Category: Uncategorized

First Official Tenants Union Recognized

by Noel Sims, New Haven Independent, Dec 7, 2022

A group of Blake Street renters delivered a 31-name petition to City Hall — and officially became New Haven’s first legally recognized tenants union. Tenants of the 311 Blake St. apartment complex took that legal-recognition step on Nov. 23.

City Fair Rent Commission Executive Director Wildaliz Bermudez confirmed that 31 tenants from the 311 Blake St. complex signed on to the petition that was delivered late last month to her office.

Because only 45 of that 70-unit complex’s apartments are currently occupied, Bermudez said, the petition clears the local legal threshold that a tenants union include signatures from — to quote directly from New Haven law — ​“a majority of the tenants listed as lessees within the housing accommodation.”

“As more tenants become involved in tenants’ unions, it can provide us with a better picture regarding the housing stock that is available,” Bermudez said in an email comment sent to the Independent on Tuesday, ​“and for discussions to occur regarding better ways to maintain properties and have a good well-maintained housing stock when items are needed to be addressed.”

The Blake St. Tenants Union is now the first officially, legally recognized tenants union in the city. ….
311 Blake St. renter Jessica Stamp is one of the lead organizers of the newly recognized Blake St. Tenants Union.

“I want to stay,” she told the Independent in a recent interview about her current apartment. Her rent is affordable, which allows her to save money, and she enjoys her ​“fabulous closet space.”

She said that she and her neighbors organized a tenants union partly because of a lack of response from her landlord, an affiliate of the mega landlord Ocean Management, when Stamp and other tenants have complained of rodents, disruptive construction, and other safety issues. ….

Stamp said she is excited that the union will help her neighbors that have been anxious about rent hikes, safety issues, and possible evictions. ​“This will give them relief,” she said. Having filed the petition, tenants are now protected from rent hikes and evictions for at least six months under
state law.

Now that their union is legally recognized, Stamp hopes this will ​“empower people to speak up.” Before, she felt that tenants withheld their complaints out of a fear of retaliation by 311 Blake’s landlord.

Read more at www.newhavenindependent.org/article/blake_st_tenant_union

2022 Amistad Awards: 103rd Anniversary Rally, Saturday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m.

CT People’s World Committee Rise Up!

Time to be the Leaders of Today! Seize the Moment and the Future is Ours!

This year’s People’s World Amistad Awards will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at the historic Dixwell Q House, 197 Dixwell Avenue in New Haven, with a keepsake greeting book. The 2022 Awards are dedicated to Art Perlo, whose legacy and vision live on and inspire us. We are excited to announce this year’s awardees. Together they represent the kind of unity, solidarity and vision needed to build the movement that can transform our country to put people, peace and planet before profits:

Mustafa Salahuddin, President, Amalgamated Transit Union 1336 in Bridgeport and board member of CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs and the CT AFL CIO.

Salwa Mogaddedi, courageous leader of Starbucks Workers United, who has led in organizing her co-workers in Vernon into the union throughout her cancer treatment.

Leslie Blatteau, President New Haven Federation of Teachers 933 (AFT CT) focused on anti-racist curricula, social justice activist, and past president NARAL Pro-Choice CT.

Special recognition will be presented to Brian Steinberg for his lifetime of commitment and organizing for equality, real democracy and peace as an outstanding leader of the Communist Party in Hartford, in Connecticut and nationally. The recognition is presented on the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of the Communist Party USA.

Featured performer will be Jay Hoggard, world-renowned jazz vibraphonist and composer blending jazz and gospel with African marimba rhythms.

The event will stand “IN SOLIDARITY” with the organizing drive of Local 33 Unite Here at Yale, and other organizing drives underway in Connecticut.

Tickets: $10 and $25 Solidarity. For scholarship ticket information or to purchase tickets, e-mail ct-pww@pobox. com or phone 203-624-8664.

In Solidarity, People’s Weekly World

Dozens Protest Israel’s New Massacre

by LouAnn Villani, Middle East Crisis Committee

Sixty or more people held signs and banners in Middletown on August 17 in outrage over Israel’s new massacre in Gaza. Many held the pictures and names of Palestinians killed in Israel’s brutal early August “Op.” One person held a picture of a Palestinian girl who lost two legs and an arm in the assault.

