New York Knicks: Former Columbia Forward Jeff Coby To Sign
The New York Knicks will sign Jeff Coby, a former Columbia forward, according to Nicola Lupo of Sportando.
The New York Knicks appeared to complete their training camp roster for training camp, with the signing of Tyrius Walker on an Exhibit 10 deal. This brought the group to 20 players, but could there be another change on the way?
According to Nicola Lupo of Sportando, the Knicks will sign Jeff Coby, a former forward at Columbia. ESPN’s Ian Begley added how Coby worked out for the team recently and impressed in informal sessions and garnered the coaching staff’s attention.
Coby played for the Haitian National Team and spent the past year in Spain, and while at Columbia, he averaged 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds on 43 percent shooting from 2013-17.
No indication on what kind of deal Cody signed, but another Exhibit 10 deal makes sense so he can join the Westchester Knicks for the 2018-19 season.Coby’s presence makes him the 21st player on the training camp roster, and teams can only carry 20 into the season. That puts someone onThat puts someone on the outside looking in.The obvious name is Joakim Noah, with reports of his impending departure before training camp. He and the Knicks have battled through a tumultuous relationship for the past two years, since the former president of basketball operations, Phil Jackson, gave the veteran center a four-year, $72 million deal in 2016.A waive-and-stretch scenario is the most likely way to remove Noah from the roster. That’s unless a team steps up with trade interest.If not Noah, the Knicks have players on partially guaranteed deals, including Kadeem Allen and Noah Vonleh, but it would be a surprise to see either be cut as this saga reaches its conclusion.With Coby around, look for the Knicks and Noah to end this two-year-long adventure and open a roster spot for camp. It still leaves decisions before the start of the season, as the squad must trim down to 17 (15 without the way-way players).
by: Rob Wolkenbrod for dailyknicks.com | September 21, 2018
American Airlines Cuts Service to Haiti; Delta Adds Additional Flight
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti– American Airlines (AA) is cutting direct flights to Haiti’s capital from November, while Delta Airlines has announced it will begin a weekly flight the following month.AA said yesterday that from November 3, it will reduce the number of daily flights from six to four. The two that have been cut are services from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport.But it will continue to operate three daily flights connecting Port-au-Prince to Miami International Airport. It will also continue to serve Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s second largest city, with a daily flight from Miami.“It was a painful but necessary decision, given the economic circumstances, particularly in an environment where the cost of fuel is high,” American said in a letter to Renet Prévilon, Director of Customs at Toussaint Louverture International Airport yesterday.Peter Vittori, American’s managing director of sales for Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America, said the cuts, which are among several reductions, “makes for much more viable economics”.However, Guy Francois, minister of Haitians Living Abroad, the government ministry dedicated to the diaspora, said the move was “a big loss” for Haiti.At the same time, the country has welcomed news of an additional Delta Air Lines flight from JFK on Saturdays, starting December 22.Delta will also start a Saturday flight to Antigua beginning on the same date, and daily non-stop flights between JFK and Kingston, Jamaica from December 20. It is also expanding its service to the Bahamas with a second daily flight between JFK and Nassau, starting October 1.By: Carribean360.com | August 22, 2018
Street Is Renamed in Flatbush, to Joy and Controversy
Stephania Casimir, a first-generation Haitian-American, remembers her parents talking about Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a former slave who became one of Haiti’s founding fathers, but not all of the details.
They came flooding back on Saturday on a street corner in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn as speakers explained why a stretch of Rogers Avenue was being co-named in honor of Dessalines, who declared Haiti’s independence after helping lead the revolt against France.
“This moment means so much to the Haitian community,” said Ms. Casimir, 26, a social worker. “It shows we are strong and powerful.”
As the paper bag covering the new street sign was removed by Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, the crowd began singing the Haitian national anthem. Those gathered said the decision, along with the recent ceremonial City Council resolution that designated Flatbush Little Haiti, meant that Haitians’ contributions to New York will not be forgotten.
“These street co-namings are the equivalent of placing your flag in the neighborhood,” said Laurie Cumbo, the City Council majority leader. “We have placed a Haitian flag in this neighborhood today for people here and the future to always know that this is a Haitian community.”
But the naming of Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard — along Rogers Avenue between Farragut Road and Eastern Parkway — and the neighborhood designation were not without complications.
