EMERGENCY RED ALERT: NEW YORK CITY RENT LAWS EXPIRE IN 3 DAYS - TENANT EMERGENCY!

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

I just received an announcement from my brother/friend Zach Husser about an upcoming vigil to save the Rent Laws in New York - if they are allowed to expire the already greedy landlords will absolutely run amok and jack up everybody's rents; violate rights with impunity, and push those people who are low and moderate income families into the street.  While these rent laws, such as they are, are a joke, they are still necessary to keep wolves and vampires at bay - lest they really destroy New York.  It really is a matter of separating the needy from the greedy.  But until and unless there are laws that really consider and honor New Yorkers who live, love and work for this City every day, as much as they do those with mega-bucks; this is little more than arranging deck chairs on the Titanic - at some point New York is going to fall by the weight of its own stupidity, rigidity, inhumanity and greed.

This is my response to Zach's message.  The announcement follows.  

Hi Zach:

Thanks for the heads up.  I will pass it on - but please understand that this makes absolutely no sense - in a city where there are so many millions of people who are adversely affected by the actions of a handful of greedy owners; in a city where they depend on our rents just as much as we depend on their property; in a city where they have gone completely ape-shit crazy with rental rates that no regular New Yorker can afford, or should be paying - why are we still having this bogus, dog and pony, phoney negotiation every year? 

It makes no sense! 

When I first moved back to New York from California in 1984, it seemed that people had more power, understood their power, and wielded it - there were rent strikes all over New York back then; but especially in Harlem and Washington Heights (where I lived) against slumlords who were not providing the goods and services that people needed in order to live safely and comfortably in their homes.  It used to be that if you didn't have heat and hot water, you could take the landlord to court and get your rent reduced, or a rebate on the portion of time you were without services, for which you had paid your rent.  But no more.  And I'm curious as to how that came to pass!

Somewhere along the line we have allowed the greedy to vamp on the needy - eating away at their rent control rights; destroying their rent stabilization by pushing the rents beyond the margins into decontrol - and all people do is go to the so called rent leveling board - on which there are no tenants, just landlords, and watch them jack the rents up 2% to 4% or higher each year.

I think that instead of just having demonstrations, there be a massive strike across NYC with the funds going into a special escrow - and then make the legislators do the jobs they were elected to do - provide for the people who live in the city that never sleeps so that they continue living there, secure in the knowledge that some smug landlords don't hold the power of life and death over their heads by threatening the roofs over their heads.

Make Darryl Towns and Andrew Cuomo do their jobs and take care of the people, not the greedy slumlords - stop gentrification; make the "projects" decent, safe places to live.  New York is so "rent" oriented, people never think of owning their own homes - and end up in an ongoing spiral of haranguing with a remote owner who lives out on Long Island, and manipulates their lives from remote control.  Or worse yet, lives out of the country, after having purchased their properties wholesale through mortgage backed securities, and could care less one way or another, as long as their notes are paid and their investments continue to grow.

When rents approach $2000 a month, and a person's salary is  a little over $1500/mo - it's a formula for disaster.  If you've never done it, go into a landlord tenant court in Manhattan and look at who the majority of the people are who are facing eviction because the rents are unconscionable - who are hanging on by a thread practically selling their life's blood in order to stay in an apartment that is no bigger than 250 square feet, but for which they are having to pay some ridiculous sum of money.

It was eight years ago when former Congressman Edolphus ED Towns called a meeting of HUD and the Secretary of Housing to Brooklyn to stop the evisceration of Starrett City - one of the largest Michell-Lama properties in the state.  They're term was coming to an end, and they were getting ready to sell the entire property, which housed some 16,000 low and moderate income families, to a private developer for approximately $20 Million!!  

Towns stepped in and called everybody on the carpet! By the time he got through, the repuglycon appointed Secretary of HUD had resigned, and Towns had gotten the extension of Mitchell-Lama expanded for another 25 years.  He had the legislation passed after hearing testimony after testimony from tenants whose leases were not being renewed; who were being told that they had X-days/weeks/months to vacate.  The private developers were going to push those families out to who knows where, and turn the property into exclusive, private condominiums.  They already had the blueprints, and had had the audacity to even advertise in advance of the sale that this condominium was pretty much a done deal - with even modest studios going for $300,000.  Apparently, no one in the New York legislative body saw anything wrong with - they were too busy counting dollars in pockets to care.  Towns pulled the former head of HPD, Sean Donovan, in to the hearing, as well as the head of New York State DHCR, and other local housing administrators; and put them on notice that it would never happen under his watch.  He got the law passed, and it remains in effect - at least for now!

However, with three days before the end of Rent Laws, we now are in a crisis mode!  And, while I'm happy to say that Laurie Cumbo, Keith Wright, Annette Robinson, Letitia James, Charles Barron and others have demonstrated in Albany, and been arrested in behalf of the citizens - that kind of moxy on the part of our congressional representatives has not been forthcoming.  And it's going to take that to get the point across.

