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City of New Haven Unveils William Lanson Statue

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today the City of New Haven, artist Dana King, Al Marder and the Amistad Committee, State and local elected officials formally unveiled the statue of William Lanson. William Lanson was an historical figure, an 18^th century runaway slave, who was a major property owner in New Haven, provided opportunity for many other people of color in the community, and a master engineer who worked on an array of monumental infrastructure projects that shaped the City into what it is today. The event was live streamed on the City’s FaceBook Page.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said, “Not much is known about Mr. Lanson’s early life, but one thing is abundantly clear: he has made an incredible mark on New Haven. His perseverance and ingenuity has had a lasting impact on our community that we still see today,” he concluded.

During his remarks, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker highlighted some of the great feats from William Lanson that would transform the New Haven community. At the reception just two days prior to the statue dedication, Elicker reminded attendees that Lanson extended Long Wharf in a project that lasted two years (1810-1812), making New Haven’s Long Wharf the longest wharf at that time, which would greatly improve and link the economic hubs in the community. The site of the statue dedication, the Farmington Canal Trail, also holds serious significance, as Lanson was contracted to build the wall of the harbor basin where the canal would empty.

Artist Dana King released the following statement:

I am honored to have taken a prominent role in memorializing William Lanson, who was such an important figure in the New Haven community. William Lanson built an integrated community in what is now Wooster Square, advocated for voting rights for free Black people, building vital infrastructure that increased wealth for New Haveners, yet never received the credit he deserves. He gave everything he had to create a better New Haven and died after having his property taken from him and his reputation deliberately tarnished. Now more than ever, we must honor Black lives, by rectifying mistakes of the past and present. William Lanson represents so much to African descendants: our history, our struggles, and our triumphs. Thank you to the Amistad Committee for giving me this extraordinary opportunity.

 Alder ward 22 Mrs Morrison 

Others in attendance at the event included Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs at the City Adriane Jefferson, former Mayor Toni Harp, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, President Al Marder and members of the Amistad Committee, members of the State Delegation and Board of Alders, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.

For information on William Lanson, read below or visit this link.

William Lanson, a runaway slave: a leader in the struggle for the right of free Blacks to vote; one of the founders of the Temple Street Church (now Dixwell United Church of Christ); harbored runaway slaves; owned Wooster Square.  Lanson succeeded at most everything he aspired to accomplish by pushing open and bravely walking through doors that were closed to him and other formerly enslaved and freemen/women in 19th century America. He did it by turning empty, mostly undesirable land into vibrant neighborhoods filled with housing for marginalized, invisible people. He did it employing Black people in the construction of New Haven’s early infrastructure. And he also spoke out on behalf of those whose voices were ignored. Later in life, the white power structure determined that William Lanson’s time was up. He had become way too powerful for a Black man. When that happened, the system felled him like the deeply rooted tree that he had become.

For more information on artist and sculptor Dana King, read below or visit this link.

Dana King is a classical figurative sculptor who creates public monuments of Black Bodies in Bronze. She studies the strength and resilience of African descendants and create pieces made of clay with her hands that are then cast in bronze. King prefers sculptures because they inhabit space and space is power. She believes sculpture provides an opportunity to shape culturally significant memories that determine how African descendants are publicly held and remembered. Research is fundamental to her work. When digging for threads to weave together stories of the past, there are historically generalized and racist ideologies that demand a wholesale upheaval of the normative misrepresentation of Black peoples’ emotional and physical sacrifices. African descendants deserve public monuments of truth that radiate their powerful and undying resilience created from a Black aesthetic point of view. King’s sculptures link generations by revealing common threads: shared values, experiences, and aspirations. She knows they help those alive today compare and contrast their world with that of social pioneers, both enslaved and free, whose courage and commitment to excellence helped create modern society. Dana King creates memories, hoping you see yourself and those you love in her work.

