In New York City, a beach day isn’t quite as simple as baking in the sun for a few hours. In addition to a lengthy commute, strategic planning, and testy weather conditions, a New York beach day typically becomes more about the full experience than relaxing under an umbrella all day.

If your go-to New York City beach is Coney Island, your day revolves around must-haves like a Nathan’s hot dog, an arcade game or two, squeezing in a Cyclones game, and a long, cinematic train ride to the very end of the line. 

Which of these essentials do you hit up before the day is over?

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do at Coney Island

1. A movie montage moment on the train ride there

Similar to an airport, time doesn’t exist when you commit to the long train ride to Coney Island at the end of an MTA line. At the beginning of your journey, settle into a corner seat with appropriate tunes and remember to stare wistfully out the window once you’ve hit the overground tracks. Expect to experience some emotional catharsis about fleeting time, mortality, or what you’re having for lunch as the train fills and then empties several times before you reach the beach.

2. A moment to breathe in salty air upon your arrival

Brooklyn beach air isn’t going to be as crisp and soothing as what you’ll find in the traditional beach town. You might have traveled to what feels like the outskirts of the world, but that thick summer air with a tinge of rotting garbage is inescapable. However, emerging from the subway and finally reaching the Coney Island boardwalk still calls for a medicinal inhale of a beachy breeze.

3. Debating whether to even sit on the sand and go in the ocean

Coney Island isn’t exactly the go-to choice when you actually want to make the best of the sun and the surf on your beach day. The sand is typically overcrowded, and the waves are rarely that perfect temperature tempting you into a soak. You may lay out your towel for a good half hour before nearby kids begin shoveling sand in your direction or a group’s marijuana smoke drifts too close for your liking. Walk along the shore to disassociate and then relocate further down to Brighton Beach territory if the blend of tourists, local beachgoers, and any and all smells is a little too much.

4. A long wait for lunch at Nathan’s

Whether you line up at the Nathan’s on the boardwalk or the one out on the street, stubbornly waiting way too long for a hot dog with the works and a helpful serving of French fries is a must. The waiting process isn’t a relaxing one, so make the best of it by people-watching around you. Once you have your ideal summer comfort food and a seat with a view of the ocean, the wait will feel worth it.

5. Taking in a Brooklyn Cyclones game

Tucked behind Coney Island’s Luna Park is the minor league baseball stadium that the Brooklyn Cyclones call home. An affiliate of the New York Mets, the Cyclones provide just as much beer, balls, and high spirits as a day at Citi Field would but on a cheaper budget.

6. Daring each other to ride the questionable roller coaster

The Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster is one of the steepest wooden coasters in the world, and when you also consider it’s almost a century old, riding it may require nerves of steel. You and your friends may do a few laps around the amusement park and wonder if this is the time you finally join the Cyclone line. But if you had one hot dog too many, enjoying a tamer ride or just sticking to solid ground might be the safer route.

7. Walking to the end of the pier for sunset photos

There’s no better way to end a summer day than by watching the sunset over the ocean. With the glow of the amusement park rides behind you, walk towards the end of the pier stretching over the water as the light begins to fade. Expect several strangers to ask you to take their photo as you internally panic about missing the best of golden hour. When it’s finally your turn to step into the frame, any frizzy hair or smudged makeup that humidity has caused will look diminished thanks to the sky’s magical array of colors.

8. Having a last-minute indulgence for dessert before the train home

The sun has set, there’s a slight chill in the air, and you’re desperate to shower off the stickiness of sunscreen and sweat. But first, you need something sweet to top off the day, so traipse along the boardwalk one last time for funnel cake, ice cream, or something drenched in chocolate. After you’ve satisfied your sugar craving, it’s time for the train ride back to reality, but Coney Island will always be there for another escape from the summer heat and grime.

* This article was originally published here

WASHINGTON (AP) — A civil rights group is challenging legacy admissions at Harvard University, saying the practice discriminates against students of color by giving an unfair boost to the mostly white children of alumni.