There is nothing  more ridiculous than an ersatz judge sitting in a landlord tenant kangaroo court, pretending to  "negotiate" this whole thing; who at the same time is probably one of the property owners or investors in the very home this person is trying to defend.  They pretend to be egalitarian, but the real truth is they could care less and are being paid - making a profit off of their plight through shadow investments. 

I've seen it in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx - same stuff, different day.  Mostly BLACK people in the courts, white/Jewish judges on the bench - white/Jewish lawyers - in collusion with each other - while the hapless person, who is either working two jobs, or on welfare with a job on the side; or on social security or some other meagre fixed income being buffeted around in this sham proceeding, which is going to eventually end up with the on the streets, living with relatives or neighbors; or for those with the options, moving completely out of the city/state to a locale where they can better afford to live.  I watched a judge turn out a 75 year old widow from her apartment in Brooklyn - she had been living there for 50 years, since the day she was married - the property should have been under rent control, but somehow the landlord was able to circumvent that.  The poor lady went from paying a small manageable amount to more than $1700. per month! Outrageous - and when she couldn't handle it, that judge told her she had to vacate by the following morning, if she could not come up with the balance; and the marshalls who had been stayed by another judge, would be there to move her out!  

By the way, these draconian, blood sucking rents are in the "DownState" area, not the rest of New York State - we're basically talking Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island.  In the mean time, in these same areas, properties are being warehoused, withheld from the markets, allowed to fall to wreck and ruin, decay and dilapidation until the price goes up - or the value goes so far down they can get permission to bull doze it and put some overpriced construction in its place.  

There are days when we can say "I love New York!" but New York doesn't love us back - at least not under the current circumstances.

Unless this demonstration to save the Rent Laws (such as they are)  is going to be replicated on the steps of City Hall, The State Capitol in Albany, and yes, on the front lawns of some of these property owners, the governor and other people who have decision making responsibilities  - it's only going to be a front page flash in the pan item for the meanstream media.  

There are enough New Yorkers to get their point across - take that same energy and converge on Albany and camp out on the Governor's front lawn and let him know that you are prepared to move in with him, unless he rolls back rent in New York by 20 to 30% immediately if not sooner.  Everything else is just an exercise in futility. 

The embarrassment of this nation is that we call ourselves the leader of the free world - but the truth is that the people who built it can't afford to live in it.  New York is considered the "greatest" city in the world, but her people are being decimated.  Where is the "great" and the "leadership" in that? 

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria

On Sat, Jun 13, 2015 at 6:25 PM, Zach Husser, Sr. <issuesandsports@aol.com> wrote:

Folks,

If you haven't read the below news, it's your interest to do so! Spread the word and see What your Church, Tenant Group, Business, and Family of Friends can do to make sure the Rent Laws don't Expire!

In the Interest of Working Together,

Brother Zach          

Subject: Fw: NY: 3 days until rent laws expire!

		We are three days from the rent laws expiring.  Rent regulation is the largest source of affordable housing for low-income tenants. But over the last 20 years, weak rent laws have made it easier and more lucrative for landlords to evict residents. Weak rent laws have led to the gentrification of our neighborhoods. Tenants have been asking for STRONGER rent laws for years. And now, the clock is ticking.  If our Governor allows for the rent laws to expire, he should call a state of emergency. That’s right!  2.5 million New Yorkers will be at risk of displacement if the rent laws expire and are not strengthened. Click here to send a message to the Governor.  Thousands of struggling tenants across New York are just a rent increase away from losing their homes. Tenants across the state need stronger rent laws to protect them, but the Governor is letting them expire. Send a message to the Governor right now, or click here to tweet to the Governor.  Tell him if the rent laws are not strengthened and expire, there will be a #TenantEmergency. Thanks for all that you do, Renata Pumarol Communications & Social Media Director New York Communities for Change P.S.: Click here to join the rent laws vigil in front of Cuomo's office this Sunday at 6 p.m. Your support makes our work possible. Click here to become a sustaining member of New York Communities for Change.

  €œThe World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion. -€“ Thomas Paine

HEY NEW YORK CITY!  NOW THAT YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?  IF NO ONE ELSE WILL SAVE YOU, BAND TOGETHER AND SAVE YOURSELVES!

STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria 
 

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EVENT ALERT: 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the Freedman's Bank March 3, 2015

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Well - as I have said, Black History is a 365/24/7 Year Round event - and never is that more evident that the upcoming 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the establishment of the Freedman's Bank by President Abraham Lincoln.

Though it had a short life span, it was further evidence of his effort to make Black victims of slavery whole by providing them with bank accounts and teaching them about money.  Something we could still use today in modern contemporary times, as well.  I just received this from NYS Assemblywoman  Annette Robinson:  Monday, March 3, 2015 marks the 150^th commemoration of Freedman’s Bank.  

NY STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN ANNETTE M. ROBINSON

Live streaming of this event is available thanks to Operation Hope.

