St. Barnabas High School Choir Performing at Cargenie Hall, Sunday, Feb. 19, at 7.30 p.m.

By SÍLE MOLONEY

It all started last summer when student, Gabrielle Cruz, a member of the St. Barnabas High School (SBHS) choir who also plays the piano, spotted a brochure about a program called “Voices in the Hall” on the desk of SBHS teacher and co-choir director, Sharon Traditi. “We should do this!” Gabrielle excitedly said. “What an experience to perform at Carnegie Hall!” And so, the idea began taking shape with more students in September getting excited about the possibility of taking to the stage of Manhattan’s iconic performance venue. A phone call to executive director, Steve Petrunak, of the “Voices

By JIM FAIRBANKS

Glaude’s title of “Begin Again” [Crown Publishing, 2020] calls us to renewed action for racial justice. He gives hopeful examples of past Black rights gained, such as the civil rights laws during Reconstruction after the Civil War, and during the Black Power movement of the 1960s. Yet, he writes that each effort was followed by White backlash Baldwin calls the “After Times.” We are again living in the “After Times” now! This book is not a hopeful story of change; this is a sobering book. Glaude Jr. quotes American sociologist, socialist, historian, and Pan-African civil rights activist, W.E.B.

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 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 DAVID GREENE

This week, amid new allegations of financial misconduct, reports of a federal investigation, and widespread calls for his resignation, we asked readers their thoughts on newly sworn-in, Republican congressman, Rep. George Santos (NY-3), who represents parts of Long Island and who, according to media reports, has admitted to lying about his experience and education. As reported recently by Norwood News, local Norwood congressman, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) has also called for an investigation into Santos’ campaign finances. “You shouldn’t be a politician if you can’t be as honest as you’re supposed to be. If he was my representative, I would

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 SÍLE MOLONEY

An off-duty, female, New York City employee was arrested in the 52nd Precinct, police said. According to an NYPD spokesperson, on Friday, Jan. 13, at 8.19 p.m., Janet Eury, 34, an NYPD school crossing guard, was arrested and charged with assault and harassment. The 52nd Precinct covers the neighborhoods of Bedford Park, Fordham, Kingsbridge, Norwood, Bronx Park, and University Heights. A person arrested and charged with a crime is deemed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on 2022 and their hopes for the New Year. “I did not feel safe in 2022 and I couldn’t enjoy my summer. A few people dear to me passed away. Despite the few accomplishments that we had, 2022 was filled with disappointments, empty promises, and uncertainty. I hope that in 2023 we can put an end to the reckless motorcycle and motorized bike riding on the sidewalk and the senseless loud noise coming from passenger cars and SUVs. My hopes are to raise awareness to the needs of our folks with disabilities,

Norwood News

Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights

Schools

St. Barnabas High School Choir Performing at Cargenie Hall, Sunday, Feb. 19, at 7.30 p.m.

Book Review: “Begin Again, James Baldwin’s America and its Urgent Lessons for Our Own,” by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Proposed Bipartisan African American History Act

Bronxite and Former Fordham H.S. Student Samara Joy Wins Two Grammy Awards

Norwood’s P.S. / M.S. 20 Hydroponic Farm Program Expands to 20 Schools

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the Controversy Surrounding Long Island Rep. George Santos

NY Lottery: Mega Millions Ticket Worth $20,000,000 Sold in The Bronx

Off-Duty NYPD School Crossing Guard Arrested for Assault within the 52nd Precinct Catchment Area

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on 2022 and Hopes for the New Year