Open Letter from Dexia Billingslea to Her Late Son, Prince Shabazz, 14

By DEXIA BILLINGSLEA

Dear Prince, When a child is born, it is the mother’s instinct to protect her baby; a mother is not supposed to bury her children. My baby, it’s been one month since you transitioned. I sit on your bed often. I smell your pillows and look at notebooks in your bookbag just to see your handwriting. I look at your texts, I look at your pictures every day. I can’t believe you’re gone; my heart is bleeding for you every day. Wednesday, Nov. 30, I woke up. It was a normal day. We sat in the kitchen together

By ANGIE ALEXIS

The announcement of the loss of Kevin Maurice Cruz, a longtime dedicated employee of North Central Bronx hospital [NCB) has had a serious impact on his family, friends and fellow employees. He valiantly fought a battle with cancer to be there for his family. He still managed to show up for his shifts at the hospital while undergoing treatment. Kevin leaves behind his son, Joseph, and his daughter-in-law, Rose, his wife of more than 20 years, Ivette, and his stepchildren, Nicole Montalvo and Hiram Montalvo, as well as several grandsons. Cruz was a dedicated employee of NCB for more

By RACHAEL MCCALLEN & SÍLE MOLONEY

It was an extra special Thanksgiving this year for one mother and her family. Seven months after history was made in The Bronx, an emotional meeting took place on Tuesday, Nov. 22, between the world’s first HIV-positive to HIV-positive heart transplant recipient and her donor’s family. Westchester mom, Miriam Nieves, 62, who is HIV-positive, met the mom and sisters of deceased donor, 30-year-old certified nursing assistant, Brittany Newton, who was also HIV-positive. Newton’s family had flown in from Louisiana for the special occasion. Seven months after her surgery at Montefiore Health System, Nieves shared her gratitude for her medical

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New Bronx Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are mourning the death of longtime chairman, Joseph P. Kelleher, and have shared details of his funeral arrangements, which are attached further below. The Board of Directors announced Kelleher’s passing on Friday, Nov. 25, writing in part, “It is with profound sadness that the Board of Directors and leadership team of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce announce the death of our Chairman, Joseph Kelleher.” They said, “Chairman Kelleher was a loving husband and father, friend and mentor to many, businessman and fierce advocate for The Bronx and New York State.

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Norwood News has been made aware of the sad death of Mrs. Grace Siemer, a longtime Bronx resident, treasurer of the 52nd Precinct Community Council, and active member of Bedford Mosholu Community Association. In a message posted to social media, president of the council, Brenda Caldwell-Paris, said in part, “It has taken me a while to get myself together to place this post. I know and realize that God knows, sees all, and in the end, he does what’s best. With my deepest, sincere sorrow, I must share with you the passing of an amazing woman, a loyal community

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Representatives of Lehman College said they are deeply saddened to announce the passing of David Carroll Fletcher, a longtime faculty member in the college’s school of education. They said Fletcher was part of the Lehman family for over two decades and served as an assistant professor in the Department of Middle and High School Education. The faculty member died at his home in Mount Vernon on Sept. 12 at the age of 73, according to an announcement by college officials. The following tribute, composed by friends and loved ones, was provided to Lehman College: “A native of Brevard,

By DAVID GREENE

Bronxites across the borough marked the beginning of a third decade of remembrance of the human toll suffered during the September 11th attacks on America in 2001, earlier this month as the 144 Bronxites who died on the day the world changed forever were fondly recalled and honored. Overseeing her first such event in her current role, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined dozens of police officers, firefighters, and court officers in recalling the fateful day and the loss most Americans still feel 21 years later. Once again, a large crowd packed Lou Gehrig Plaza, across from Bronx County

By EMILY SAWAKED

The emotions permeating the atmosphere were clear as young protestors of all ages gathered around their political leaders, teachers, parents, and relatives of the late Angellyh Yambo at a rally organized during Gun Violence Awareness Month to honor their 16-year-old school friend. Angellyh was tragically and fatally killed in broad daylight by a stray bullet just north of the Mott Haven border on Friday, April 8, as she walked home from school. Two of her friends were also shot and injured during the same incident. Jeremiah Ryan, 17, was later charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with

By DAVID GREENE

Unable to gather for the annual memorial event for two consecutive years due to COVID-19 restrictions, family members of the 87 people killed in the 1990 Happy Land Social Club fire gathered in late March with members of Bronx Community Board 6, first responders and elected officials to remember, once again, the victims of the tragic event. A smaller crowd than in past years, the group gathered on Friday, March 25, in the small park located at Southern Boulevard and East Tremont Avenue, where a monument is erected across the street from where the fire broke out at 1959

Norwood News

Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights

Obituaries

Open Letter from Dexia Billingslea to Her Late Son, Prince Shabazz, 14

A Loving Tribute to the Memory of Kevin Maurice Cruz

After Bronx Medical History is Made, HIV-Positive Heart Transplant Recipient Meets Donor Family

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Mourns Chairman Joseph P. Kelleher & Share Funeral Details

UPDATE Community Mourns Passing of Mrs Grace Seimer, Beloved Resident & 52nd Pct Community Council Member

Late Lehman College Faculty Member, David Carroll Fletcher, is Fondly Remembered

Tradition Continues after Two Decades of 9/11 Remembrance

A March for Angellyh