diversity & inclusion

Op-Ed: Creative Arts Therapy, A Lifeline for New Yorkers in Crisis

By MARIA PATUHAS
As a social worker working on an acute psychiatric unit in The Bronx, I see every day how creative arts therapists make a profound difference in the lives of some of our city’s most vulnerable residents. It’s time for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to make creative arts therapy accessible outside of the hospital, too, by signing S1001/A3391 into law [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1001].

UPDATE City Council Votes “Yes” on Latest Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment “The Kingsbridge Center”

By SÍLE MOLONEY
In the most hopeful sign yet for residents of Kingsbridge Heights, who have long awaited real momentum behind the redevelopment of the long-vacant, City-owned Kingsbridge Armory, the New York City Council voted “yes” on the latest redevelopment project, “The Kingsbridge Center (El Centro Kingsbridge),” on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The happy news follows dozens of envisioning meetings, surveys, outreach, workshops,, various hearings, set-backs, drama and more drama along the way.

Member of Norwood-based Running Group “Bronx Nomads” Detained by ICE

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Sebastian Flores, a member of Norwood-based running group, Bronx Nomads, who frequently meet and start their runs at the Williamsbridge Oval park, was unexpectedly detained by border patrol at an airport on Oct. 13 while traveling for work from New York to El Paso, Texas, and is now being held in ICE custody, according to his cousins. A gofundme page has since been set-up to help with his legal expenses as he fights his case and has been shared by Bronx Sole, an affiliate group of Bronx Nomads.  

UPDATE Mamdani Asks Voters to Reject Islamophobia & See Him as Candidate “Fighting for Every Single New Yorker”

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Democratic mayoral nominee and still the frontrunner according to the latest polls, Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (A.D. 36) was back in The Bronx on Friday, Oct. 24, for another press conference, this time, held outside the Islamic Cultural Center of The Bronx, located at 371 E 166th Street, north of the Melrose section of The Bronx, as he asked voters to reject tired Islamophobic tropes and reiterated that he aims to be a mayor “fighting for every single New Yorker.” Members of the press corps included international media outlets from the UK (BBC), France and Germany.

Former NY Gov. & Mayoral Candidate Andrew Cuomo Visits Wakefield Mosque on Campaign Tour

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Former New York governor and independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo, 67, paid a visit to the Masjid Ansarudeen Islamic Center in the Wakefield section of The Bronx on Saturday, Sept. 20, to meet with members of the mosque and “discuss issues important to the community.” The former governor has received heat for allegedly not having visited a mosque during his tenure as governor though he disputes this. 

Stakeholders Seek Assurances During Kingsbridge Armory Hearing

By SÍLE MOLONEY
During the City Council hearing held Sept. 30 by the Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions subcommittee, which covered the latest Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment project, elected representatives, City officials, advocates, and various stakeholders voiced their support for the latest “Kingsbridge Center” project, while seeking assurances of City investments, anti-displacement measures, and more affordable housing units for larger families.

Morris Park Hosts 48th Annual Bronx Columbus Day Parade

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY
An nor’easter may have kept some spectators at home, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of attendees nor participants in the 48th Annual Bronx Columbus Day Parade which took place in Morris Park on Sunday, Oct. 12.

UPDATE Bronx Democrats Endorse Mamdani for Mayor

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Democratic mayoral nominee and Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (A.D. 36) was back in The Bronx on Sept. 2 when he was joined by a majority of Bronx elected officials from the Bronx Democratic Party, alongside New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City Public Advocate Jumanne Williams as they gave the candidate their formal endorsement in his upcoming bid to win the mayoral general election on Nov. 4.

UPDATE Lehman College College Raises $30 Million as Part of “Forever Foreward” Fundraising Campaign

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Lehman College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) public university system, has raised an additional $30 million as part of the college’s “Forever Forward” fundraising campaign to educate and support its students and the entire Bronx community. The announcement was made official during an celebratory reception held at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located on the college campus, on Saturday, Oct. 4, together with key supporters, community leaders, faculty, students, and alumni.