The cosponsors of the event were the Middle East Crisis Committee, the Bristol Anti-Racism Brigade (BARB), Bristol Advocates for Marginalized Families (BAMF), Workers’ Voice CT, the Tree of Life Education Fund, Promoting Enduring Peace, and Jewish Voice for Peace (New Haven). Most of the turnout came from local Islamic centers.

Besides expressing horror and anger, protesters expressed disgust at Connecticut members of Congress who vote immense amounts of money to Israel each year without question. This year it was $1 billion on top of $3.8 billion in regular money approved during the Obama presidency.

Favorite chants were “Gaza, Gaza, don’t you cry, Palestine will never die”; “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crimes”; and “Free Palestine.” Ghoufran Allababidi from Tree of Life Education Fund, Dan from Workers’ Voice and Phil Brewer from Jewish Voice for Peace spoke to the crowd.

People were especially encouraged by the many honks from cars and trucks passing by.

To see video of the protest, go to thestrugglevideo.org. For more info on how to be involved, email [email protected] or call 203-444-3578.

May Day Celebration on the New Haven Green

by Melinda Tuhus, CT Climate Crisis Mobilization

This year’s May Day on the Green in New Haven marked International Workers Day with a new generation of activists. That was the view of Paula and Frank Panzarella, who initiated and organized May Days in New Haven for 25 years.

“It was nice to see others pick up the banner,” said Frank, complimenting the work done by Unidad Latina en Acción. “I was glad to see the Latino community come out, and it was great to see new young political activists with a variety of leftist parties. I think John Lugo and Megan Fountain did a really good job of putting it together. It’s hard to do on such a short time frame.”

Frank’s band, the Eclektics, played a long set geared more to the older crowd, joined for some songs by vocalist Renee Luna. A rock band of young musicians expressed their own political views in song. Several Latino bands played on the Green and during the march.

There was a table with literature highlighting the history of May Day, when workers in the U.S. – mostly immigrants – fought to establish the 8-hour workday in 1886. Violence erupted at the Chicago protest and police arrested the organizers; several were hanged. Those workers’ struggles for decent wages, working conditions, and dignity sparked the workers’ movement celebrated around the world on May Day.

“There was a reason why May 1 was picked to be the day to push for immigrant rights starting in 2006,” said Paula.

Speakers mentioned current fights for workers’ rights; the need for socialism; the connection between immigration and the climate crisis and why groups espousing immigrant rights and action on climate must work together to achieve their goals; and the fight for universal health care, among other issues. A member of ULA demanded “hero pay” for essential workers who risked their lives during the pandemic. Rep. Robyn Porter, co-chair of the state legislature’s Labor Committee, said the General Assembly has expanded health care for undocumented children to 12 and under from 8 and under, but she is fighting to extend it to age 18. She added that those under 12 who sign up will be covered until age 18.

The Haven free clinic offered free COVID test kits and masks, and Griffin Hospital had a tent nearby offering COVID vaccines.

Young children ran around the Green sporting creative face paint. “It was perfect weather to be out and about, joining in a community event, meeting old friends and new people, a relaxed atmosphere for sharing ideas and philosophy, and enjoying fun performances,” Paula said.

“We need to keep the ‘social’ in socialism to work together to figure things out,” Frank added. “I think it’s getting stronger. I’m glad they did the march because the issues for immigrants are still out there.”

After the four-hour celebration on the Green, complete with an endless supply of pizza (“the workers’ food,” John quipped), young and older set off on a march around downtown, stopping at points of protest or celebration – like recent moves to unionize at the College Street Music Hall and at a hotel on Chapel Street. The march ended on the campus of Yale University, where marchers demanded that Yale – with an endowment that ballooned to $42.3 billion during the pandemic – contribute more to its impoverished host city, especially when low-income residents are being pushed out due to rapidly rising rents.

Reminder: March 19 deadline for articles for Progressive Action Roundtable newsletter

We look forward to getting your articles and event notices for our April issue. We thank you for your readership and support of PAR.

Please send us reports about your organization’s activities and upcoming plans. Readers want to know:

  • What is the purpose of your organization?
  • How are you building your group?
  • What campaigns are you organizing?
  • What events are you planning?

We want to publicize the work that groups have done and what they’re planning to do. We want to spread the word to others who will be inspired to join you, support your activism and build the struggles.

