El Museo del Barrio and Maestro Dobel® Tequila, creator of the world’s first Cristalino from 11th-generation tequila maker Juan Dobel are proud to announce Carlos Martiel as the recipient of the inaugural Maestro Dobel Latinx Art Prize. The bi-annual prize, created to raise awareness and amplify the cultural production of Latinx artists, a segment that…
This year marks 22 years since September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed New York City. Amid the annual memorials for fallen men and women, the city announced two newly identified victims who died as a result of the terrorist attacks.
Everyday New Yorkers, surviving family members, and elected officials of every caliber paused to offer heartfelt support for those lost and promised to never forget.
“On one of the most horrific days in our nation’s history, thousands of first responders leapt into action and ran towards danger to save their fellow Americans,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a statement. “Hundreds lost their lives and many continue to suffer from illnesses from their service at Ground Zero on that fateful day. They represent the best of us and House Democrats are committed to ensuring that these brave men and women receive the support they deserve.”
In a series of interviews, Mayor Eric Adams spoke about where he was and what he was doing back in 2001. He was an NYPD lieutenant in the 88th Precinct at the time and his younger brother was a sergeant. He said he was on the Upper West Side in Manhattan helping out with a campaign on the morning of the attacks. He got stranded when the attack shut down the subways, so he opted to walk downtown.
“And when I started to get across the bridge, the Manhattan Bridge at the time was closed down. I just saw people in all sorts of dust and particles [of debris]. [There was] the realization that the buildings collapsed [and] had not settled in yet,” said Adams in describing the scene. “I just thought it was the smoke and the soot coming from the airplanes hitting the buildings.”
It is estimated that nearly 3,000 people died in the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon locations. At least 2,753 people were lost in New York City, but 22 years later, remains are still being identified. Adams and Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) Dr. Jason Graham announced two new identifications—a man and woman whose names are being withheld at the request of their families—as the 1,648th and 1,649th individuals to be found using advanced DNA testing.
“We hope these new identifications can bring some measure of comfort to the families of these victims,” said Adams in a statement. “The ongoing efforts by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner attest to the city’s unwavering commitment to reunite all the World Trade Center victims with their loved ones.”
Some 1,104 victims—40% of those who died in the attacks—remain unidentified, said the city.
“More than 20 years after the disaster, these two new identifications continue to fulfill a solemn pledge that OCME made to return the remains of World Trade Center victims to their loved ones,” said Graham. “Faced with the largest and most complex forensic investigation in the history of our country, we stand undaunted in our mission to use the latest advances in science to serve this promise.”
Adams said that he was afraid on that day, but committed to keeping the city safe and seeing it get back on its feet—a sentiment he has very much made the bedrock of his administration. Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visitinghttps://bit.ly/amnews1.
Advocates for immigrant rights held a conference to discuss some of the obstacles parents need to be aware of as nearly 19,000 migrant children attend New York City public schools this fall.
The new school year kicked off last week on Thursday, September 7. There are many issues immigrant and asylum seeker families need to navigate, including getting accurate information on enrollment, language access, getting vaccinated, childcare, and most pressingly, the potential bus strike.
New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) Director of Economic Justice and Family Empowerment Liza Schwartzwald said that even before the asylum seeker crisis began last year, at least “1-in-2 students was a child of an immigrant family.” She said all groups of English Language Learner (ELL) students and immigrant students, both old and newly arrived, deserve access to quality education.
“These students are the future of the New York City educational system and it is critical that we support them,” said Schwartzwald.
She added that the city is prepared to issue emergency MetroCards, pre-paid rideshares, and transportation reimbursement where necessary in the event of a bus strike. She said families will receive four trips on trains and city buses to get from and to school, and they will receive notification if their route is affected.
The last New York City public school bus strike was in 2013, when bus drivers held out for a month on the picket lines in cold weather until union officials called off the strike.
Just before the school year began this year, several families of school bus riders rallied outside the Department of Education (DOE) headquarters on Tuesday, September 5. They were upset about overdue labor contracts for bus drivers, prompting worries of another potential strike. The group reportedly said that school bus drivers need safe service, adequate training, proper wheelchair harnesses, and better pay to avoid turnover.
“Passively sitting out these negotiations when you have the power to step in, means actively enabling the destruction of the school bus service that thousands of our kids depend on to get their education,” said Parents to Improve School Transportation (PIST NYC) Co-Founder Sara Catalinotto in a statement.
The rallying group also had the support of Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. “Today we stood with @pistnyc and families to demand a fair contract for bus drivers, and for the rights of students—including those with disabilities and in temporary housing—to be protected,” Williams posted on social media. “Whenever profit is the top priority, people suffer, and that’s what will happen here.”
