Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Proposed Bipartisan African American History Act

By DAVID GREENE

This week, in recognition of Black History Month, we asked readers their thoughts on the proposed bipartisan African American History Act bill, introduced to Congress once again by Democratic co-sponsors, U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) and U.S. Sen. Corey Booker (NJ) as reported, and which, if passed, would invest $10 million over the next 5 years to promote and support education programs dedicated to African American history. “I think they should sign this legislation with the hope that all Black and brown communities will also have their stories told. Truth be told, as a Puerto Rican-American, our story has

By MIRIAM QUIÑONES & SÍLE MOLONEY

The envisioning process to decide on the future use of the Kingsbridge Armory, located at Jerome Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights, is continuing, and follows previous updates on the project. Envisioning workshops took place on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, and again on Saturday, Jan. 21, but those involved with the “Together for Kingsbridge” working group as still anxious to hear from more community members about their ideas. District 14 City Council Member Pierina Sanchez gave an overview of the project during Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7)’s general board meeting on Jan. 24, adding that at the Jan. 21 workshop, several

By NEREYDA FRANCO

February is the time of year when people across the country celebrate all matters of the heart. Many focus on the perfect gift or plan the perfect date for their sweetheart on St. Valentine’s Day. At Montefiore Einstein, we bring our attention to the physical health of our hearts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every three deaths are related to cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease. With such alarming statistics, we must ask, “What matters when it comes to heart health?” A great place to start, is learning about your

By DAVID GREENE

Bronxite and alum of both Fordham High School of the Arts and SUNY’s Purchase College, Samara Joy [McLendon], was a relatively unknown jazz singer before she was awarded a Grammy for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, Feb. 5. Joy beat out a field of newcomers including Anitta, Omar Apolo, JD Beck, Molly Turtle, and Tobe to capture the coveted prize. During her acceptance speech, the 23-year-old Castle Hill native appeared flabbergasted, telling the recording world’s A-list stars, “I am so… Oh my gosh! I can’t

By DAVID GREENE

Members of NY Sun Works, a non-profit that builds innovative science labs in urban schools, through its Greenhouse Project Initiative to educate students and teachers about the science of sustainability, joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson at Norwood’s P.S. / M.S. 20‘s hydroponic farm on Wednesday, Jan. 25, to announce the expansion of hydroponics farm technology to 20 local schools. According to verticalroots.com, put simply, hydroponics is a way to skip the soil, sub in a different material to support the roots of the plant, and grow crops directly in nutrient-rich water. The $2.5 million boroughwide project would

By SÍLE MOLONEY

As February marks Black History Month, Democrats, Rep. Jamaal Bowman Ed.D (NY-16) and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker reintroduced The African American History Act in both the House and the Senate and are urging leaders across the nation to tell the truth about the United States’ history of racism and white supremacy. The bill was reintroduced on Feb. 2 with over 100 original co-sponsors in the House, representatives for Bowman and Booker said. “It is our moral imperative to tell the truth about our past to finally reconcile with this nation’s history of racism and white nationalism, and our

By NAOMI PEMBERTON

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to share information about one of the leading causes of blindness. Glaucoma is part of a group of common eye diseases and disorders that effect vison. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, so it is essential to know the risks and how to prevent the disease. What is Glaucoma? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Glaucoma effects about 3 million Americans. Glaucoma is part of a group of diseases that damage the eye’s central nerve, also known as the optic nerve. The optic

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York Lottery officials announced Wednesday, Jan. 18, that there was one second-prize ticket for the Jan. 17 Mega Millions drawing and the ticket was sold in The Bronx. It is worth a guaranteed $20,000,000. Officials said the ticket was purchased at 170th Street Grocery, located at 160 East 170th Street in the Mt. Eden section of The Bronx. The winning numbers for the Mega Millions game are drawn from a field of one to 70, lottery officials said. The Mega Ball is drawn from a separate field one to of 25, they added. The Mega Millions drawing is televised

By ARIEL PACHECO

Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7) held their final board meeting of 2022 on Dec. 13, following a successful annual tree-lighting event in Bedford Park on Dec. 8. The meeting was attended by around two dozen people, updates were shared by the different CB7 committee chairs and concerns of some community members were also heard. The meeting was the first to be presided over by recently elected Bronx CB7 chair, Yajaira Arias, following her election to the position on Nov. 15. As reported, Arias, the incumbent CB7 secretary, succeeds Emmanuel Martinez, who stepped down as chair in the summer of 2022.