire Bigda or fire the 5 officers currently ports to cover up a crime is the problem. I’m not the problem, lack of true civilian under indictment that it reinstated, recently fire a Latino officer for a social media oversight is the problem. I’m not the problem, police who lie on police reports and post supporting Black Lives Matter (a far less egregious infraction than those of the Brady cops kept on the force are the problem. I’m not the problem, cops who threaten officers protected by your department)? YES to crush the skulls of suspects during interrogations are the problem. I’m not the prob- Where is the spun narrative, Commissioner? Where is the lie? lem, cops who push 15-year-old Black boys into traffic, causing their deaths are the problem. I’m not the problem, a lack of accountability and a nepotic relationship be- The only way police/community relations can be improved in our city is by mutual tween the police department and the district attorney’s office is the problem. respect and honest dialogue. You have my personal number and I have yours. You’ve It seems that blaming community leaders was a natural progression for you in been invited to my church to address the community on more than one occasion. If the videotaped conversation. Yet, you took no responsibility for any of the concerns at any time you have concerns with my ‘narrative’ or want to provide information the residents brought to you. You blamed me for ‘creating my own narrative and that will clarify matters, you’re free to contact me directly. twisting’ what the police are trying to do. Until we meet again, Be blessed. I ask you Commissioner Clapprood, what did I twist? What narrative did I ‘create?’ Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II Did off duty police beat 4 Black men at Nathan Bill? YES Senior Pastor, Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ President, Greater Springfield NAACP Did on duty police lie on police reports to cover up the crime? YES July 2, 2020 af-am point of view page seven august 1, 2020 EDUCATION EARLY EDUCATION & CARE

Nicole Blais is Director of Community Black Lives Matter Engagement HCS Head Start, Inc. By Nicole Blais [email protected] words they may hear when adults dis- We know that Head Start is most ties of their families to be recog- cuss current events within earshot. effective when the systems and serv- nized and honored. lack Lives Matter. It is an af- Check in with your preschooler and ices in place support the cultural di- ● Children need to learn a variety of firmation and a movement ask if they have any questions about versity of enrolled families. skills in order to function effec- Bthat HCS Head Start fully what is going on and reassure them Moreover, we know that individual tively in a diverse society. that they are safe at home with you. staff members must be able to supports. We will continue to make ● Children have the right to grow up Different families will be having dif- demonstrate their respect for and re- sure that children feel safe, feel seen in environments where differ- ferent conversations but making spond to the different cultures in their ences are expected and respected. and feel secure when they are in our room for those discussions will be communities and among their co- care. important for your child. As children workers. This is the work that needs We are living through a historic As adults, processing the current get older, the complexities of these to be done to support our children, events that have transpired over the topics can be further explored but for their families and the communities in moment and helping our children last several weeks has been difficult, little ones, breaking it down into de- which we live. Our diversity is our stand up for what is right, to speak to say the least. If we are parenting, velopmentally appropriate bite-sized strength and it is a value that anchors out against injustice and to value di- how do we help our little ones make pieces will be helpful. For example, us as an organization. We hold on to versity is the work we will continue sense of what is happening in the talks around fairness, being a good the Multicultural Principles for Head to do in our classrooms. Head Start’s world around them? friend and helping each other are con- Start Programs Serving Children diversity and inclusion is its strength, Children need to feel safe and be cepts that preschoolers can make con- Ages Birth to Five, that asserts: and we stand in solidarity with our offered a space to talk about the im- nections to topics such as racism, Black families, staff, colleagues, and ages they may see on television or the equity and social justice. ● Children need the cultural identi- friends. ■ HAPPY 55TH BIRTHDAY, HEAD START!

Every child deserves the right to succeed. Head Start celebrates 55 years of helping children, families, and communities. Here’s to the next 55 years of being a Beacon of Hope and a source of support for a brighter future. #diversity #equality #opportunity

(413) 788-6522 hcsheadstart.org af-am point of view page eight august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY BLACK LIVES MATTER RALLY

Speaker Joe Smith III, a criminal defense and civil rights attorney.

The Black Lives Matter Rally was organized and led by criminal defense lawyers, legal aid workers, social workers, and community-based organizations. SPRINGFIELD, MA – July 13, 2020 – The Hampden County Defenders will hold a Black Lives Matter rally in Court Square in Springfield, Massachusetts at 1:00 p.m. The march is organized and led by criminal defense lawyers, legal aid workers, social workers, and community-based organizations. Speakers will include Allison Wright, a public defender in Springfield; Joe Smith III, a criminal defense and civil rights attorney; Rose Webster-Smith, a community organizer with Springfield No One leaves; Kedar Ismail, a criminal defense attorney, and others. While courts across the Commonwealth will reopen to the public on July 13, members of the legal community understand that there is no re- turning to the racist status quo; that Black Lives Matter must live on in the work that goes on inside and outside of the courthouse. This reopening takes place amid a global pandemic that continues to worsen in the United States and disproportion- years, Black people have been over policed, over this meaningful change can happen. This rally re- ately harm people of color. According to the CDC, represented in jails and prisons, and endured minds members of the legal community that as the American Indian, Black people, and Latinx people longer and harsher criminal sentences than people courts restart the wheels of justice, those wheels are hospitalized for Coronavirus at rates 4 to 5 of other races. The outpouring of Black Lives Mat- cannot continue to grind down the lives of Black times that of nonhispanic whites. ter protests around the world goes beyond combat- people. Rather, each party in the legal community https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ing racist policing and beyond the demand for must be held accountable for their share of respon- ncov/need-extra-precautions/racial-ethnic-minori- accountability of the murders of people like sibility for the racist system, and push for change ties.html. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Tony McDade. in every courtroom. The disproportionate effect of COVID-19 is It is a call demanding for real and meaningful July 13 marks a new day. A day where courts nothing new for Black people. Rather, it is pre- change in the criminal system, in healthcare, in ed- must never go back to a racially biased and op- cisely the outcome one could expect from a racist ucation, employment, and housing. pressive system that disproportionately harms, court system that all but ensures difficult living As the largest court in Hampden County, the kills, and destroys the lives of Black and Brown conditions and health outcomes. For hundreds of Springfield Hall of Justice is center stage to where people. ■ af-am point of view page nine august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY FOOD FOR THOUGHT Vote Every Year For Every Seat Until The System Changes By Zaida Govan Zaida Govan is a we can’t. The last real POTUS tried to native of Springfield equal the playing field with the Ledbetter via Puerto Rico with a passion for Act; however, why did we need to do improving the that in 2009? Because we still don’t have community she serves. She can be equality among POC. reached at 413.301.2533 or The legislators at the federal level [email protected] believe it’s ok to have a minimum wage t’s been over 200 years since slavery of $7.25 an hour. Many states are fight- ended and over 50 years since Mar- ing for $15 an hour even though you Itin Luther King, Jr. marched in can’t live on that working full time. You Selma. So whenever I hear that there is would not be able to pay for housing, a “first Black man” or the “first Latina transportation, healthcare, and food for woman” doing something, I get enraged one person on those wages. Meanwhile, all over again. Of course, I am happy for big corporations paying $15 an hour to them and very proud. But in 2020!? their employees are raking in millions in Some people complain about affir- profits and paying little to no federal I’m supporting Mayor Morse mative action because they feel it gives taxes. But we attack someone who because I know he is going to an unfair advantage to people of color works at McDonalds and earns $15 an (POC). Announcing the first POC in hour because we have a degree and are ﬁght for those who are not in a 2020 proves affirmative action continues making not much more than they are. In- “position to ﬁght for themselves to be only partly successful. I heard a sta- stead of looking at each other, we should tistic the other day that said of all the and speak up on behalf of the be looking to big corporations and de- Fortune 500 companies, 7 out of 10 are many voices that this system has manding that they pay living wages and run by White men. There have been only succeeded in suppressing.suppressing.”” 18 Black men since 1999 and currently their fair share of taxes. They must take good care of their employees who are there are only 2 Latina women running — JUSTINJUSTIN HURSHHURSTURS creating all that wealth for them. them. Those are facts not my opinion. CITY COUNCILNCIL PRESIDENT My conclusion is that White people, Sadly, most major corporations in SPRINGFIELD specifically White men, have their own this situation will not “do the right thing” affirmative action advantage. They ben- on their own. Therefore, we have to leg- efit from a system set up to help them islate that they “do the right thing.” The succeed. They have friends and family only way we are going to do that and the who have benefited fully from this sys- only way this is going to change is if we tem for 401 years. They have been al- elect policy makers who have you and lowed to buy property and own things. me at the center of their platforms in- VOTEVOTE POC weren’t allowed to buy property stead of big corporations and systems. ALEX MORSEO until the late 1960s. I’m not talking about just one election Black Wall Street was burned FOR CONGRESSGR and one political seat. No, you have to down in 1921 because White men were vote in EVERY election EVERY year BBYY SEPTSEPT.. 1 afraid of POC’s successes. This system for the next 20 or 30 years. Young people continues to be in place and is made by mail or in ppersoners stronger by the policies that say we (the who are just starting to vote cannot do economic system) don’t have to pay what our generation did and stop voting women the same amount we pay men. after a few elections. They have to con- We don’t have to pay Black or Brown tinue to resist and one day they will have AlexMorseForCongress.comAlexMorseForCongress.com people the same amount we pay White the future they deserve. Elections have consequences. Vote every year for every people. There are policies that allow for PAPAID FOR BY ALEX MORSE FOR CONGRESS this because there are no policies that say seat until the system changes. ■ af-am point of view page ten august 1, 2020 PEN & INK No one can poison the earth The stone-hearted scatter Garden Of Hope on which their garden stands like blowing graveled debris By Renay Intisar Jihad Sprouts encrusted by nature’s instinct sowing pits of dissension is intuition born out of the intent to degrade the City grounds around dusk dusty origin of ancient dirt and clay movement’s increase Freshly grown protests to toil Blades of people, faces On the Appointed Day Every plan to kill is fertilizer green, yellow, red, white, justice will alter what for those who believe hatred has housed that Black Lives Matter— Renay Intisar black, brown, and blue Jihad Emotions run high Water will douse what A final decree amongst each of you history has refused to prune yelled in the gardens of the world Photo submitted by Gayatri Malhotrai Activists rally on the farm of possibility to produce change They harvest the fruit of their labor to breed a call to reform

Meanwhile, dead pests dump bricks to field unrest and turmoil but nobody can sap the life out of this sacred crop Photo submitted by Joshua J. Cotteni

Copped cropped barbed barriers Even as winds blow Everyone understands drive to abort budding stems fragile seedlings to the sky, Everyone can see Truth’s birthroot anchors and rain drowns Stiff-necked stalks reject the committed; they store frail roots in this fight, bowing to their barren appetite energy from the sun’s rays potent spores anchor Even they can see that Moonlight fuels destiny and bloom, not die buried within the unseen and activists land a win Brazen hearts continue is a birthing of pure light Photo submitted by Koshu Kunii to sustain this war Now is our season – Intend! While hailstones may pounce Now is our season – Sow! on infinite infantile forms Now is our season – Reap! leaving a trail of innocent saplings Our harvest will thrive and withered weeds, The result of our labor is our crowning prize. these spirited ones warn us – “Earth’s underworld bleeds All rights reserved ©2020 The soul of the plant pleads We will answer the call of those in need” Photo submitted by Gayatri Malhotrai VOTE Protestors refuse to bend, wilt, MMM or perish under the weight of a four-hundred-year-old YOUR VOTE COUNTS!!! chokehold crying, “Let us breathe. Register to Vote by Give us space. Give us air.” Saturday, August 22nd Their posture is a stance in order to Vote in the Tuesday, they must make September 1st primary election. They know that no one can mow their garden down Download the mail-in form Nurtured by the root https://www.springfield- of ancestral soil, ma.gov/elections/fileadmin/ they kneel on a perennial stake user_upload/mailInForm.pdf af-am point of view page eleven august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PIONEER VALLEY FEATURE Masked Leadership Black Lives Matter― By Lora Wondolowski To Whom??? proclamation for mandatory mask Lora Wondolowski, By Willette Johnson Director of Leadership wearing. There was definitely some Pioneer Valley, she is resistance, but our mayor and her e are inundated with news, Americans in this passionate about strengthening the staff make a point to always wear and all of it is “Breaking”. country by all of the Pioneer Valley. masks. Recent data confirms that WMy local (and cable chan- people who are en- Contact her at states with mandatory mask orders nels) are flooded with stories that cap- gaged, at some level, 413-737-3876 or www.leadershippv.org decreased the curve faster and have ture our attention, evoke an element of in the conversation. continued to keep infections low. Cal- pathos, pique our curiosity, disrupt our In my opinion, some don’t have to tell you that this ifornia took early stay at home pre- peaceful existences, and simply rattle people are spot on in summer is like no other that I’ve cautions, like Massachusetts, but the very nature of our being. It is dif- their thinking, dia- Iever experienced. Thoughts of unlike us did not have a statewide ficult, some days, to figure out which logue, historical ref- Willette Johnson vacation have evaporated while many mask order. Their caseload is now ris- story climbs to the top of the food erences, and their cry for change. of us continue to work at home. Busi- ing dramatically (I recognize that chain. (COVID 19 has taken its Unfortunately, others have absolutely nesses are beginning to reopen while there are also other factors). Our place!) For everything else, it depends no clue about which they speak. I’ve others haven’t survived. My kids are local and federal elected officials on one’s perspective and life experi- concluded that from some of the non- at home 24/7 and complaining about wear masks to model the importance ences. I choose to advance the cause sense that has passed through some how bored they are. There are very of this behavior. This is a vital lead- of Black Lives Matter. Could it be that lips which clearly exposes true feel- few summer camps open and we’re ership capacity. People are unlikely to living the life of an African American ings and demonstrates a complete and not sure that we want to take the risk follow a leader who does not follow female triggers my hierarchy? total disregard for the people at the anyway. Meanwhile the rest of the their own advice. I know that if I want It’s satisfying to hear the dis- center of the controversy. For me, country is dealing with a virus surge continues to page 13 course about the journey of Black saying Black Lives Matter doesn’t that makes the spring in the Northeast make it so. It’s an enormous battle cry look like a picnic. All while our na- with years of injustice, inequality, and tional leaders are showing little lead- institutional racism behind it that ership. everybody talking about it can’t pos- I grew up in the Midwest with a Seniors! sibly know its depth for so many. Let tough-it-out mindset in the time be- me be clear—I do not want to discard fore seat belts and helmets. I’ll admit anybody’s efforts to help promote that I initially thought “how bad can #& " & " "! &!& #&# change. I just implore people to be the coronavirus be, the flu kills thou- Medicaid and MassHealth based programs authentic in your words and deeds. sands every year.” My mindset are available for those who qualify! The movement of today is rem- quickly changed when I looked at the iniscent of past efforts to improve the data and the exponential growth of lives of disenfranchised Americans cases and death rates. As leaders we left out of the success equation by the are often presented with contradictory forefathers of this country. The most memorable for me is the Civil Rights information and changing circum- Movement of the 60s and early 70s. stances. We have to set our own pre- An Affordable Senior Community It was painful and confusing to watch conceived notions aside. The 74 Walnut Street &%$#"! &&&&&& !#" # the nightly news and see Black peo- “reasonable” leader must work to ple being beaten, hosed, attacked by make sense of changing reality and vicious dogs, and tortured by other change course when necessary. It is Americans because of the color of not a sign of weakness to change #&! &# their skin. Places like Watts, Selma and Birmingham are indelibly course, especially when lives are at Medicaid and MassHealth based programs stamped on the history of American risk. Yet too many governors are re- are available for those who qualify! racial conflict. (We need to add Tulsa luctant to change in light of a new re- to this list and remember the destruc- ality. They don’t want to look tion of “the negroes’ Wall Street” in indecisive or weak. Yet that thinking 1921). It suffices to say that Black Affordable Care for Seniors is literally killing people. Lives Didn’t Matter. Many of us Before the state began requiring 74 Walnut Street &%$#"! &&&&& colonycareathome.com from then are still here raising a fist, masks, our local mayor put out a taking a knee, and cheering on the Always hiring CNAs and Licensed Aides! continues to page 13 af-am point of view page twelve august 1, 2020 EDUCATION EDUCATION & HOPE Gianna Allentuck is a Mother, Educator, and Community Volunteer. Your story. My story. Our story. To connect with Gianna regarding By Gianna Allentuck Education and Hope especially interesting story to tell, but told and that their needs are met, I be- the power to control my own destiny. topics discussed herein, please contact her at the pure devotion of one person to lieve in the power of storytelling to Make my own choices. Act by my [email protected]. sharing the story of another is inspir- engage. Connect. Empower. And – in own mind and heart. To write my ing. the case where there are shadows of own story. And I recognize that this he Broadway production by I imagine the infinite amount of darkness – to find light. And hope. is a blessing for which I should be Lin-Manuel Miranda of time researching, analyzing, consid- Among the forty-six amazing grateful. Hamilton is brilliant. Genius. T ering, consulting, and collaborating songs in Hamilton, one song titled I would relinquish this fortune, Perfect. And every other adjective on this project, coupled with the Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your however, for the chance to have Lin- that describes beyond amazing… boundless passion to not just tell the Story is my favorite. With the song Manuel write my story. Your story. from the writing to the music, cos- story, but to educate and inspire performed by an incredibly diverse Our story. Because though his words tumes, casting, singing, choreogra- through the story. Perhaps I am par- ensemble cast singing to the glory of would be woven with the brilliance of phy, set, staging, acting, and energy ticularly touched by this purpose be- Hamilton – including his truths, faults to the million and one additional as- the complexities and powerfulness of cause I love writing in a way that and flaws – I was awed. pects in a show of this import and diversity, his theme would be simple. celebrates and appreciates the people Intrigued by the questions of magnitude. One nation. One heart. Thriving and who inspire me personally and pro- life… Aside from the mesmerizing na- pumping from the beat of the voices fessionally. Or the people who share Who lives, who dies, who tells ture of the theatrics, I am especially of millions. The way it should be… their own story in a way that makes your story? But when you’re gone, grateful for the purpose of Hamilton Who lives, who dies, who tells me feel. Or perhaps because as a who remembers your name? Who in the sharing of Alexander Hamil- your story? School Counselor whose role is to keeps your flame? We tell your story. ton’s story. Not that I knew anything support, encourage, and advocate for Author’s Note: In July 2020, about Hamilton or felt that he had an She tells my story. And when my children in seeing that their story is time is up, have I done enough? Will we launched an initiative called they tell our story? In their eyes, I Side by Side for people to share see you, Alexander. I see you every feelings and experiences to raise time. Who lives, who dies, who tells awareness, educate, and promote your story? positive and purposeful action with These words compel me to pon- family, friends, neighbors, commu- der my own story and wonder nity members, and strangers alike. whether I am doing enough. Learning Please visit our website at enough. Growing enough. With all www.sidebysidevoices.com and the pain, division, fear, crisis, and Contact Us to share your voice. To overall malaise plaguing our Country, tell your story. We need you. We I wonder what my contributions will need to hold aloft and keep your be. Will I have listened. Helped. flame in order to light the way for Healed. I also consider how I have others… ■

