R&B Christmas Songs ♪ღ♫ R&B Christmas Music Mix ♪ღ♫ R&B Christmas Songs Playlist
R&B Christmas Songs ♪ღ♫ R&B Christmas Music Mix ♪ღ♫ R&B Christmas Songs Playlist
Eddie Murphy opened up to Ellen about the highly anticipated movie "Coming 2 America," and divulged that it went above and beyond his expectations. The comedian also talked about his big family and the new addition of his 10th child.
Actress/Singer/Songwriter SAVANNAH LATHEM has a Feature Song and Role in Lionsgate’s film Hell On The Border,
A True Story about the First Black U.S. Marshal
in Theaters December 13th
(Los Angeles, CA) – Savannah Lathem is on her way to stardom with a featured song and a role in Liongate’s film Hell On The Border starring David Gyasi (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil), Ron Perlman (Hand of God) and Frank Grillo (Captain America film series), a film about the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Wild West. The epic, action-packed Western, Biopic film Hell On The Border premiers December 13, 2019 in select theaters.
Savannah is a young actress, singer, songwriter and classical pianist. After she was booked in a small role in Hell On The Border, written and directed by Wes Miller. Savannah was asked by the producer, Curtis Nichouls, to write a song for the movie after he learned she was a singer-songwriter. She wrote Gonna Make A Change based on the script and rough cut Curtis sent her of Hell On The Border that she fell in love with. Savannah delivered a R&B and Pop song with her soulfully, rich, and strong voice that is unique to only her. The song is available on all major streaming sites, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music, Deezer, iHeartRadio.
Link to Song “Gonna Make A Change”
https://soundcloud.com/user-647834163/gonna-make-a-change
About Hell On The Border
This epic, action-packed Western tells the incredible true story of Bass Reeves (David Gyasi), the first Black U.S. Marshal in the Wild West. Having escaped from slavery after the Civil War, he arrives in Arkansas seeking a job with the law. To prove himself, he must hunt down a deadly outlaw (Frank Grillo) with the help of a grizzled journeyman (Ron Pearlman). As he chases the criminal deeper into the Cherokee Nation, Reeves must not only dodge bullets, but severe discrimination in hopes of earning his star – and cement his place as a cowboy legend.
Hell On The Border Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dml8ovobRA0&feature=emb_title
About Savannah Lathem
This Birmingham, Alabama native has already accumulated an impressive list of film and television credits, including TNT’s Major Crimes, Disney XD’s Gamer’s Guide To Pretty Much Everything, Awesomeness Guidance and the series JOY airing in France and Africa. She won Best Actress in a Feature Film Supporting role, California Solo, alongside Robert Carlyle, as well as Best Lead Actress in an Independent film, The Guest House.
She has had several Independent films at International Film Festivals including Sundance Film Festival that have received awards and distribution. As a music artist and classical pianist, Savannah has written over thirty songs she plans to record. Her Originals consist of: Adult Contemporary R& B, Contemporary R& B, Jazz, Crossover Jazz, Neo Soul, R& B, Soul and Vocal Jazz Genre. For more information visit:
https://twitter.com/savannahlathem
https://www.facebook.com/ActressSavannahLathem/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3130809/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Media Contact for interviews, photos, and information:
Dr. Edna Sims, ESP Public Relations
310.770.8117 ~ esppr@mac.com
Dawson, Grachev aim for championship gold Friday
Former two-time champ returns to the venue where he made his first title defense 12 years ago
Hartford, CT (October 7, 2019) – More than 11 years have passed since promoter Jimmy Burchfield brought live championship boxing to the Connecticut Convention Center.
The drought ends Friday with one of the state’s most successful fighters looking to add another title to his collection.
CES Boxing hosts its first event at the Convention Center since 2008 on Friday night live on UFC Fight Pass® with former two-time world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson of New Haven facing hard-hitting Russian challenger Denis Grachev (19-8-1, 10 KOs) for the vacant WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Title in the eight-round main event.