The Freedman's Savings and Trust Company is a rare document that has a rich source of data pertaining to the ex-slave immediately following the Civil War. It had a short life span but it left a plethora of information concerning the depositors, the family, and descendants. U.S. Comptroller of the Currency Thomas J. Curry to Speak at Freedman’s Bank 150th Anniversary Commemoration at National Archives On Tuesday, March 3rd, Operation HOPE and the Afro-American Historical Society of the National Archives will host a commemoration of a forgotten, but invaluable, part of America’s history, the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Freedman’s Bank. Established by President Abraham Lincoln on March 3, 1865, the Bank was a landmark institution designed to teach former slaves about money.  U.S. Comptroller of the Currency Thomas J. Curry will be among the featured speakers. The Office of the Comptroller played a pivotal role in the history of the Freedman’s Bank, with the Comptroller serving as Commissioner of the Bank and reporting to Congress on its affairs. The Office lobbied Congress for nearly 40 years to secure restitution for depositors who lost their savings. Operation HOPE will continue to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Freedman's Bank over the coming year, with the mission of completing the work of President Lincoln. To watch the live stream click here.  Guests Include Top Slate of Leaders Guests scheduled to attend include: Ambassador Andrew Young Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO, King Center Marc Morial, CEO, National Urban League Lonnie Bunch, Director, Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture Joseph P. Otting, CEO, OneWest Bank Brad Smith, President and CEO, Intuit Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Congressman Chaka Fattah The Freedman's Bank Story The Freedman’s Bank was established on March 3, 1865 as part of the Freedman’s Bureau. As the Civil War drew to a close, President Lincoln and the Congress recognized the need to aid newly freed slaves in their transition to freedom. President Lincoln was killed five weeks after signing this bill. At one point, Frederick Douglass was called forward to run the bank. However, the bank failed against the backdrop of political and public policy forces that undermined Reconstruction. During its existence the bank had over $57 million in deposits and 70,000 depositors. The Bank’s records remain the single largest repository of lineage-linked African-American genealogy, containing upwards of 480,000 names. March 3rd Commemoration Highlights Program highlights include: A major national initiative for the duration of 2015 will be announced by P5117 Co-Chairs Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. Bernice A. King and John Hope Bryant to ensure the completion of the Bank’s intended mission. A Presentation on the Freedman’s Bank by representatives of the National Archives. A Moderated Conversation with Ambassador Young, Chairman Bryant, OCC Deputy Comptroller Barry Wides and other dignitaries reflecting on the historical significance of the Bank and how its unfinished work still resonates today in issues of poverty, income inequality and race relations. A Reception in the Archives Rotunda where guests will receive private tours to view our nation’s most important documents – Declaration of Independence, US Constitution, Emancipation Proclamation. Can’t make it but want to view it? The Symposium will be live streamed; you may view it here.  Visit HOPE Blog |  Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook | Forward to a friend  Copyright © 2015 Operation HOPE, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Operation HOPE 707 Wilshire Boulevard, 30th Floor Los Angeles, California 90017 Add us to your address book You are receiving this email because you are a member of the Operation HOPE Email Digest.  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN

As I stated in my response to Assemblywoman Robinson, we need this now - there are so many of us who do not understand money and finance - the resurrection of the bank and the teaching of financial literacy is of paramount importance in the Black community and really needs to be started immediately, if not sooner. 

Try to check out this wonderful forum and glean the information that further expands our knowledge of the historic efforts of our people and the people who tried to help them. 

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK 
Gloria 

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43rd Annual New York State Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Held In Albany February 14th to 17th

-->By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Wow, can you believe it, it's already been a week since the 43^rd Annual Legislative Black and Puerto Rican, and Hispanic and Asian Caucus ended. My how time flies when you're in the thick of things!! From the opening Friday evening gala reception the ending banquet, and fundraiser, it was non-stop, back to back activities.

In contrast to this week, last week the East Coast was blanketed with snow, and the threat of more to come. Of course, in Albany, snow is no big deal – they practically manufacture it up there, and we, the down staters, must have been a comical sight, all decked out with hawk-fighting regalia, prepared to hunker down and do what was necessary to make the week end a success while fighting Mother's Nature seemingly relentless onslaught of snow storms.

HINT to Downstaters and the rest of the non-snow savvy folks – you can learn a thing or two from Albany – when they clear the sidewalks, they don't just clear in front of their building, but the ENTIRE SIDE WALK – they realize that people don't just magically float over that ice you left there to get to the next clear spot; also they make OPENINGS or PATHWAYS from the side walk to the street so people can actually cross and not have to climb over a mountain of snow pushed up by the snow plows.

The Caucus is held annually to set the agenda for the year; however those plans are by no means carved in stone; and it does not mean that other issues and concerns can't be brought to the attention of the elected officials. Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, is the Association Chair, and coordinated this year's event.

The New York State Black & Puerto Rican Caucus is perhaps the oldest continuously existing Black and Puerto Rican joint event in the US. It traditionally takes place during Black History Month, on the week end before President's Day, and brings together – to the extent possible – all the requisite State, City, and Federal legislators from New York State to set the agenda for African Americans, Latino, Hispanic and Asian constituents. They focus on how best to work together to ensure that the things most important to us are implemented.