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af-am point of view page thirteen august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY INFORMATION FEATURE ARTICLE Make-It Springfield Names Roberta When the Buildings Stop Burning Wilmore as First Executive Director continued from page 5 tain spaces for a racist cultural entertain- Then Trump immediately rushes to his ment even if there seems to be a declin- SPRINGFIELD, MA – June 10, Twitter page, America’s public square, ing tolerance for that activity. There still 2020 – Make-It Springfield, the to tell his MAGA hat army in Michigan remains deep and dark corners of the downtown Springfield community to storm the capitol and liberate the web where we can still find “black face” makerspace, announced that it has country. All of a sudden, public health performances and even in more main- hired Roberta Wilmore as its first Ex- and safety looked like white oppression. stream venues, there remain artifacts of ecutive Director. Wilmore joins an al- And a white judge in Wisconsin even American racism. ready growing staff and will lead the had the audacity to compare the quar- The movement is potentially ex- organization into its next phase of antine to the American Japanese intern- citing, but the jury is still out on substan- growth, including a transition to a ment camps in the 1940s. tive change. Some of the change is larger space. It is important to celebrate the rise being fueled by brand management in “Roberta joins us with decades of cultural sensitivity in corporate the desire to appear political yet remain of experience in nonprofits, commer- America, the taking down of confeder- safe. Black faces in high places and cial real estate, creative entrepreneur- ate statutes, and the rebranding of Aunt bland gestures to diversity and inclusion Roberta Wilmore ship, and the equity and inclusion Jemima. However, all of these gestures are co-existing with the actual exclusion work that is so fundamental to our Equestrian Center, connecting under- mean little if the focus is on simply pro- of the relevant African American stake mission. Make-It will certainly bene- served families and children of color tecting the brands of consumer culture. holders that could contribute to these in- fit from Roberta’s veteran leadership, to the world of equestrian sports. These gestures must be embedded stitutions of culture. This is not a con- but Springfield at-large will benefit as “The search committee was es- within a broader social movement cause tradiction; this seems to me to be by well,” said Laura Masulis, co-founder pecially impressed by Roberta’s de- for the transformation of the institution design. Right now, cultural critics and of the makerspace. liberate and thoughtful approach to that produces this popular culture and black figures are en vogue. Everyone Specifically, Wilmore's consult- leadership, team-building and part- our entertainment. These gestures are wants to get the black perspective and ing and training practice specializes nerships. We believe Roberta will not changing our popular culture appa- carry a “Black Lives Matter” sign. But in conflict management, board devel- lead Make-It Springfield forward and ratus if the institutions that produce we will see if people are still listening ■ opment, employee management, tran- skillfully navigate the COVID crisis them are not transformed. We still con- when the buildings stop burning. sition planning, and social justice. and any other challenges we might She has served as a trusted advisor, face in the future,” said Michael Di- LEADERSHIP PIONEER VALLEY executive coach, and Board member Pasquale, another co-founder. for dozens of nonprofit organizations Wilmore said, “It is incredibly Masked Leadership throughout the region, ranging from exciting to see that Make-It Spring- continued from page 11 when I wear a mask. Yet is it worth creative arts organizations, to aca- field has outgrown its original loca- my kids to wear bike helmets when exposing other people and myself to demic institutions and philanthropic tion. I am honored to join them and to I’m not watching, I can’t require keep my glasses clear? I can’t imag- organizations. Additionally, in 2001, be part of growing this resource for the them to wear one if I ride without ine Americans doing what Britain did ■ Wilmore founded the Children’s benefit of the city and its residents.” one. The same is true for masks. today, when it seems like wearing a Leaders have to be willing to do what mask for 5 minutes is too much to BLACK LIVES MATTER they are asking others to do. ask to protect others. To Whom??? During World War II, London I, like most everyone, am anx- was relentlessly bombed during the ious and fatigued by the state of our continued from page 11 ceptable way of life: a widespread Blitz. To protect themselves, the gov- world. I have no idea what the fall angry, determined protesters demand- culture of white privilege that has ernment asked the citizens of London will bring when our kids return to ing change. From those days until discounted the need for improved to turn off their lights and go dark school and many non-essential of- now, we can document some changes race relations, protection of equal each evening. Citizens and busi- fices reopen. When will I be able to in our country that positively helped rights, quality education, reform of nesses turned off their lights and kept offer face-to-face programs or in-per- promote equality for a portion of policing, fairness in the pursuit of son meetings? I miss lunch with my Black America, i.e. the right to vote, them off for six years. Leaders happiness and termination of crimes colleagues. I recognize the role that affirmative action, the dissolution of worked with the local citizens and against Black Humanity. My prayer redlining, to name a few. But, held them accountable for keeping leaders play in modeling the way and RACISM remained. remains that these perpetual voices the lights off. This act saved thou- being reasonable even when it is I am encouraged by the law- will continue to join with ours to sands of lives and untold number of hard. As leaders we have to make dif- makers, CEOs, and countless allies compel changes that will eventually structures. As someone who wears ficult decisions to keep others safe, who are lifting their voices to dis- solidify the notion that Black Lives glasses, I cannot figure out how to even when it is inconvenient. I hope ■ credit four hundred years of an ac- Matter. keep my glasses from fogging up more leaders will mask up. ■ af-am point of view page fourteen august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY FROM THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE ON CITY OF SPRINGFIELD FY’21 BUDGET ast night (July 1, 2020), Councilor Orlando Ramos Councilor Adam Gomez Springfield City Coun- (Chair of Public Safety) (Chair of Economic Development) Lcilors approved the FY21 “While I wholeheartedly support “There has to be more commu- budget, but not before making our public safety officers, and nication between the Mayor’s of- $1,000,000 dollars in cuts. while as chairman of Public Safety fice and the City Council when it We feel strongly that the it is my goal to ensure that our of- comes to investing in projects of residents of Springfield should ficers have the proper tools and this magnitude. It is problematic know why the cuts were made training they need to keep our that as the Chair of the Economic Council President and, in addition, what we would communities safe, there were sev- Development Committee, I was Justin Hurst like to see that money used for. eral reasons why I could not bring never notified that a 16 million The first cut was in the amount $800,000 intended for myself to support a $16-million dollar project was in the pipeline. the Facilities Department to fund the first year of a 20- lease for a gun range. In the end, I felt that it was a waste The budget cuts are a direct result of the administration’s year lease for a shooting range for the Springfield Po- of taxpayer money, and it would have sent the wrong inability to be transparent and communicate with the lice Department. While we all support our officers and message to the public. I also felt that it was necessary to legislative arm of government. Our citizens deserve bet- want to make sure they are well trained, investing in a reduce and reallocate a small amount from the overtime ter and we should see it as our obligation to ensure that shooting range that will cost the city 16 million dollars budget. It is my hope that the administration listens to citizens have a voice at that table when we spend this over the next 20 years is not a good use of tax payer the clamor of the public and takes the Council's advice type of money. I’m confident that citizens would prefer dollars and sends the wrong message as the country by re-purposing a portion of these funds for youth sum- this type of money be invested in our community as op- demands more accountability from our officers. Fur- mer jobs and more training for police officers.” posed to a gun range.” thermore, the City Council was only made aware of this potential expenditure last week, yet conversations Councilor Tracye Whitfield (Chair of Finance) Councilor Marcus Williams (Chair of Maintenance and Development) and contract negotiations have been taking place by “The million dollar budget cut “It’s not about defunding the po- the administration over the last year. Just as the resi- was needed for a couple of rea- lice in my humble opinion. It’s dents of Springfield were left in the dark over this in- sons. First, it is the Council’s fidu- about reallocating revenue within vestment so too was the City Council and we feel it ciary responsibility to understand the department to serve a greater would be fiscally irresponsible for us to approve this how taxpayer’s money is spent purpose. This administration has expense without fully vetting the project. Finally, we and communicate that information an obligation to the taxpayers of are adamant that there should be NO CUTS TO back to the Springfield residents. the City to find more practical and SERVICES OR PERSONNEL in the Parks, Recre- In the case of the $800,000 added creative ways to spend their dol- ation and Building Management’s budget as a result to the facilities department lars. The first priority is ensuring of our cuts specific to the shooting range. budget...that communication just didn’t happen. The ad- our police officers have the resources needed to receive Our second cut to the budget was in the amount ministration was less than transparent about an already additional training as it relates to first, de-escalation and of $200,000 dollars to reduce the police overtime line signed 20 year contract with Smith & Wesson. The lack racial/cultural sensitivity training and instruction. item from 1.8 million dollars to 1.6 million dollars. of details related to the contract and the funding being When the time comes to discuss the supplemental The purpose behind this cut was not an effort to defund sprung on us at the last minute just didn’t sit well with budget in the coming months, it will be the Mayor’s re- the police department, but to reallocate money within me. Councilors understand the police department needs sponsibility to ensure appropriations are, in fact, sup- the police department in hopes of increasing the line a new firing range location and we are not opposed to porting the idea that more training is essential. That item budget for seminars, education, and training, funding it. We would just like conversations with the sends a stronger message than rubber stamping a lease, which stands at a woefully inadequate amount of administration ahead of time to ensure taxpayer funds worth up to 16 million dollars of your tax dollars over $131,330 for fiscal year 2021. In fact, the training line are spent appropriately. a 20-year period, for a gun range. Especially, during item for fiscal year 2021 was cut by close to $60,000 Secondly, the community needs to know we hear these times.” at a time when police departments need training most. you! We hear you loud and clear about defunding the police department’s budget and reallocating the funding Councilor Victor Davila (Chair of Audit) Council President Justin Hurst . Defunding is a new concept to me and I personally do “The recent cuts totaling 1 mil- “I’m extremely proud of our City Council. The not agree with taking police officers off the streets. How- lion dollars from the Police Dept. cuts to the budget illustrate that they have the courage ever, I do think more culturally sensitive, anti-racism, is a relocation of funds to help ad- to not be silenced and shows that they will continue to mental health, de-escalation and community policing dress the ongoing social issues that make tough decisions that are in the best interests of training for officers is needed. Therefore, I proposed a need a civilian approach. It is my the community and law enforcement. It is clear that $200,000 budget cut from police overtime budget to be hope that the administration would our City Council is committed to being on the right reallocated to those and other much needed training. The consider a gun buyback program side of history during these trying times.” $200,000 amount averages to about $333 of additional to help us get more illegal guns off training per officer. That’s really just a start.” the streets.” af-am point of view page fifteen august 1, 2020 LIVING COMMUNITY GOT H.E.R.S. COMMUNITY INFORMATION On Being Self-Assured, Getting Safer, Respectful Black and Female Technology Teleconference Springfield, MA. The Springfield Commission has done a disservice to By Latoya Bosworth, PhD Cultural Council is sponsoring a re- itself, local government, consumers, smile and exchange pleasantries, you mote teleconference event for Spring- and even the wireless industry in fail- Dr. Latoya Bosworth dubbed herself may not be received positively be- field residents on safer technology for ing to understand and respond to the Brenda’s Child in cause it goes against what the world a healthier society. Kirstin Beatty, a broadly shared mistrust of the safety honor of her late says about who we should be. Being former Springfield public school of RF [or wireless] emissions.” Lo- mother. She is an edu- cally, Representatives Richard Neal anything other than modest and pas- teacher and co-chair of Last Tree cator, author, speaker, Laws, will be speaking on how to and James McGovern have each and self-esteem expert. sive often equates to “overconfident,” www.brendaschild.com move towards safer, more respectful signed onto S. 2012 to reassert local “extra,” “too much,” or “thinking technology at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Au- zoning control over cell towers. “Quiet, unassuming,” “lady-like you’re all that.” When you finally gust 1, 2020. Beatty, who put forward relevant mannerisms,” “creative; could bene- open your mouth and your tone and According to Beatty: “There state legislation that was sponsored fit from more social interaction” were passion match your swagger, well will be an overview of issues includ- by state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, adds, all comments made by my elemen- then, that is entirely too much. … ing wireless exposures, surveillance, “I hope this event leads to a tary school teachers. For those who your own people will shun you. and marketing, as well as suggestions groundswell of support for legislation know me more intimately, creative This loathing of confidence in for changing the conversation around for an Electromagnetic and Digital may be the only description that still New Deal.” Black women could be explained technology. I intend to provide simple accurately describes me today. I am suggestions and resources for home, Questions are welcome in ad- from psychological, sociological, and still initially quiet (observant of facial schools, and business for safer, re- vance online at LastTreeLaws.com. expressions, body language, energy). historical lenses. But in a nutshell, spectful technology use, including in The teleconference may be joined by In settings outside of family and close downplaying our flyness is a survival the context of Covid19.” dialing the telephone number 1 (302) friends, I will only speak when I have tactic passed on to us generation after Wireless exposures are a heated 202 – 1104 and entering the confer- something important to say. How- generation, as a result of.... you topic. The Federal Communications ence code 483409. Afterwards, ac- ever, in the words of comedian guessed it slavery. There was logic Commission (FCC), which sets rules cess to a recording may be available Amanda Seales, “To be a black behind keeping a Black girl quiet and for wireless communication, cur- online at Last Tree Laws. woman is to be judged on tone before unnoticeable, with the hope of pro- rently faces several suits you open your mouth.” charging its rules neglect tecting her developing body from A culmination of painful profes- public safety concerns as rape and assault. But what history has sional experiences has taught me the well as local zoning con- truth in this statement. Being young, taught us is that there is nothing we trol. The City of Boston Black, female, I was judged before I can avoid doing that will protect the made an incendiary state- ever uttered a word. It wasn’t the Black body from harm inflicted upon ment in a recent submis- bamboo earrings, the Malcolm X T- us by the people in power. sion to FCC docket shirt, bi-weekly changes in my very Therefore, to aid in the healing 19-226: “Boston believes Black hairstyles. Nope. It was that process of our generational trauma, I that the concerns of the fact that I walked in the room with public are real and that the unmistakable, unwavering confi- say we walk in our power, confidence, evident in the sway of my dently. From now on, we receive hips, the way my shoulders pushed compliments without embarrassment, YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT !!! back, and how I held my head, high wink at our sister when she walks in YOUR VOTE COUNTS !! like I wore an invisible crown. That the room like she owns it. Let us not NOT REGISTERED???? was problematic and continues to be feel less for being more like a shot of NO PROBLEM!!! because when you are a Black tequila than somebody’s cup of tea. COME REGISTER TO VOTE HERE!!! woman, confidence is often miscon- And if we are a bit more mellow, like strued as arrogance, intimidating be- tea, be just fine with not being some- ARISE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE cause let’s face it, Black women aren’t supposed to be confident. one else’s favorite flavor. Let’s hold 38 SCHOOL ST., SPRINGFIELD confidence in Black women in high Ladies, if you walk your IMPORTANT ALSO: melanated self into a room like you esteem so that we may, in fact, in- REMEMBER TO MAIL IN YOUR CENSUS own it, no matter how much you crease our collective esteem. ■ af-am point of view page sixteen august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY INFORMATION Springfield’s 6 Bricks Receives Coveted State Provisional License From the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. team of former law enforcement pro- Shubrick, CEO of 6 Bricks. fessionals who have advised the proj- “It was an especially proud mo- ect from the idea stages to today’s ment for me, my family and our sup- award from the MA CCC. porters to hear Commissioner Title’s Achieving the MA CCC Provi- recognition of our efforts in creating sional License status means that 6 a positive social impact/diversity Bricks, LLC has moved one more plan. We have listened to our commu- significant step closer to actually nity and will continue to stay focused being able to open a facility in on how to best create a positive im- Springfield. Of the four Springfield pact for those we will serve and our applicants, 6 Bricks is the first to be neighbors. To be recognized as one of a community-oriented facility and awarded this status. the few women-owned minority enti- operation that would include and ben- “I and my family are so appre- ties in this industry in the entire state efit the city and surrounding neigh- ciative of the state and Springfield’s is a responsibility and a trust that we borhood community. recognition of our hard work, of our will never take for granted,” said MA CCC Commissioner, plans and positive community impact Shubrick. “6 Bricks is six members of the 6 Bricks, was selected by Springfield as a Shubrick family. It has been a dream of ours to be able to take our vision; successful applicant for a recreational to connect people and product for the cannabis dispensary last year. 6 Bricks will best experience every time, encouraging visitors to come to us and visit be one of a handful of minority-women Springfield,” said Shubrick. “The Coronavirus Pandemic has owned operations in Massachusetts. greatly impacted all of the cannabis industry. We are continuing to review Shaleen Title, prior to voting on the 6 in the awarding of these necessary li- our plans as to how to best serve the Brick’s application, noted the unique- censes to move forward. We are so customers who need the product we ness of the family-owned company’s appreciative of the transparent and in- Payton Shubrick, CEO will offer as a healing and therapeutic social-impact plan and diversity plan depth process by which Springfield, addition to their health and well- SPRINGFIELD, MA – 6 Bricks, as a women-minority owned busi- the Springfield Cannabis Committee, being regimens,” said Shubrick. LLC. was chosen yesterday, July 9, ness. the city’s Law Department and Pro- “We will be making some 2020, to receive a State Provisional 6 Bricks incurred substantial ex- curement Offices executed which al- changes in our plans that will take License from the Massachusetts pense and invested significant time lowed us a very even competitive into account these new challenges Cannabis Control Commission. Last securing data, information and plan- field allowing us to present a true mi- that must include curbside-pickup per nority-owned effort,” said Shubrick. year, in July, 2019, the city of Spring- ning strategies to put forth a winning the state and what an in-store experi- field awarded 6 Bricks one of just “To apply and win these neces- application to the city and the state, ence may actually have to be in keep- four licenses to operate a cannabis sary local and state licenses on our including hiring and working with the ing with local, state and federal health dispensary in the city. merits is very gratifying to me, my recognized engineering firm, Van- regulations for the future. We will For more than a year before the family and our other team and com- hasse Hangen Bustin, Inc. (VHB), to make those changes public. We have award by Springfield, 6 Bricks had munity members. Today’s decision produce traffic and other studies. 6 been transparent in all of our efforts been preparing for the city applica- allows us to move forward with our Bricks worked extensively with for- and have benefitted greatly from the tion process, engaging and working Mission Statement: To inspire our mer Springfield Police Officer John involvement, endorsement and con- with architects, industry and profes- community – through the people. Delaney on a security plan for opera- tinued guidance of the McKnight sion experts, security professionals Plant and purpose while being a good tion that is one of the best in the com- Neighborhood Council,” said and others as to how best to propose monwealth. Delaney assembled a neighborly partner,” said Payton Shubrick. ■ af-am point of view page seventeen august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY OP - ED COMMUNITY BEAT Perceptions Can Be Tricky! Weak Passwords By Zelmon Johnson, reprinted from October, 2017 By Ken Harris any of you know me as Zee concentrated on listening to his music Ken Harris is a member Your password is a secret and it Johnson, owner of Olive and snoozing a little. However, Alison of Puppeteers of should stay a secret. Don’t share it with Tree Books-n-Voices, who and I talked about her goals, etc. While America and a coworkers or your supervisor. If anyone M graduate of STCC knows, it is no longer a secret and so frequently writes articles on black- we talked, I noticed how passengers Follow him at owned businesses. However, this continued to lean over to look at Bill. shadowedu.blogspot.com much for your peace of mind. I would not use public computers month I decided to write on the “per- While they were looking at Bill, I was https://shadowworldpre- ception of being a young African looking at them. I can’t explain their sent.wixsite.com/safe to log onto online accounts such as American man.” interest in Bill, but I suspect it was fear checking emails at hotels or libraries. Over the last few months, a per- or suspicion. Otherwise, they would ow often do you think of the sig- Since anyone can access these comput- nificance of passwords to your sonal matter has caused me to travel have made eye contact with him or en- ers, they may be infected with malware. personal and business accounts? out of state numerous times. How- gaged him in conversation. Further- H It’s best to log into accounts from com- Are you complacent in properly manag- ever, on one particular flight, I really more, if he was a celebrity or ing safeguards to crucial networks that puters or mobile devices that can be recognized the well-known, I as- matter to you? If none of these thoughts trusted. “perception of ...the majority of passengers sume they would have any weight in your daily life, per- Some websites use security ques- being a young were unconsciously or have asked him haps you should reconsider. tions for your accounts. You offer an- African American for a selfie. It’s actually no different than the swers to personal questions in case you consciously avoiding this one man.” While sitting importance of ensuring our homes are forget your password and need to reset it. I traveled passenger. He was a young, in the middle seat, properly secured when we are away. A Here’s the problem with that. Some of weak password is like an open door to a with Southwest African American man. I mentioned to these questions or answers can be found willing cyber thief. Airlines where Alison that both Here are some basics to keep in online or on your social media accounts. seats are categorized she and Bill could be my children, and mind about passwords: Only use information that is not publicly alphabetically/numerically. Upon en- I felt very safe sitting between them. If ● Create a strong password by making known about you, or simply make up an- tering the plane, you can select any Bill had not been listening so intensely it long. Every character makes it swers to questions. available seat. Well, as I entered the to his music, I would have told him the strong. Some accounts offer two-step ver- airplane, I immediately noticed that the same. Frankly, my perception of Bill ● Ensure your chosen password is dif- ification also called two factor authenti- majority of passengers were uncon- was a feeling of safety vs. fear. I felt ficult to guess. cation or multi-factor authentication. This ● sciously or consciously avoiding this very secure sitting by Bill because of Avoid using birthdates, pet names, or requires a one-time code in addition to anything that you shared on social one passenger. He was a young, his size and appearance. My sense your password to log in. A unique code African American man, approximate was that if there were any disruptions media. You might consider using a para- is generated in a special app on your age 28-35, wearing a dreadlock hair- or discords, Bill could and would han- phrase as it is one of the simplest ways smartphone that is used with your pass- style, over 6 feet tall with a muscular dle the matter, and I would be very to create a strong password. This is made word to log-in. built, using earplugs to listen to music proud sitting next to him. I shared my up of many words such as: “I need to go Whenever possible, enable two- and wearing sunglasses. While every- perception of Bill to Alison and she to the bank” or the use of random words step verification so that your accounts are one tried to find a seat avoiding him, I agreed—that he appeared to be a pro- like “cloud-mountain-thunder-journey.” protected by more than just a password wanted to sit by him. I will be the first tector vs. a threat, and she was glad to Just select one that is easy for your to re- by itself. Weak or compromised pass- member. to admit, I had a certain perception of be sitting in this row of seats as well. words are one of the most common ways him. However, when the flight was over, When creating a password, you might be prompted to include an assort- cyber attackers break into organizations This passenger whom I will call many passengers continued to look or online accounts. “Bill” was seated in the aisle seat, so over at Bill, and I continued to look at ment of symbols, numbers or upper and lowercase numbers. If you believe you accidentally he allowed me to move into the middle them. Whatever you do, always use a dif- shared a work-related password or be- seat. In the window seat was an Perceptions can be tricky, espe- ferent, unique password for each ac- lieve it may have been hacked or stolen, African American high school senior cially when it comes to African Amer- count. In event your account is be sure to change it right away. After- named Alison. So here we were, three ican men. Both the passengers and I compromised by a hacker, you will have wards, notify your technical support team very different multi-generational had a perception of Bill, but clearly on some peace of mind knowing your other asap. African American passengers doing opposite ends of the spectrum. Al- accounts are still secured. I use family friendly puppetry to our own thing—Bill listening to though we never interacted, I did not If remembering many passwords spread cyber security awareness and music, Alison reading a magazine and fear Bill at all—but had a degree of poses trouble for you, you should con- scam prevention. me trying to understand why passen- comfort that he was there. sider utilizing a password manager. This Check out my website at gers were looking at Bill. What perception would you have is a special program that securely stores all of your passwords. You only need to https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com Bill never conversed with me. He had of this African American man? ■ remember the actual password manager. /safe for funny educational videos. ■ af-am point of view page eighteen august 1, 2020 HEALTH HEALTH MATTERS