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The City of New Haven Releases Guidance on Low to High-Risk Sports

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Given the growing concern from the community surrounding sports activities, the City of New Haven today released guidance for low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk sports amid the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. This information will be posted on the City’s COVID-19 hub.

“We know that sports are a vital part of our community and deeply important to many residents. We must be guided by science and the public health parameters set by the State of Connecticut and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I want to thank our team for putting this together with the health and well being of our residents in mind,” said New Haven Director of Public Health Maritza Bond.

“This decision is difficult and not taken lightly. We know that this has been a frustrating and challenging time for many members of our community,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.  “However, it is the right decision to follow State Department of Health guidance regarding sports to ensure that we reduce the spread of COVID-19 and more quickly return to normality and regular sports seasons,” he concluded. 

Below are the City of New Haven’s classification of each sport in accordance with state and federal guidance, and a final determination by the New Haven Public Health Department. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance from the State Department of Public Health (DPH), high-risk sports will not be allowed during the fall 2020 season. In addition, moderate risk sports will be allowable only within compliance with State DPH guidelines using mitigation strategies as outlined by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), which can be found here.

In accordance with DPH guidance, pre-season conditioning is a critical safety component for high school athletes and, therefore, will be allowed under the following conditions:

• The activities are limited to those directed at improving athletes’ aerobic conditioning, as well as sports-specific contact drills
• Athlete cohort size should be limited to 10 individuals
• Cohorting of athletes during conditioning and practices should continue through the entire season, when practicable
• To the extent possible, all conditioning and practice activities through the entire season should take place outdoors in areas with sufficient space to allow for appropriate distancing. If indoor gym spaces or weight rooms must be used, they should be limited to use by a single cohort at one time and only used in compliance with the DECD sector rules for commercial gyms (i.e., use of masks, adequate spacing of machines, capacity limits, etc.). Schools that do not have appropriate space or other resources to comply with commercial gym sector rules should limit conditioning and practice activities to outdoor only.
• Sufficient staffing should be available to directly supervise the activities of each cohort of athletes separated at all times
• Face coverings, social distancing, and all other mitigation strategies outlined in the CIAC Resocialization of Interscholastic Athletics & Activities Guidance should continue to be strictly enforced, trained, and reinforced.”

*All of this information is subject to change based on updated guidance from the Department of Public Health and as we continue to closely monitor the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  For more information, visit the New Haven COVID-19 website.

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The City of New Haven is opening a temporary drop-in center located at Blake Field designed to address the needs of our unsheltered individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This site will function as a triage site to identify and provide resources to individuals experiencing homelessness while connecting them to medical and behavioral health services, as well as addressing their basic needs like access to food, showers, and an opportunity for shelter.

This is not an overnight facility. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. It will serve as a check-in facility where people can use bathrooms, showers, get medical assistance, and take their temperature to ensure they are not showing symptoms of COVID-19.  We understand this site is near East Rock Magnet School, and we assure you that the hours of operation at this site will not overlap with the school meals program nearby.

If you feel you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, please find testing information on the City of New Haven’s website or call the New Haven Health Department Emergency Line at (203) 946-4949.

Please stay safe and stay home. Thank you so much for your continued cooperation

The City of New Haven is opening a temporary drop-in center located at Blake Field designed to address the needs of our unsheltered individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This site will function as a triage site to identify and provide resources to individuals experiencing homelessness while connecting them to medical and behavioral health services, as well as addressing their basic needs like access to food, showers, and an opportunity for shelter.

This is not an overnight facility. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. It will serve as a check-in facility where people can use bathrooms, showers, get medical assistance, and take their temperature to ensure they are not showing symptoms of COVID-19.  We understand this site is near East Rock Magnet School, and we assure you that the hours of operation at this site will not overlap with the school meals program nearby.

If you feel you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, please find testing information on the City of New Haven’s website or call the New Haven Health Department Emergency Line at (203) 946-4949.