It's a rather hefty purpose for such a short span of time – one day – one week end – once a year. And this year it was further complicated by the fact that it came right on the heels of Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition Wall Street Project Economic Summit having just closed the day before at the Sheraton in Manhattan. So many of the same people participating in the Caucus had also participated in the three-day workshops – making for an extremely long week for many of us (especially yours truly).

New York City has so much to celebrate this year – a new Mayor in the personage of Bill deBlasio; a new Public Advocate, Letitia “Tish” James, first African American female in that role; first Black Brooklyn Borough President – Eric Adams; and the dynamic duo of Charles Barron and Inez Barron having now somewhat shifted, with him in the role of Assemblyman, and she now as the Council Woman; Laurie Cumbo and Robert Cornegy new City Council Representatives– Brooklyn had a lot to brag about, and in general it was a great time for patting ourselves on the back. For once things appear to be in synch. For the first time in about 20 years, everything was as it should be – Cuomo – Democrat, Governor, and a Democrat Mayor in the most important city in the world.

All the workshops are basically held in the Convention Center, which was designed by Nelson D. Rockefeller – a marvel of architecture and engineering that was absolutely needed to change the somewhat drab landscape of Albany back in the day.

However, getting around for the uninitiated required comfortable shoes, because the walk from the entry to the workshops is literally 2.5 city blocks in the concourse on hard marble. Sadly, most of the access to the Convention Center has been closed off for “security reasons” requiring participants to make a long trek through the facility – go through an equally long security check point, and an even longer trek to the workshops in the various hearing rooms.

Since most of the works shops were held concurrently, it required real skill to be able to attend the ones you had a particular interest in. The workshops gave an overview of issues of concern to Caucus members and their constituents. “The People's Priorities – 2014, compiled by Caucus Chair Karim Camara, gave an overview of what those concerns were.

The debate on how to attain Full Pre-K – via taxing the rich, or allocations from the state, was front and center. Both Mayor deBlasio and Governor Cuomo have made it one of their key focuses. They agree that it's needed, but don't agree on how best to fund it. Laws and policies ending stop and frisk was also a hot topic, while bringing back affordable homes to New York brought a lot of attention. MWBE increased contracts, and other nuances.

Governor Andrew Cuomo dropped a bomb shell in the middle of the entire week end when he announced at the Caucus Weekend church service at the Wilborn Temple an initiative to provide college classes in the state's prisons. Currently, New York's inmate population is 49.2 percent African-American, 24 percent Hispanic, 24.1 percent white and 2.7 percent identify as other. A measure of that magnitude would definitely change the rates of illiteracy, recidivism, and aggrivated assaults exponentially.

The reaction was stunned silence, followed by slow clapping, followed by a somewhat more enthusiastic response. The Governor's rationale, one that we have all bandied about for decades, is that providing education fulfills the responsibility of rehabilitation in the prisons. These college classes would be free and would cut down on recidivism. It takes over $60,000 a year to keep a person incarcerated. It's a fraction of that to provide them with a decent education and a job when they complete their sentence. However, the mixed responses in a variety of conversations seems to portend some rough waters ahead in getting everybody on board to get this concept passed.

I frankly thing it's a great idea. California Warden, Ruth Rushen (mother of vocalist Patrice Rushen) had a similar policy nearly 30 years ago – of course, Californians didn't like the idea – but to the extent she was able to implement it, it proved to be a great success for those participants who were fortunate enough to receive it (more on it in another article).

Equally interesting was the agenda in the People's Priorities for the restoration of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit LIHTC. Under the Pataki administration, this had been eviscerated, making it difficult to impossible to provide incentives for the development of low to moderate income based homes. The pledge is to seek for 100% restoration of the dollar -for-dollar tax cred in New York State.

Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, Chair of COBED (Coalition of Black Elected Democrats), held a reception at the Hilton Albany after the Gala Dinner/Fundraiser. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Caucus Awardee, stopped by to give greetings and discuss the issues confronting New York from an optimistic standpoint. “With a new Mayor and Public Advocate things are going to be much better, but it won't happen over night. It may well take a little longer than we have envisioned in our minds eyes. But it will happen,” she stated enthusiastically.

Congresswoman Clarke commended Annette Robinson, for her  service to the community and being “a wind beneath my wings, and a mentor - we all owe a debt of gratitude to Annette Robinson.  She's been a trail blazer and one who has really been a pillar for the growth and development of our our community.  So I just wanted to come by and thank you.  This is where her work is done on behalf of all our communities," she concluded.

Per Assemblywoman Robinson: “We have our upstate downstate partnerships, and I've had the privilege of going to Syracuse and Rochester as well as other areas to learn about the issues there.  We look at our people wherever we are and see what the needs are and work together to resolve them.”