Doris Sexton-Harris, Health Consultant, No Menthol. Know Why. Doris can be By Sara Moriarty Program Director contacted at The law, which took effect on of color. They placed young people and vide information dorharris77@hot- June 1, 2020, means that: people of color in their advertisements about the many re- mail.com ● Menthol cigarettes and all other fla- to make their products seem cool and sources available vored tobacco products like fla- appealing. And in the past few years, to help people quit s of June 1, 2020, flavored to- vaping companies purchased ad space smoking and vap- vored cigars, flavored chewing Sara Moriarty bacco, including menthol cig- tobacco, and flavored e-cigarettes in places visited most by young people ing. arettes like Kools and like YouTube, The Cartoon Network You can help spread the word in A and nicotine vaping products will Newports, are no longer sold in Mas- and online learning websites for kids. your community by visiting NoMen- no longer be widely available in sachusetts stores. This means that fla- It’s no coincidence that so many tholKnowWhy.org to learn more, to vored tobacco products are no longer Massachusetts. people of color smoke menthol—it’s share your menthol story and to find ● sold at retailers like corner stores, gas E-cigarettes and nicotine vaping by design. These tactics were highly ef- tools and resources to share. stations and smoke shops. To learn products will increase in price. fective in creating big industry profits Help for those who want to quit about why, watch the one-minute video As you’ll learn at NoMenthol- by addicting people to tobacco and vaping, smoking or using other tobacco at NoMentholKnowWhy.org. KnowWhy.org, Massachusetts updated nicotine products. Such targeted, ag- products is available for FREE at 1- The tobacco and vaping industries its tobacco laws to improve health in gressive marketing practices, com- 800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) have targeted youth, LGBTQ popula- the communities that have been histor- bined with pressures related to racism, and KeepTryingMA.org. tions and communities of color with ically and unjustly targeted by the to- food insecurity, unemployment and Contact me, Sara Moriarty, at the their deadly products, causing many bacco and vaping industries. other daily stressors contribute to Hampden County Tobacco-Free Com- health consequences for these popula- They targeted advertising and dis- worse health outcomes in these community Partnership at smoriarty@gan- tions specifically. Flavors, like mint plays of flavored tobacco products in munities. daracenter.org to learn more about the and menthol, are a leading reason that Black and Latinx neighborhoods. They The Tobacco-Free Community law, how you can support people in young people start vaping and using to- offered discounted prices of products Partnerships in Massachusetts want to quitting and to find out how you can bacco. like menthol cigarettes in communities build awareness about the law and pro- partner with us. ■ YOUR HEALTH said Dr. Sarah Haessler, lead epidemi- “In the hospital, we use a special ologist and infectious disease special- type of respirator mask called N95, ist for Baystate Health. which is required for protection when Aerosols are small particles that treating patients whose viruses can can remain suspended in air for longer become aerosolized,” said Dr. The New COVID-19 Debate periods of time than most respiratory Haessler. secretions and are small and light According to Dr. Haessler, the Is the Virus Transmitted by Respiratory enough to sometimes travel longer letter to WHO predominantly repre- distances. Certain viruses such as sents the opinion of laboratory scien- Droplets or by Aerosolized Droplets smallpox and measles, and bacteria, tists and researchers, many of whom are from “particle science” and other PRINGFIELD, MA – July 8, mouths, noses or eyes of people who such as the agent that causes tubercu- engineering-type disciplines and 2020 – There is a new interna- are nearby or be inhaled into the losis, are expelled as aerosols and can basic, but importantly not clinical – tional debate surrounding lungs. Some recent studies have sug- therefore be transmitted by the “air- S science positions. COVID-19 and the spread of the in- gested that COVID-19 may be spread borne route.” “While it may be accurate that fection. by people who are not showing symp- Most respiratory viruses are under certain laboratory conditions, The Centers for Disease Control toms. transmitted by the “droplet” route, the COVID-19 virus can form and Prevention (CDC) and other Now in a letter sent to the World which means that they are expelled as aerosols, there is scant data to present health organizations have long Health Organization (WHO) signed larger particles that are heavier and to suggest that this infection is gener- thought that the novel coronavirus is by over 200 scientists, they claim that fall to the ground in a span of 3-6 feet ally transmitted that way,” said Dr. spread mainly from person-to-person aerosolized droplets floating in the air from an infected person. This is from Haessler. between people who are in close con- can cause infection. They urged WHO where the social distancing recom- “In fact, the preponderance of tact within one another (approx. 6 to react to what they claim is “mount- mendation of 6 feet derives, noted Dr. actual clinical and epidemiologic in- feet). This spread is through respira- ing evidence.” Haessler. For these agents, a facemask formation – including data from or tory droplets produced when an in- “They are raising the specter that is appropriate protection (along with own experiences at Baystate over the fected person coughs, sneezes or COVID-19 could theoretically be eye coverings, gloves, gowns, etc. es- talks. These droplets can land in the transmitted by the airborne route,” pecially for healthcare workers). continues to page 19 af-am point of view page nineteen august 1, 2020 HEALTH YOUR HEALTH

