Author: tourist_yp6g7u

Preceding Juneteenth, the New York City Department of Small Businesses Services (SBS) unveiled an online business directory listing over 3,300 Black-owned businesses across the city. The SBS’s Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC) spearheaded the endeavor.

While Black people comprise 22% of the New York City population, they only own 2% of the city’s small businesses. Supporters of the website called the Shop Black initiative positive for the community, entrepreneurs, and the general economy. The launch of the directory also coincided with the historic Black holiday, Juneteenth, which celebrates the liberation of slavery for all people across the United States. 

“When we support our Black-owned small businesses, we support the entire city,” said

Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services Kevin D. Kim. “The Shop Black NYC directory serves to boost Black entrepreneurship by encouraging New Yorkers and tourists alike to shop Black and shop local, which in turn allows our neighborhoods to grow and prosper as new businesses take root.”

SBS created BE NYC in 2019 to address racial disparities between entrepreneurs and generate more Black-owned businesses. The organization obtains this goal by developing Black entrepreneurs in emerging industries, connecting with community members, and giving access to equitable financing.

Before the inception of this director, there was no central list of Black-owned businesses in New York City outside of the state’s certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. Kenneth Ebie, BE NYC’s Executive Director & Chief Development Officer, was tasked with creating the comprehensive list of companies.

He said this initiative will help Black-owned businesses generate revenue through an online presence. BE NYC will add businesses to the directory through social media promotions and its relationships with the borough chambers of commerce, as well as from its engagement with communities at events and activities across the city.

“The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the New York City Department of Small Business Services as it announces that it has reached an outstanding milestone of having 300,000-plus businesses to be listed on its Shop Black NYC Directory,” said President of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Lloyd Williams. “Congratulations to the amazing SBS Commissioner Kevin Kim and his outstanding associate, Kenneth Ebie.”

Growing Black businesses is an arduous and necessary task to reach equity in one of the largest economies in the world. More than one in five New Yorkers are, yet they still lack the necessary funds, education, and experience to survive in this market, according to BE NYC’s 2020 report.

The report found that while the majority of Black-owned businesses started with a passion for business ownership, many vital factors challenged success. Access to capital, guidance, customer outreach, and affordable workspaces were the critical limitations to starting their businesses. With the help of BE NYC and its community partners, the initiative aims to demystify the process and help entrepreneurs follow their passions.

“Knowledge is power,” Ebie said. “With Shop Black NYC, we are empowering all New Yorkers with access to information on over 3,300 local Black-owned local businesses that they can support during this important holiday and throughout the year. Equally importantly, listed businesses will benefit from a direct pipeline of valuable information and business resources available from SBS, supporting their ability to survive, thrive and continue to enrich the fabric of our great City.”

The post NYC launches Black-owned business directory appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

The stands at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn were packed for Sunday afternoon’s New York Liberty game against the Phoenix Mercury. No doubt, people were eager to see Britney Griner’s first game in the city since being released from a Russian prison last December in a prisoner swap after being detained in the country for 10 months. Griner was arrested on February 17 and found to be in possession of vape cartridges that contained cannabis oil, which is illegal in Russia. The 32-year-old from Houston, Texas was subsquently sentenced to nine years imprisonment in a penal colony. 

Back in comfortable surroundings, Griner shared warm hugs with Liberty coach Sandy Brondello, who previously coached the Mercury, and her Olympic teammate Breanna Stewart. Griner sat out the game due to a sore hip. Also sidelined for the Mercury was long-time Mercury star Diana Taurasi, one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, who was nursing a sore hamstring.

RELATED: Starting the season strongly, the Liberty show championship potential

“It was definitely great seeing BG; it was my first time seeing her since she’s gotten back. So, it was a little emotional seeing her, but also I’m really proud of the way she’s kind of handling everything on and off the court,” noted Stewart. “She’s an inspiration to really everybody, and I’m just happy she’s home safe and back with us in the WNBA,” said Stewart.

The Liberty prevailed over the Mercury 89–71 to improve to 7-3. When the WNBA schedule began on Tuesday night, the Liberty had the third best record in the 12-team league behind the 10-1 Las Vegas Aces and 9-3 Connecticut Sun. The Mercury were last at 2-8. Stewart continued her MVP-worthy season with 28 points, seven assists and 14 rebounds. Jonquel Jones, the 2021 WNBA MVP with the Sun, had her first double-double with New York, contributing 13 points and 11 rebounds.

All 10 active Liberty players saw minutes—Sabrina Ionescu did not play due to a hamstring issue. “I thought they’ve been doing well in practice, so they should be rewarded for that,” said Brondello of her bench. “They competed well. We’re going to need them as we move forward.” The game also marked the return to the roster of Brooklyn native Epiphanny Prince. She was re-signed by the team to a hardship contract late last week after starting the season with the Liberty then being released  

Marine Johannès continues to show impressive play, contributing 10 points, three assists and three steals. “I made some mistakes, but I think I tried to not think about the last action too much and I just played confident,” said Johannès. Stewart praised Johannès’ ability to see the floor and find the open player.