Despite the rally, drivers promised to bus students in the first week of school while the union continued negotiations with the city. NYIC said up to half of current bus routes may be affected by a potential bus strike.
For updates, contact the Office of Pupil Transportation Call Center at 718-392-8855, or email NYC’s Department of Education at transportation@schools.nyc.gov.
Groups like Advocates for Children and LSA Family Health Service, also disseminated information about how to enroll kids into 3K and Pre-K, as well as elementary, middle, or high school. They emphasized that translation and interpretation services are and should be available at a family’s request.
Until Sept. 22, certain Family Welcome Centers will temporarily relocate to nearby schools and updated locations can be found in digital flyers available in multiple languages. Normal hours and locations will resume on Sept. 26. For the latest updates on hours and locations, please visit schools.nyc.gov/FWC. Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visitinghttps://bit.ly/amnews1
The New York Public Library is offering new, special-edition Hip Hop 50 library cards that feature imagery from the soundtrack cassette of the iconic 1983 film “Wild Style,” directed by Charlie Ahearn—widely considered to be the first film dedicated to hip hop.
You can apply online or at a local branch for a new hip hop library card at any NYPL location near you. Call 917-ASK-NYPL (917-275-6975) for more information.
In the expansive realm of global trade, shipping containers play a pivotal role in seamlessly ferrying goods across oceans and continents. These formidable metal giants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each meticulously crafted to cater to specific cargo requirements and transportation methods. In this comprehensive guide, we shipping containers will delve into…
Why SaladPower? According to the USDA, a staggering 90% of Americans fall short of consuming the recommended daily servings of vegetables. Yet, paradoxically, the same study reveals that 90% of Americans also acknowledge that vegetables are essential to maintaining a healthy diet. The glaring discrepancy between knowledge and action can be attributed to one primary…
On the opening day of the 2023-2024 National Football League season, a historic record was set. For the first time in the history of the NFL, 14 Black quarterbacks took the snap on week 1. Last season, 11 Black quarterbacks started on week 1. The Week 1 starters are Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Jalen Hurts (Eagles), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Deshaun Watson (Browns), Russell Wilson (Broncos), Geno Smith (Seahawks), Desmond Ridder (Falcons), Joshua Dobbs (Cardinals), Justin Fields (Bears), Jordan Love (Packers), Bryce Young (Panthers), C.J. Stroud (Texans) and Anthony Richardson (Colts).
The 2023 NFL Draft marked the first time in NFL history Black men were selected in the top three positions for quarterback. The position was once seen as a white male-dominated one until players such as Michael Vick and Randall Cunningham revolutionized the position and the game of football. In the modern era, the NFL has seen an increasing number of Black quarterbacks breaking barriers and achieving success. Players like Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, and Patrick Mahomes have become stars in the league. Mahomes is currently one of the most recent standout Black quarterbacks. He led the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory and has won the NFL MVP award.
The history of Black quarterbacks in the NFL is a story of perseverance. Breaking down racial barriers in the NFL has been a long and difficult road in a sport that is now dominated by African Americans. But the quarterback position has been a special problem: Teams from college up have been reluctant for decades to encourage Black players to play quarterback. Many talented Black athletes were denied opportunities to play quarterback.
In the 1920s Fritz Pollard became one of the first African American quarterbacks in the NFL. He played for the Akron Pros in 1920, making him one of the league’s first Black players. He also became a player-coach. But he was a rare early pioneer at a time of racial segregation Jim Crow. In 1968, Marlin Briscoe became the first Black quarterback to start in the NFL during the modern era. He played for the Denver Broncos and later transitioned to a wide receiver position.
In the 1980s, Houston Oilers QB Warren Moon became one of the most prominent Black quarterbacks in NFL history. Moon started as a star in the Canadian Football League before joining the NFL in 1984. Had a highly successful NFL career, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In 1988, Washington Redskins QB Doug Williams made history in Super Bowl XXII (1988) when he became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He led them to a victory and was named the game’s MVP. Philadelphia Eagles QB Randall Cunningham was known for his athleticism in the 1980s and 1990s. Cunningham was a four-time Pro Bowl selection. While there have been significant strides in the representation of Black quarterbacks in the NFL, there is ongoing recognition of the need for continued diversity and inclusion in all positions in professional football — including owner and head coach.
In the scorching heat on Thursday, August 24th, 2023, the sprawling grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The Center was a buzz with excitement as fans, players, and other celebrity chefs accompanying Chef Melba like Chef Josh Capon, Chef James Kent, Chef David Burke, Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, Pat LaFrieda Chef Kwame…
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — As a crowd made its way into the nearby football stadium, a father watched his two sons toss a ball back and forth. Hot dogs sizzled on a smoky charcoal grill nearby.