Of course the Assemblywoman's reception was also a perfect time for the gathering of Delta Sigma Theta Sorors who were also in attendance large and in charge - including yours truly:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorors at the 2014 Black & Puerto Rican Caucus - Hon. Yvette Clarke 3rd from Left; Hon. Annette Robinson Center; Gloria Dulan-Wilson, Right Front

 Andrea Stewart-Cousins Democratic Chair also stopped by to give greetings, stating, “I think  we had a really great week end. We've gone through these year after year, and so many times it's exhausting. This was exhausting, but it was all good. And I love the fact that the Governor and deBlasio are fighting about who's going to fund the Pre-K program. As long as it get's done right, I've no problem with it. It's an election year, and we have the potential to being in a very good place.”

Councilman Robert Cornegy, who is affectionately known as "Trees," spoke of new measures being considered in the City Council for saving Brooklyn Hospitals. Laurie Cumbo, likewise spoke of the urgency of making sure there was adequate continuum of care in the Borough of Brooklyn, and the focus on the part of the City Council was ensure adequate ongoing funding.

The Annual Awards Ceremony, which took place Sunday, February 16^th,  honored 18 recipients who have served the New York communities well. The inscriptions on the plaques read: “To recognize and honor individuals who have made significant contributions in advancing the political, social and economic cause of African American, Hispanic and Asian Communities.”

I'm listing the awardees in their entirety because these are history in the making. We should all be aware of those who are out there among us making a difference:

>N. Nick Perry, 58^th AD, Brooklyn, received the Chairman's Award for promoting greater community empowerment in the political arena;

>Lillian Roberts, Executive Director of DC 37 AFSCME representing 121,000 public workers, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her consistent contributions on the behalf of Blacks and minorities in the labor movement;

>Assemblyman David Gantt of the 137^th AD in Rochester – the first Black from Monroe County elected to state office - received the Percy Sutton Award for his stuanch commitment to politics and a passion for civil rights;

>David Cordero, Vice-Consul of the Dominican General Consulate in NY received the Immigrant Excellence Award for success in the fields of business and government;

>Maria Revelles organizer for SEIU 1199, received the Labor Award for success in representing over 1.5 million service workers;

>Shop Rite Stores received the Corporate Award for being integrally involved in the preservation of the Sherwood House, a historically Black farmhouse built in 1740 by Thomas Sherwood and the home of the Yonkers Historical Society;

>Cynthia Elliott, assistant to the Executive Director of the Baden Street Settlement in Rochester, received the Arthur Eve Award being a strong advocate in promoting the success of students in the State of New York;

>Henrietta Lyle (a great friend of mine – you go Henrietta!!) received the Leon Bogues Award for being a staunch advocae of tenants' rights, women's rights, civil rights and other social reforms;

>Zenaida Mendez New York State President of NOW (National Organization for Women received the Pauline Rhodd-Cummings Award – she is the founder of the National Dominican Women's Caucus;

>Dr. Roy H. Hastick Sr., President and CEO of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) – another hero and personal friend of mine received the Thomas S. Boyland Award for for being deeply and pragmatically committed to the African American/Caribbean Community and skilled in the strategies to make state and local government work together for our betterment {And a brother who would not lie down for a stroke, but came through like the king that he is – Kudos to him and his lovely wife Eda;

>Frank Garcia, president & CEO of Millennium Remanufactured Toner, inc., and Chair of the NY State Coaliton of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, among many other things, received the Louis Nine Award for making state and local governments work for the people;

>Elizabeth Gill, President of the New York City Police Dept. 47^th Precinct Community Council in the Bronx, received the Joseph L. Galiber Award for laboring vigorously for expanded opportunities for Hispanics;

>Leroy Gadsden, NY State Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Planning Administrator, received the Guy R. Brewer Award for commitment to an equal and fair criminal justice system;

>Michelle McClymont, Executive Director of the Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District, received the Housing & Economic Development Award for dedication to improving the image of the African American Community;

>Hon. Yvette D. Clarke, U.S. Congresswoman, who represents the 9^th Congressional District (Brooklyn), an effective leader, compassionate, creative, and an outspoken advocate on issues of importance to her constituents (and a Delta – I know, but I just had to say it) received the Distinguished Service Award for improving the quality of life and stimulating the economic vitality of the African American/Caribbean and minority comunities;

>Barnabas Uba Shakur, internationally recognized, multi-award winning social entrepreneur, community activist, poet, co-founder of Bed Stuy's Project Re-Generation received the Community Service Award for his time, energy, expertise, and resources towards the betterment of underserved communities;

>Rev. Cheryl Gwynn Anthony, an anointed woman of God and founder, CEO and Pastor of the JUDAH International Christian Center, Brooklyn, NY, (and a long time friend) received the Humanitarian Award for playing a “vital role in the betterment of underserved communities of color;”

>Boriken Neighborhood Health Center of East Harlem, now celebrating it's 40^th year, received the Health Award for improving the quality of life for the community.

At the Gala Dinner, Ruth Thompson, who served as mistress of ceremonies for the closing night gala, dropped a bit of a bomb shell prior to introducing the key note speaker for the evening: “Someone said, why aren't you telling any jokes tonight? And I responded, I don't know any jokes. I've been up here on the hill too long.” She waited for a beat and then said, “Maybe that's the Joke!” The audience roared with laughter as she continued, “But I've got one more Caucus under my belt. Next year's going to be 44; I'm going to take a deep bow; but I'm certainly not going to leave public service. It's not about that. So the next place I go – get ready I'm coming.” I later asked her off stage whether she was considering a run for the gubernatorial seat – to which she gave me a slight wink but no comment.