The Liberty is on the road for a game tomorrow against the Atlanta Dream and then return to Barclays Center on Sunday afternoon to take on the Washington Mystics.

The post Liberty continue to remain near the top of the WNBA standings appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

I just came from a two-week taste of Japan. I ate primarily in Tokyo. WOW!!! The food in the subways is better than at many restaurants in NYC, Los Angeles, or Miami. The little hole in the wall joints served beer and all sorts of savory snacks. The numerous malls tend to have food halls in the basement that carry a wide variety of sumptuous desserts and meals. Below are several food families and concepts for you to consider when eating in Japan. Just remember that there are no garbage cans on the street, so walking and eating is not generally done. The Japanese food that is in North America is different to a degree from what is served in Japan. Itadakimasu, which translates to “I hereby partake,” is the premeal salutation! One says this with delight and often while visiting this fantasy food nation!

Fish: The fish was as fresh and flavorful as I had ever tried. Have it in sushi, sashimi, or in tempura!

Curries: The curries that go on top of rice were thick, rich, and aromatic. Some have meat in them, while others are vegetarian. Curry is drunk as soup and sometimes tops noodles or meats. 

Bento: Boxed meals often served at lunch or sporting games in subways

Tempura: Tempura is an artform. Food is battered and then fried. It is filling and sometimes fluffy. 

Dumplings: Dumplings are made every way imaginable and filled with everything from cheese to chicken and chive. They can be steamed or fried. 

Kakigori: This is shaved ice that has fruit, cream, and flavor added to it. There are parlors to sit on a hot day and enjoy this traditional treat.

Futomaki: Thick rolled sushi

Mochi: Steamed rice that has been pounded into glutinous cakes and used in desserts. Often has a filling in the cake, such as red bean. 

Konbini: Konbini are convenience stores that are open 24/7 and sell prepared foods, treats, and drinks. 

Soba Noodles: Made in multiple colors from different ingredients and can be served at every meal. This is the foundation of many meals. People add curry, soy sauces, vegetables, meats, and eggs to the soba.

Miso Soup: A clear, brothy vegetarian soup that often has tofu in it.

Katsudon: A bowl of rice topped with a deep-fried pork cutlet. Add curry and it becomes a filling meal. 

Nikujaga: Hearty, flavorful potato and beef stew often served over rice or soba.

Sake: Japanese rice wine with an alcohol content of about 17% that can be served warm or cold. Sake can be added to seltzer to make it sparking. Cake baked with sake is moist and delicious.

Okonomiyaki: Okonomiyaki is like a Japanese pizza pancake that guests make themselves on a hot table at a restaurant. It tends to have egg, flour, and cabbage as its base. People then add meat and vegetables to their liking. Top it with a glorious glaze, and you have a nourishing meal. 

Buns: Buns are filled with meats, fish, scallions, and vegetables and measure around four inches in diameter and served steaming hot.

Macha: Green tea that is ground up for drinking and adding to desserts. It is high in caffeine and antioxidants. 

Gotchisosama: This is the formal salutation at the end of meal that translates to “That was a sumptuous meal!” The majority of the meals and snacks I ate in Japan were memorable, mouth-watering, decadent, and very fresh. 

The post The Joy of Japanese Food  appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

, but it’s easy to explore other cultures and cuisines by experimenting in the kitchen. 

If you’re looking to transport your taste buds to the shores of Spain or the beaches of Greece, one of the best places to start is with the Mediterranean Diet. Renowned chef Geoffrey Zakarian recommends these tips to help home cooks elevate their dishes and easily incorporate the popular diet into everyday cooking.

Reach for Pantry Staples. There’s no single definition of the Mediterranean Diet, but it’s high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil and seafood. By keeping your pantry stocked with canned versions of ingredients like beans and fish you can easily add them to your favorite dishes. Yellowfin Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates, and Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle are flavorful ways to bring Mediterranean flair to your dinner table. 

Add Seafood. Eating more seafood is one of the leading principles of the Mediterranean Diet. Tuna salad is one tried-and-true dish that can help incorporate fish into your menu. To make it more nutritious, opt for tuna that’s packed in extra-virgin olive oil, so you don’t have to add much mayo to the base. For example, Genova Premium Tuna provides a tasteful addition to recipes and is high in protein, a great source of omega-3s and has a uniquely rich and savory flavor that offers a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.

Visit GenovaSeafood.com for more recipe inspiration.

Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle

Prep time: 15-20 minutes

Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Servings: 4

6 ounces Genova Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil 

¼ cup balsamic vinegar 

1 dried bay leaf 

1 sprig fresh rosemary 

⅓ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons capers, drained 

2 anchovies 

½ lemon, juice only (about 1½ tablespoons) 

raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumber spears, endive leaves, sliced fennel and bell pepper strips, for dipping 

Drain tuna, reserving 2 tablespoons oil.