The card features nine action-packed fights, an eclectic mix of longtime fight veterans and young up-and-comers, some of whom will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the world’s largest streaming platform. The fight week festivities kick off today with a special pre-fight press conference at 5 p.m. at Armazem Fusion Fitness, 45 NE Industrial Rd., Branford, CT 06405. The press conference is free and open to the public.
Bringing boxing to UFC Fight Pass® was only a matter of time for CES Boxing, whose MMA division debuted with the streaming platform in January. Dawson’s return to the ring headlines the promotion’s first event in Hartford since fellow Connecticut boxer Matt Remillard captured the WBC Youth World Featherweight Title with a win over Jose Megallon.
Dawson last fought in Hartford in November of 2009 when he defended his WBC and IBO light heavyweight titles against Glen Johnson. Friday is his just his second appearance at the Connecticut Convention Center; his first also happened to be his first world title defense, a knockout victory over Jesus Ruiz in 2007 to retain the WBC championship.
Tickets for Friday start at $47 and are available online at www.cesboxing.com, www.ctconventions.com and www.showclix.com, or by phone at 401-724-2253. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first preliminary bout beginning at 7. The UFC FIGHT PASS® live stream kicks off at 9 with the broadcast team of CES Boxing publicist and matchmaker Michael Parente and former light heavyweight contender George Foreman III. Start your free trail or purchase a UFC FIGHT PASS® subscription at www.ufcfightpass.com.
Starring in the co-feature, unbeaten New London, CT, heavyweight Cassius Chaney (16-0, 10 KOs) battles former world champion and Colombian veteran Santander Silgado (28-7, 22 KOs) in an eight-round bout co-promoted by CES Boxing and Main Events.
Also returning to the ring, New Haven super welterweight Jimmy Williams (16-3-1, 5 KOs) faces Tilton, NH, veteran Jose Medina (18-17-1, 7 KOs) in an intriguing six-round all-New England showdown while up-and-comer Sharad Collier (2-0-1, 2 KOs) of Hartford battles Ohio’s Glenn Mitchell (3-3, 3 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout.
The undercard also features two undefeated Connecticut prospects making their firster appearance in Hartford in separate four-round bouts. Super bantamweight Nathan Martinez (5-0, 2 KOs) of New Britain faces Steve Garagarza (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Laredo, TX, and featherweight Jacob Marrero (4-0, 3 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line against Hartford veteran Mike Oliver (26-10-1, 8 KOs) in a special all-Connecticut attraction.
Super welterweight Jalen Renaud (1-0) of Springfield, MA, makes his promotional debut in a four-round intrastate showdown against Roxbury’s Maceo Crowder (2-2, 1 KO); former New York Golden Gloves champion Jahvel Joseph (0-0) of the Bronx makes his professional debut in a four-round bout against Leandro Silva (1-2) of Boca Raton, FL, and New Haven super lightweight Carlos Perez Ojeda (0-0) also debuts in a four-round bout against an opponent to be determined.
FIGHT WEEK QUOTES:
Dawson: “It’s a pleasure for me to be fighting for another title in front of my friends, family and supporters. I’ve trained hard to make sure I’m 100-percent ready for the task at hand. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show on October 11. Thanks to Mr. [Burchfield] for putting such a great show together. It’s great to be back home where it all started.”
Grachev: “I’ve fought world-class opponents before, so being in the ring with a guy like Chad Dawson is nothing new to me. I’ve been working hard with my team in San Diego to bring the belt back to the west coast. I hope Chad Dawson is as ready as I am. The fans will enjoy this fight.”
Chaney: “Thank you to my promoter, Main Events, and, of course, Jimmy Burchfield, promoter of CES, for allowing me to showcase my talents on this entertaining card. I believe Santander will provide me an opportunity to gain more experience. I’ve been taking him seriously and I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills back home in Connecticut. Thank you to all my family, friends and fans who are supporting me. I can’t thank you enough.”
Williams: “I’m truly thankful to be back in the ring October 11. Jose Medina is a tough opponent. This is a great fight for me. If you take a look at my career, I’ve never taken an easy fight. Come October 11, I’m ready to put on a great performance.