Send us articles (or a paragraph or two) up to 350 words about what your group wants to do and any ideas for organizing!

Please send to [email protected].

***Help inspire others through your commitment! ***

The deadline for the April Progressive Action Roundtable newsletter is Saturday, March 19.

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IMPORTANT: Don’t neglect to add your organization’s contact information such as phone number, e-mail address or website, so our readers can get more information about what your group is doing.

The PAR Mission:

To provide a forum for the many progressive groups in the greater New Haven area where actions and ideas may be publicized so that peace, health, justice, energy, environmental and other issues are made known to a broad audience for mutual support and the common good.

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CitySeed Is Hiring!

Development Associate (Part-Time): CitySeed is seeking a detail-oriented, creative, and personable Development Associate to join our team (cityseed.org/who-we-are-2/employment). This role will best suit someone who is highly detailed, enjoys connecting with people, is a strong writer and storyteller, and is inspired by CitySeed’s mission. This role reports to the Executive Director and plays a critical role in ensuring that CitySeed’s supporters have a positive experience and feel connected with our organization’s mission.

This is a part-time position to start, with the goal of growing into a full-time role. New Haven residents and applicants with strong ties to New Haven are strongly encouraged to apply. Remote candidates will also be considered.

Sanctuary Kitchen is seeking interns for the spring 2022 and summer 2022 semesters. Interns are a valuable part of the Sanctuary Kitchen team and play a critical role in helping us achieve our mission.

Available internships include culinary operations intern, marketing intern, operations intern, sales and outreach intern. Sanctuary Kitchen is happy to work with your college or course instructors to fulfill credits or requirements.

CitySeed Farmers Market Intern: Seeking applicants who are enthusiastic about sustainable agriculture and food justice in New Haven, and want to learn while working at Farmers Markets. The position includes setting up and breaking down tables and tents, selling bread and tokens, handling money and credit/debit/SNAP cards and promoting market programs. To learn more about this opportunity or apply, please email [email protected] with your resume attached.

Volunteers are also always welcome and needed. Feel free visit our volunteer section and fill out an application at cityseed.org.

Employment Opportunity: Part-time Director of Development, Flexible Hours

by Susan Bramhall, NHLSCP

The New Haven / Leon Sister City Project is seeking a part-time Director of Development to join our team as employee or self-employed. We are passionate about our work to connect and support the people of New Haven and Nicaragua. We are looking for a mission-driven, well-organized person who seeks to use great communications skills to connect the people of New Haven to the people of Nicaragua.

The primary work of the NH/LSCP in León, Nicaragua is to support community-based initiatives in the rural communities of Goyena and Troilo and to facilitate programs and projects that improve public health and community-based education, support women’s rights, and address root causes of poverty. In New Haven we work to build new projects and coalitions to confront the climate change crisis. In both communities we work to build local leadership and capacity and address causes of poverty and injustice.
Patty Nuelsen, our long-time Director of Development, will be retiring in the coming months. We believe that we have the opportunity to increase our use of social media and technology, along with person-to-person contact, to carry our work and message of connection to a new generation. The position can be largely remote and the hours can be flexible. This is not a traditional siloed non-profit development position – our Director of Development will be connected to the work we do and the people who are doing that work. We think this opportunity is ideal for someone skilled at organizing projects, who wants to work with a wonderful team delivering important change in the world. Our Director of Development will use communication and networking skills to connect current and future supporters to our values and mission.

Please don’t be shy! We are very interested to hear from you if you are interested in this position. Please see newhavenleon.org/nhlscp-job-opening-pt-director-of-development for the full job announcement.

NHFPL Hosts Holiday Bazaar

by Gina Bingham, NHFPL

The New Haven Free Public Library invites all residents to support small businesses and entrepreneurs this holiday season and is excited to host a holiday bazaar featuring participants in the library’s Ives Squared Make to Sell program.  The Make to Sell Holiday Bazaar will be Saturday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Main Ives Library, 133 Elm Street. Products featured include bath and body luxuries, candles, baked goods, leather accessories, face masks, and more. Please note that some vendors may only accept cash.