Allergies? Or COVID-19? Understanding the Signs and Symptoms SPRINGFIELD, MA – July 13, Arnando Paez, chief, Infectious ● Stuffy nose tered mentation or confusion, toe 2020 – When COVID-19 arrived in Diseases, Baystate Medical Center. ● Runny nose swelling or redness which we refer to the United States earlier this year, the Watery, itchy eyes, an itchy ● Tearing eyes as COVID toes, rash, which is part of country was at the height of its flu nose, and itchy skin are also sure ● Dark circles under the eyes. the multisystem inflammatory syn- signs of an allergy. drome in children, and neck pain,” season. According to the Centers for According to the American said Dr. Paez. Since there is an overlap be- Disease Control and Prevention tween some symptoms of the novel Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Im- “Remember, there are those munology, an allergy is a chronic (CDC), among the many symptoms coronavirus and the flu, many people without symptoms, referred to as condition involving an abnormal re- of COVID-19 that have been reported at the mere sign of symptoms were asymptomatic, who still may have action to an ordinarily harmless sub- are: concerned that they might have COVID-19,” he added. stance called an allergen, such as dust ● Fever or chills (common) COVID-19 and not simply the flu. A chart on the American Acad- mites, tree weed, grass pollen and ● Cough (common) Now similar questions are aris- emy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunol- more. If you have an allergy, your im- ● Shortness of breath or difficulty ogy offers a comparison of symptoms ing as allergy season is in full swing mune system views the allergen as an ● breathing (common) for COVID-19, allergies, flu and the and will continue into the fall. invader and a chain reaction is initi- ● Fatigue (common) “For the most part, those who al- ated. White blood cells of the im- ● Muscle or body aches common cold. The chart is available ready suffer from allergies should mune system produce IgE antibodies ● Headache at: know whether or not they are experi- which attach themselves to special ● New loss of taste or smell https://www.aaaai.org/Aaaai/medi encing typical seasonal allergy symp- cells called mast cells, causing a re- ● Loss of appetite (common) a/MediaLibrary/Images/Promos/C toms. They will have a stuffy nose lease of potent chemical such as his- ● Sore throat oronavirus-Symptoms.pdf that disappears and returns, and that tamine. These chemicals cause ● Congestion or runny nose “If you are unsure about your gets better on allergy medications and symptoms such as: ● Nausea or vomiting symptoms and what is causing them, they are not ‘ill.’ Typically they are ● Itching in the nose ● Diarrhea. whether COVID-19 or your allergies, not short of breath or have a cough, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes “Over time new symptoms have it’s a good idea to check with your unless they have asthma,” said Dr. ● Sneezing been added to the list, including al- doctor,” said Dr. Paez. ■ YOUR HEALTH The New COVID-19 Debate continued from page 18 early beginnings of the novel coron- past four months of the pandemic – avirus data,” said Dr. Haessler. strongly suggest that this virus is pri- “To further stop the virus and marily transmitted by respiratory protect yourselves and others, remem- droplets,” she continued. ber to wear a mask when around oth- Dr. Haessler has reassurance for ers, keep a safe distance from others, the public who may have read about cover your coughs and sneezes, and to the debate and the letter sent to WHO, wash your hands often,” she added. and who are worried about their pro- For more information on tection from the virus. Baystate Health, visit baystate- “Universal masking, hand hy- health.org and follow us on our so- giene and social distancing are still the cial media channels: main ways to prevent the spread of Facebook/BaystateHealth; COVID-19 since clinical data Facebook/Baystate Children’s Hospi- strongly suggests the virus is mainly tal; LinkedIn/Baystate Health; transmitted through respiratory Twitter@Baystate_health; droplets, as we have known since the Instagram@baystate_health af-amAround point of view Town &page twenty. . . august 1, 2020

Family and friends gathered at Smokey Joe’s for a small retirement The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation partnered with party for Chef Wayne Hooker of Big Mamou’s fame that recently the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center in Springfield to hold a closed after 25 years of operation. FOOD4VETS program at the Center recently.

(Left) The CREW organization presented scholarship recipient Kiam Rennix with a $1,000.00 scholarship recently. CREW members from L to R: Jimmie Mitchell, President Wayman Lee, Brian Thomas and Andrew Keaton. (Right) The CREW presented scholarship recipient Ajanay Hill with a $1,000 scholarship. Ajanay Hill poses with her parents and CREW members. Springfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority recently held their Violet & Pearl Scholarship Award Ceremony in the Walmart parking lot due to the Covid-19 restrictions. L to R: President Willette Y. John- son, members Regina Evans- Cox, Ashiah Richeme-Alcide, Mary Worthy, Crystal Senter- Brown, Doreen Sneed, scholarship recipients Ajanay Hill, Samara Smith and Jeisanelly Hernandez, members Dena Cooper, Kara Woolridge, Min. Kimberley Strother, Tamara Dodds and Gail Walls. af-am. point of. view . In The Communitypage twenty-one august 1, 2020

The New North Citi- zens Council Good Vibes Program held a march against Gun Violence from the Forest Park Middle School to Johnny Appleseed Park and held a speak-out.

Springfield School Committee member LaTonia Monroe Naylor Springfield School Committee member LaTonia Monroe Naylor and mem- accepted the 17th Annual Commonwealth Heroine Award from bers of the Parent Villages organization along with members of the New State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez who nominated her for the award. North Citizens Council Good Vibes Program, Families Against Violence, L to R: daughters Naomi and Patience, husband Mah’dee, Sr., MORE Inspiring Change Fighting for Justice, Holy Redeemer Cathedral LaTonia, Gonzalez, daughter Melodie, and son Mah’dee, Jr. and others held a Rally Cry for the youth of Springfield at Springfield City Hall recently. Parents of youth killed by gun violence spoke at the rally.

Strong Young Minds program Graduates and their family members with Springfield City Councilor Adam Gomez (back far left) and Program Executive Director Tika Jones pose for a group photo at their graduation at Agawam’s School St. af-am point of view page twenty-two august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY CONNECTICUT - COMMUNITY FOCUS Eastern Alumnus: One of the Andrea Brown—North Haven Unsung Heroes on the Front Black Girl Magic! Lines in the Battle Against Rockin’ it with the COVID-19 NBA ORLANDO MAGIC! By Dwight Bachman, Public Relations Officer, By Dwight Bachman, Public Relations Officer, Eastern Connecticut State University Eastern Connecticut State University ment’s Sports and Leisure Program. Brown serves as director of premium services for the Orlando Magic NBA professional basket- ball team. A Dwight Bachman director of premium services does just that—treat customers like pure gold! Brown leads a team of eight people in developing strategies that provide legendary, world class service to all premium account holders on multiple levels of the Amway Center in Orlando. She helps to increase the retention of her customers, generate revenue and also to create long-term Dr. Rukevwe Ehwarieme enthusiasm among Orlando Magic s I write this (June 14th), the fans. number of people who have Brown, who said she has “al- Asuccumbed to the Coron- ways wanted to work for an NBA,” avirus has reached 117,000 and is told the students to “Take advantage climbing daily. This Eastern alum- of ALL opportunities!” At Eastern, Dr. Rukevwe Ehwarieme with Andrea Brown nus—Dr. Rukevwe Ehwarieme ’08— she was a resident assistant, which Dr. Yaw Nsiah is among the millions of health care COVID-19 may have created so- helped her transition into a hall direc- workers—doctors, nurses, re- traveling across the country—to cial distancing for Eastern Connecti- tor role in graduate school at Old Do- searchers and more—across the na- Texas, New Hampshire and Con- cut State University students, faculty minion University, where she earned tion who have answered the call for necticut, serving areas in need of a and staff, but the virus did not stop her Masters of Education degree. help. Dr. Ehwarieme—or “Ruk” as Hospitalist due to the increasing some Eastern alumni from doing a “This opportunity allowed me to have we call him—is working tirelessly COVID-19 cases. terrific job of staying in touch with a portion of my college tuition paid and selflessly to save lives. Ruk and Ruk is a dedicated, committed their former professors. I caught up for as well as free room and board. others are the unsung heroes who, at physician. He and his fiancé post- with Andrea Brown ’08, who, using Internship opportunities at the Con- great personal risk to their own lives, poned their wedding and honeymoon the Microsoft Teams video confer- necticut Sun WNBA, UConn Athlet- often work 12 hour shifts four to five due to COVID-19! ence platform, recently interacted ics Operations and ESPN Wide days a week to protect the health of They both are serving as locums with students in classes taught by Ki- World of Sports also led me to gain- those in their communities. at hospitals across the nation, helping nesiology and Physical Education ing more skills in my field and helped Ruk works with a team of spe- patients. Prior to traveling to areas of Professor Charlie Chatterton. me build the foundation for my ca- cialists as a physician-Hospitalist, need, Ruk served in a similar capacity Just before final exams, Brown reer.” providing direct patient care, includ- at W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. called into Chatterton’s Entrepreneur- Brown started working with the ing ICU care of COVID-19 patients. He is currently in Fellowship Train- ship, Marketing and Communications Orlando Magic in 2010 as a client He serves as a locum Hospitalist, continues to page 23 in Sports class, part of his depart- continues to page 23 af-am point of view page twenty-three august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY EDUCATION LAW NOTES Dr. Bridgette Baldwin is a Professor of Law at West- ern New England Univer- Cyclical Debt Harms Minority sity School of Law with areas of interest in criminal law and procedure, international criminal law, Populations in Massachusetts evidence, critical race the- ory, cybercrime and wel- By Professor Justin Dion fare law. rates, and longer the time needed to and need emergency credit to help orrowing money is a common repay, the more profitable for the pay for monthly necessities. Demo- financial transaction in which bank. Banks make the most money graphically, the impact of these lend- by maximizing the use of high inter- ing strategies has resulted in debt Attorney Justin Dion is a Bmost adults engage. Wealthier Professor of Legal Skills and discrepancies based on race, age and individuals may borrow larger est credit card debt to often-desperate Director of Bar Success Programs amounts of money for real estate. people with no better borrowing op- gender, with younger minority at Western New England While, less wealthy individuals may tions, and who cannot otherwise im- women fairing the worst. Although University School of Law. borrow money on credit cards for mediately pay the debt off. The private individuals are not permitted  Negotiation. If caught in a credit longer someone holds a balance on a to loan money at dangerously high in- everyday necessities, such as food, card tailspin, reach out to the bank credit card, the more money the bank terest rates, current laws have excep- prescriptions, and utilities/rent. In and negotiate a lower interest rate, fact, the Federal Reserve recently re- makes. As the high interest rates in- tions that allow banks to do so. What can be done? or request a balance reduction if ported that Americans now owe al- crease the amount owed, it also you pay the debt off completely. makes the debt increasingly harder to most a trillion dollars in credit card  Legislation. Lawmakers need to  Bankruptcy. As a last resort, a debt. pay off. identify debt and predatory loans bankruptcy generally allows you Banks set interest rates based on These high interest loans entrap as a significant community prob- to keep your property while dis- risk. Therefore, higher risk loans (like people into a cycle of permanent fi- lem that restricts people from be- charging (getting rid of) most of credit cards) made to people deemed nancial servitude that for many be- coming economically stable. Pass your debts. The idea of bank- less likely to repay, will in turn be comes impossible to escape. They laws that restrict the amount of in- ruptcy is to give you a fresh start, charged the highest interest rates. just pay a little each month, and es- terest that banks can charge. and allow you to engage in better Credit card interest rates average sentially owe the debt forever. This  Education. Schools should be re- financial transactions in the fu- 20%. So even if using a credit card system of financial repression harms quired to include fiscal education ture. for only minor purchases, a small individuals, families, and the commu- in their curriculum to combat purchase can cost significantly more nities in which they reside. predatory lending. It is just as im- Ultimately, equitable financial in the long-run and might need to be This unfortunate business model portant to be fiscally healthy, as it services can exist in poor and minor- repaid over months or even years. targets poorer people who otherwise is physically and academically ity communities if there is regulatory ■ Simply put, the higher the interest may lack savings to pay the debt off healthy. restructuring of these practices. CONNECTICUT - COMMUNITY FOCUS Dr. Rukevwe Ehwarieme Andrea Brown continued from page 22 “This particular Coronavirus is continued from page 22 more on the fun Brown is having in ing in Infectious Disease at Univer- new. None of us knows it all, so we service representative, managing gen- sunny Florida, visit www.orlando- have to collaborate with a wide range sity of Texas Health Science Center eral season ticket holder accounts. In magic.com at San Antonio, where he is furthering of specialists to ensure that proper 2013, she transitioned into a premium “It was a pure joy to see happy, his education and research in infec- protocols are in place to properly treat club level manager, and in 2018, into tious diseases. patients fighting for their lives. When senior premium service manager. successful alumni show their love by Ruk, a former soccer star at you are trying to save someone’s life, Last August, she was promoted to di- expressing gratitude to Eastern,” said teamwork takes on new meaning. It Eastern, said his liberal arts education rector of premium services. Chatterton. “They were happy to help was “just what the doctor ordered, if is wonderful and joyous to see some- Brown said Eastern’s liberal arts on short notice. They provided great you will, for my career. Studying sci- one recover from this deadly virus.” education taught her “organization, ence, especially, the way Dr. Yaw Ehwarieme earned his MBA in critical thinking, professionalism, insights to the students as profession- Nsiah taught me biology, helped pro- Health Care and Administration from communication skills and service to als in the field. They are talented provide a strong basic foundation for Davenport University in Michigan community, all of which prepared me fessionals and their willingness to medical school.” He said Nsiah, now and his medical degree from the Saint well for my professional and personal continuously share their experiences, chair of Eastern’s Health Sciences James School of Medicine in An- life. She told the students to “Create Department, taught him the value of guilla. He completed his Residency at a plan and vision for yourself and expertise, perspective and time is working with others. Michigan State University. ■ don’t ever give up!” You can read truly appreciated.” ■ af-am point of view page twenty-four august 1, 2020 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK ANONYMOUS DOESN’T COUNT By Frederick A. Hurst ception in this instance for two reasons. authors.) problem as those you claim to accuse. The first involves the history of the The second was to send an impor- The good you could do by coming