Please stay safe and stay home. Thank you so much for your continued cooperation

City of New Haven Announces Director of Youth and Recreation

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker announced the appointment of Gwendolyn Busch Williams as the first Director of the Youth and Recreation Department. This inaugural role will ensure the fluidity of recreation activities from the Parks Department to the Youth Services Department, as entailed in the Approved Budget for FY 2020-2021. The New Haven FY 20-21 Budget takes the recreation activities from the Parks Department, and it places them under the newly formed Youth and Recreation Department.

“I am so excited for Gwen to lead this newly formed department and serve the youth of the Elm City,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “Though our City faces many fiscal challenges, we have always maintained services for our youth and populations of need, such as our homeless populations and the elderly. I am looking forward to working with Gwen, serving, leading and inspiring the youth of New Haven,” he concluded.

Mrs. Busch Williams started her career at City Hall in 2007 when the Youth Employment Program was brought back to the City as Youth at Work. Her latest role in City Hall was Program Manager in the Youth Services Department. She will now lead the newly formed Youth and Recreation Department.

“Gwen is a strong advocate, a highly capable administrator, and an enthusiastic leader,” said Dr. Mehul Dalal, the City’s Community Services Administrator, who oversees the Youth and Recreation Department. “She is perfectly suited to lead the newly integrated Youth and Recreation Department,” he concluded.

Mrs. Busch Williams has acquired an undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Connecticut (UCONN), a Masters Degree in Urban Studies from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), and a Masters of Social Work from SCSU. She is currently completing her Doctorate Degree in Social Work at SCSU. Additionally, Mrs. Busch Williams is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with her State of Connecticut 071 certification for school social work.

“To whom much is given much is required. I am humbled to have been selected as the inaugural Director for the Youth and Recreation Department. Thank you to Mayor Elicker for this honor. I pledge to continue prodigious programming to serve the youth of this City and will not be afraid to give up the good to go for the great,” concluded Director Bush Williams.

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City of New Haven Announces Director of Youth and Recreation

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker announced the appointment of Gwendolyn Busch Williams as the first Director of the Youth and Recreation Department. This inaugural role will ensure the fluidity of recreation activities from the Parks Department to the Youth Services Department, as entailed in the Approved Budget for FY 2020-2021. The New Haven FY 20-21 Budget takes the recreation activities from the Parks Department, and it places them under the newly formed Youth and Recreation Department.

“I am so excited for Gwen to lead this newly formed department and serve the youth of the Elm City,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “Though our City faces many fiscal challenges, we have always maintained services for our youth and populations of need, such as our homeless populations and the elderly. I am looking forward to working with Gwen, serving, leading and inspiring the youth of New Haven,” he concluded.

Mrs. Busch Williams started her career at City Hall in 2007 when the Youth Employment Program was brought back to the City as Youth at Work. Her latest role in City Hall was Program Manager in the Youth Services Department. She will now lead the newly formed Youth and Recreation Department.

“Gwen is a strong advocate, a highly capable administrator, and an enthusiastic leader,” said Dr. Mehul Dalal, the City’s Community Services Administrator, who oversees the Youth and Recreation Department. “She is perfectly suited to lead the newly integrated Youth and Recreation Department,” he concluded.

Mrs. Busch Williams has acquired an undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Connecticut (UCONN), a Masters Degree in Urban Studies from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), and a Masters of Social Work from SCSU. She is currently completing her Doctorate Degree in Social Work at SCSU. Additionally, Mrs. Busch Williams is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with her State of Connecticut 071 certification for school social work.

“To whom much is given much is required. I am humbled to have been selected as the inaugural Director for the Youth and Recreation Department. Thank you to Mayor Elicker for this honor. I pledge to continue prodigious programming to serve the youth of this City and will not be afraid to give up the good to go for the great,” concluded Director Bush Williams.

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On October 24, 2018 at 2:38 p.m., officers assigned to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Steele Creek Division responded to 11130 S. Tryon Street regarding an armed suspect threatening a victim at a voting location.  The report number for this incident is 20181024-1438-02.