It’s the latest effort in a growing push against legacy admissions, the practice of giving admissions priority to the children of alumni. Backlash against the practice has been building in the wake of last week’s Supreme Court’s decision ending affirmative action in college admissions.

Lawyers for Civil Rights, a nonprofit based in Boston, filed the suit Monday on behalf of Black and Latino community groups in New England, alleging that Harvard’s admissions system violates the Civil Rights Act.

“Why are we rewarding children for privileges and advantages accrued by prior generations?” said Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, the group’s executive director. “Your family’s last name and the size of your bank account are not a measure of merit, and should have no bearing on the college admissions process.”

Opponents say the practice is no longer defensible without affirmative action providing a counterbalance. The court’s ruling says colleges must ignore the race of applicants, activists point out, but schools can still give a boost to the children of alumni and donors.

A separate campaign is urging the alumni of 30 prestigious colleges to withhold donations until their schools end legacy admissions. That initiative, led by Ed Mobilizer, also targets Harvard and other Ivy League schools.

President Joe Biden suggested last week that universities should rethink the practice, saying legacy admissions “expand privilege instead of opportunity.”

Several Democrats in Congress demanded an end to the policy in light of the court’s decision, along with Republicans including Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, who is vying for the GOP presidential nomination.

The new lawsuit draws on Harvard data that came to light amid the affirmative action case that landed before the Supreme Court. The records revealed that 70% of Harvard’s donor-related and legacy applicants are white, and being a legacy student makes an applicant roughly six times more likely to be admitted.

It draws attention to other colleges that have abandoned the practice amid questions about its fairness, including Amherst College and Johns Hopkins University.

The suit alleges that Harvard’s legacy preference has nothing to do with merit and takes away slots from qualified students of color. It asks the U.S. Education Department to declare the practice illegal and force Harvard to abandon it as long as the university receives federal funding. Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

“A spot given to a legacy or donor-related applicant is a spot that becomes unavailable to an applicant who meets the admissions criteria based purely on his or her own merit,” according to the complaint. If legacy and donor preferences were removed, it adds, “more students of color would be admitted to Harvard.”

The suit was filed on behalf of Chica Project, African Community Economic Development of New England, and the Greater Boston Latino Network.

It’s unclear exactly which schools provide a legacy boost and how much it helps. In California, where state law requires schools to disclose the practice, the University of Southern California reported that 14% of last year’s admitted students had family ties to alumni or donors. Stanford reported a similar rate.

An Associated Press survey of the nation’s most selective colleges last year found that legacy students in the freshman class ranged from 4% to 23%. At four schools — Notre Dame, USC, Cornell and Dartmouth — legacy students outnumbered Black students.

Supporters of the policy say it builds an alumni community and encourages donations. A 2022 study of an undisclosed college in the Northeast found that legacy students were more likely to make donations, but at a cost to diversity — the vast majority were white.

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The Associated Press education team receives support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

The post Activists spurred by affirmative action ruling sue Harvard over legacy admissions appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

If you’re a gamer, or just a nostalgic millennial, you’ve likely been all over the news of the world’s largest, playable Donkey Kong arcade game arriving at Rochester’s Strong National Museum of Play, but this ultimate gaming and play haven is now offering even more fun!

That’s because the museum has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 90,000-square-foot-expansion–and the larger than life Donkey Kong game (which stands nearly 20-feet tall and is 370% bigger than the arcade game’s original version) isn’t even half of it.

The new expansion includes one-of-a-kind exhibits dedicated to electronic games, a World Video Game Hall of Fame, a larger-than-life board game themed outdoor park, and more! Highlights include:

• ESL Digital Worlds – a 24,000-square-foot exhibit dedicated to the history and artistry of electronic games
• Hasbro Game Place – a 17,000-square-foot exhibit featuring larger-than-life landscapes inspired by classic Hasbro board games, including an 18-foot fire breathing dragon from Dungeons & Dragons, giant Scrabble tiles, Candy Land’s Forrest of Candy Canes, and more
• Hasbro Game Park – a 1,000-square-foot interactive indoor exhibit celebrating gameplay and the social impact of board games

In addition to the new exhibits, The Strong’s expansion also features a welcome atrium and gift shop, so you can take a piece of the fun home with you.