OF VIEW Springfield Police Department. Dis- tant message to those who wrote the ar-

MY POINT forward far outweighs the risk. Ironi- Frederick A. Hurst crimination against minorities is well ticle and refused to reveal their names cally, your complaints will remain un- he letter on the opposite page ad- known and remains to be fully ad- out of fear of retaliation. Your identities resolved and the system will remain the dressed “To Whom It May Con- dressed both in are far more same so long as you remain anony- Tcern” and copied to Point of employment The good you could do by coming important than mous. Your fate is in your own hands matters within the contents of and an anonymous letter will not change View was signed “Some of the Minority forward far outweighs the risk. Officers of the Springfield Police De- the department your letter as is conditions for you or your fellow mi- partment.” Unfortunately, whether or and in the way your willing- nority officers or for all those minorities not the substance of its contents proves the law is enforced outside the depart- ness to openly bear witness to the events to come. to be accurate, the anonymity of its au- ment. This is not speculation but well described in your letter. You need to un- So when you summon the courage thors renders it useless. documented fact. (Note that we have derstand that your refusal to do both – to come forward, we assure you we will Normally we would not even print deleted the names revealed in the letter for whatever reason – makes you an ac- write your stories and support you on an anonymous letter. We made an ex- which were not the names of the letter’s complice and as much a part of the every step of your journey. ■ last three years, can they still adore and pid and fodder for his own twisted po- bits support him?” I’ve studied despots like litical and financial ambitions that AF-AM NEWS Hitler and Stalin and Mussolini and don’t even include them except for at By Frederick A. Hurst many others who appealed to the worst the most rudimentary level that won’t continued from page 4 in people and naively believed it could- put money in their pockets or food on happening in America. So many things CORONAVIRUS DOES NOT n’t happen in America. What is it? I their tables. Who are these demented are happening at one time that listing DISCRIMINATE t some point I may tire of quoting mean, the man loves Russia’s Vladimir White people? How can a man like them all is impossible but Nascar has Putin and Xi Jinping of China and the Trump whip them into such a frenzy banned the confederate flag; Missis- ARenee Graham but not yet. She is simply one of the best at articulating the nut running North Korea. And he has with crazy rhetoric that shouldn’t fool sippi has removed the confederate flag all but destroyed our relationships with a two year old? They won’t even wear symbol from its state flag; football nature of racism in America. In a recent Boston Globe article titled “Living in a our post World War II allies for no ap- masks to save themselves and their Commissioner Roger Goodell has parent good reason. And he has tested families and people around them! It is apologized for his previous insensitiv- racist country is a risk factor” (April 12, 2020), she wrote: “Coronavirus does every one of our major institutions to beyond me. It is frightening. Which is ity to Black players’ peaceful protests the breaking point and 45 to 50% of why, come election day, we’ve got to against Black killings by police; the not discriminate. It doesn’t need to. In a nation strategically built on racial and White people in America still love him. somehow force the social genie Trump Washington Redskins have removed economic inequality, it was never going They don’t care that he is a gangster. has released back into the bottle and the “Redskins” from their name and to be ‘the great equalizer’ some touted. They don’t even care that he looks cap it with a concrete cork and never their Indian logo; polls show that ■ Being a Black or brown person is not down on them and considers them stu- let it come out again. White folks are now pro Black Lives a pre-existing condition. Yet this pan- Matter and demonstrations against un- LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER demic is a lethal reminder that living necessary police killings of Black folks in a racist country is.” have been appreciating your paper for years. The June 1st issue is have been attended by as many White really excellent in its analysis of the Springfield Police Dept. I also folks as Black folks; confederate stat- WHO ARE THESE I loved the message from your grandfather, and I have passed it on to ues are being pulled down around the WHITE PEOPLE? country; and former San Francisco hat amazes me most about friends. I grew up in Sixteen Acres and I remember when the cesspools Black quarterback Colin Kaepernick, WTrump’s public racist rants is were connected to sewers. It was seen as a great technological improve- who started the kneeling during the the number of White people who cheer ment. I am a poet and storyteller. Thanks for the paper, I will sub- playing of the national anthem, is pop- him on. I find myself constantly ask- scribe. ular again. And even more significant, ing, “Who are these crazy White peo- the racist rants of Trump are causing ple?” “Where did they come from?” his poll numbers to tank nationwide in “How did they become so prominent Charlie Peck (6/15/2020) most of the election battleground states and powerful in a country like Amer- Letters to the Publisher and other content MUST thereby causing many of his fellow Re- ica?” And, “How in heavens name, be sent electronically to: [email protected] publicans to create political distance after watching him in action over the from him. Maybe! (Please reference a subject matter or e-mail is automatically deleted.) af-am point of view page twenty-five august 1, 2020 LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER June 20, 2020 lies she told in the past while under oath. We still during his probationary period was involved in a have several other Caucasian officers currently similar car accident, however, he was actually driv- To Whom It May Concern: working who also can’t testify in court due to, also, ing under the influence of alcohol. He identified lying under oath but yet they are still members of himself as a police officer and then left the scene here is a lot of concern about how the the Springfield Police Department collecting before police cruisers arrived to take a report. This Springfield Police Department treats minori- checks and overtime from the City of Springfield. Caucasian officer was not suspended or disciplined. Tties in the community and rightfully so. Has There are also many others that have been caught He was taken care of by the good ole boy network. anyone taken the time to think about how the mi- lying in reports to Internal Affairs and shouldn’t be We could go on for days with stories such as these nority police officers are treated within the Spring- testifying in court either without Brady/Giglio ob- where minority officers are discriminated against field Police Department? Probably not, but we are ligations. Retired ...... wanted to correct this within the Springfield Police Department on a daily hurting just as bad as the community is hurting. issue but was ordered not to by the past Police basis solely based on our race. There is systemic racism within the Springfield Po- Commissioner. This is a disgrace and embarrassing Following is a rough breakdown of the num- lice Department. to the Department. ber of minority Supervisors in the Springfield Po- A couple of weeks ago minority Officers and We have ...... , Caucasian man, who lice Department: Supervisors were summoned to meet with the Po- pulled a gun in the parking lot of Walmart on lice Commissioner about what improvements can Boston Road pointing it recklessly all over the 1. 42 Sergeants and only 9 are minority be made for police officers to better relate with the parking lot at adults and children...... also 2. 19 Lieutenants and only 8 are minority community and improve community relations. We lied on his report about this incident...... ’s 3. 10 Captains and only 1 is minority were discouraged and disgusted as we sat there. written account of this incident that night did not 4. 3 Deputies and only 1 is minority The Police Commissioner has been working for the match up with the video surveillance of the crime. Out of approximately 74 supervisors, 19 are department for over 40 years and knows the dis- There were no consequences for his actions. This minorities. Where is the diversity in these numbers crimination, very well, of both the community and same ...... was photographed sleeping on we ask? The low number of minority supervisors against minority police officers within the depart- duty several times. A very intense investigation was ment. How can she be the one that leads us to a new conducted, not into why he was sleeping on duty is, in part, due to the fact that positions are held for era with her history being tied to the past the way (which he has done his whole career and this is a officers who meet the good ole boy network criteria it is? If she continues to pretend that there is no well known fact by everyone) but instead into who based on the color of their skin. Hence, when problem or can’t see that we have a problem, how took the photograph. This investigation seemed to ...... was first awaiting his promotion to can she fix the problem? Did she honestly think zero in on minority supervisors for some strange Captain, he wasn’t promoted. The day after the pro- that we were stupid enough to really tell her the reason...... was moved to the day shift as motional list that he was number one on expired, truth? We know how this system works and speak- a reward for his actions. He still sleeps on duty in the Commissioner decided now was a good time ing the truth about race inside the Springfield Police front of a staff of about 20 people often snoring to promote a Captain from the list, which of course Department is not healthy for our careers. This is a very loudly. You’ll see a pattern throughout our let- was a Caucasian officer...... ’s resume, life truth that is clearly known within the department. ter. experience, and community dedication speaks for An email was sent out for us to meet at the River- Retired ...... , an African American, was itself. The only reason he wasn’t promoted was front Park for a group photograph to show that we run out of the police department based on lies. He based on the color of his skin. are united. This is a terrible attempt to pretend was treated unfairly in the manner of which no As you can see, racial injustices are not only things aren’t as they are. We took this photograph other member of this department has ever been a concern within the community but it is also very under duress. It was made well known that those treated. If you look at the statements contained prevalent within the Springfield Police Depart- who did not attend a mental note would be made within this investigation, you will clearly see what ment. This injustice needs to stop both within our of your absence. we are talking about. This systemic attack was led department as well as the community. We love this Covid-19 is still prevalent and the Police by then Deputy Chief Clapprood...... di- city. We love this police department but if we don’t Commissioner thought it would be a great idea to rected a white Sergeant to take a call, which he did take this opportunity to make a meaningful change, group hundreds of officers together shoulder to not want to take. We implore you to contact we stand to have the next George Floyd happen shoulder without masks or social distancing per ...... and have a conversation with him about here in the City of Homes. We wrote this letter CDC recommendations as well as Governor Baker. how he was treated by the Springfield Police De- anonymously due to the fact that we are fearful for We are still under an order by the Governor to limit partment. Compare this to retired, white, our safety and retaliation. We are hopeful that you group gatherings. This was very irresponsible of ...... who sexually assaulted a female em- will look further into these examples listed above her, all for a photo shoot. She not only put our ployee in the office in front of witnesses, who ba- as well as the inequalities within the Springfield health at risk increasing our chances of getting and sically got a slap on the hand and was told not to Police Department. If no real actions are taken, it spreading Covid-19 to others but she also put the do it again. In comparison, it is clear that there is Community at risk of having to be without law en- favoritism based upon race. is possible for us to write more letters with worst forcement officers as this could result in increased We implore you to also contact ...... , details of treatments that have occurred within the cases of Covid-19 within the Springfield Police African American, who is also being driven out of Springfield Police Department. Department leaving the community without Law the department with similar tactics that were used Enforcement Officers to patrol our streets. Is taking to force ...... out of the department. She was Thank You, a photograph more important than our health and a victim of sexual harassment, filed a complaint, Some of the Minority Officers of the Springfield the safety of our Community? and unfortunately she was forced to attend weekly Police Department If we have systemic racism throughout our staff meetings with her harasser sitting directly Country, as well as the state and city, how can we across from her glaring at her every week. cc: Honorable Mayor Domenic Sarno be so naive to think it’s not within the Springfield Two minority police officers were involved in cc: MassLive Police Department? We have a Police Commis- an off duty car accident and were suspended for cc: Af-Am Point Of View sioner who can’t even testify in court because of their actions. An off duty, Caucasian police officer Jay (6/19/2020) af-am point of view page twenty-six august 1, 2020 RELIGION RELIGIOUS POINT OF VIEW Dr. Atu White, Editor, serves as Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, The WHOM Within OUR Community 33 Oak Street, Springfield, MA and as First Vice By Pastor Samuel Saylor Sr., Gardner Memorial AMEZ Church (reprinted from August 1, 2019) President of the United Baptist Convention of atrocities under the burden and ban- rently available to the community of may have forgotten Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. ner of hatred, greed and godlessness, God’s children who are calling and God’s name and the [email protected] we should be reminded of the source crying for the Church of Jesus Christ promises bestowed Pastor Samuel e should be forever en- from Whom we are to take our au- to be radically relevant to their strug- upon their patri- Saylor, Sr. couraged by the divine di- thority in presenting the liberating gles and systems of oppression. archs. We are no less endowed with Walogue recorded in Exodus message of our God. A community blessed of God the promise of God, no less worthy of 3 between Moses and our Creator, The Church, in effect, is the sure cannot be a passive force in the realm a salvific solution and resolve. God. Upon accepting his new com- footprint of God, and the believers are of a compelling and focused demonic The Church of Jesus Christ must munity organizing assignment, to demon- agenda. To hear the call of God to move off the Moses sought to clearly understand strate an ef- The Church of Jesus Christ be blessed mountain and take to the streets to how he was to present a new and fectual must hear the call of God to move and highly reintroduce the restorative nature and provocative paradigm of living to a compassion off the mountain and take to favored sug- intent of God. toward the gest a cer- Jesus stressed to His ‘then’ audi- people conditioned to live out their the streets to reintroduce the lives under adverse conditions for people of tainence and still to His ‘now’ audience more than 400 years. Moses felt as if God. I am restorative nature and intent of God. approaching the purpose of His father in the he needed to correctly present the reminded of wrestling Gospel of Matthew 9:37, “The har- source of his newly appointed author- what one minister friend stressed: The match with Satan and the spirits of vest is plentiful, but the workers are ity and power, so he asked for the Church of Jesus Christ is called to be high dark places. few.” name of the One who was appointing a radical power which bends toward a Moses had a major assign- Paul is sure of his source and au- him (Exodus 3:13-14). God an- relational glory impervious to other ment―to end the cries of the children thority as he elaborated in 1 Corinthi- swered, “I AM WHO I AM.” opposing forces. Moses was called to of God who were in prayerful agony ans 15:10, “Yet not I, but the grace of Now, in the 400th year since the speak truth to power in a divine inten- and growing hopelessness. God God which was with me.” The Whom African was forced to endure slavery tionality of radical liberation. Such moved His man off the mountain and in our community must be introduced and many other forms of barbaric powerful plans are needed and cur- assigned him to a community that even today. ■