When the officer arrived, the victim, an adult African-American man, stated that he was working at the voting location when he observed the suspect in the parking lot with a camera photographing or recording the polling location.   The victim approached the suspect, at which time the suspect began directing racial slurs towards the victim.  The victim stated that the suspect threatened to assault him before lifting his shirt and displaying a handgun which was in a holster on the suspect’s belt.  The victim advised that the suspect never assaulted him or attempted to remove the handgun from the holster. 

A team of officers and detectives was put together to investigate this incident and they were able to quickly identify all three of these individuals.  At approximately 9:15 p.m., the suspect was located and arrested without incident.  The suspect was carrying a BB gun in a holster which was located and seized as evidence. This suspect is currently being interviewed.  Once the interview has been completed and he has been formally charged at the Magistrate’s office, his name will be released.  CMPD is communicating with the FBI to determine whether federal charges may be appropriate. 

Two other individual were with the suspect.  They have been identified but have not been charged after the officers determined that they did not violate any laws.

The Department is conducting scheduled zone checks at all polling locations though the election on November 6^th. 

On October 24, 2018 at 2:38 p.m., officers assigned to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Steele Creek Division responded to 11130 S. Tryon Street regarding an armed suspect threatening a victim at a voting location.  The report number for this incident is 20181024-1438-02.

When the officer arrived, the victim, an adult African-American man, stated that he was working at the voting location when he observed the suspect in the parking lot with a camera photographing or recording the polling location.   The victim approached the suspect, at which time the suspect began directing racial slurs towards the victim.  The victim stated that the suspect threatened to assault him before lifting his shirt and displaying a handgun which was in a holster on the suspect’s belt.  The victim advised that the suspect never assaulted him or attempted to remove the handgun from the holster. 

A team of officers and detectives was put together to investigate this incident and they were able to quickly identify all three of these individuals.  At approximately 9:15 p.m., the suspect was located and arrested without incident.  The suspect was carrying a BB gun in a holster which was located and seized as evidence. This suspect is currently being interviewed.  Once the interview has been completed and he has been formally charged at the Magistrate’s office, his name will be released.  CMPD is communicating with the FBI to determine whether federal charges may be appropriate. 

Two other individual were with the suspect.  They have been identified but have not been charged after the officers determined that they did not violate any laws.

The Department is conducting scheduled zone checks at all polling locations though the election on November 6^th. 

U.S. Attorney John Durham to join Mayor Harp at Graduation of Career Pathways Technology Collaborative Students

Unique After-School Training Program

Preparing New Haven Students for Technology Careers

(NEW HAVEN, CT) - US Attorney John Durham and Mayor Toni Harp will be joined by federal, state and local leaders, educators, families and friends to celebrate the work of New Haven students who are graduating from a unique after-school technology program operated by the Career Pathways Technology Collaborative at Eli Whitney Technical High School, 100 Fairview Ave, Hamden, on Wednesday, June 6th, from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. with the formal program beginning at 3:45 p.m.

Career Pathways provides students with hundreds of hours of technolory training in state-of-the art machinery thanks to its partnership with the State Department of Education and the Connecticut Technical High School System.

“This graduation marks the end of the third year of the Career Pathways Technology Collaborative at Eli Whitney Technical High School. It takes real commitment to finish the regular school day, travel to Eli Whitney, and embark upon a  second round of classroom and hands-on training opportunities. Their extraordinary hard work and dedication deserve to be recognized and celebrated and I look forward to

seeing the studentspresent samples of their work.”, said Mayor Harp.

Career Pathways students attend the after-school program from traditional and alternative education high schools throughout New Haven.  In addition to receiving high school credits toward graduation, they are trained in the following technologies: carpentry, plumbing, culinary arts and manufacturing.  They receive credentialing in OSHA 10 which are health and safety standards and ServSafe which are safety and sanitation standards in the culinary arts.  Students also receive First and CPR certifications.