Oliver: “I’m happy to fight in my hometown of Hartford, Connecticut. I am dedicating this fight to [manager] Sammy Vega, who lost his daughter to cancer. She, too, was part of my team. Like I said, I’m happy to fight in my hometown and I’m coming to win. You don’t want to miss this fight!”
Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, and follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.
INFORMATION
CES Boxing promoted its first event in 1992 headlined by future Champion Sucra Ray Oliveira. Over the years, CES has earned the reputation as the Heart and Soul of boxing with a rich history that includes the development of former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada, plus Vinny Paz and Rhode Island legends Gary Balletto and Peter Manfredo Jr., both of whom rose to fame on The Contender reality television series. Through the years, Jimmy Burchfield Sr has earned several noteworthy awards, among them the NABF Promoter of the Year, and 2011 inductee into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.
Rapper/producer Lil Unfufu (born Gregory I. Pulliam) grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. Listening to all types of music and it shows in his body of work. He began rapping in the summer of 1991 when he entered his boys & girl club annual talent show (then rapping as Kid Duce). In 1993 Lil Unfufu won first prize at the same talent show winning a chance to be on BET'S teen summit, but a drug arrest and conviction sidelined his opportunity. However, he continued to write and rap in juvenile detention eventually, after meeting local producer Dru, he decided to do a 3 song demo that never made it out of the studio because he was arrested and sentenced again for drug possession.
Upon his release in 1997, he released his first single entitled "Thug T.K.O". Later connecting with childhood friend and producer/rapper B.A. Barakas (Tavaris Thomas), the two joined forces and started their own independent label (BANG'EM ENTERTAINMENT) in 1997, releasing 2 projects in one year "Bang'em Where We Hang'em the Compilation" and "Murderer" his debut album, then rapping as Mr. Murder. The two albums did so well locally that their Bang'em Entertainment imprint landed an independent distribution deal through bankrupt distributor Southwest in 2002, to be distributed regionally.
Since his release though in 2011 he has been working harder than ever releasing his first mixtape "Still I Bang" a book entitled "Scandalous", and a song a day mixtape series via the internet and countless other records. Also, in 2014 he released his RNR mixtape hosted by Dj Bigga Rankin.
Unfufu's visual for his new single "A 1000's Onez" from the forthcoming album entitled "A Song A Day Vol.6" is available now on all major platform.
Be sure to connect with Lil Unfufu on all social media outlets and digital music platforms to stay abreast of everything he's doing.
MAYOR HARP SUSPENDS RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN DESPITE INCLINATION – AND PASSIONATE EXHORTATIONS – TO CONTINUE
WILL FOCUS ON PROJECT COMPLETION FOR DURATION OF TERM
New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp said today she has suspended her campaign for re-election despite some inclination – and repeated and passionate pleadings from supporters – to continue.
The city’s November ballot will include Mayor Harp’s name – on the Working Families Party (WFP) line – so voters have an opportunity to vote for the mayor at that time, but there will be no active effort to seek voter support between now and November 5.
A lifelong Democrat, Mayor Harp said she was honored by July’s overwhelming endorsement at the New Haven Democratic Town Committee’s convention, pleased last month by the WFP nomination, and grateful for continuing affirmation of her successful, six-years’ record leading the city.
“I’ve been blessed – and remain grateful – for enthusiastic assistance from thousands and thousands of supporters, contributors, and voters and it’s been my good fortune – literally – to have the opportunity I’ve had to be mayor these past nearly six years,” Mayor Harp said. “We’ve worked together to advance this city well beyond where it was six years ago and among so many accomplishments, I’m most proud of the partnerships and collaborations at the heart of them.”