Vendors who will be present at the bazaar include:

  • Dimitri Cotman of Z.Nith Point LLC
  • Shelara Pullen of Glam-TShields
  • Zara Salmon of CRAVEinfused
  • Jordan Taylor of LegallyBlack
  • Donna Berlanda of Sustainable Accessories and Fiber Art
  • Michael Ziff Leather Goods
  • April Snell of Cake Confessions

The Make to Sell program is a new endeavor by NHFPL’s Ives Squared team in conjunction with CT Next and the New Haven Innovation Collaborative to help provide underserved, early-stage entrepreneurs with concrete tools to build and launch online sales businesses. Fifteen individuals were selected for the first Make to Sell cohort and have worked diligently to launch their small businesses by taking classes taught by local small business experts, meeting with library staff mentors, and consulting with an onsite Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Creative-in-Residence.

Ives Squared inspires and augments the vibrant civic and entrepreneurial culture of New Haven by offering open access to a free business coworking co-op and makerspace.

For more information, please contact Gina Bingham: (203) 946-8835; [email protected].

Community Mobile Crisis Response Team Is Hiring

by Annie Harper, PhD, Program for Recovery and Community Health

JOB ALERT!! People from New Haven – come work for the new Crisis Response team. CommuniCare is hiring for multiple positions for a Community Crisis Response Team being developed with the City of New Haven, CMHC, Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health, and The Consultation Center.

Jobs include Community Crisis Coordinator LCSW (FT), Community Crisis LMSW (FT/PT), Community Crisis Peer Supporter (RSS or Recovery Coach) (FT/PT).

Info: communicare-ct.org – look for the jobs titled ‘Community Crisis…….’

DesegregateCT Looks to Year Two!

Lindsay Mathews, DesegregateCT

Sixty years ago, when I was growing up in a small town in central Connecticut, I hardly saw a single Black child in our schools, parks, or places of worship.

Today, nothing has changed.

That our state is still segregated is no accident. In part, our state is deeply segregated because many Connecticut communities have adopted “exclusionary zoning” laws to restrict the kinds of housing most Black people can afford to buy. Research shows that the vast majority of Connecticut towns practice exclusionary tactics like large minimum lot sizes, bans on multi-family housing, and minimum unit size requirements. Black ownership is further stymied because of a lack of access to subsidized mortgages. This financing gap has been well-documented by organizations like the Brookings Institution and the Federal Reserve.

After the murder of George Floyd, many grassroots organizations formed in order to tackle the weighty legacy of structural racism that surrounds us and our communities.

DesegregateCT is one such organization. It is a statewide organization of activists and more than 70 coalition members who are passionate about the idea that through legislation, our commitment to equality can be realized by working to change zoning laws. Over the last year, the group successfully advocated for legalizing accessory apartments, reducing parking mandates, requiring zoning regulations to “affirmatively further” fair housing, instituting commission-er training requirements, and more.

After DesegregateCT’s legislative victory, Sara Bronin said, “A year and a day after we first met – thanks to our coalition, team, and supporters, and the many housing advocates that laid the groundwork over the years – Public Act 21-29 (HB6107) became law. It is an important step toward a more affordable, sustainable, and economically dynamic state, and it marks the first significant update to the State’s Zoning Enabling Act in decades.”

Governments at every level may have forced us to live apart. However, DesegregateCT has proven that it is possible to pass zoning laws that will bring us together, if we are willing to do the work.

Go to desegregatect.org to join the fight to undo restrictive zoning laws in Connecticut.

The Potential of Solar Canopies in Connecticut

by People’s Action for Clean Energy

Learn about solar canopies at an on-line workshop Friday, June 4, 9:30-11:30 a.m. As Connecticut looks for new places to site solar, our forests and farmlands are under increasing threat.​ ​One way to avoid these conflicts is to take advantage of land already “degraded,” including​ ​parking lots. People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE) has conducted groundbreaking research into the potential for solar on parking lots​ ​and Kieren Rudge will present the results of this research. We will also hear the practical​ ​experiences of Tim White, a member of the Cheshire BOE, in siting a solar canopy in​​ h​is​ ​town​. ​Stephan Hartmann and Eric Virkler of Ear​thlight Technologies​ will also share insights​ ​from their extensive experience building solar canopies across the state. For registration information, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-potential-of-solar-canopies-in-connecticut-tickets-156088536013. You can also e-mail PACE at [email protected] or phone (917) 843-7214.

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