The Office of the United States Attorney has supported Career Pathways since its inception. “Our Office is committed to creating opportunities for Connecticut youth, particularly those who have faced adversity and want to turn their lives around”, said US Attorney Durham. “I am honored to be here to recognize and applaud these graduates for their hard work and tremendous success.”

The Career Pathways Technology Collaborative is a public/private partnership  developed and operated by The Justice Education Center, Inc., and is supported by the Department of Justice, City of New Haven and its YouthStat initiative, the Connecticut General Assembly, and the New Haven Board of Education. 

“The Career Pathways Collaborative provides dedicated students the opportunity to match their aptitudes and interests to projected growth industries in Connecticut”, said State Representative Toni Walker.  “We are able to work hand-in-hand with all of our partners to make these opportunities a reality for our youth”, she said.

For more information about the Career Pathways Technology Collaborative, contact Sherry Haller, Executive Director of The Justice Education Center, Inc., at 860-231-8180 or justiceeducation@aol.com.

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City of New Haven plans activation of Severe Cold Wx ProtocolFROM THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN OFFICE OF EMERGENCY OPERATIONS:

Due to extremely low temperatures – including dangerous, below-zero wind chill factors – forecast for later this week, Mayor Harp has directed New Haven’s emergency operations team to activate the city’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol. This activation will be effective tomorrow, Wednesday January 30^that 8:00 AM, through Friday morning 10:00 AM.

All city libraries will serve as warming centers during business hours, as will each of the city’s three senior centers, for seniors only. The public’s assistance is appreciated throughout the cold snap as these forecast, dangerously low temperatures and wind push down from Canada.

Outreach workers and members of the NHPD will help ensure homeless individuals are advised of the health risks and the availability of extended shelter hours for warming. Shelter requests can be forwarded to the State 211 info line or 911.  Please see the attached New Haven flow chart for any shelter or warming needs. Thank you.

10 October, 2018 – GUNSHOTS FIRED AT CAR IN WESTVILLE VILLAGE AS CROWDS LEAVE ROOSEVELT’S BAR

This marks the third gunfire/ shooting event in one year related to a bar in the heart of the quiet Westville Village. At 1:03 AM, Officers responded to calls of gunfire that had occurred outside Roosevelt’s Bar, 883 Whalley Avenue.

An officer had been flagged down at the corner of Fountain Street and Central Avenue by a person reporting a chaotic scene just blocks away. As he approached, the officer heard gunfire and spotted a Subaru Forester leaving the area. He pulled over the car on West Rock Avenue. The car’s windshield had been shot at.

About two hours later, an officer in Fair Haven was contacted by a man admitting he’d fired at the vehicle after its driver sped directly at him. The twenty-five year old Hamden, CT man told police he was leaving Roosevelt’s when a man pulled up to him and addressed him. He said the man drove off, made a U-turn and sped toward him. He told officers he jumped into his own car but couldn’t get it started in time to flee. He said the man struck his car and he thought the man would harm him. He said he fired at the driver, who in turn fled.

Video of the incident, viewed by the officers, generally corroborates the victim’s story. The victim has a valid pistol permit. It appears he was not the antagonist in this incident.

The case remains under investigation. An arrest has not yet been made.

On Saturday, September 22, 2018, Officers, as had become routine, were posted at Roosevelt’s bar to clear out the crowd after closing time. At 1:52 AM, those officers heard gunfire and found the victim in front of the closed business at 867 Whalley Avenue. Tomone Archie Lindsey, thirty-two, of New Haven, had been shot in the leg. He claimed to have no knowledge as to who’d shot him. A parked car was struck as well.

Though Roosevelt’s Bar often hires an Extra Duty officer on weekends, routinely, it takes many on-duty officers to clear out the area after closing.  

UP DATE.  

This marks the third gunfire/ shooting event in one year related to a bar in the heart of the quiet Westville Village. At 1:03 AM, Officers responded to calls of gunfire that had occurred outside Roosevelt’s Bar, 883 Whalley Avenue.

