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

Walt Disney World Resort was centerstage Sunday at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture to announce the opening of applications and nominations for the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy.

Gospel singing star Pastor Mike Jr., joined Disney on stage during the announcement that was part of an informational session on the Essence stage in front of thousands of spectators.    

The transformational program, which includes a four-day annual event in March at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, is designed to broaden career and personal development for a select group of 100 teens from Black and underrepresented communities across America.

Students looking to achieve their dreams can apply and, for the first time this year, be nominated for the program at www.DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. The application process opens Monday and runs through October. The 100 selected students will receive an all-expense-paid trip along with one parent or guardian to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to experience a combination of inspiration, education and fun at The Most Magical Place on Earth. 

“We’re seeking the next generation of big dreamers to bring to Walt Disney World for the 17^th year of this life-changing program,” said Disney Signature Experiences vice president Tracey D. Powell, who is also the program’s executive champion. “Any teen in your life who aspires to achieve their goals should apply. You never know where it could take them!”  

The Disney Dreamers Academy introduces the teens to an array of new opportunities, such as sessions teaching valuable life tools, leadership skills, effective communication techniques and networking strategies.
 
Students attend in-depth workshops in a variety of disciplines aligned with their dreams. These workshops introduce the Disney Dreamers to diverse career paths within business, entertainment, and sciences, including career opportunities within The Walt Disney Company.
 
In her role as Disney Dreamers Academy Ambassador, actor and singer Halle Bailey, who plays the lead role as Ariel in the live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” was part of many special moments during this year’s event, sharing her own personal struggles and lessons on her path to success. She also personally hosted two aspiring filmmakers from the class at the world premiere of “The Little Mermaid.”
 
Over the years, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,500 students from across the country. Each year, graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, performing artists, entrepreneurs, Disney Cast Members and more, and some have transitioned into mentors to the Disney Dreamers who followed them.

The post Applications open for Disney Dreamers Academy appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here