The museum is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to play, blending the best of history museums and children’s museums to explore the ways in which play encourages learning, creativity, and discovery.

With the newly opened exhibits, the museum expects to welcome nearly one million visitors by 2026.

“We are thrilled to commemorate the successful grand opening of The Strong’s new expansion,” said Steve Dubnik, president & CEO of The Strong. “With the introduction of our interactive exhibits and unique experiences…we hope to continue to inspire and educate through the rich tapestry of play’s history and exploration.”

The museum is located at 1 Manhattan Square Drive in Rochester–just under a 6 hour drive from NYC. It’s open open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Learn more on their website here.

The post Play A 20-Foot DK Arcade Game, Explore A Forest Of Candy Canes, & More At This NY Museum appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

President Joe Biden’s remarks in saluting the Black Press of America during the NNPA’s annual convention in Nashville, making it clear how important African American-owned newspapers remain, underscored the gathering’s theme.

Afterall, the theme of the conference and for this 196th anniversary of the Black Press is: The Black Press of America: Amplifying Progress, Excellence, & Voices of Black America.
“Congratulations to the Black Press of America for celebrating 196 years of serving communities across our nation,” Biden stated in the address which aired on July 1.

“Ida B. Wells once said, the way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon the wrong. That’s the sacred charge of a free press. That’s the charge African American publishers have pursued for nearly two centuries,” Biden continued.

“With every story you publish, you make our democracy stronger. Thank you for what you do to turn the light of truth wherever your work leads you. Thank you.”

Dr. Chavis and NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards praised the President for recognizing the importance of the Black Press of America.

“The NNPA is especially honored to hear directly from President Joe Biden for his continued support and advocacy of the importance of the Black Press of America,” Chavis stated.

“As we celebrate 196 years of the Black Press, it’s always gratifying and encouraging to have the support of the President of the United States. In the wake of the recent U.S.

Supreme Court decisions on civil rights, the Black Press rededicates our journalism to be a clarion voice for freedom, justice, equality, and equity.”

Richards, who completed four years as NNPA Chair, also thanked the President.

“To have the President of the United States take the time out to be a part of our convention is of course special,” Richards related. “But it’s also a testament to just how vital the Black Press remains. Collectively, as Black publishers and Black business owners, we are stronger than ever, and the President’s message reinforces that.”

The week began with a chairman’s reception at the National Museum of African American Music sponsored by Nissan, with greetings and acknowledgments from Richards; Chavis; and convention planning committee chair Terry Jones, the publisher of Data News Weekly in New Orleans.

Rosetta Miller-Perry, the publisher of the Tennessee Tribune, served as host for the week.

The post NNPA wraps convention in Nashville with powerful messages appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

by Jeff Meier (FB: Jeff.Meier.90)

This July, as we endure the latest triple digit temperature heatwave, or navigate flight cancellations in our attempts at a vacation, we can always count on summer music to lighten the mood and keep our heads cool in the comfort of our own backyard.

So, with that in mind, we’re back again this holiday week with the latest update to our popular playlist entitled “Summer Breeze – Soulful Summer Songs.” We introduced this playlist a few years ago and have been updating it annually with both new and old musical finds uncovered deep in the recesses of Spotify.

Open in Spotify

The goal of the playlist is simple – find music by Black artists (or, in a few cases, soul-influenced artists of various ethnic backgrounds) that have the word “summer” in their song title – these songs are literally written about summer.

Some are big BBQ standards, like “Summer Breeze” by the Isley Brothers, Will Smith‘s “Summertime”, Sly & The Family Stone‘s “Hot Fun in the Summertime” and “Summer” by War.

But many are lesser known from across the decades, from artists ranging from Nat King Cole and Nancy Wilson to Anderson.Paak and Aloe Blacc – all unified by their seasonal theme.