Mayor Harp cited a most-impressive list of citywide improvements over six years, beginning with the removal of an ominous fence separating New Haven from Hamden, arranging for clean-up of the old English Station power plant, the restored College Street Music Hall, the new police department indoor firing range, the renovated Ralph Walker skating rink, the new Fort Hale Park fishing pier, development plans for Long Wharf, a refurbished Food Truck Paradise and new, two-way bike lane there, renovations at the Ives Main Branch – and other improvements throughout the public library system, the overhauled Coogan Pavilion in Edgewood Park, creation of a new Cherry Ann Park with its new gazebo, demolition of the Church Street South housing complex ahead of more transit-oriented, mixed use on that parcel, steady progress on the major Downtown Crossing and Hill-to-Downtown redevelopment projects, the District innovation and technology hub in East Rock, the bioscience career ladder in partnership with SCSU, the ESUMS campus at UNH, the Gateway to College high school completion program at Gateway Community College, the Hillhouse High School academies, the small business academy and financial empowerment program for adults, and steady progress toward a worker-owned, commercial laundry facility in Newhallville.
Mayor Harp said that despite these and other achievements, a balanced budget and improved city finances, lower crime rates, the eminently successful Youth Stat program, improved outcomes at New Haven Public Schools, and robust private-sector development throughout the city, the compromised political climate and daunting financial and operational logistics of a continuing campaign make prospects remote for a successful outcome.
“On one hand it’s completely counter-intuitive to walk away from all this progress and allow coalitions to be shattered that’ve been irrefutably successful, yet on the other hand there are simply too many practical considerations and obstacles to overcome for my team to effectively campaign for another term,” Mayor Harp said.
Mayor Harp said with a new firefighter labor contract pending before the Board of Alders, the next phase of Downtown Crossing just underway, construction of the Q House started, Yale New Haven Health’s $838 million neuroscience center ramping up, and a full fall schedule still pending, it’s most important to pursue her duties as mayor and continue advancing the city’s fortunes.
Mayor Harp restated and underscored her appreciation and gratitude for the generous contribution of time and effort from supporters these past many months, and over many years.
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UFC FIGHT PASS®AND CES BOXING REACH STREAMING DEAL
First Event to Livestream on Friday, October 11 at 9 P.M. ET / 6 P.M. PT
PROVIDENCE, RI and LAS VEGAS – UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, and CES Boxing today announced a three-event deal in which UFC FIGHT PASS will be the exclusive streaming provider for CES Boxing events for the remainder of 2019.
CES Boxing closes out the 2019 schedule with a dynamic UFC FIGHT PASS tripleheader, spanning three cities in the course of 58 days. The first event will take place on Friday, October 11, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, followed by events on Saturday, November 23 at Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln, R.I., and Saturday, December 7, at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.
“This is the future of boxing,” CES President and CEO Jimmy Burchfield Sr. said. “For the past 27 years, we’ve showcased our fights and fighters to a worldwide audience on various platforms. UFC FIGHT PASS has provided our MMA division with limitless opportunities and exposure, and now we’re proud to bring our boxing content to the forefront and show everyone why we’ve been the best in the business for nearly three decades.”
For their UFC FIGHT PASS debut on October 11, CES Boxing has lined up former two-time world champion and pound-for-pound king “Bad” Chad Dawson against Russian challenger Denis Grachev for the vacant WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Title. This stacked card also includes super welterweight Jimmy Williams of New Haven, Conn., facing Tilton, N.H., veteran Jose Medina; unbeaten Springfield, Mass., welterweight Anthony Velazquez; Hartford lightweight Sharad Collier; and New Britain, Conn., featherweight Nathan Martinez. The main card streams live at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
On November 23, CES Boxing returns to Twin River Casino in Rhode Island with a card that packs an equally-powerful punch. The event will feature the return of reigning WBC World Youth Lightweight Champion Jamaine Ortiz of Worcester, Mass., who defended his belt for the first time in August with an impressive win over Romain Couture. Also on the card is unbeaten Providence, R.I., lightweight Michael Valentin facing undefeated Springfield prospect Joshua Orta; featherweight Ricky De Los Santos of Pawtucket, R.I.; undefeated welterweight Victor Reynoso of Providence; super lightweight Nick DeLomba of Cranston, R.I.; and Wilson Mascarenhas of New Bedford, Mass. The main card streams live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
The tripleheader concludes on December 7, at Foxwoods Resort and Casino with a special matinee show time. The fight card will be announced. The main card will stream live at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT.