An officer had been flagged down at the corner of Fountain Street and Central Avenue by a person reporting a chaotic scene just blocks away. As he approached, the officer heard gunfire and spotted a Subaru Forester leaving the area. He pulled over the car on West Rock Avenue. The car’s windshield had been shot at.

About two hours later, an officer in Fair Haven was contacted by a man admitting he’d fired at the vehicle after its driver sped directly at him. The twenty-five year old Hamden, CT man told police he was leaving Roosevelt’s when a man pulled up to him and addressed him. He said the man drove off, made a U-turn and sped toward him. He told officers he jumped into his own car but couldn’t get it started in time to flee. He said the man struck his car and he thought the man would harm him. He said he fired at the driver, who in turn fled.

Video of the incident, viewed by the officers, generally corroborates the victim’s story. The victim has a valid pistol permit. It appears he was not the antagonist in this incident.

The case remains under investigation. An arrest has not yet been made.

On Saturday, September 22, 2018, Officers, as had become routine, were posted at Roosevelt’s bar to clear out the crowd after closing time. At 1:52 AM, those officers heard gunfire and found the victim in front of the closed business at 867 Whalley Avenue. Tomone Archie Lindsey, thirty-two, of New Haven, had been shot in the leg. He claimed to have no knowledge as to who’d shot him. A parked car was struck as well.

Though Roosevelt’s Bar often hires an Extra Duty officer on weekends, routinely, it takes many on-duty officers to clear out the area after closing

9 October, 2018 – MAN CLAIMS SELF-DEFENSE IN STABBING. THE INJURED PERSON DISAPPEARED

At 9:36 PM, officers were dispatched to 154 Frank Street after somone reported an assault.

The arriving cops found a pool of blood on the front porch and a trail of blood leading inside to the second floor. There was more blood in a bedroom, but no one was in it.

Suspicious of the noises above, the basement tennant emerged and told the cops he’d seen two women leaving the building after hearing an argument. He said his upstairs-neighbor came outside and was bleeding from his face. He said the women cut him.

Police cought up with the victim at Yale New Haven Hospital. The sixty-six year old told the officers he was in his bedroom, when the door opened and two men entered. One had a “shiny knife”. The blade-wielding man aproached  him. The victim armed himself with a screwdriver and ordered the intruder to stop.

The victim said the man kept coming and sliced his face and hand. The victim said he stabbed the intruder several times with the screwdriver. The last time, said the victim, the screwdriver remained in the man’s chest.

The victim’s wounds – though deep, were not deemed life-threatening. The intruders were not found despite frequent checks for the impaled one – male or female.

9 October, 2018 – HURLBURT STREET RESIDENCE STRUCK BY BULLETS

At 9:13 PM, the city’s ShotSpotter® system alerted to gunfire on the one-hundred block of Hurlburt Street. Officers narrowed their search to a bullet struk home at 109 Hurlburt Street. Bullet shell casings, found outside on the street and front porch, were collected and the house was searched. One of its occupants, Travis Jenkins (3-30-1975), of that address, had two outstanding warrants (larceny 6^th and failing to appear in court) and was taken into custody. His custody was otherwise unrelated to this case.

We’re looking into the who and why and are interested in hearing from anyone who has information on this case. 203-946-6304, if you’re interested in talking. Calls may be made annonymously.

Senator Kamala Harris, Michael K. Williams, Tichina Arnold, John Forté, DA Larry Krasner, Shaun King and Many More Come Together to Push for Criminal Justice Reform on May 9th in Washington, DC at “Vote for Justice”

Event will launch innovative campaign to inspire people to vote for justice at the polls.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 7, 2018) – The Justice Roundtable , a Washington-based coalition of over 100 justice organizations and advocates advancing federal criminal justice policy reforms, announces the launch of a six-month social media impact campaign, Vote for Justice.

The campaign will kick off with a May 9th event, Vote for Justice: An Evening of Empowerment with Artists and Activists at Washington DC’s Newseum. The event will take audience members through a historic exploration of the different sectors where the criminal punishment system wreaks havoc; identify the generational, human and equity costs of mass incarceration; and offer solutions to reform our criminal justice system.