Women in Ministry held a prayer vigil, “A Call To Prayer,” Members of Pioneer Valley Project Youth Voices United led a march praying for the community, an end of injustice and gun violence, to protest police presence in Springfield public schools and to pro- and praying for a healing of our land at the Mason mote Black Lives Matter, starting at Commerce High School and Square green recently. marching to Springfield City Hall. Pastors, Ministers, Professors and Theologians, please submit your articles for the “Religious Point of View” to Rev. Dr. Atu White at: [email protected] af-am point of view page twenty-seven august 1, 2020 RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY Alden Baptist Church Wesley United Methodist Church “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” 649 State Street Springfield, MA 01109 741 State Street 413-736-5997 Springfield, MA 01109 www.aldenbaptistchurch.org 413-734-3233 “We believe God has called us to be a vital sign Office & Fax of faith at work in the community. This vision is : WesleyUMCSpringfield actualized through our Ministries.” Email: [email protected] Sunday School 9:00AM – 9:45AM Sundays New Members & Rev. Catharine A. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 a.m. Baptism Class Cummings, Pastor Morning Worship Service 11:00 a.m. 9:00AM – 9:45AM Greeting and Fellowship 9:45AM – 10:00AM Canaan Baptist Dr. L.A. Love Worship – 10:00AM Church of Christ Bible Study Youth Ministry 1430 Carew Street Tuesdays Fridays Springfield, MA 01104 6:00PM – 7:00PM 6:00PM – 8:00PM 413-739-5053

Rev. Dr. W. C. Sundays Shiloh Seventh-Day PROGRESSIVE Sunday School (all ages) ------9:15a.m. Watson, Jr., Pastor Adventist Church COMMUNITY BAPTIST Morning Worship Service ----10:45a.m. CHURCH Church Life Wednesdays 797 State St., Springfield, MA Worship, Prayer, 599 State Street Mid-day Prayer & Praise--12:00-1:00p.m. 413-734-0103 Praise & Study Bible Study ------7:00 p.m. [email protected] Springfield, Massachusetts Sabbath School 9:00a.m. (413) 736-8844 Sabbath Services: g{|Üw UtÑà|áà V{âÜv{ (Saturdays) “A Church Determined To Follow Christ” Divine Worship Sunday School 149 Walnut Street P.O. Box 91166 11:00a.m. 9:00am Adventist Youth Services Springfield, MA 01139 6:00pm 413-734-4143 Sunday Worship Adventist Join us for our Worship Services Jenks Brutus, Community Service 10:30am Sunday School Sunday Worship Service Pastor Mondays & Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:00a.m. — 1:00p.m. Prayer – Monday Reverend Nathaniel Smith, Sr., Pastor Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Prayer Meeting 6:00pm Thursday 6:00 p.m. The Church Wednesdays Rev. Joe C. Âg{x YÜ|xÇwÄç V{âÜv{Ê f|Çvx DKIL In The Heart 7:00p.m. Long Jr., Bible Study of The City Church School (SSAJA) Where all who enter may be blessed Monday — Friday Pastor Wednesday – 6:00pm Solid Rock Community Baptist Church ÂT W|äxÜáx cxÉÑÄx ã{É tÜx 821 Liberty Street bÇx ÉÇ fÉÄÉÅÉÇËá cÉÜà|vÉÊ Springfield, MA 01104 Acts 5:12b Telephone (413) 734-5441 Fax (413) 734-5438 Transportation (413) 575-4035 Sunday Morning Worship – 10:30 am Weekly Bible Study/Prayer Service Bishop Curtis L. Sunday Worship— 10:45 AM Tuesday 7:00 pm Sunday School— 9:00 AM Shaird, Pastor Wednesday—“Noonday Hour of Reverend Harold P. Dixson, Assistant Pastor Power” With Lunch Wednesday— Prayer Meeting — Bible Study — 6:30PM New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. 17 John Street, “Enter into His Gates with Thanksgiving” Psalm 100:4 Springfield, MA 01104 (413) 737-9583 209 Quincy Street Dr. Mark E. Flowers, Senior Pastor Springfield, MA 01109 ~ (413) 737– 6772 Mountcalvarybaptistchurchspringfield.org Elder Timothy Bouknight, Pastor

Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. To place your Religious Directory ad, please email Sunday Morning Worship 11:30 a.m. Prayer & Bible Band-Tuesday 7:30 p.m. us at [email protected] or call us at 413-796-1500 Pastoral Teaching -Friday 7:30 p.m. af-am point of view page twenty-eight august 1, 2020 THE ARTS CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has “The Magical Yet” been reading since she was 3 years old and she By Angela DiTerlizzi, Art by Lorena Alvarez never goes anywhere with- c.2020, Disney Hyperion $17.99 / $23.49 Canada 40 pages out a book. She lives on a Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer hill in Wisconsin with two ultimately helps dogs and 11,000 books. them accomplish ou can’t. their desires. With That’s what everybody says a cute, catchy, up- Yto you, all the time. You can’t beat rhyme, the ride your bike anywhere but the children in this driveway. book show that You can’t go to the store by they can’t do yourself or go to bed whenever you things “yet” be- want. So many things you can’t do cause they haven’t but in “The Magical Yet” by Angela yet given it time. DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Lorena It’s like being re- Alvarez, maybe it’s not quite the minded to be pa- right time. tient, but without Some days, nothing goes right. the heavy parental You try and try to do something that sigh that often ac- everybody else in the whole world companies it. Even if that seems to be able to do and.... you were all, your Magical Yet author, can’t. Angela DiTerlizzi child would enjoy So depressing. So sad. It makes this book but CREDIT Jim Gipe you just want to quit. You’re never what’s a picture ing again. going to do that again. You won’t do all along. book without pictures? Indeed, artist And that’s what you’ll be doing, even try. “No way. Not never.” So keep practicing. Keep “leap- Lorena Alvarez keeps little page- so beware: 4-to-8-year-olds will But wait a minute. ing, dreaming, wishing...” turners occupied with appropriately- surely be able to muster the patience There’s this “major game “Be patient.” Everything you wish for will all work out. moody, sometimes-happy to want this book on repeat. With a changer – a most amazing thought re- “... with Yet you can get where illustrations that are detailed, funny, tale like “The Magical Yet,” your arrange-er” that you have, and you you want to be.” and that make this book worth read- child can’t resist. don’t even know it. You have “The It’s the middle of Magical Yet!” ARTIST IN RESIDENCE summer and your whole When you were a baby, you family has been on went from drooling to talking to some sort of not-normal Renée Flowers is walking, all because of the “Yet’s for going on six months. Point of View’s Artist magic.” You learned to dress yourself Tempers flare. This isn’t in Residence. You can because the Yet was with you. You easy. “The Magical Yet” contact her directly at learned to help Mom and Dad, to may be just what you (413) 209-9882 to draw pictures, to play ball and fly a need right this minute. arrange a private kite and run fast, jump high, sing a If you know a viewing of her work. song, and have a dream – all because child who needs an in- of the “Magical Yet.” fusion of patience, this Every month With the Yet around, anything’s book may make a dif- possible because the Yet is okay with ference. Author Angela different paintings mistakes and oopies and do-overs. DiTerlizzi lets kids pre- created by Your Yet doesn’t care if you have to tend that “Yet” is a keep trying; in fact, trying is what sparkly creature they Renée Flowers your Yet likes best because by trying, were born with, one that are displayed at “you’re sure to get over” any prob- paces the trials and lems you might have. And then soon, events in their lives and Point of View you’ll be doing what you wanted to af-am point of view page twenty-nine august 1, 2020 THE ARTS PEN & INK JUANITA TORRENCE-THOMPSON: Pushcart nominee. Playwright. Published fiction, children’s Nothing To Do and stories, feature articles, hundreds of her award-winning poems in dozens of U.S. and international journals, nearly 30 anthologies, 10 books including “Centos of Life”. Writes print & online news- All Day To Do It paper poetry columns; produces poetry salons and reads internationally. Former Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of award winning Mobius, The Poetry Magazine. Her poetry is translated into 15 for- By John Tranghese eign languages. Talking With Stanley Kunitz and New York and African Tapestries were best pick by Small Press Review. Mobius, The Poetry Magazine, best pick 2007 thru 2012 Nothing to do and all day to do it www.poetrytown.com spells time on my hands if no pressing demands Terrace which dreadfully bores if I rest on my oars, By Juanita Torrence-Thompson As idleness represents an impending disaster if permitted to rule and it becomes master, Gold sky all aglow. Terrace alive with flowers So it will not twist me round its finger This is paradise. and control me as it puts me through the wringer, For I will mind my P’s and Q’s Peaceful as I really do not like to lose, Savor strawberries, I’ll remain busy with no time to kill Melon, croissant by azure and in a tizzy for I won’t be standing still, Lake, mountains. Peaceful. Yes, I will keep my irons in the fire Chateau and not allow my sanity to expire, Relax in chateau As my fertile mind will seize and bind By Lake Geneva. Imbibe and become captive if it is inactive, Beethoven, Shakespeare. So I plan to use it as I do not want to lose it Copyright by Juanita Torrence-Thompson 2020 and let it retire into a bottomless mire,

And I shall begin by twiddling my thumbs Don’t Let the Troubles of the World until the exercise numbs,

Take Your Eyes Off Me And I will pour over the local newspaper By Berdia M. Brown front to back in a long reading caper,

The signs of the times are here; be of good courage, don’t fear, Then I will take an extended nap Destruction, evil, sickness, even death, is being felt all over the world. to fill in the open time gap, Don’t become weary, anxious, or depressed, Berdia M. Brown At best, these are things I have told you would be. Or play a game of solitaire and squander my time without care, Did you not believe me? Haven’t you heard? Did you not read my word? And I may leave my chores undone Did I not part the Red Sea so that people could be free? to bask in the healthful sun, Don’t worry about these things, they are destined to be. Or peruse the T.V. channels It’s been written, as you can clearly see and muse over their biased panels, Clear your mind as I am with you at all times I’m your father, your protector, your comforter, and guide Decisions, decisions on how to waste my time, I have never, and will never, leave you. I’m by your side. considering anything and everything from ridiculous to sublime, Be at peace through these storms. I will protect you, don’t be alarmed. What’s happening in the world is meant to be. So if someone should care to share a sound Keep the faith; simply put your trust in me. suggestion, Don’t let the troubles of the world take your eyes off me. And help to get me through this awful session, Please do not delay and send it right away, All Rights Reserved as I will appreciate anything you have to say! ■ af-am point of view page thirty august 1, 2020 THE ARTS ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW Yvonne Mendez is the Director of Education & Virtual is now part of the “new normal” Engagement at the UMass Fine Arts Center. She produces events for the Valley Jazz Network, and for the Arts. Support it! also works with the By Yvonne Mendez Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival. organizations and non-profits deeply to embrace the opportunity and present Wright, Eric Krasno, Donald Harrison, n March 2020, almost instantly, col- impact their communities. And many the festival online. On August 15, start- Terri Lyne Carrington and more. Organ- leges, schools, bars, theaters, stores are dedicated to their role as leaders. ing at 11 am, the Jazz Fest will present izers are hoping they can still build that and arts centers all shut down. Be- In the face of adversity is born in- excerpts from past concerts, with artist sense of community within a virtual I novation. Necessity dictated the need to cameos and live local emcees hosting framework. cause of this, opportunities disappeared the event. What is remarkable is that despite “ We are dedicated to continuing closures, a collapsed economy and the our work in the region as an arts leader,” virus continuing to spread, arts centers, says Kristin Neville, co-producer and festivals and artists are dedicated to con- founder of the Jazz and Roots Festival. tinuing their work of engaging audi- “It was unanimous among our board of ences with the arts. There is a powerful directors that we master the technology force keeping music and the arts alive. to present this online concert event.” A No one knows what post-Covid land- sub-committee of the board, along with scape will be for any industry including Focus TV Springfield met to review the arts. But in the meantime, I urge you clips of past concerts and curate the day- to seek out organizations using the tech- long event. Artists include Joey De- nology to continue to bring high quality Francesco, Tia Fuller, Jesus Pagan, arts and artists to the public. And when Avery Sharpe, Cory Henry, Lizz they ask for donations, please give! ■

Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival Second Line Parade from 2017, with students from Community Music School, Charles Neville (left) and Henri Smith (center). Photo by Ed Cohen. all over the world for artists and the arts master new ways of presenting and per- industry. Arts centers and non-profits forming – a “new, virtual platform” for continue to feel the pressure of this col- the arts. Locally, there have been many lapsing economy. They are faced with presentations online, from individually sponsored events and DJ parties to es- economic distress as ticket revenues, WTCC is your source for music - from jazz to R&R oldies, tablished organizations. The Vermont sponsorships and donations dry up as gospel to salsa, R&B to blues, Motown and more, Jazz Center has presented several events businesses and individuals re-route their as well as Caribbean, Portuguese, Latino, Polish, Greek, online including their annual piano fes- donations to their personal economic Native American and Italian programming - tival featuring master classes with Orrin survival. And this also impacts artists plus talk shows with local hosts discussing local issues. who are also struggling for work. Hatch, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and others. But consider this: the arts are crit- The UMass Fine Arts Center now lists ical to our society. The arts have the their online offerings and artists’ videos power to change minds and hearts, cre- on the homepage of their website. Your all-volunteer community radio station ate bridges between cultures, shed light Festivals throughout the region broadcasting 24/7 from the campus of STCC on important social and community is- have been canceled including the Green sues. Through their arts programs, River Festival and the Newport Jazz workshops, lectures, performances, arts Festival. But the Springfield Jazz Festi- val (springfieldjazzfest.com), decided www.wtccfm.org af-am point of view page thirty-one august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY GOOD NEWS people, by the people, for the people, so Jay Griffin, help us God.” Listen to the words that Stone Soul Festival GOOD NEWS heal the wounds. Listen to the words Program Chairman [email protected] August 2020 which embrace. Listen to expressions of Tel: 413-636-3881 retaliating against anything red like a and realizing the goals of our forefa- love for one another. Listen and support or bull in a China shop. We need to get thers. Look before you leap into hyster- the new energy of 2020. Listen to those 413-739-2947 ourselves in control before we leap into ical and nonsensical oratory. Look at the who speak of bringing our people, our the heavy traffic of retaliation. The pur- many people we have who are willing programs, our policies and our politi- pose of protest is to make people aware to work for the changes needed. Look cians together. of circumstances which cause unfair for the talent that is needed to help make America has gone through many consequences to individuals/organiza- that change. Look at all the resources changes in its 400+ years of existence. tions. These conditions create a great available to support the necessary If we have learned anything, it is that wound which hurts and divides our na- changes. Look for the opportunity to time changes all things. It is time for us tion. America, regardless of the mis- bring this nation together despite our to come together as a nation. We were management and drawbacks, is a living past history. Look at the various meth- new to the North American continent. miracle. Our goal should be to protect ods used to divide us and look for those We had enemies who change from time methods and ideas that will bring us to- to time. We fought England, France, STOP! and heal the wounds caused by injus- gether. We as a people have great com- Spain, Mexico, Germany, China, Japan, I have been marching and protesting for tice. We need to come together so we passion. We must be willing to forgive. Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, Afghanistan, over 50 years. I have been involved in can love and protect our nation. This nation is so vast that we need a police de- and Italy at one time or another. We are sit-ins, school busing protests, opposi- LISTEN! now attempting to join with these coun- tion to de facto segregation, and demon- partment. We agree it needs to be improved via training and supervision We must listen to the worldwide tries in a united nations organization. strations against police brutality. I have demonstrations and protests. America is Listen to the people! faced the national guard, state police, but our goal should be to heal the wounds and join our great country to- expected to be a model of freedom and and various other law and order agen- opportunity. Listen to the words: “of the God Bless America cies. My name, along with the names of gether. many of my friends, was on the book LOOK! that identified us as the fire brands in the We need to look at the great unrest city of Springfield and beyond. I made which has permeated our nation. Look headlines and went to court for inciting at the wild extremes we have come to: a disturbance in Mason Square where I torching, looting, removing flags and was charged with assaulting police of- statues, all of which has nothing to do ficers. I was young and reckless. I with healing the wounds. Those statues torched businesses and looted stores. I that are up were put there for a purpose. have learned something over the years They provided historical significance – stop, look, and listen. regardless of whose race or culture they Stop! Look! & Listen! were the represented. To destroy them will cause fundamental instructions given to us by a great deal of pain and resentment. This our parents or others who loved and does not aid the healing process. Right protected us. The stop means you or wrong, blood was shed and as Abra- should have yourself under control be- ham Lincoln said, “We must honor fore you step out into traffic or other those who paid the ultimate price for dangerous situations or circumstances. what they believed in.” It is difficult to We need to be in control of ourselves as embrace symbols that have been asso- we deal with the coronavirus, protests, ciated with racism and white superiority. and the anger of 2020. We are beginning Look at the protestors of 2020 – to lose control over our anger and frus- youth, middle age/millennium, and tration and disgust with the powers that older folks joining together to protest. be (police, politicians, national guard, Look at the potential of bringing all and national media). these forces together for positive We must be under control when we change. We must resist the opportunity make broad statements, when we speak to retaliate out of frustration and resent- of defunding the local police department. Look at what God has given us in ment, destroying national monuments this great country of America. Look at and statutes, removing certain flags, and the possibility of healing the wounds af-am point of view page thirty-two august 1, 2020 SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, Inc. Part II By Ed Cohen s we got more Aand more contracts we grew bigger and we eventually grew out of the community center. Because Ed Cohen we needed more and more staff, we bought the house on Wilbraham Road for our administrative offices; there was no room in the community center for staff and offices to run programs out of as well, and we leased a property on Bay Street for our Mental Health Services which were adminis- tered by Denise Stewart.” Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services also started to manage the contract for a family shelter, a congregated living shelter for mothers and their children that they received from the Children’s Study Home and that was later picked up by the Center Group photo of MLK Jr. Family Services, Inc. staff and volunteers with for Human Development. President & CEO Ronn Johnson at the recognition event in 2019. The Food Pantry that was origi- nity-based organization with a social Pioneer Valley United Way in 2008. manities, a free academic program in nally part of the MLK Jr. Presbyterian justice perspective. We launched the After several interim President/ partnership with Mass Humanities. Church Fellowship House and transi- first city wide MLK community cel- CEO’s Ronn Johnson became the Adults from low-income communi- tioned to the MLK Jr. Family Serv- ebration at the Eastfield Mall as our President/CEO of MLK Jr. Family ties in Springfield were now able to ices greatly increased in size and the first attempt to celebrate Social Jus- Services in 2012. In 2013 he and the take free college-accredited classes in Board Volunteers were no longer able tice, and did that for years.” Board of Directors led an effort to the humanities and receive 6 transfer- to manage it. Eventually Andrea Dora Robinson also mentioned launch a successful Capital Fund able credits from Bard College. Glenn directed the Food Pantry oper- that “MLK Jr. Family Services ran an Drive to purchase the land that the The community wide Rev. Dr. ations. Dora Robinson said “We grew alternative school ‘The MLK Jr. Center was built on from the United Martin Luther King Jr. birthday pro- a lot over a ten-year period because School of Excellence’ when Art Se- Presbytery Church, securing the gram was restarted under the leader- we needed a lot more staff for report- rota was on our Board of Directors. property in 2014. They also guided ship of President/CEO Ronn Johnson ing, record keeping, and fiscal. The Art Serota encouraged us to set up the MLK Jr. Family Services Inc. to de- in 2013 at the Community Music Board initially were volunteers keep- alternative school focused on young velop the Martin Luther Jr Social Jus- School of Springfield in partnership ing the books and so forth, we needed Black Men; Art Serota had his alter- tice Awards to recognize & celebrate with CMSS Executive Director full time staff for book keeping, fiscal native school the Learning Tree, but leaders from the community who Eileen McCaffery and DREAM Stu- operations, administrative staff, and because there was such a great need have helped to make gains in the dios under the direction of Benjamin so forth, so that’s how we started he encouraged us to set up a class at areas of Education, Health Dispari- Smith. Since 2014 the program has growing this way; we couldn’t sur- MLK; that was the foundation for the ties, Economic Development, Entre- been taking place at the Mass Mutual vive with just volunteers.” MLK School of Excellence Charter preneurship and Race Relations. Center in Springfield with up to 3,000 The MLK Jr. Community Center School.” Another program that Ronn people in the audience and 300 stu- and later MLK Jr. Family Services After 18 years of stellar leader- Johnson and the 16-member Board of dents on stage paying tribute to Dr. never deviated from their original ship and service Dora Robinson left Directors representing multiple sec- King’s legacy with performances in mission. Dora Robinson added that MLK Jr. Family Services to accept tors of the community helped to start music, spoken word, poetry, prose, “We are still a full-service commu- the President/CEO a position with the was the Clemente Course in the Hu- continues to page 33 af-am point of view page thirty-three august 1, 2020 SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, Inc. — Part II continued from page 32 Common Wealth Murals, that organ- the side of the MLK Jr. Family Serv- made it possible for the Martin and dance. Springfield College joined ized the Fresh Paint Springfield Proj- ices Building to honor George Floyd Luther King Jr. Family Services to the collaborative effort as a co-spon- ect, and Rosemary Tracy Woods, and other victims of police brutality. serve the large volume of consumers sor in 2016. executive director and chief curator From a core group of dedicated needing services. Recently Martin Luther King Jr. of Art for the Soul Gallery to have the volunteers, the staff grew to 32 staff Project Mustard Seed is alive Family Services collaborated with “Say Their Names” mural painted on members with 125 volunteers who and well! ■

Group photo at the Clemente Course graduation in 2019 with MLK Jr. Family Services, Inc. President & CEO Ronn Johnson, course administrators, faculty and graduates.

MLK Jr. Family Services, Inc. Social Justice Award recipients at the 2019 Social Justice Awards program. af-am point of view page thirty-four august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY CONGRATULATIONS ACTS Awards Three Weinhold Scholarships By Linda Howell & Willette Johnson CTS (Action Centered Tutoring Services) was pleased to award three Chasity Cronin graduated from Weinhold scholarships for 2020 to Springfield high school graduates. Springfield Renaissance Academy and AThis scholarship has been awarded annually since 1999 in honor of will attend Keene State College, major- Russ and Dot Weinhold, two faithful tutors who also were founders of the ing in psychology. She tutored at Christ th program in 1986. ACTS is in its 35 year of providing free one-to-one tutor- Church Cathedral with Site Director ing and mentoring to the elementary students of Springfield. Up until Covid June Watson and St. John’s Congrega- 19 caused the sites to close, there were eight sites operating in various tional Church with Site Director Jackie churches and one site in a community center. Blount. In addition, Chasity was also an Kareem Wedderburn is a graduate of ACTS student when she was in ele- Central High School and will attend mentary school at St. John’s. She writes Westfield State University, studying re- that “ACTS helped me experience important community skills with my older gional planning with a concentration in tutors and helped me gain the skill and better time management and possible urban planning. He is one of eight pursuit of child psychology.” She has already moved to Keene, NH, to prepare children and three of his older brothers for college in the fall. have gone through college. Kareem writes that his experience at the Sacred Jackie Blount, Site Director at St. John’s Congregation Church, recommended Heart site has made him “a more well- her for the scholarship. rounded person and student. I have learned to be more sensitive and aware ACTS will be evaluating how to resume its program in the Fall with of the education and mentorship of younger students. In addition, I have Covid 19 restrictions. For more information about how you can get involved, learned about the importance of serving the community and ACTS has been please contact Executive Director, Burt Hansen at 413-731-9810, check out an excellent and meaningful way for me to practice that.” our website www.acts86.org, and like us on facebook. ■ Kareem has faithfully tutored at Sacred Heart Church through several tran- sitions and upheavals at the site, including a change of location, of site directors, and of students participating. Kareem was recommended for the scholarship by Site Director Jeannine Ruccio.

Roberta Hannah graduated from the High School of Sci- ence and Technology as vale- dictorian and will attend Columbia University, majoring in biochemistry and African American and diaspora studies. She is an outstanding student, having been accepted to all eight Ivy League schools. Roberta writes that her experience at the Evangelical Covenant Site “amplified my passion for helping my community, especially as it relates to education. I was given a first-hand opportunity to help correct the gap in achievement that communities like Springfield face. I hope to take my experience as a tutor, as well as the patience and compassion I have acquired, to further help my community through my research.” She also says that Columbia has a mandatory student contribution of $2,400 with scholarship restrictions that she must cover out-of-pocket. She tutored at Evangelical Covenant Church and was recommended for the scholarship by Site Director Frances Corgnati. af-am point of view page thirty-five august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY CONGRATULATIONS pion for full-spectrum diversity – en- Springfield City Councilor riching our culture and employee experience with her thoughtful Tracye Whitfield Named 2020 leadership of our D&I programs. She has played an integral role ‘Commonwealth Heroine’ in her first 2.5 years, elevating the strategic focus and awareness of D&I media on June 24, the date originally both inside Stanley Black & Decker scheduled for the in-person event at and externally with our partners. With the Massachusetts State House. Kim and her team’s support and Whitfield has a long, respectable history of community work within thought leadership – as well as the the city of Springfield. She has served ongratulations to Kimberly strong support from CEO Jim Loree as a co-chair of the Mason Square C3, Williams, daughter of and other members of the leadership a board co-chair of Wellspring Coop- CFrank and Dora Robinson team – the Company has been recog- erative since 2018 (board member and mother of Francesca “Frankie” nized by distinguished organizations since 2017), a board trustee of Asso- and Beau Elise, who was recently such as Forbes, Mogul and Compara- ciation of Black Businesses and Pro- promoted to the position of Vice bly, among others, for our progress. fessionals since 2015, and board President, Diversity & Inclusion of Taken from Stephen Subasic to trustee of Sabis International Charter Stanley Black & Decker. “Since join- Movers & Milestones. from 2013 to 2018. ing the Company in 2017, Kimberly We at Point of View are proud to She also works as director of has led the development and expan- add our Congratulations to Kim as contract sales for the division of Busi- sion of our company’s diversity and well and thank her for the many con- ness & Community Services at inclusion strategy and initiatives. Holyoke Community College and is With a mindset of inclusivity for all tributions she made to our news- director of business development for people, Kim has been a strong propo- magazine from 2004 to 2008 through racye Whitfield of Springfield Training & Workforce Options – nent of understanding and managing her monthly column, “Career Tips”. was honored June 24th as a TWO – a partnership between HCC unconscious bias as well as a cham- You go, Girl!!! T2020 Commonwealth Heroine and Springfield Technical by the Massachusetts Commission on Community College. the Status of Women. “Tracye has become a State Sen. James Welch (D-West leader in the Springfield Springfield) recommended Whitfield community by working for the recognition based on her work closely with elected resi- as a Springfield city councilor at- dents, local organizations, large and tremendous commitment to and elected officials to im- the people of Springfield. The Mas- prove quality of life.,” said sachusetts Commission on the Status Sen. Welch. “I am grateful of Women virtually celebrated its for her service and her com- Commonwealth Heroines Class of passion for the wellbeing of 2020 by sharing a slideshow on social individuals and societies.”

