GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION on the Grand Concourse near St. Philip Neri Church Friday, April 3, 2026. V1 Video by Miriam Quiñones

Editor’s Note: The following is an extended version of the story that appears in our latest print edition.

Bronx Christians recently observed Good Friday and celebrated Easter Sunday, marking the end of 40 days of Lent which, according to various sources, is a period of repentance, the purpose of which is the preparation for Easter through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, as well as mortifying the flesh, simply living, and self-denial.

 

Congregants of Bedford Park’s St. Philip Neri Church, located at 3025 Grand Concourse, observed Good Friday with a procession and reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Friday, April 3. A few streets were blocked off by the police cars though not for long as the group crossed the street to the other side of the Grand Concourse at 201st Street.

GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION on the Grand Concourse near St. Philip Neri Church Friday, April 3, 2026. V2 Video by Miriam Quiñones

Meanwhile, the same day, community-based organization Theory9 hosted a Good Friday food pantry at Our Lady of Angels Church, located at 2860 Sedgwick Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights. It followed what organizers said was a long night of celebration on Thursday, April 2, (Holy Thursday) at  the Theory9 Autism Awareness Spectrum Festival at the New School for Leadership & Arts located at 120 West 231st Street, also in Kingsbridge Heights. It was described as “a community event that brought together families, youth and community partners for a day centered on connection, creativity and support for children of all abilities.” 

 

Meanwhile, organizers of the Good Friday giveaway said they remained committed to showing up for the community following the festival, and at around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, immediately after Good Friday service, they set up outside the church steps to provide families with “a little something extra for the refrigerator.”

As reported, Theory9 is a Bronx-based organization focused on youth development and community support that has been working alongside New York Common Pantry for over four years, continuing what members said is consistent monthly service to address food insecurity across Kingsbridge and the greater Bronx.

 

Organizers said the father and deacon of Our Lady of Angels Church had shared “the good word” with the congregation about the food giveaway and as the doors opened after the service, a wave of elderly women stepped out alongside their grandchildren.

Nearby, they said a vendor selling treats caught the attention of kids, who quickly formed a line as fathers and grandfathers made small purchases. Meanwhile, they said mothers and grandmothers stood patiently nearby as Theory9 volunteers distributed food, and within less than 10 minutes, over 100 bags of groceries, including perishables, canned goods, milk, and goody bags from Bronx Community Board 8 were distributed to over 100 Bronx residents.

 

The food giveaway was led by Shakir “Chip” Seagers, founder of Theory9, and Izaiah “Zeek” Barrow, Theory9 co-founder, alongside Rising Kings youth basketball coach, David “Super Dave” Seager.

Barrow reflected on how the Good Friday giveaway came together, saying, “‘Chip’ and I laughed at the fact we might have to host a pop-up pantry because we had so many bags left over [from their Autism Awareness Spectrum Festival]. Then the Deacon reached out with his Good Friday blessings, and here we are.”

 

The Good Friday pantry followed a prior distribution hosted by Theory9 on Friday, March 27. Through continued partnerships, organizers said they were able to secure additional groceries that supported both their regular pantry efforts and their Autism Awareness event, ensuring nothing went to waste and more families were served.

They said the back-to-back effort reflects what they described as their hands-on approach to ensuring resources are not only distributed, but maximized for community impact.

 

They said the group regularly hosts food pantries on the last Friday of each month in front of Marie Curie High School in Kingsbridge Heights for medical, nursing, and health professions.

As reported, two teens were hospitalized on Wednesday, Feb. 11, after one was slashed and one was stabbed at 2897 Sedgwick Avenue, in the vicinity of the high school. The assault took place on the same day as 16-year-old student and promising football player Christopher Redding was fatally shot at Broadway and West 238th Street in nearby Kingsbridge, shocking the local community. A number of arrests have since been announced by police in connection with the case and charges filed. (More to follow)

Meanwhile, Theory9 organizers went on to say that through partnerships with the Community Police Relations Foundation, Boost Mobile, Metro Plus Health, and local elected officials, including Council Member Pierina Sanchez (C.D.14), Theory9 continues to expand its reach and impact.

 

“As everyday costs continue to rise, efforts like these remain a steady source of support for many Bronx families,” they said, adding that food needs remain real and visible and with food gone in minutes, it only highlights how many families rely on consistent, community-based support.

 

“We happily do this work knowing we are giving back to our community,” said David Seagers. “And we’re going to keep showing up for our people every chance we get.”

Theory9 is actively seeking volunteers and sponsors to help sustain and grow its efforts. For volunteer or sponsorship inquiries, contact Theory9 at www.wearetheory9.com. The next food pantry will take place on April 24, at 12 p.m. in front of Marie Curie High School.

 

The following day, kids enjoyed various Spring Easter Egg Hunts in the Williamsbridge Oval Park in Norwood, in St. James Park in Fordham Manor and elsewhere. Around 100 children and their parents participated in the Oval’s festivities with some seen taking photos with the Easter Bunny, Crusaders for Children’s Rights, and State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33). World Yo-Yo Champion Brian Melford from The Bronx taught dozens of kids how to Yo-Yo, in hopes of bringing back this old-school fun game.

Around 100 children and their parents participated in the festivities, which included egg hunting, a magic show, coloring, and building blocks. Attendees also enjoyed taking photographs with “Justy” the Bunny alongside representatives from Crusaders for Children’s Rights, State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33), and representatives from NYC Parks’ department.

 

While the event was well-received, one parent expressed some safety concerns, specifically her fears following more recent violence reported in the Oval park, specifically a recent brutal gang assault on a young teenage girl who is missing according to the teen’s mother. It followed the horrific murder last year of 14-year-old Ángel Miguel Mendoza Hernández who was fatally stabbed during a prior group assault in the Oval on Aug. 5, 2025.

Also participating in the event was world Yo-Yo champion Brian Melford from The Bronx, who donates hundreds of yo-yos, hosts free raffles, and teaches dozens of kids on an ongoing basis how to yo-yo, planting new seeds across the borough, all in hopes of bringing an old-school game to a new generation.

 

Melford said he has traveled the world competing and showcasing his talent, including in Japan, Italy, and the Czech Republic to name a few places, while also designing what he said are some of the World’s best yo-yos.