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Mental health in the workplace is becoming a widespread issue regardless of business or industry. Understanding this concept is challenging because every employee is unique, and so are their needs. Employee mental health is a key aspect to focus on for businesses that want to have a thriving, high-performing workforce. In this article, we’ll discuss…
In another effort to strongly support the LGBTQ+ community, NYC Mayor Eric Adams today signed Executive Order 32 to protect access to gender-affirming health care in NYC. The executive order prevents the use of city resources to detain any individual who is providing or receiving gender-affirming healthcare services in New York City. Additionally, the executive order…
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced a major expansion of “Summer Streets.” Bringing the popular program to all five boroughs over five Saturdays between July and August and doubling its size to span car-free 20 miles. The five-borough Summer Streets program builds…
The Biden-Harris administration will host a highly anticipated Juneteenth concert on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday, June 13.
The concert, set to coincide with Black Music Month, will showcase a star-studded lineup including renowned artists such as Jennifer Hudson, Method Man, Audra McDonald, Step Afrika!, Colman Domingo, Ledisi, Patina Miller, and the Tennessee State University Marching Band, Aristocrat of Bands.
Juneteenth, a significant holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, holds even greater importance this year after President Biden signed it into law in 2021, designating June 19 as National Independence Day.
The historical origins of Juneteenth trace back to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce to enslaved individuals that they were finally free.
This momentous event occurred nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
Speaking at the bill signing ceremony, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the day’s significance, stating, “We have come far, and we have far to go. But today is a day of celebration. It is not only a day of pride but a day to rededicate ourselves to action.”
The Juneteenth concert will serve as a festive celebration and pay homage to Black Music Month.
The White House said it intends to uplift American art forms that resonate with the soul of the American experience.
Among the featured artists, Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, singer and talk show host Jennifer Hudson, and Cliff “Method Man” Smith, a member of the legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, will grace the stage with their extraordinary talents.
Juneteenth’s historical significance as the day when the last enslaved individuals in the United States learned of their freedom holds a deep and powerful meaning.
“This is a day of profound weight and profound power, a day in which we remember the moral stain and the terrible toll that slavery took on the country and continues to take,” President Biden remarked.
He said with Juneteenth solidified as a federal holiday, commemorations and celebrations are poised to grow and evolve, as exemplified by events like the White House concert.
Biden also noted that the concert will serve to highlight Black Music Appreciation Month. Earlier this month, the president issued a proclamation highlighting Black entertainers in the music industry.
“Much of Black music is rooted in African rhythms, coupled with the experience of slavery and struggle in America,” the president asserted.
“Barred from expressing themselves in their native tongues, enslaved people developed a language to articulate their hopes, dreams, sense of loss, and tenacity to overcome the harrowing nature of their lives.”
He concluded that all should celebrate the music and artists “that challenge us to think critically, stand up to injustice, and believe in ourselves.”
“We recommit to expanding the promise of dignity and opportunity for all Americans,” Biden insisted. “And we revel in the sounds, spirit, and soul of some of the very best music ever created.”
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In a ceremony on the floor of the New York State Senate and Assembly on June 7, the legislature honored the legacy of renowned singer, actor, producer, EGOT winner and legendary civil rights trailblazer Harry Belafonte, who passed away on April 25 at the age of 96.
Senate Resolution 861 reads in part: “Whereas, it is the sense of the Legislative Body to honor and pay tribute to those musical geniuses whose commitment and creative talents contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their community and the entire state of New York….and Whereas, it is the custom of this Legislative Body to remember the life and accomplishments of legendary musician, Harry Belafonte, whose illustrious career will forever live in the hearts of many and continue to inspire generations to come…”
The resolution was sponsored by Senators Andrea Stewart-Cousins and co-sponsored by Cordell Cleare.Cleare, representing Harlem, introduced the Belafonte resolution.
“Harry Belafonte, a true icon and advocate for social justice, has impacted the world through his music, activism, and unwavering commitment to equality,” Cleare said in a statement. “His voice has resonated across generations, inspiring us to confront injustice and work towards a better future. As a beloved figure with deep ties to Harlem, we gather today to honor Harry Belafonte and embrace continuing his legacy of using art and activism to uplift the marginalized and fight for a more just society. May his influence forever guide us in our pursuit of a more equitable and compassionate world.”
Receiving the resolution on behalf of Harry and Pamela Belafonte were Ken Sunshine, Belafonte’s longtime spokesperson and founder of Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis and Voza Rivers, co-founder of Harlem’s award winning New Heritage Theatre Group and vice president of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.
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Netflix the reigning titan of streaming, just announced its “Strong Black Summer” slate that includes must-watch films and series from rom-com for viewers like you. Thriller and comedy with storytelling that covers the spectrum of the Black experience. The titles include The Perfect Find, June 23, 2023, featuring Gabrielle Union, Keith Powers, Gina Torres, and…