Keynote speaker Michael Blake is a newcomer to the caucus, but left the room in an uptempo as he closed out the 43 Annual Caucus by exhorting that they go from there and do what they know how to do, not hesitate or procrastinate, to reclaim a child, or a community. To use their collective and individual power to make a difference in the life of the children of New York.

STAY BLESSED &

          ECLECTICALLY BLACK
          Gloria Dulan-Wilson

 

EVENT ALERT: Dance Africa at BAM Celebrates its 34th Year Memorial Weekend May 27-30

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

The Saturday before Memorial Day, is the kick off for Dance Africa, when Baba Chuck Davis, founder of the African American Dance Ensemble, and his troupe land in Brooklyn to regale us with his latest gathering of talent from Africa and her Diaspora. And this week end was absolutely spectacular.

Davis who stands tall at 6’5” presided over the event from the sidelines, while locally based community groups presented their youth, attired in African regalia, dancing their hearts out to youthful and seasoned drummers, reminiscent of what it may have been like in traditional African villages. Local dance troupes were in great form. A young toddler with the spirit of a modern day baby-faced Sammy Davis Jr., played African drums in the manner of a seasoned drummer, to the pleasure and amazement of the adults in the audience. (I told you our children are born geniuses, when their talents and skills are nurtured, people call them prodigies.)

The Elders wore full traditional clothing - lapas, geles, bubas, grand bubas, and agbadas; wearing lekes of their traditional Orisha (or Gods); priests/priestesses were attired in all white, came into the tent in a stately procession and sat in seats set aside for them on the right side of the tented area.

Their clothing was somewhat rivaled by the audience, many of whom wore traditional African dress in respect for the event.

They were addressed by Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson, who was there to both celebrate Dance Africa’s kick off, and Delta Sigma Theta’s annual event, which also takes place at Bed Stuy Restoration the Saturday prior to Memorial Day. The joint events showcase local talent and pays homage to the accomplishments of locally based community organizations.

Dance Troupes formed around the community performed both on the stage and on the ground - we were in Africa all afternoon - or was it that Africa was in us?

But it was the folkloric group from Cuba, Folklorico Cutumba, whose Priest had blessed the opening of the event, that really had the audience going. Anyone who had didn’t get the linkage between Cuba and Africa, certainly got it yesterday. From the chants to the Orishas, through the dances, through the music - all ours, all theirs, all Africa’s - and we were all one.

For those of you who are not totally culturally aware, let me explain - Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other islands (South America - esp. Brazil; the Caribbean - esp. Haiti) where those ships dropped us a few centuries ago, has some of the richest practices of Yoruba (primarily Benin and Nigeria) religion in tact, despite the efforts of the slave monsters and the Catholic church to wipe it. When necessary, they changed the names of their Orisha (Gods/Goddesses) to catholic priest names, and kept right on honoring them - and do so to this day. Santa Barbara is an alias for Shango (or Chango - my Orisha)

In order to preserve their authentic ancestral and traditional beliefs, the Lukumi people disguised their orishas as Catholic saints. When the Roman Catholic slave owners observed Africans celebrating a Saint's Day, they were so dumb they thought the slaves were actually worshiping their sacred catholic saints. The term Santería means "the Way of the Saints", but was was originally a perjorative used Spanish to mock the slaves.

Slavery in the US, however, was the most brutal, degrading and punitive of all the practices - anyone caught speaking in their native tongue, playing drums, or any form or remnant of our African culture was severely punished - castration, lynching, and other heinous practices, all but wiped out any remnants we had of our cultural ties to Africa. Notice I said “all but” wiped out -- we may not have maintained the forms, but the substance of who we are still remains, and has been growing ever more strongly daily. There are strong Yoruba centers in the US and parts of England. And while there is no move to leave the Christian faith, there has been more and more of a blending and understanding of the efficacies of many traditions that we were severed from over 400 years.

Perhaps this is why Dance Africa, which started at BAM 34 years ago, remains strong and popular in New York, with thousands coming from all over the US to participate one of the biggest, grandest African American celebrations of Africa. The dancers and performers are brought from all over Africa and the diaspora to perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for four days during Memorial Day Weekend, while on the streets surrounding the Music center a robust street festival with vendors, food products, performers, are likewise entertaining New Yorkers.

This also coincides with Fleet Week, when the Navy comes to New York, so there are a significant number of African Americans from the Navy who have traveled throughout the world, but have never experienced the likes of this event.

So if you think Memorial Day Weekend was a week end to go away, guess again. If you live in New York, you could find no better place to get away to than little old Brooklyn New York. Did I say “little“? There is definitely nothing “little” about Brooklyn. Brooklyn is actually the 4th largest city in the US. So, I strongly suggest you bring or wear comfortable (cute, but comfortable for the sisters) walking shoes; a shopping cart or big shoulder bag - because you will not be able to resist the bargains and the beautiful clothes and African art and crafts for sale; and be prepared to dance on the spot.

