Culture

Memorial Day Celebrated Across The Bronx

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Memorial Day was formally marked across The Bronx on and in the lead up to Monday, May 26, at various venues and at various events. It comes as the Trump administration’s U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire tycoon, Elon Musk, cut thousands of positions at the VA across the country, as previously reported in February.

UPDATE Elected Officials Pay Tribute to the Former Late Congressman Charles Rangel

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Various New York and Bronx elected officials have paid tribute to the civil rights leader and former Democratic U.S. Congressman Charles Rangal who represented New York’s 13th congressional district from 1971 to 2017 and who died on May 26, at the age of 94, when he was succeeded by Congressman Adriano Espaillat. The district covers Harlem and much of Northern Manhattan, as well as the Western Bronx. 

Music Program Thriving under Erin Reik at P.S. / M.S. 95 Sheila Mencher School

By P.S. / M.S. 95 Staff
Under the leadership of Principal Serge Marshall Davis, P.S. / M.S. 95, the Sheila Mencher School, has a thriving music program. Erin Reik, who holds a Bachelor of Music in classical vocal performance from William Paterson University and a Masters of Art in teaching from Lehman College, is the music teacher shepherding the program to new heights.

Unity Democrats Announce Endorsements in Upcoming Democratic Primary

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Unity Democratic Club announced their official endorsements for multiple political races in the upcoming 2025 primary elections in late February. These included City Council Member Justin Brannan (C.D. 43) who represents parts of Brooklyn for the role of NYC comptroller, a role currently held by Brad Lander, City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. (C.D. 17) for Bronx borough president, a role currently held by Vanessa L. Gibson, Danielle Herbert Guggenheim, a Unity Democrat member and former vice-president, for City Council District 11, a role currently held by Eric Dinowitz, and finally incumbent City Council Member Pierina Sanchez for District 14.

NYPL Kicks Off Anti-Prom at Clason Point Library

By SÍLE MOLONEY
To close out Bronx Week 2025 with an evening of fun, the New York Public Library is hosting its annual Anti-Prom event on Friday, May 16, at Clason’s Point Library, 1215 Morrison Avenue.

Co-Directors of “Mean Girls” Launch Free 2-Week Acting Camp Open to High School Students

By SÍLE MOLONEY
This summer, Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne, co-directors behind the “Mean Girls” movie, are launching “The Yes Bus Acting Camp” in New York City for the very first time. They said this free, two-week, acting camp is open to all high school students in New York and New Jersey with a special focus on uplifting young performers from immigrant and underserved communities.

Gary Axelbank is The “People’s Choice” for Bronx Week 2025

By ARIEL PACHECO & SÍLE MOLONEY
The Bronx Tourism Council, along with The Office of the Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, kicked off Bronx Week 2025 during an opening ceremony at the Bronx Museum of the Arts on May 6, with the announcement of this year’s Bronx “Walk of Fame” inductees. This year, the People’s Choice Award went to journalist, DJ, and longtime BronxNet TV host, Gary Axelbank.

Denzel Washington Speaks to Fordham University Students & Faculty About His Work on “Othello”

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Members of the Fordham University community, including current students, faculty, and President Tania Tetlow, had the opportunity to attend a special performance of Othello in early May, starring the university’s famous and “beloved” alumnus, Denzel Washington, FCLC ’77, in the title role, followed by an exclusive sit-down conversation with the two-time Oscar winner and other cast members.