The event will be hosted by Tichina Arnold and Michael Eric Dyson .

Readings and testimonials will be performed by Senator Kamala Harris, Michael K. Williams, Congressman Cedric Richmond, Congressman Lacy Clay, State Attorney Kim Foxx, District Attorney Larry Krasner, Open Society Foundations President Patrick Gaspard, Mic Video Columnist Brittany Packnett, Shaun King, Desmond Meade, 11-year-old Naomi Wadler, Carmen Perez, Kemba Smith, Jamira Burley, Jessica Perez, Judith Browne Dianis, former NFL player Donté Stallworth, Charlene Carruthers, Udi Ofer and more. The evening will feature performances by Grammy-nominated artist John Forté, Goapele, Raheem Devaughn and Wes Felton, Reginald Dwayne Betts, Ayanna Gregory and Ka'Ba Akintunde .

There will be an open-press red carpet. In partnership with Mic, the full program will be live-streamed , and Mic will spotlight featured participants in opinion columns following the event, bringing the topics of the night to life in video.

The Vote for Justice campaign will bring art and culture together with education and civic engagement, encouraging the public to imagine what justice looks like in the months leading up to the midterm elections. At the same time, Vote for Justice will normalize progressive narratives on criminal justice system transformation by making the concept of justice personal and proximate to voters and potential voters.

The Vote for Justice campaign will highlight the overarching political, economic and human costs of our country’s criminal punishment system,” says Justice Roundtable Convener Nkechi Taifa . “The campaign will challenge celebrity, athlete and policy influencers to inspire and mobilize their fan bases to ‘vote for justice’ at the polls. We hope to lift up the work of advocates on the ground, who push back on a daily basis against policies and practices that have allowed mass incarceration to flourish.”

Following the Vote for Justice event, The Justice Roundtable will lead a public call to action for justice reform, titled #JusticeLooksLike. The action-oriented, social media challenge will lead up the 2018 midterm election. The nonpartisan Vote for Justice event and campaign will not endorse or support any particular candidate.

About The Justice Roundtable

The Justice Roundtable is a broad-based coalition of more than 100 organizations working to reform federal criminal justice laws and policies. Founded in 2002, the Roundtable’s mission is to bring value to the Justice Movement by coordinating the federal legislative and advocacy efforts of the Washington criminal justice advocacy community.

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African American Mayors Respond to the State of the Union Address 

WASHINGTON, DC - Mayor Toni Harp, President of the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) released the following statement on behalf of more than 500 black mayors across the country in response to the State of the Union address.

“President Trump confidently declared that the state of the union is strong in his speech Tuesday night. But, as mayors, we see a different reality on the ground in our cities.

“So far, the President’s policy proposals haven’t done enough to ensure that every American has an equal opportunity to thrive. To the contrary, these policies are on track to exacerbate the economic, health, and employment challenges so many are struggling to overcome.

The President continues to promise that the recent tax reform bill will provide tremendous relief to families, but the bill mostly benefits the super wealthy and harms low-income Americans who will see their taxes increase overtime. The President’s tax bill actually harms American cities by  eliminating critical funding generated by state and local tax deductions which funds infrastructure projects, and ensures that citizens from a range of socio-economic backgrounds have access to the best possible educational opportunities. We cannot see how the President’s plan will deliver on his promise.

On the campaign trail, and in President Trump’s State of the Union address, he claimed that he will improve our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. But, his budget proposal slashes infrastructure programs that are crucial to the continued vitality of our cities. These infrastructure cuts include eliminating the Highway Trust Fund, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which serves as a lifeline for nearly seven million families in communities struggling to pay for basic energy needs.