In small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Bring to boil and reduce until syrupy, about 1 tablespoon. Let cool slightly; discard bay leaf and rosemary sprig. 

In blender or food processor, process tuna and reserved oil, mayonnaise, capers, anchovies and lemon juice to make smooth dip. Transfer to flat serving bowl. Drizzle with balsamic syrup. Serve with raw vegetables.

Yellowfin Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates 

Prep time: 20-30 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Servings: 4

2 cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, drained

½ cup pine nuts

4 cups arugula

1 garlic clove 

2 tablespoons butter (optional)

1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus additional for garnish (optional)

2 lemons, zest only (optional)

½ teaspoon kosher salt 

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil 

8 ounces whole-wheat orecchiette 

½ cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

½ cup dates, pitted and quartered 

¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped 

¼ cup dill, chopped (optional)

¼ cup parsley, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 325⁰ F.

On a sheet tray, toast pine nuts 8-12 minutes, or until golden. Set aside to cool.

Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Prepare ice water bath by filling large bowl with cold water and ice. Stir arugula into boiling water and cook until bright green and tender, about 30 seconds. Drain arugula, immediately shock in ice water and set aside to fully drain; cover with towel.  

In blender or food processor, add arugula; garlic; pine nuts; butter, if desired; Parmigiano-Reggiano; lemon zest, if desired; salt; and pepper. Puree on high, incorporating olive oil to desired thickness.  

Place pesto in bowl and cover tightly to avoid discoloring. 

Bring large pot of salted water to boil. 

Add pasta and return to boil, stirring occasionally. Taste pasta for doneness 2 minutes earlier than package instructions. Once cooked, drain and transfer to large bowl. Do not rinse.  

Add pesto gently until evenly distributed. Fold in tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, dates and olives.

Divide between shallow bowls and finish with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano, dill and parsley, if desired.(Family Features)

The post Add Mediterranean flair to your dinner table appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has issued a new recommendation stating that adults aged 19 to 64 in the United States should undergo screening for anxiety disorders.

This marks the first final recommendation from the task force regarding anxiety disorder screening in adults, including pregnant and postpartum individuals.

However, the USPSTF found insufficient evidence to support screening for anxiety in older adults.

The recommendation also aligns with the task force’s previous guidance from 2016, which advised screening all adults for major depressive disorder, including pregnant or postpartum individuals and older adults.

The USPSTF is an independent group of medical experts whose recommendations influence doctors’ decisions and insurance plans.

In recent years, the prevalence of clinical depression has been steadily increasing in the United States, but it experienced a significant surge during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in six adults will experience depression.

Although depression and anxiety are distinct conditions, they often coexist.
Consequently, screening recommendations can help clinicians identify patients who may require treatment for both conditions or either one.

The USPSTF researchers emphasized the need for more robust screening, as most individuals with anxiety disorders do not receive treatment within the first year of symptoms, or sometimes ever.

Only 11% of US adults with an anxiety disorder sought treatment within the first year of onset, according to research by the USPSTF.

The median time to treatment initiation was 23 years.

In a study involving 965 primary care patients, only 41% of those with an anxiety disorder received treatment.

Medical professionals can perform screening for anxiety disorders using questionnaires and scales that evaluate symptoms like feeling on edge, uncontrollable worrying, and difficulty relaxing.

Similarly, screening for depression includes questions about feeling hopeless, having trouble concentrating, losing interest in daily activities, or having thoughts of self-harm.

Major depressive disorder is diagnosed when an individual experiences at least two weeks of persistent sadness or a lack of interest in everyday activities.

If there’s a positive screening result, it should be confirmed through a diagnostic assessment to determine symptom severity and identify any additional psychological concerns.

Subsequently, health experts said appropriate care should be provided to patients.

The USPSTF said it acknowledges that potential harms of screening include false positives, which may lead to unnecessary appointments or treatment.

However, for most adults, screening and subsequent care can alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety disorders and depression.

Effective treatments for anxiety disorders encompass psychotherapy (talk therapy) with a therapist, medications like antidepressants or beta blockers, and relaxation or stress management therapies.

Treatment options for depression include antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.

The USPSTF’s recommendation emphasizes that if left untreated, major depressive disorder can hinder daily functioning and increase the risk of cardiovascular events, exacerbate comorbid conditions, or lead to higher mortality rates.

Only about half of individuals with major depression are correctly identified.
Research also indicates that anxiety disorders and depression may be associated with suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and other self-destructive behaviors.

However, the new USPSTF recommendations state that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend screening specifically for suicide risk in adults who are not displaying signs or symptoms.

This stance aligns with the task force’s previous recommendation from 2014, and the USPSTF has called for further research to understand suicide risks among asymptomatic individuals better.

The post New recommendation calls for anxiety disorder screening in adults appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here