This year we’ve added 35 new songs, sprinkled throughout the list. Some are fresh out of the oven, like Chris Brown‘s “Summer Too Hot” and “Summer Renaissance” by Beyoncé. Others include older songs we found anew on Spotify since our last update, from name artists like Uncle Charlie Wilson (“Just Like Summertime”), Rick James (“Summer Love”), Tony! Toni! Toné! (“Til Last Summer”), reggae group Big Mountain (“Reggae Inna Summertime”) and Kelly Rowland (“Summer Dreaming”).

For this OG soul music fan, the most fun, perhaps, is uncovering via the magic of Spotify all sorts of artists new to my ears. Many are already successful with millions of monthly Spotify listeners, such as SiR (“Summer in November”), Fana Hues (a lovely cover of Stevie’s “Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer”), girl group FLO (“Summertime”), Khruangbin (a cool new take on “Summer Madness”) and KYLE (“SummertimeSoul”). 

We’ve also got songs from newcomers like Kenya Vaun (“Summer”), Tay Iwar with Juls (“Summer Breeze”), and NoMBe (“Summer’s Gone” remix with Sonny Alven and Thutmose).

Spotify has opened up American ears to artists from all over the globe that we may never have heard before the internet. South Africa’s Soweto-born DJ Kent brings us the hypnotic “Summer Heartbreak.” Suriname-born Jeangu Macrooy (“Summer Moon”) has represented Netherlands in Eurovision. Pheelz (“Pheelz Like Summer”) is a prolific Nigerian producer/artist with a following in both his home country and throughout Europe. And from the UK comes newcomer Debbie, with her tune “Summer in December.”

Of course, we also had to dig for a few more deep classics. Those include the Chic-like British soul tune “Summer Grooves” by Mirage, doo-wop classics from Ruby & The Romantics (“My Summer Love”), The Danleers (“One Summer Night”), and The Tymes (“Summer Day”), and some newly found standards, including a lovely version of “The Summer Knows” from Leslie Uggams and Sarah Vaughan‘s “The Green Leaves of Summer.” And, love it or hate it, you simply must check out LGBT icon Sylvester‘s version of the Porgy & Bess standard “Summertime” in which the disco star merges Gershwin with Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love.”

If you’ve enjoyed this playlist in the past, here’s the annual reminder to check in with it again for some fresh additions. And if you are new to it, check out all the above and more on what is now a full day’s worth of summer songs with a soulful sensibility to explore. Feel free to let us know in the comments your favorite “summer” songs, including any we’ve missed!

Enjoy!

* This article was originally published here

If you’re staying in the city this Fourth of July weekend there’s plenty to do around town. Here’s a list to keep you and your family busy for celebrating the holiday.

International Arts African Festival

The International African Arts Festival is scheduled to take place through July 4 at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn. The festival is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. rain or shine and features music and dance performances, spoken word events, fashion shows and an arts and crafts market. Tickets are $10 per day. Click here for more information on this year’s festival.

Public Pools and Beaches

The city’s beaches are open with many people staying cool along the miles of coastline in the Big Apple. Beaches are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty. The Park’s Department is advising people to stay away from the water on beaches when lifeguards are not on duty. The over 90 public outdoor swimming pools around the city are also open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. To find the beach or pool near you go to www.nycgovparks.org

Fireworks

There are several fireworks shows scheduled around the city this week. The largest and most widely attended fireworks display is the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks on the East River. Fireworks will be set off at 9:25 p.m. for a 25-minute show. This year’s revelry will launch 60,000 shells and effects from five barges positioned between E. 26th and E. 40th Streets. Check out other fireworks displays around the city during the holiday weekend here.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

If your stomach can handle it, head over to Coney Island on July 4th for Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues on Coney Island. Thousands of spectators are expected to come out to the event. Last year’s men’s winner was Joey Chestnut who ate 63 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Miki Sodu, the women’s winner ate 42 hot dogs. Check out the Nathan’s website for more info.

Public Transportation and Closures

City government offices, libraries, courts, post offices and the DMV and schools will be closed for summer meal programs on Tuesday, July 4. There will be no trash, recycling, or organics collection, nor street cleaning by the Department of Sanitation. Subways and buses will operate on a Saturday schedule. Most banks are also closed for the holiday.

The post Your Fourth of July holiday guide appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here