Finally, the President maintained his rebuke of hardworking immigrants by citing criminals and gang members as the justification for his shameful immigration policy. Nearly 44 million immigrants currently reside in the U.S., over 20 million of whom are naturalized citizens. Thirty six percent of U.S.-born children of immigrants are college graduates - five percent higher than the national average - and sixty four percent are homeowners, which is on-par with the national average. Immigrants are our neighbors, colleagues and friends. They are productive members of our society struggling to thrive in a system stacked against them. It is un-American to attack them. And, that’s why we are committed to protecting them when and how we can.”

We look forward to working with the President on these and a host of other issues that are important to the sustainability of our cities, and the prosperity of our constituents.

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Mayor Harp, Tweed New Haven Airport Officials to

Welcome Arrival of New Jet Service to Region Wednesday

First American Airlines jet to land midday Wednesday

November 28, 2017 (New Haven, CT) – On Wednesday, November 29 at 11:30 a.m., Mayor Toni N. Harp will join officials of the Tweed New Haven Regional Airport Authority and welcome the arrival of new American Airlines jet service at Tweed New Haven Regional Airport, 155 Burr Street, New Haven.

The airport will launch the new jet service American Eagle, and will begin replacing its 37-seat, Dash 8 turboprop service with 50-seat, CRJ-200 regional jet aircraft. The jet upgrade will offer New Haven passengers a higher level of service and a smoother, quieter traveling experience while also offering an additional 78 seats a day to and from American’s premier global hub in Philadelphia.

American’s jet service connects New Haven passengers to more than 21 countries and 115 destinations with a quick, one-stop connection in Philadelphia. Additional connections can be made from Philadelphia via American’s other hubs to access nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries across American’s worldwide network.

The ongoing enhancements and upgrade to the main airport runway will ensure continued operational reliability for American while also opening Tweed to longer distance flights for the future. The growth and increased level of services at Tweed will insure that the airport will continue to be a vital economic engine for the region.

New Haven – Mayor Toni Harp will join L’Orcio co-owners Fracesco d’Amuri and Alison DeRenzi Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the 15^th anniversary of one of the city’s preferred Italian restaurants. Tomorrow’s celebration will be at 806 State Street, New Haven, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Mayor Harp and the restaurant’s co-owners will be joined by representatives from New Haven’s Economic Development Administration and the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce for a brief speaking program, to be followed by the anniversary celebration.   

L’Orcio is an upscale dining establishment serving Italian Cuisine in New Haven, CT. Their contemporary fine dining restaurant features wonderful menus using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Specialty made in-house pastas like ricotta gnocchi, ravioli and pappardelle are only part of the L’Orcio fine dining experience. Chef d’Amuri also works his magic preparing a variety of Italian cuisine of meat and fish dishes daily.

I'm announcing my support for Shawn Wooden for State Treasurer of Connecticut. I've known Shawn for many years and can unequivocally say he has a deep commitment to public service and a proven record of accomplishment.

Throughout his career Shawn has always shown honesty and integrity. It's evident both during his tenure on the Citizens Ethics Advisory Board, which oversees the State’s Ethics Office, and in his former role as President of the Hartford City Council.

Shawn is a nationally recognized public pension plan investment lawyer with an extensive record of fighting on the side of working families. His passion for fairness was on display while he worked at the AFL-CIO’s Office of Investment, throughout his 20 years as a lawyer, and as a public servant. I believe Shawn is the most qualified candidate to seek the office of Treasurer and that he'll serve the state with distinction.

New Haven, like the rest of Connecticut, has a great deal at stake in this year's election. That's why we need to support candidates with real experience and a proven history of helping working people. There's no doubt in my mind Shawn meets this standard - that's why he's my endorsed candidate for State Treasurer.

I'll be supporting Shawn in any way I can and I hope you'll join me. Please click on his website (www.shawnwooden.com) to learn more about Shawn and make a contribution today.

Thank you very much.

Toni

www.ShawnWooden.com

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	ShawnTWooden

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photo credit https://seeclickfix.com/

November - December 2017 Fall Sweeping Schedule

DPW collects brown paper leaf bags