Some felt Little Haiti was redundant because the area had previously been christened Little Caribbean by another group. And the street co-naming was delayed because of Dessalines’s controversial history.
After Haiti’s victory against France, Dessalines became Haiti’s first emperor in 1804. Aware that the French wanted to re-enslave the country, Dessalines called for the slaughter of all remaining white Frenchmen. Thousands of white people were killed in the massacre, historians believe.
Historical figures are being re-evaluated across the United States, with several Southern cities removing Confederate monuments in recent years, and Mayor Bill de Blasio establishing a commission to examine statues in New York. In that climate, the City Council committee that vets street co-namings flagged the Dessalines name as possibly offensive.
“Everything is political,” Councilwoman Inez Barron of Brooklyn said. “This was not something that was done in the usual manner and passed with ease. This was a fight and a struggle.”
After a hearing, more research and behind-the-scenes pressure, the City Council approved the co-naming.
“The Council leadership team moved forward with the street renaming after a review of the issue and engaging with the community,” said Jennifer Fermino, a spokeswoman for Corey Johnson, the City Council speaker.
Ms. Bichotte, the assemblywoman, noted Dessalines’s contributions to world history: He helped Haiti become the second country in the Western Hemisphere to free itself from colonial rule and inspired other nations to pursue freedom. The Constitution that Dessalines created advocated equality and more equal distribution of wealth.
The massacre, supporters say, must be viewed in the context of war and is no different than historical acts that the leaders of other countries committed that would now be considered differently.
“As narrators, we get to define the narrative,” said Ms. Bichotte, the first Haitian-American woman elected to office in New York City. “No longer will the Haitian Revolution be a fluke, a historical accident or a nonevent. No longer will Jean-Jacques Dessalines be disregarded or portrayed merely as a tyrant.”
Not everyone supported honoring Dessalines. Street co-namings should be limited to local people who affected life in New York City, said Seth Barron, associate editor of City Journal and project director of the NYC Initiative at the Manhattan Institute.
“It seems like at a time when we are being careful about who we celebrate and commemorate, the question remains of why him?” Mr. Barron said. “I don’t know why New York City has to name a street for someone who is obscure to most Americans.”
Organizers say they hope the street will help educate the public. Flatbush is a center for Haitian culture in the United States, and Brooklyn has 90,000 Haitians, the third-highest concentration in the country, only after two counties in South Florida, according to an analysis by the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington-based think tank.
But gentrification is changing Little Haiti, which is bounded by Avenue H, Brooklyn Avenue, Parkside Avenue and East 16th Street. It is still full of restaurants and retailers that cater to Haitians, but many Haitian business owners and residents are facing the pressures of rising rent.
In 2000, 30 percent of the country’s Haitian population lived in New York State, many of them in Flatbush. That number fell to 20 percent in 2016.
Little Haiti BK, the group that organized Little Haiti, wants to use the designation to help small businesses remain in the neighborhood, erect a monument and build a cultural center.
The designation means more than ever, speakers said on Saturday, given recent slights by President Trump against Haitians and his decision to end a temporary program that allowed Haitians to live and work in the United States following the devastating 2010 earthquake.
“Our human dignity is under assault,” Representative Yvette Clarke said.
Marie Prosper, 35, a security analyst, saw the street co-naming as a chance to come together in spite of recent political developments.
“This corner is where the history of Haiti and the history of the United States meet,” Ms. Prosper said. “It represents the power of our ancestors and their strength.”
By: Jeffery C. Mays for nytimes.com| August 18, 2018
New York City Council Approves Co-Naming Street In Honor Of Former Haitian Leader
NEW YORK, Aug. 9, CMC – New York City Council on Wednesday approved a proposal from Caribbean American Council Member Jumaane D. Williams for the co-naming of a street in Brooklyn in honor of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the first leader of independent Haiti.Williams – the son of Grenadian immigrants, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn, said a section of Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn will be co-named Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard.He said Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard will span along Rogers Avenue, from Farragut Road to Eastern Parkway, within the Little Haiti Business and Cultural District.Last month, the New York City Council ceremonially designated a section of Flatbush, Brooklyn as “Little Haiti” “in recognition of the profound impact and continued presence of Haitian culture in the area,” said Williams, who is also a candidate for New York State Lieutenant Governor.He said “Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard will be set just a few blocks from Toussaint L’Overture Boulevard,” which is located on Nostrand Avenue between Glenwood Road and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.“The two Haitian leaders are celebrated in Haitian-American culture for their roles in establishing a free and independent Haiti,” Williams said.On May 18, Haitian Flag Day, Williams joined New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, and other elected officials and advocates in unveiling a new sign for Toussaint L’Overture Boulevard. They also announced the proposed co-naming for Dessalines.L’Overture and Dessalines are two celebrated leaders of the Haitian Revolution.“Jean-Jacques Dessalines is one of the founding fathers of Haiti, having taken charge of the Haitian Revolution and leading them to victory in defeating the French Napoleon Army in 1804,” the legislation states. “The Haitian Revolution became the first slave revolt in modern history to result in an independent nation.”Williams said Dessalines was declared “Emperor of Haiti” in 1804 and “advocated many progressive policies during his time leading Haiti.”He said Dessalines today “remains a very popular symbol of Haitian nationalism.”Brooklyn is home to the largest percentage of foreign-born Haitian residents in New York State, with more than 40 percent of the foreign-born population residing in Flatbush, Williams said.According to 2015 data by the Migration Policy Institute, Brooklyn had the second highest concentration of Haitians in the United States, with an estimated 156,000 Haitian Americans residing in New York City.“Jean-Jacques Dessalines was a revolutionary who fought for his people and overthrew an oppressive regime who brutally enslaved and persecuted the Haitian people.” Williams said. “This revolutionary spirit, to fight for independence and against oppression, burns bright in Haitian Culture today.“Haiti and its proud people are an intrinsic part of my district, and it is only right to honor that spirit with this co-naming,” he added. “I thank Assembly Member Bichotte for her fierce advocacy on this issue, as well as Little Haiti BK [Brooklyn] and the Haitian community I am proud to represent.”“Jean-Jacques Dessalines is one of the greatest heroes of the modern world,” said Bichotte, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn.“As one of the leaders of the first successful slave rebellion to result in the first Black republic and second country after the United States in the Western Hemisphere, Jean-Jacques Dessalines’ remarkable leadership impacted countries around the world in gaining their independence, and strengthened the United States by leading to the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled its size,” she added.“We are grateful that the City Council has recognized Dessalines’ contributions not only to the Haitian community but to all of New York City and the United States,” Bichotte continued.She said the City Council’s passage of the Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard “will allow the community to proudly acknowledge and remember Jean-Jacques Dessalines’ contributions to Haitian and American history, as well as spark interest in learning about his influence as a leader."By: trinidadexpress.com | August 9, 2018
Haitian legislator reiterates appeal to US President to extend TPS for Haitians
NEW YORK, United States (CMC) — A Haitian-born legislator in New York has reiterated his appeal to US President Donald Trump to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for undocumented Haitians living in the United States.Dr Mathieu Eugene, who represents the predominantly Caribbean 40th Council District in Brooklyn, New York, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Saturday that he will be joined Sunday at a rally in Brooklyn by immigration advocates, elected officials, clergy members and constituents reiterating their calls on the Trump administration to extend the status granted to almost 60,000 Haitians.Eugene, the first Haitian to be elected to New York City Council, said he will also re-launch an online petition requesting that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant an 18-month extension of TPS for Haitians and protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Programme (DACA), initiated by former US President Barack Obama that Trump plans to rescind. TPS for Haitians is set to expire in January.Eugene said the online petition has amassed over 30,000 signatures “and has brought much-needed attention to the plight of thousands of immigrants seeking to remain in the US.”In May, DHS issued a six-month extension of TPS for Haitians, stating that eligible Haitian nationals must be prepared to return to the French-speaking Caribbean country in January 2018.Eugene said the DHS will formally declare next month if it will keep the six-month extension in place or if it will grant a longer extension to TPS recipients.The petition also requests support for recipients of the DACA immigration programme, which currently protects over one million young Caribbean and other immigrants, who came to the United States as children, from deportation.In 2009, Eugene said he “successfully introduced” legislation in New York City Council in support of TPS Haitians. He said he has continued to lobby for its renewal in subsequent years.Despite being granted TPS, Eugene said Haiti has “suffered additional devastation from four tropical storms, an outbreak of cholera, and, most recently, a destructive hurricane.“Haiti cannot withstand an influx of over 58,000 people, who would be forced to return to the country if TPS is not extended,” he told CMC.“That is why I am asking the community to sign this petition and let the federal government know that we need to continue this humanitarian gesture. TPS recipients are valued members of our community; they hold jobs and work hard to contribute to our community, our city, and our country,” he added.“We are also here to support the DREAMERS, young people in the immigrant community, who came here with their families in pursuit of the American dream,” Eugene continued.“This is their homeland; we must do all we can to ensure that their ability to receive an education and pursue their career ambitions is protected under the DACA programme.”By Jamaica Oserver | October 29, 2017
Cafe Erzulie’s Haitian Spirit of Love
On any given night at this bar, named after the vodou goddess, there might be events like Afrofuturist lecturers, lobster festivals, or live jazz.Erzulie, the Haitian spirit of love and beauty, holds Thursdays sacred. After reading a longer list of her preferences, it may seem that the vodou goddess had a hand in more than just the name of this new café-cum-cocktail-lounge in Bushwick. Erzulie likes pink and light blue (the color of the floor tiles), sweet-smelling flowers and sparkling wine (provided in the form of the bubbly Kir de Jacmel), and small cakes (sticky buns are sold at the counter). The storefront is also home to Flowers by Leslie, a fifteen-year-old plant shop that was struggling to make rent. Instead of displacing it, the Erzulie owners preserved it as a business, and as a drink. Now patrons can browse the lilies and the basil for sale near the front on their way to grab a Flowers by Leslie cocktail, a pleasantly sour medley of vodka, mint, and St. Germain with crescents of cucumber. If they move farther along, to the back patio, they may chance on an event that would make Erzulie smile: on any given night, there might be Afrofuturist lecturers, a Jamaican lobster festival described as “Kingston meets Kennebunkport,” or live jazz. One evening, a steel-drum player, backed by a snare and an electric bass, performed an instrumental cover of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It on Home to Me.” Around eleven, as the musicians started tapping out the notes to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” a listener in red jeans and a blue button-down leapt up to become their vocalist, singing through the chorus about a dozen times. When the song finished, she twirled over to the band and asked if they knew her. They did not. “It’s all good!” the mysterious singer said. “I’ll see you next Thursday!” Was it the goddess herself? Perhaps. Thursday, after all, is her holy day. By Neima Jahromi | October 30, 2017
Black Apron Event Tours - An Evening Celebrating Haiti’s Rich Cuisine
What do you get when you combine six amazing Haitian Chefs, six delicious Haitian inspired dishes, a beautiful hostess and a captivating singer- an evening of perfection! We recently had the pleasure of attending the third installment of the Black Apron Event Tours - New York Edition. It was an evening of culinary delights and wonderful entertainment.
On September 30th, 2017 nestled in a trendy SoHo loft, our taste buds were treated to samples of six memorable dishes. We dined on Haitian Cuisine that ranged from a delicious Butternut Squash Soup with Garlic Confit and Coconut Milk to Creole Shrimp with Mashed Sweet Plantain and Shredded Coconut. Our culinary journey ended with an amazing Coconut Shredded Blanc Manje for dessert.
The Chefs:Chef Marc-Elie Lissade, Chef Jude,Chef Olivier Leon Paultre, Chef Vladimir Ferrus, Chef Allain Lemaire,Chef Jean Philippe Desruisseaux
The Entertainment:Host - Christie DesirSinger - RivaDisc Jockey - JJ Mike
The Black Apron Event Tour is the brainchild of Chef Marc-Elie Lissade, who grew up on the Haitian cuisine he’s now showcasing to the world. The tour hits all major cities of North America and promises to be a Five Star gourmet experience. Young talented and innovative Haitian Chefs are brought together to satiate the pallet with gourmet French-Creole cuisine. The six course meal is sumptuous in flavor and definitely brings back warm memories and thoughts of Home. Each Chef is eager to showcase their culinary talents, promote Haiti’s magnificent culture and support the island’s gastronomy. The Chefs we met on Saturday evening exceptionally exemplify the event’s mission.
For those of you searching for a uniquely avant-garde culinary experience like no other, look no further than the Black Apron Event Tour. It’s a veritable treat with a modern and contemporary take on Haitian Cuisine.A portion of proceeds from the event go to help Sick Kids Foundation. A cause dear to Chef Lissade’s heart.