Culture

Bronx BP Confirms $35 Million in Capital Funding to Bronx Institutions for Fiscal Year 2022

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced on Wednesday, July 14, that his office is providing more than $35 million to institutions across the borough through his Fiscal Year 2022 capital funding allocations.   According to representatives from the borough president’s office, this year, the borough president will allocate $35,880,000 to 130 total projects. This includes funding for nearly 100 education projects, park upgrades, healthcare technology, improvements to cultural facilities, the creation of over 900 units of new housing, as well as the redesign and redevelopment of Orchard Beach and the design of the Universal Hip Hop Museum.   “Through these funding allocations,


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Consecration of African Burial Ground at Van Cortlandt Park on Juneteenth

By SÍLE MOLONEY & MIRIAM QUIÑONES
  In gratitude for the sacrifice of the African Ancestors who built what is now Van Cortlandt Park, the African Burial Ground located within the park, was consecrated during a special, live-streamed Juneteenth ceremony on June 19.   Cultural consultant, Peggy King Jorde, hosted the proceedings. According to newjersey.com, King Jorde has been involved in memorializing and preserving African burial grounds for nearly 30 years, after what started as a one-time project on a Manhattan site during her time working in the design and construction office of former New York City mayor, the late David Dinkins. That work grew into


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Fordham Flea Market Attracts Vendors from all over The Bronx

Vendors and small businesses from all over The Bronx gathered at the new Fordham Flea Market to display their wares during its grand opening on Sunday, July 27, as shoppers showed up to support local enterprise.   As it was a hot day, sellers congregated under tents and music was heard in the background, keeping the day moving along amid a convivial and relaxed atmosphere. Local handicrafts, arts and crafts, gifts, accessories, and self-care products were among the items on sale at the market.   According to the market’s organizers, the goal is primarily to support those local businesses which


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Neighborhood Notes on a Youth Run Farm Stand, Fostering a Guinea Pig, Help for Small Businesses & More

COVID-19 Updates COVID-19 restrictions are now lifted, as 70% of adults have received their first dose of the vaccine. New York State’s health guidance and industry specific guidelines are now optional across commercial and social settings. Effective May 19, New York State has adopted the CDC’s Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People for most businesses and public settings.   See more information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html. See New York’s guidance for implementing the new CDC recommendations on https://forward.ny.gov/. The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through December 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or directly


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Out & About: Toddler Obstacle Course, HITT Cross Training Circuit, ¡Jazz Puertorriqueño! & More

By SARAH HUFFMAN & SÍLE MOLONEY
                                                                                      Editor’s Pick  Come learn, play and compete in the 2021 Girls Flag Football Season. Three NYC Parks sites in the Bronx are hosting clinics, leagues, and tournaments for girls. The Weekly Instructional Series/Clinics includes instructional drills and strategies for girls ages 10-17. The Bronx instructional series of Girls Flag Football Clinics will be held July 12  to


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Fourth of July Traffic Advisory and Street Closures

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York City Police Department announced on Friday that street closures will take place during the Macy’s Annual Fireworks Display over the East River. The event takes place on Sunday, July 4, 2021, beginning at about 9.20 p.m. and ends at around 9.50 p.m.   The department reminds spectators that no large backpacks, large coolers, lawn chairs, lawn blankets, umbrellas or alcoholic beverages will be allowed in the viewing areas. All restricted items are subject to search and seizure. Drivers are advised to use public transportation and avoid the following locations between 2 p.m. and 2 a.m.   MACY’S


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Pelham Parkway: Muslim Community Holds BBQ, Toy Giveaway & Car Rally for Mark Eid

By MIRIAM QUIÑONES & SÍLE MOLONEY
  ICNA Relief/Muslims for Humanity, the NYPD, Smiles through Cars, the Muslim & Immigrant Coalition for Justice, Bronx Community Council for Unity, Faith & Humanity, the Chaplain for the State of New York, and Empire Blue Cross, Blue Shield joined forces for an Eid celebration on Sunday, May 16, at 2141 Bronx Park East, in Pelham Parkway, following the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.   The celebration consisted of a barbecue, a toy giveaway and a car rally and was billed as a historical event in which “all faiths and community leaders were invited to participate.”  


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Immigrant Heritage Month: Espaillat Holds Roundtable on Immigration Reform

By SÍLE MOLONEY
U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), FWD.us and New York community leaders and immigrants will hold a roundtable on Tuesday, June 29, to mark Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM), a month which has been celebrated each June for the last eight years, and recognized by many state and federal leaders, including President Joe Biden.   As IHM comes to an end, Espaillat’s office representatives said the roundtable discussion will celebrate the many contributions made by immigrants to New York, will highlight the benefits that immigrants bring to the State, and will discuss what they describe as the critical need for legislation to


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UPDATE: International Salsa Museum Seeks Home in the Bronx’s Kingsbridge Armory

By ARACELIS BATISTA, DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY
  The following is an extended version of the story that appears in our latest print edition. Music industry professionals have joined forces to form the concept for the International Salsa Museum (ISM) in The Bronx and organizers recently held a press conference in Kingsbridge Heights, outside the massive Kingsbridge Armory which they hope will, someday, be the home of “El Condado de la Salsa.”   The ISM is a non-profit which was created to educate and increase the public’s awareness of salsa and to “preserve salsa music’s rich cultural history.” It was founded by musician, music director, and producer, Willy


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