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Ed Cohen Photography 413-244-1344 [email protected] af-am point of view page thirty-six august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY CONGRATULATIONS Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of Excellence Names New Executive Director ership and human development from strong ability to lead as well as sig- forward to continuing to work as “a George Washington University and nificant expertise in educational de- village” with our wonderful families a certificate of advanced graduate velopment. She has also shown a and community partners to support study in leading change from Har- deep commitment to our students and empower our students. We will vard Graduate School of Education and their growth, both academically remain focused on fostering an enthu- and Harvard Business School. and in following the principles fun- siastic, creative community of learn- Ms. Salvador brings many years damental to the school’s culture. We ers by promoting social justice, of experience in educational admin- strongly believe that she is well- purposeful academics, and character istration. She has served as the Prin- suited for her new position and we development. I look forward to lead- cipal of the William R. Peck can look forward to our students ing our passionate and committed Community School in Holyoke, MA, climbing to new heights under her team at MLKCSE toward continued Director of School Support with the leadership.” Beth deSousa, Chair- growth and academic success.” Achievement Network, supporting person of the Board of Trustees, Ms. Salvador will be leading school leadership teams in Spring- adds, “I am confident that the future the Martin Luther King Jr. Charter field Public Schools, and was also a education of our students is in very School of Excellence, serving stu- teacher and school leader in Hartford, good hands with Ms. Salvador.” dents from the Springfield area as CT. She began her teaching career in Newly installed Executive Di- the school’s third Executive Direc- south Los Angeles, California, as a rector, Ms Salvador states, “I am tor, after Dr. Calvin J. McFadden Sr. member of Teach for America. Since grateful for this opportunity. I look relocated to Houston, Texas. ■ Ms. Kendrea Salvador, July 2018, Ms. Salvador has served as Executive Director the Principal of the Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of SPRINGFIELD, MA – June 1, Excellence, maintaining the 2020 — The Board of Trustees of school’s strong and rigorous aca- High school the Martin Luther King Jr. Charter demic program. In addition to her School of Excellence is proud to an- duties as Principal, she has been not your thing? nounce that it has confirmed Ms. serving in the role of Interim Exec- Kendra Salvador as the school’s next utive Director since February 2020. THINK Executive Director. Originally from According to Jessica Putnam, New Bedford, MA, a first-genera- Treasurer of the Board of Trustees AGAIN tion immigrant and first-generation and Member of the Executive Di- college graduate, Ms. Salvador rector Search Committee, “The earned a bachelor degree in political Board of Trustees stands behind Ms. science from the University of Mas- Salvador as the next leader for ApplyApply NOWNOW sachusetts Amherst. She also earned MLKCSE. In her time with the forfor Fall!Fall! a masters degree in educational lead- school, she has demonstrated a There’sThere’s an alternativealternative to stcc.edu/gatewaystcc.edu/gateway traditional high school! YOUR VOTE COUNTS!!! Gatewayty toCo College atSpt Sppringfield TTeechnical CommunnityCy College! MMM Our tuition-free program gets you back on track. Earn your high school diploma while earning college credits in a personalized, supportive Register to Vote by Saturday, August 22nd in order to environment. Open to Springfield and gaA wam residents. Vote in the Tuesday, September 1st primary election. Prefer to speak with us? Download the mail-in form WWee’re here for you. https://www.springfield-ma.gov/elections/fileadmin/ (413) 755-4581 user_upload/mailInForm.pdf [email protected] af-am point of view page thirty-seven august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY CONGRATULATIONS Special Delivery! Lawn Signs STCC Student Accepted in For Gateway To College Seniors NASA Summer Academy By Katara Robinson, Springfield Technical Community College SPRINGFIELD, MA – You might ternships. My dream is to one day work Gateway to College Director say Aminah Bergeron is over the moon for NASA on their space missions. planning and time management, study- about an opportunity this summer. Bergeron added that she and others ing, tutoring, seeking extra help from her in the program were invited to one of the professors, and the many pep-talks she received from the Gateway staff. upcoming rocket launches in October. Through a partnership with Spring- She said she was excited about the pringfield Technical Community field and Agawam Public Schools, prospect of seeing a live launch. College’s Gateway to College staff STCC’s Gateway to College program Bergeron, 26, is preparing for her Srecently celebrated the class of provides a pathway to a high school second year at STCC. She recently 2020 by delivering lawn signs to the diploma and a meaningful college degree changed her major to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technol- ogy. She likes the hands-on nature of the program. STCC in the fall will offer a combination of online classes and on-campus low-density labs fol- Aminah Bergeron lowing social distancing protocols. Mechanical Engineering Technology The Springfield Technical Com- students train in a state-of-the-art ma- munity College student from Westfield chining lab and learn to use high-tech was accepted to participate in the NASA Lucy Student Pipeline Accelerator and computer software and hardware. Competency Enabler (L’SPACE) Mis- Professor Beth McGinnis-Ca- sion Concept Academy – Summer 2020 vanaugh, chair of the Civil Engineering Program. Technology program and advisor to the It’s the second big opportunity STCC chapter of the Society of Women Bergeron has had with NASA. In early Engineers, has been encouraging Berg- L to R: Anita Gallers (academic counselor),Talaija Lawson March, Bergeron attended the NASA eron to pursue her NASA dreams. (graduate), Katara Robinson (Gateway to College program Community College Aerospace Scholars “I am impressed with Aminah’s director) and Diana Cruz (Gateway to College food service worker) (NCAS) Onsite Experience at Wallops focus and resolve in pursuing these op- homes of each of the seniors, who are or field of work. It is a non-traditional Flight Facility in Virginia. She learned portunities,” McGinnis-Cavanaugh said. missing out on a traditional graduation as high school program for students for about careers in science and engineering “These wonderful programs are avail- a result of COVID-19. Gateway to Col- whom the traditional high school envi- and worked with a team to design a pro- able for STCC students. I encourage all lege students are unique in that they are ronment was not working, and who are totype Mars rover, among other tasks. of our students to ‘shoot for the moon.’ dually enrolled high school students tak- seeking an alternative setting. Gateway Bergeron started the NASA L’- Too often, nontraditional and underrep- ing college courses while completing re-engages students and/or keeps them in SPACE Academy summer program on resented students – especially women – their high school graduation requirements school, thus reducing the dropout rate, May 12. Described as an online virtual at the college, so the staff wanted to ac- are not encouraged or supported in sci- improving students’ futures through edu- academy, the free 12-week program of- knowledge their special accomplishment. ence, engineering, technology and math- cation, and supporting their imminent fers an interactive, project-based experi- Talaija Lawson, who was Gate- contributions to the workforce and com- ematics (STEM) fields. They’re not seen ence and workforce development way’s student speaker at the Springfield munity as educated young adults. The – and don’t see themselves – as future training for students interested in work- Alternative High Schools’ virtual gradu- program values education, hard-work, STEM professionals. Students like ation in June, was not sure she would goals, aspirations, second-chances, and ing in the space industry. She is learning Aminah challenge stereotypes and about NASA mission procedures and graduate after experiencing some per- providing hope, support, and opportuni- move well beyond expectations and protocols from industry professionals. sonal challenges and setbacks. In fact, ties for its students. limits. And – as she works to achieve She meets virtually with fellow team when she started at Gateway she was not Gateway to College at Springfield her own goals –she makes real the on track to graduate on time. However, members via video conferencing due to Technical Community College is cur- possibilities for other women who through ongoing guidance, encourage- rently taking applications for the fall 2020 the health pandemic. They collaborate to question their own identity and po- ment and support from the Gateway staff semester. For more information, visit complete mission-related team projects. and her family, she is graduating a year their website at stcc.edu/gateway or call “This is an amazing opportunity,” tential as future engineers and scien- early. She attributes her success to better 413-755-4581. ■ Bergeron said. “It could help me get in- tists. I’m proud of her. She has a bright future in STEM.” ■ af-am point of view page thirty-eight august 1, 2020 CONGRATULATIONS ‘The Greatest Gift I Have Ever Received’ HCC Foundation awards the 2020-2021 academic year, 233. Attleboro: Shawn Viveiros. Northampton: Alia Alabsi, Todd Cum- $210K in scholarships Because of COVID-19, students Belchertown: Kathreen Collado, Kat- mings, Maxwell Faytell, Elisabeth need the money more this year than ever, rina Griffin, Garret Hussey, Terice Kelly, Laudone, Avery Rae Maltz, Aundrea says Amanda Sbriscia, HCC vice presi- Jonathan Mahaney, Laura Marks, Shelbi Marschoun, Kya Stillson. HOLYOKE, MA – After Doris M. dent of Institutional and executive direc- Moore, Joshua Morrison, Samantha Kemble died in 1990 from cancer, her Palmer: Jenna Baruffaldi. tor of the HCC Foundation. The number Teschke. Russell: Kaitlyn Conway, Jordan mother, Abbe, established a scholarship Bondsville: Annalee Clough. of applications for scholarships this year Cooper, Lynn Mann, Jodie Paradis. in her memory through the Holyoke increased 22 percent, from 391 to 479. Brookfield: Johanna Bosen. South Hadley: Mark Brown, Daniel Community College Foundation. Kem- “HCC students are always remark- Chicopee: Lauren Bailey, Alexandria Conway, Haley Dusseault, Maxim Ferd- ble had been a beloved member of the able, but they have demonstrated incred- Bombardier, Cynthia Burgos, Evelyn man-Hayden, Annalese Guerin, Rachel HCC nursing faculty, and her mother ible resilience this semester,” Sbriscia Cruz, Joni George, Melissa Jenkins, wanted to make sure her daughter’s said. “Many are working, but some have Sumeyye Kirca, Tugce Kuruca, Felicia Irzyk, Matthew Lajoie, Matthew McLen- legacy continued. lost their jobs. Still, they are raising chil- LaPointe, Nakkita MacDonald, Jordan nan, Corinne Moskal, Zoe Moynihan, dren, planning to transfer to four-year Maroon, Sabrina McCullough, Jennifer Sarah Poirier. schools, changing careers, and blazing a Perez, Michael Polanco, Adam Ran- Southampton: Ashley Dalessio, Shelley path that for some no one in their family dolph, Jacob Raymond, Brandon Ri- Mather, Suzanne Surgen. has taken before. When so much of our cardo, Annalisa Rizzo, Christopher Southwick: Rachel Diamond. students’ world was unknown as a result Royster, Natalie St. George. Springfield: Safiyah Bey, Kyra Brown, of a global pandemic, it was important to Easthampton: Noelle Fournier, Maya Samantha Calvao, Heidi Cheng, Kayla ensure they could still count on the HCC Grindrod, Sylvan Knight, Isabel Navarro, Colby, Melanie Correa, Alison Foundation for scholarship opportunities Melissa Rodriguez, Tai Schutz. Coulombe, Yannelis Cruz, Daniel that would inspire them to continue Enfield, Conn.: Jenelly Baez. Cumba, Aniely Figueroa, Tyla Gervais, working toward their educational goals.” Feeding Hills: Ashley Ugolini. Joelle Gilliam, David Gonzalez, Jacque- Over the years, the HCC Founda- Florence: Brent Blazej, Enette Claxton- line Johnson, Jessica Krolicki, Nanelle tion, the nonprofit fundraising arm of the Toliver. Le, Nelson Luciano, Alexis Martinez, Granby: Andrew Brunelle, Tianna college, has provided more than $3 mil- Gabriella Miranda, Nusaiba Mo- Dwinell, Pegah Motazedi, Hannah lion in student scholarships while also in- hammed, Lindsey Place, Joseph Ramos, Sudsbury. vesting in classroom equipment and Nachaly Reyes Santos, Jennyliz Solis, Hadley: Andrew Gnatek, Kimberly technology for select academic and stu- Zadia Valenze, Alexandra Wallace, dent support programs. Russell. Coriann Willingham, Vanessa Wilson. Typically, the Foundation hosts a Hampden: Brittany Brideau. Thorndike: Jennifer Mason. scholarship reception in May where Hatfield: Leah Wilson. Three Rivers: Salina Aguilar, Samuel scholarship recipients can interact with Haydenville: Alexandra Pinschmidt. the donors responsible for their awards. Holyoke: Annmarie Arduino, Leonie Farinloye. Alexandra Clark But this year, of course, the reception was Barkakati, Santyanee Chen, Jolene Ware: Morgan Orszulak, Natashia cancelled because of COVID-19 restric- Christmas-Chase, Sharon Copes, Sawabi, Margaret Sullivan. It does. tions. Chamile Cruz, Nicole deJong, Erik Duni, West Springfield: Lisette Antonmarchi, Since 1998, more than 60 HCC stu- Instead, students were invited to Zachary Erwin-Stevens, Cate Boram Ha, Chelsea Bergeron, Michael Bonafilia, dents have been awarded the Doris M. record personal videos that were sent di- Michael Kane, Emma Kane, Ellie Lan- Christian Castillo, Banen Mustafa, Mau- Kemble Nursing Scholarship. This year, rectly to donors. glois, Jeannette Gia Mendez, Miren rice Ramogi, Mollyann Ryder, Melina one of three annual recipients is Ver- “Thinking that someone is trusting Neyra AlcÃ¡ntara, Diamar Oliveras, Tzambazakis, Kristen Tzambazakis. saviya Okhrimenko of Westfield. me and investing in my career – thank Sage Pasquale, Caitlyn Paul, Erick Westfield: Kara Adamites, Tania Alvalle, “The scholarship means I can go you so much for that,” Okhrimenko said Rivera-Gonzalez, Naiomi Robles, Ade- Nicole Argiro, Grace Cannady, Caleb another year at HCC and focus more on in here video. “Through this award, laida Rodriguez, Juan Rodriguez, Ade- Curd, Iesha Davila, Maksim Gelmudinov, my studying and nursing skills rather than you’re helping a plain girl like me to be- laida Rodriguez, Monica Rosa, Haley Michael Gottardi, Zipporah Irari, Jaime worrying about my financial status,” said Saltares, Samacha Sam Marvin Santiago, come a nurse and save lives.” Mason, Versaviya Okhrimenko, Kiley Okhrimenko. “It means I can finish my Emma Schlegel, Bethany Serrano, Below is a list of HCC Foundation Pellegrini, Svetlana Shalygo, Dana nursing degree and reach my dream. It is Gladys Suero, Edgardo Torres, Deyanira scholarship recipients for 2020-2021: Shambo, Olivia White. honestly the greatest gift I have ever re- Trujillo, Nathan Wytrwal. ceived.” Agawam: Christine Briggs, Mary Diaz, Huntington: Alexandra Clark. Westhampton: Jessica LaFortune, This spring, the HCC Foundation Danielle Eickelberg, Taylor Provost, Indian Orchard: Danielle Bailey. Isabella Sacharczyk. awarded nearly $210,000 in scholarships Fereshteh Yousefi, Alina Yovenko. Leeds: Vanessa Oquendo. Wilbraham: Elizabeth Busker, Veronica to 200 incoming, current and transferring Amherst: Fathima Amaniyah, Marley Ludlow: Jade Blake, Audrey Pilon, Machuca, Piper Smythe, Destyni HCC students and will set a record for the Friedrick, Tyler Page, Margaret Krystal White. Watkins. number of scholarships it distributes for Schwartz, Xinhong Wu. Monson: Dawn Rogers. Worthington: Ann McGinley. af-am point of view page thirty-nine august 1, 2020 COMMUNITY CALENDAR — AUGUST 2020

Jynai McDonald, August 8 (Saturday) When: 6PM August 29 (Saturday) POV Community Masked Paint & Sip Info: 413 331 9355 Virtual Celebration of 2020 Calendar Editor A Western Mass Tiny Homes ______Graduates Please submit your events with attn: Initiative August 22 (Saturday) Springfield Technical Community Jynai in the Where: State St., Springfield, MA 4th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. College subject line to When: 5:30PM 11PM Social Justice Awards Luncheon Where: Streamed on Facebook [email protected] Info: www.eventbrite.com Theme: “The Time is Always Right & YouTube August 6 (Thursday) ______to do What is Right.” When: 6PM Eco Printing: Botanical Prints on August 8 (Saturday) Where: Chez Josef Info: stcc.edu/commencement Dyed Fabric The Lights, Boston area 176 Shoemaker Lane, ______Massachusetts Horticultural Society Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds Agawam, MA Tuesdays Where: 900 Washington St., 207 Boston St, When: 11AM 1PM Virtual Childbirth Education with Wellesley, MA Topsfield, MA 01983 Info: 413 331 9355 Deep Relaxation When: 9AM 6PM When: 5PM 9PM ______Where: ZOOM Info: www.events.r20.constant Info: register3.thelightsfest.com August 23 (Sunday) When: 6PM 7:30PM contact.com ______Milford Cars & Coffee Season Info: tinyurl.com/y394tpte ______August 15 (Saturday) Opener ______August 8 (Saturday) Springfield Jazz & Roots Virtual Where: 58 River St., Milford, CT Thursdays Black Businesses Matter Day Festival 2020 When: 8:30AM 11:30AM Holyoke Farmers Market Western Massachusetts Black Cham Where: FOCUS Springfield ______Where: Veterans Park, ber of Commerce Community TV August 27 (Thursday) Holyoke, MA Where: Court Square, When: 11AM 10PM 40 Under 40 Gala When: 1PM 5:30PM Springfield, MA Info: springfieldjazzfest.com Hosted By: Business West When: 3PM 7PM ______Where: The Log Cabin Info: blackbusinessmatter.org/ August 20 (Thursday) 500 Easthampton Rd., vendorsignup Western MA Child Care Round Holyoke, MA ______Table When: 5:30PM 8:30PM Where: ZOOM call Info: www.businesswest.com CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

Concentrating in Real Estate af-am point of view page forty august 1, 2020 BLACK LIVES MATTER

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● in CORPORATE EQUALITY ● in ECONOMIC EQUALITY ● in EDUCATIONAL EQUALITY ● in EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY ● in HEALTHCARE EQUALITY ● in HOUSING EQUALITY ● in POLICING EQUALITY ● in POLITICAL EQUALITY