diversity & inclusion

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.

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.

Norwood: Decatur Ave Home Used by Gang Broken into Again

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY
Nearly five months after federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) raided a Norwood building used by gang members at 3267 Decatur Avenue, and almost two months after federal prosecutors announced the seizure of the building through the courts, to the relief of block residents, workers were seen sealing the two-story home at the end of March. One month later, on April 30, the home was broken into and not for the first time.

Bailey Joins NBA Vet Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to Push for Insurance Coverage for Stuttering Treatment

By SILE MOLONEY
State Sen. Jamaal T. Bailey (S.D. 36), who broadly represents the Bronx neighborhoods of Woodlawn Heights, Wakefield, Edenwald, Williamsbridge, Olinville, Allerton, Pelham Gardens, Co-Op City, Baychester, Parkside Housing Project, Eastchester, Laconia, as well as Mount Vernon in Westchester County, is joining forces with stuttering champion and NBA Veteran Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to advocate for New York’s stuttering community.

Old Fordham Library Debate Heats Up

By ARIEL PACHECO
District 15 City Council Member Oswald Feliz (C.D. 15) hosted a town hall Wednesday, April 23, for residents to gather ideas and explore possibilities for the future use of the old Fordham Library building, located at 2556 Bainbridge Avenue in Fordham Manor.