Culture

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


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Envisioning Process for Kingsbridge Armory Continues

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


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

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


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Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine to Perform at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts will present the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, performing classic compositions of Brahms and Sibelius on Feb. 19, led by principal conductor, Theodore Kuchar, and featuring violin soloist, Vladyslava Luchenko. The special program will include Brahms: Tragic Overture, Op. 81, Brahms: Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77, and Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43.   The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, based in the medieval city of Lviv, was officially established on Sept. 27, 1902. On this day, the first concert of the newly formed orchestra took


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Bowman, Booker Reintroduce African American History Act, Urge Nation to Tell the Truth About its Past

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


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Bronx Borough Hall Lit Yellow for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx Borough Hall was lit in yellow in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance on Friday, Jan. 27, along with all municipal buildings across the the City. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the City commemorated the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, adding, “We remember and honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the many others that were murdered.”   Gibson continued, “Today, seven people were killed in a terror attack inside a synagogue in Jerusalem. We will not tolerate these horrendous acts of


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Out & About: Bronx Opera, Become a Lifeguard, Nominations for Women’s Celebration & More!

Out & About: Happenings at Van Cortlandt Park
Editor’s Pick EVENTS The 4 Bronx Project and Female Fight Club are sponsoring a contest to Celebrate Women in the Community who are actively making the community a better place. The organizers of the event are asking for nominations of outstanding women in Riverdale, Norwood, Wakefield, Van Cortlandt and Marble Hill.   The celebration will be hosted by 4 Bronx, the Fight Club, and the Women of Reform Judaism at Riverdale Temple on March 8, International Women’s Day. An awards ceremony will be held for seven of the nominees, and a film and picture displays will feature the work of


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Bronx Opera Presents Hart’s “Lady in the Dark” at Lehman College, Music & Lyrics by Weill & Gershwin

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Bronx Opera Company is proud to present a rare NYC production of the landmark musical “Lady in the Dark,” based on the book by Moss Hart, music and lyrics by Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin, in two weekend performances on Saturday, Jan. 28, and Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7.30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 29 and Sunday, Feb. 5, at 2.30 p.m. The shows will be performed at the Lovinger Theatre at Lehman College,  located at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West.   According to Bronx Opera Company, “Lady in the Dark” premiered at the Alvin Theatre on Broadway on Jan.


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

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,


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