By the way, it appears that many of our very own African brothers and sisters, residing right here in Little Old New York City, are totally unaware of Dance Africa or the street festival. So do them a favor, and bring them to Brooklyn, so they can see the influence traditional Africa still has on people of African Heritage. We celebrate the home of our ancestors here big time. Sometimes we are living right next to each other, working side by side, yet they are totally unaware of these wonderful events. So take an African brother or sister by the hand and bring them to Brooklyn. Give them a Dance Afrika Brochure. We have to draw the circle around us so that it brings us together, not leaves us out.

That said, for my brothers and sisters from other parts of Africa, i.e, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, the Congo, South Africa, Namibia, The Gambia, etc; for my brothers and sisters from the Caribbean (actually little pockets of African-ness); South America or just the plain old USA South - south New York, South Carolina; Alabama, etc. - this is for all of us with one tenth of one per cent of Black Blood flowing through our veins - so don't get it twisted. It's for all of us. Come out and play

Concert Dates and Times are: Friday, May 27, 2011 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 2 & 7:30pm; and Sunday/Monday, May 29 & 30, 2011 at 3pm. If you haven’t purchased you tix for the concert, go online for BAM at www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=2655.

Africa is alive and well and living in New York City.

STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Bedford Central Community Development Graduates 40 First Time Homebuyer Trainees; Hosts NACA Saturday, March 19

SPECIAL EVENT ALERT:
NACA AT BEDFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1200 Dean Street (at Nostrand Ave)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Foreclosure Prevention Workshop: 4:30-6:30
First Time Homebuyer Workshop: 6:30-8:30
Work Shops are Free and Open to the Public



By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

For those of you who know me, you know that I have been an avid supporter of affordable housing for quite some time -- this stems from both personal challenges of obtaining an affordable home of my own, coupled with the fact that it is ludicrous and inhumane, and downright insipid to claim to be the leader of the free world, and one of the richest nations in the world, and not make it possible for those who made that wealth a possibility to have decent place to live.

In the land of the free and the home of the brave, we how tout ourselves to be technologically advanced, and culturally superior, should never ever have anyone homeless within our shores. We who claim to have the corner on innovation, cultural diversity, and all of those other powerful isms we are throwing up in the faces of other cultures, have been exposed for the liars that we are - now I want you to note that when I say “we” I’m speaking generically. Meaning “we” as in the United States. Not “we” as in you and me personally. Because, truth be told, we don’t have a nickel in that dime that caused one of the most egregious economic melt downs in the history of the US.

And while there were those of us who were pointing our fingers at the so-called predatory lenders, it turns out that the real culprits, the real predatory lenders were the banks themselves. Those major, too big to fail leviathans that take your money and lend it back to you at 5% while you only earn 1.5% interest on the money you have in your account.

Now that they have effectively dodged the lethal bullet that would have made them revamp and mend their evil, usurious ways, banks like JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, CitBank and Wells Fargo think that they’re back in the business of keep away again. And, if we aren’t careful, they just might be.

So where is all this headed? Well, first of all, there is some help on the horizon in the form of the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, otherwise known as NACA. For those of you who don’t know, but NACA has been in the business of making the banks heel for the past 25 years - long before the economic melt down; long before the HAMP programs, or the HOPE LOAN programs, or other programs that were designed to pretend that they were helping you, while they did nothing more than have you gathering paper, while you slipped deeper and deeper into debt.

NACA’s Save The Dream Workshop, and the First Time Homebuyers Workshop, will take place, back to back, Saturday, March 19, from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Bedford Central Presbyterian Church, 1200 Dean Street @ Nostrand Ave., in Brooklyn, NY

AND THEIR SERVICES ARE FREE!

With NACA you won’t have some charlatan preying on your fear and anxiety and telling you that for $3,000 they can fix your mortgage. In fact if you have that $3000, put it aside in an account so that you can use it for your delinquency, rather than letting some slickster rip you off.

Founder and CEO Bruce Marks recently held a marathon workshop in Atlanta, GA, 5 days, 24 hours a day, where he brought in 80 bank executives, servicers, and over 1,000 NACA counselors to work with people under threat of foreclosure, night and day - on a walk in basis, where they could get their problems resolved on the spot, and go home with their mortgages completely restructured. You will recall that NACA did a similar workshop in Javits Center in December 2009, and 3500 homes were saved.

We are working on bringing such a marathon to Brooklyn in May. It is a major undertaking, because they are looking for a property that is 100,000 sq. ft. in space, centrally located near subways and buses. (by the way if you know of such a property in Brooklyn, please email me at gloriadulanwilson@gmail.com, asap.
The workshop which takes place on Saturday is the prelude to that major event. It is also to make it possible for those who are really in dire straits to get assistance immediately, rather than trying to wait it out.

Bruce is so passionate and determined about bringing the banks to justice, that he was arrested after calling upon the Senate to make the banks pay up. In the most recent posting of my blog: gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com, I talk about the dedication NACA has for homebuyers and home owners in distress.

