Bronx News Roundup: ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech Edition

We’re going to use this regularly scheduled roundup to take another look at Martin Luther King Jr.’s epic 1963 speech in Washington, DC, 50 years ago today.

Four Years Later, Oval Park Center Still Closed for Renovations

Tancy Rodriguez moved to the Norwood area four years ago. During her entire residence in the community, the Williamsbridge Oval Park recreation center, long known as a bustling hub of neighborhood activity and safe haven for local youth, has been closed. “I want my son to enjoy the activities at the rec center, but it’s just not open,” she said during a “peaceful protest” outside of the closed center on a recent Friday afternoon.

Bronx Notes: ‘P-Star Rising’ at Bronx Doc Center

On Saturday at 8:15 p.m., the Bronx Documentary Center, 614 Courtlandt Ave., is showing “P-Star Rising,” a new documentary about Priscilla Diaz, a New York City product who started rapping at an early age and eventually became a television star. The film follows her over the course of four years. After the showing, there will be a Q & A with Diaz and the film’s director, Gabriel Noble. Above is the trailer for the film.

Former Knicks Star Allan Houston Spends Time with BronxWorks Kids

Former star player for the New York Knicks, Allan Houston, visited the BronxWorks Community Center, at 1130 Grand Concourse, to conduct a mini-basketball clinic for the kids in the BronxWorks summer camp program on Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Filling Void, New Bronx LGBTQ Center Is Up and Running

When the Bronx Community Pride Center in Longwood closed its doors earlier this year, the Bronx had no safe haven for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning community. Fortunately, a new LGBTQ center in the Bronx has risen from the ashes of the old center’s demise.

Bronx News Roundup: Armed 14-Year-Old Shot and Killed By Cop in Melrose

First, we need to catch up on some of the Bronx stories we missed last week:

Bronx Notes: National Night Out at Williamsbridge Oval Park

The 52nd precinct will host the annual National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Williamsbridge Oval Park in Norwood. The annual event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watches, is designed to familiarize residents with the NYPD’s services and strengthen police/community partnerships at a time when stop-and-frisk reforms are underway despite the mayor’s opposition.

Out & About in the Bronx

Our Out & About feature is a guide to what’s happening in arts, entertainment and recreation in the Bronx.

Bronx Notes: Local Artist Barbara Korman Featured in BronxArtSpace Silent Auction

BronxArtSpace, a gallery managed by artists Linda Cunningham and Mitsu Hadeishi, will host the opening of its two-week-long art sale and silent auction this evening from 5 to 9 p.m. Work by Bedford Park-based artist Barbara Korman, who has exhibited at the gallery in the past, will be available for purchase.