civil rights

Bronx Elected Officials, Housing Advocates & Union Leaders Hold Counter Protests to Trump Rally

By FAHIMA DEGIA
Sitting at his home in The Bronx, Brian Camilo, 21, watched live on television as former U.S. President Donald J. Trump threw paper towel after paper towel into a large crowd of Puerto Ricans who were crammed inside Calvary Chapel, Puerto Rico seeking comfort, reassurance, and support in the wake of Hurricane Maria after it devastated their island in September 2017. For Camilo, the former president’s seemingly flippant actions signaled to him that the wealthy didn’t care about the struggles and hardships of Hispanics.

Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump Hosts Rally in Crotona Park

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY
Two days after the defense rested its case in the historic criminal trial held in Manhattan of former U.S. President Donald Trump over his alleged falsification of business records ahead of the 2016 presidential election [and in which Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts on May 30], the former president held a rally in The Bronx’s Crotona Park on Thursday, May 23.

Dinowitz Introduces Bill to Combat Concealment of Identity During Public Protests

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81) has introduced a new bill (A.10057A) to curb identity concealment in lawful assemblies, unlawful assemblies, or riots. According to Dinowitz, the bill addresses a concern that individuals hide their identities during public gatherings, evading accountability for their actions. He said the proposed legislation specifies exemptions for wearing personal protective equipment during declared public health emergencies, and attire worn for religious observance or customs.

South Bronx: Gibson Delivers 2nd State of the Borough Address at Cardinal Hayes High School

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson delivered her 2nd Annual State of the Borough Address at Cardinal Hayes High School in the auditorium named after Bronx legend and Bronx Walk of Fame inductee Regis Philbin, on April 18, 2024. The borough president outlined major accomplishments that include an investment of over $35 million in education and over $8.9 million in capital allocations to public and private health facilities. 

UPDATE Op-Ed: A Plea for a Path to Peace

By VIRGINIA KROMPINGER
I recently traveled to Israel as a member of the Bronx delegation of Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), sponsored and masterfully organized by the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York (UJA). The purpose was to send a message of solidarity to Israel. Torres is the strongest supporter of Israel in Congress, certainly on the Democratic side of the aisle.

UPDATE Sparks Fly at Bronx Community Board 7 April General Board Meeting

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx Community Board 7 board members were the target of a stream of vulgar insults during last month’s general board meeting held at Scott Towers on April 23, when Norwood resident, AJ Ramos, berated the board, using profanities, and alleging they had not addressed matters he had raised at previous meetings.