If you have a home that is threatened with foreclosure, or know some one who does; or if you have a toxic over prices mortgage, or you suspect you have been a victim of predatory lending, please make sure you attend Saturday’s workshop. And also make sure that you don't keep this information to yourself. Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to save itself.

If, on the other hand, you are looking to purchase your first home, this is the perfect time to make sure you attend the workshop, you still have an opportunity to take advantage of the lower prices. But let me warn you, the forces are at work to try to raise the interest rates, even though these banks have not made restitution for the havoc they've already wreaked on American families.

Even as we speak, they are trying to get a "clean bill of health" so they can go back to business as usual. One headline read, "The Wealthy are Back!" totally ignoring the fact that millions and millions of homes are still underwater, and families ares till trying to negotiate with their counterparts, while they nickel and dime them to death with penalties, late fees, escalation clauses, etc.

However, all is not totally bleak:

I recently attended the graduation ceremonies of 40 families who participated in Bedford CentralCommunity Development's 16-Week Homebuyer Seminar Series. The program was developed by Wayne Devonish, Executive Director of the Bedford Stuyvesant MultiServices Center, who presided over the ceremonies. Rev. Clive Neil, who issued a hearty welcome, acknowledged that this was one of the largest classes ever. These are families seeking to become homeowners. This is their fifth annual event! Talk about garnering community support, Assemblymember Annette M. Robinson has supported this program from early on, as has Carver Federal Savings Bank, and Assemblyman Karim Camara.

Generally speaking, most people have been through some quick and dirty so-called buyer training program, only to later find they knew no more than when they started. And that has been the danger of being a New Yorker - we've become convinced that we didn't have the time to spend 16 weeks learning something. But a little knowledge is a dangerous thing - especially when it comes to real estate, and purchasing the roof over your heads. It can become a game of sharks and sardines - as evidenced by the high rate of foreclosures we are currently facing nationwide. But those who completed this 16 week intensive home buyer, home owner training, are now ready for the next step - purchasing their own home. They are armed with knowledge and resources, that as Rev. Neil stated, "now that you know, you know that you know, and no one can take that from you!"

NACA, in recognizing this accomplishment, will fast track those graduates, so that once they've participated in the 2-hour seminar, the counselors will assist them in closing on their properties within 30 days (the only caveat is, of course, the buyer finding a home that meets their requirements, and NACA's guidelines -which are the same as HUD guidelines.)

Brooklyn Central's Homebuyer Graduates, were certified by the Honorable Judge Peter Sweeney, Acting Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, who congratulated each of them for their accomplishments. Each participant received a certificate of completion, which was handed out by District Leader, Robert Cornegy. In addition their NACA eligibility, they are also eligible for discount down payments and other incentives, once they make their choice of a home to purchase.

And, as with any college that provides knowledge, the Homebuyer Program had a valedictorian, Ms. Nakita Q. Vanstory, a very enthusiastic, single mother, with an equally handsome and precocious son, Jessiah (combination of Jesse and Josiah), who shared the mike with his mother as she addressed her fellow graduates. The statuesque mother of two gave her fellow classmates a secret to saving monies for the IDA (a matched fund program that some banks provide for those participating in the homebuyer training program). "Everytime I get change, I put it in a little jar. When the jar gets full, I take it to the bank. I got my boyfriend contributing to my jars, my 11 year old daughter," she asserted enthusiastically. Then, to illustrate how it was done, she held up a jar filled with coins and dollar bills, and put a dollar into the jar. The audience applauded wildly.

The timing of this commencement is propitious. Graduates who attend NACA’s seminar on Saturday, will be eligible for the NACA homebuyer package No Downpayment; No closing costs, and a Mortgage that’s 1% below the prevailing prime rate. This is a policy that NACA has always had, long before the economic down turn issues began. It makes it “the best mortgage product in town".

While the NACA program is great for low and moderate income families, their services are not based on income. Their services are available to you regardless of your income, race, gender. You are eligible if you do not already own a home; if the home you purchase is to be your primary residence; is a one to four family property; and if you stay within the purchase guidelines in terms of how much the home can cost, you are eligible for NACA services. Then, of course the only other factor is predicated on the level of cooperation on your part in providing your paper work, and following the advice of the counselors.

So, Saturday, March 19, 2011, whether you are facing foreclosure, or you are looking to become a home owner, NACA WILL BE IN BROOKLYN, AT THE BEDFORD CENTRAL PRESYBTERIAN CHURCH: 4:30-6:30 FOR FORECLOSURE PREVENTION; and 6:30-8:30 FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS.

You get the point, right?

I've mentioned this event three times in the body of this blog. I've sent out several e-basts, as have many of my associates. The date, time and place are conveniently located. A word to the wise should be sufficient. It is in the calendar of events in OUR TIMES PRESS. Short of picking you up myself, there is nothing else I can do. It is totally now up to you to take advantage of this opportunity. I expect to see that sanctuary completely filled Saturday.

Pass it on, be there. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers.


Pass it on, be there. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson