CLQ09042020 - Page 16

WIADCA provides community, camaraderie and service By Nelson A. King The Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) says that it continues to provide community, camaraderie and service. Since May, WIADCA Cares, an extended rapid response to COVID- 19, was conceptualized by Trinidadianborn chairperson Angela Sealy with coordination efforts led by board member Michelle Gibbs-Francis. WIADCA said it has provided free hot meals, sanitizers and face masks to almost 4000 of most vulnerable residents, seniors. Partners, which have supported the organization are: Healthfirst, Auntie Wendy’s Catering, Caribbean Food Delights, Emblem Health, Tropical Paradise, Jus’ Fishy, A Culinary Conversation, Tower Isles, Food Like Whoa!, Bedessee, Sweet Reason, Angostura, Chef Christopher, DJ Bird, Fresh Direct, Campaign Against Hunger, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Assemblywoman Diana Richardson. Have you ever tasted ice cream from Island Pops, or vegan jerk chicken from Natural Blend? Do you want to try a recipe from Caribbean L 16 ife, Sept. 4-10, 2020 renowned Haitian-born Chef Thia’s new book or Caribbean-fusion delicacies from Savvy Bistro & Bar? Do you want to sail on a plantain codfish boat from Lips Café or enjoy the catch of the day at Jus’ Fishy? Then follow Eat Caribbean NYC! This year, WIADCA said it rolled out “a historical virtual presentation highlighting our Caribbean mixologists and culinary artisans” to also include Brooklyn Perk Coffee, Island Burger, BK9, Tilly’s and Savannah Café. “Our efforts have assisted these small minority-owned businesses in keeping staff employed, increasing sales and providing visibility in the wake of the pandemic,” it said. “Many businesses still need this support.” WIADCA said its educational programs include year-round music, arts, culture and technology workshops for youth and seniors citywide. “These programs contribute to enhanced mental health and wellness, combat isolation and promote healthy socialization during extremely challenging times,” it said. “In the midst of COVID, our economic impact remains intact through ongoing entrepreneurial opportunities, local neighborhood support, and contributing to city and state budgets,” it added. “We look forward to continuing our service to the community through outreach, partnerships, door-to-door food and mask deliveries, and distribution, and entertaining experiences, as we all work together to flatten the curve,” it continued. “WIADCA Cares!” Follow WIADCA on FB @Brooklyn- LaborDayCarnival or IG @wiadca; call at 718-467-1797; or email wiadcainc@ gmail.com for more information. By Nelson A. King New York Attorney General, Letitia James on Tuesday joined a host of legislators and community advocates in fervently appealing to New Yorkers to complete the 2020 Census. James stood with US Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, US Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY- 10), Hispanic Federation president and chief executive officer Frankie Miranda, Asian American Federation executive director Jo-Ann Yoo, New York City Census 2020 director Julie Menin and New York Immigration Coalition Census 2020 senior fellow Meeta Anand in urging New Yorkers to defend their representation in Congress and the allocation of federal funding. They called on residents to fill out the 2020 US Census ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. James said a complete and accurate census is critical for education, hospital and transportation funding across New York state. According to alarming data recently released by Census 2020 Hard to Count, a mapping system that is run by the City University of New York (CUNY) Center for Urban Research, New York is on pace to be severely undercounted. Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y. Tom Williams / CQ Roll Call (CQ Roll Call via Associated Press Census appeal The Law Offices of Georgia E. McCarthy 902 East 86 Street, Brooklyn NY 11236 CONTESTED/UNCONTESTED DIVORCES Aggressive Representation in Supreme Court and Family Court FAMILY LAW CHILD SUPPORT, CUSTODY, PATERNITY, VISITATION AND CHILD ABUSE Protect Your Parental Rights in Family Court REAL ESTATE Contracts & Closings, Foreclosures, Basement Ejections CRIMINAL MATTERS �� TRUST, WILLS & ESTATES REPRESENTATIONS Free Consultation* *The consultation is free if retained Call 347-587-5458 Fax 347-587-6169 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /gmail.com