Ticketing and information is available online at CESBoxing.com or by calling the CES Box Office at 401-724-2254.
To sign up now, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com
INFORMATION
CES Boxingpromoted its first event in 1992 headlined by future Champion Sucra Ray Oliveira. Over the years, CES has earned the reputation as the Heart and Soul of boxing with a rich history that includes the development of former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada, plus Vinny Paz and Rhode Island legends Gary Balletto and Peter Manfredo Jr., both of whom rose to fame on The Contender reality television series. Through the years, Jimmy Burchfield Sr has earned several noteworthy awards, among them the NABF Promoter of the Year, and 2011 inductee into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.
Website: cesboxing.com
Twitter: @CESBOXING
Instagram: @CESBOXING
Facebook: /CESBOXING
UFC FIGHT PASS®is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit https://www.ufcfightpass.com
Website: ufcfightpass.com
Twitter: @UFCFightPass
Instagram: @UFCFightPass
Facebook: /UFCFightPass
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MAYOR HARP, NHPD, RESIDENTS TO SALUTE, CELEBRATE CITY’S NEW CHIEF OF POLICE
AT CITY HALL CEREMONY MONDAY
New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp, members of the New Haven Police Department, police commissioners, other city and state officials, and city residents will be on hand Monday afternoon September 9 for the swearing-in of Chief of Police Otoniel Reyes.
Chief Reyes was born and raised in New Haven, earned a Bachelor’s degree from Albertus Magnus College, and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of New Haven.
A 19-year veteran of the NHPD, Reyes served as Interim Chief of Police since March.
In June, Mayor Harp appointed Chief Reyes to the position full-time; the New Haven Board of Alders unanimously approved the appointment last week.
Monday’s swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. in the first floor atrium of City Hall – 165 Church Street – in New Haven.
Billionaire Burke “RISE TO GREATNESS”
Billionaire Burke expresses relentless determination and passion in his debut project entitled “Rise To Greatness” that is released via partnership with Empire. Building a foundation solid to notably house artist with the development and backing of a record label, BBMG (Billionaire Burke Music Group) was established. With standout tracks like “My Slime” featuring Gunna, “WBC” featuring Yella Beezy, and “10 Ten Toes Down;” Burke presents a catalogue for every type of hustler in life to vibe to. “Rise To Greatness” is the energy of the odd better daily in their stride no matter the obstacle. Billionaire Burke’s debut projects drops on Friday August 30, 2019 worldwide.His forthcoming Rise To Greatness project is a memoir laden with 17 years of ups and downs, while figuring out his personal endeavors and end goal. The stories contained are candid and do not waver as he portrays the good and bad in life and in business. Touching on pain, and personal tragedy Billionaire Burke has granted an all-access pass into his brand.“I know that I can serve as a role model and show kids that there are other options than the streets. My influence goes beyond the music. I’m giving “game” to these young kids on the project as well.”Born and Raised in East Harlem, Billionaire Burke is a creative individual currently making a name for himself amongst tastemakers and the biggest influencers in the Hip Hop game today. Inspired to do music at the youthful age of 13, Burke was introduced to a variety of genres which included Soul and Jazz as well as others including his beloved Hip Hop genre where he was keen on the craftsmanship of legendary figures such as Biggie Smalls and iconic duo Mobb Deep."Mobb Deep and Biggie for me were the epitome of an ability to capture the essence of the city. The grit, the reality, and everything in between. Their story-telling was incomparable” – adds Burke.His initial foray into the business, was as an executive lending his understanding of the culture of impeccable work ethic to the development of artists. Helping a pool of talent, under his imprint, Burke has become a respected figure in the entertainment industry. In recent times, his creative juices have been flowing which has led him back to the mic coming back to the forefront as the multi-faceted individual that is. Not your average artist, Billionaire Burke's sonic identity is built on a wealth of experience in life, and on both sides of the spectrum musically as mogul and creator.His growing pains are well documented, as Burke has persevered through a life in the streets that has produced the consequence of multiple prison stints. His last trek of 5 years was the absolute turning point where he has taken to shooting his shot at success on a greater level than even before. With the backing of his manager Enrique Colon, and support of his record label team, Billionaire Burke seeks to play his part in the driving force that is Hip Hop all the while presenting as an example of redemption to the young minds who can relate to his out-put. In the future, Burke foresees his imprint as a guiding tool that specializes in artist development, business reconciliation, talent management and a home of record-breaking talent globally.Download/Stream Link: https://Empire.lnk.to/greatness
Connect w/ Billionaire Burke:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billionaireburke
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billionaireburke
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bbmg_burke
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7AP5NfVXBYaYj3cL78Lkdo
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/billionaireburke
Booking Info: Enrique Colon / billionaireburkenyc@gmail.com / 917-775-8655
MAYOR HARP, NHPS SUPERINTENDENT BIRKS WILL WELCOME LINCOLN-BASSETT STUDENTS THURSDAY FOR FIRST DAY OF NEW SCHOOL YEAR
New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp and New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Birks will ride the bus and greet students at the Lincoln-Bassett School first-thing tomorrow morning to welcome them back to class for the 2019-20 school year.