The music from a DJ’s live set a few yards over was so loud it reverberated off the ground as lyrics from “Before I Let Go,” the hit by the soul band Frankie Beverly and Maze, prompted tailgaters to break out in dance.
This particular intersection of sports and culture was outside Hard Rock Stadium, where the historically Black universities Florida A&M and Jackson State were playing in the annual Orange Blossom Classic. The outcome of the game meant bragging rights for the next year, of course, and the tailgating here had many of the same trappings you might find at a game in the Southeastern Conference or Big Ten.
The reasons for attending this multi-day event are about much more than that.
HBCU Classics are a beloved staple in the Black community. More than just competitions, they are a gathering point for fellowship as well as a means to spotlight and celebrate the rich history tied to HBCUs.
“Family reunion,” Maya Brown said with a laugh. A graduate of the HBCU Bethune-Cookman, she traveled from Atlanta to Miami for the Orange Blossom festivities.
“This is everyone getting together with friends and family that you haven’t seen in a while,” she explained. “It’s just one big family reunion. Even though you may not have gone to FAMU or Jackson State, just coming together as one HBCU.”
Special games pitting one HBCU against another have existed since the early 1900s, when Black people created their own spaces to exist and celebrate themselves within the confines of a segregated society.
Alabama State and Tuskegee met in 1924 in what was dubbed the Turkey Day Classic — held on Thanksgiving Day — and many consider it the first Black college football classic. The State Fair Classic in Dallas began the following year on what was called “Negro Achievement Day” at the Texas State Fair. It was a designated day where Black people could attend the fair and hold high school and college football games. That game is still held annually between Grambling State and Prairie View.
Not unlike traditional bowl games, these competitions are partially about rivalries, but to most who attend, they are a church revival, family reunion and homecoming celebration all in one.
“It’s a combination of all these different things that you associate with the African-American, Black community, particularly in the South, oftentimes, now really all around the country about celebrating that space where you bring people together,” said J. Kenyatta Cavil, a professor at Texas Southern who focuses on the culture of HBCU sports.
The games are also a celebration of achievement, where people can learn of the successful doctors, lawyers and political figures who went to HBCUs.
“One thing that I have been doing is inviting my kids to these events so they can get the experience of what it’s like being a part of an HBCU football atmosphere,” said Derrick Lester, a Florida native whose foundation helps send high school kids to college. “Everybody wants to go to a bigger school — a Miami or Florida State or Florida. But there are great HBCUs.”
The activities surrounding a classic usually start several days before the game. There are golf tournaments, step shows, parades, a battle of the bands and some sort of fundraising event or showcase of Black businesses. Cavil said a large percentage of the money generated during classic weekends goes toward academic scholarships at the schools.
A day before the Orange Blossom Classic, HBCU fans and alumni donned their school, sorority and fraternity gear and came together at a South Florida recreation center, where food trucks and vendor booths lined a rain-soaked yard.
Charles Osuji, a Florida A&M alumnus, bustled between four booths, where youngsterss from his mentoring program giddily told potential customers about their products, which ranged from homemade limeade to makeup. Osuji said he was grateful that the classic weekend provided an outlet for the young sales team.
“There’s a grit and a grind from going to an HBCU that when we go into the real world, we’re unmatched,” he said. “We don’t need a connection. We create the connections because we know we have to go out there and get it.”
Thanks in part to the attention that former Jackson State coach Deion Sanders brought to HBCUs, football attendance has increased in recent years, which has meant more money for schools that are historically underfunded compared to predominantly white schools. The Magic City Classic held in Birmingham between Alabama State and Alabama A&M — the largest HBCU classic game in the country — drew a crowd of over 67,000 last year.
Some tailgaters remain outside the stadium during the games, while others head in to check out the bands from both teams at halftime. Most marching bands play versions of pop music, but HBCUs take it to a different level, adding dance and intertwining it with traditional band music to create an experience like no other.
“For us, a lot of times our fans won’t come into the stadium until midway through the second quarter, they’re coming in to watch the halftime,” said Reginald McDonald, band director at Tennessee State. “And if our team is winning, they’ll stay. But if our team is not doing very well, as soon as halftime is over a lot of them go back out to continue tailgating.”
Several hours after the Orange Blossom Classic ended, people remained in the parking lot, which was almost completely dark by then. Their tents were still up. The smell of food was still in the air, music still playing.
“This type of environment, especially in our community, is so needed,” Osuji said. “With all the negative stuff that’s going on around the world and around the communities, this is the opportunity to bring people together.”