Mayor Harp and Dr. Birks are scheduled to arrive by school bus at about 8:15 a.m. and will be joined by other school officials and community leaders at that time to welcome returning students. Lincoln-Bassett School is at 130 Bassett Street in New Haven
MAYOR HARP’S REMINDER: CITY HALL WILL HOST AMAZON JOB FAIR FRIDAY, FROM 9:00 – 5:00
New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp today offered city residents a reminder about Friday’s City Hall job fair, at which Amazon will look to fill hundreds of jobs at its new North Haven facility.
Friday’s Amazon job fair in the atrium at City Hall – 165 Church Street – in New Haven will run from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Those interested are invited to visit http://amazon.com/conecticutjobs for more information.
Mayor Harp said the main branch of the New Haven Free Public Librarty system also hosted Amazon hiring events, on July 10, 15, and 23.
Cathy Graves, a deputy director of the city’s economic development department, said Amazon has to date hired about 1,000 workers to staff its new facility and that about 60 percent of those workers are from the New Haven area.
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Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/5YQN3gurdi8k75MkUA0bwp
Connect w/ Yasmin: Yasmin Ray Website: http://www.yasminray.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YasminRayMusic/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasmin.ray/On YouTube
Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/5YQN3gurdi8k75MkUA0bwp
Connect w/ Yasmin: Yasmin Ray Website: http://www.yasminray.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YasminRayMusic/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasmin.ray/On YouTube
Mayor Nan Whaley
101 W. 3rd Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Dear Mayor Whaley,
I write with heartfelt condolences after the violent, arbitrary trauma inflicted on your city this past weekend. Please accept my sincere wishes for a slow, steady return to a calm, peaceful balance; please remember the passage of time can heal the most egregious wounds and restore even the most crushing soul-sickness.
As the mayor of a vibrant urban center myself, and as a former president of the African-American Mayors Association, I know first-hand the horror of gun violence and its toll on American cities. I was also a state Senator in 2012 when 27 innocent lives were taken in Connecticut at the Sandy Hook Elementary School by a man using weapons meant for war.
I have a visceral memory of the shock, disbelief, and utter despair you must be experiencing this week. No community should find itself in the crosshairs of someone’s evil intent; no jurisdiction should be held hostage by the specter of gun violence and the artificial bravado guns promote among some people.
In the wake of the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012 Connecticut was resolved to address the violence associated with this nation’s stubborn gun culture. An overwhelming, bipartisan majority of legislators enacted Public Act No.13-3: An Act Concerning Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety (https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/ACT/PA/2013PA-00003-R00SB-01160-PA.htm).
I send this link respectful of the calamitous loss of life and resulting state of mourning in your community. At the same time, I send it hopeful that from the bitter ashes of this tragedy a cooperative resolve will emerge in your state to address the proliferation of guns and gun violence in this nation.
Please let me know if and how the people of New Haven and I can be helpful to your city.
Sincerely,
Toni N. Harp
Mayor – City of New Haven
cc: Governor Mike DeWine
Attorney General Dave