Editor’s Pick 

The Bronx Memoir Project (BMP) is a community-based writing project that encourages a cross-generational, multi-ethnic collective of Bronx residents to tell their stories first-hand. Participants engage in free workshops, led by a professional writers, culminating in the opportunity to submit their work for publication in the Bronx Memoir Project Anthology. For more information, go to: https://www.bronxarts.org/programs/connector/bronx-memoir-project.

 

Events

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: New York and the Birth of Hip-Hop on Thursday, April 29, 2021, 5 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. will discuss hip-hop’s roots and why hip-hop continues to be one of New York City’s great contributions to global culture. Targeted to high school and college-age students, the panel will feature stories from the pioneering hip-hop family of DJ Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell, whose August 1973 party is commonly cited as the beginning of the hip-hop movement. The panel will be led by Davey D and Rob Kenner, who almost half a century later, utilize hip-hop to advance social change.

 

Panelists include Davey D, hip-hop journalist, activist and historian, co-author of “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of Hip-Hop, Young Adult Edition,” DJ Kool Herc, “the Father of Hip-Hop,” Cindy Campbell, the “Mother of Hip-Hop,” Rob Kenner – hip-hop/dancehall journalist and filmmaker, author of “The Marathon Don’t Stop.” The event will be moderated by Jeff Chang, co-author of “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: A History of Hip-Hop, Young Adult Edition.” Learn more at https://www.nymusicmonth.nyc/.

 

Art

KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature exhibition is now showing at The New York Botanical Garden, featuring new work by celebrated Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama. Showing from April 10 to Oct. 31, 2021, the vibrant, fun-filled, colorful exhibition is the first ever, comprehensive exploration of the artist’s lifelong fascination with the natural world and takes place across the Garden’s 250-acre landscape. The New York Botanical Garden is the sole venue for this exhibition. Tickets on sale now at https://www.nybg.org/event/kusama/.

 

The New York Public Library launched its first World Literature Festival, highlighting multicultural collections and resources for New York’s diverse communities. The virtual festival runs from April 12, in honor of Immigrant Heritage Week, through April 30. The festival will feature a selection of literary events with authors from around the world, book discussion groups, and bilingual story time for children. Multilingual programs with English interpretation will feature a wide variety of guest speakers and authors, such as National Book Award winners, Ha Jin, Nicole Dennis Benn, Alexander Stessin, Naomi Hirahara, Don Miguel Ruiz and Colombe Schneck. Each discussion will be held in the author’s native language. The library’s signature event series, LIVE from the NYPL, will also hold two special events. For more information, go to: https://www.nypl.org/events/world-literature-festival.

 

Music

The History of Latin Music & Latin Jazz Part XIV is a free seminar series by Hostos Community College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Development. It highlights the music pioneers and their impact on the history of Latin music and jazz. Film, video, and music clips add to the learning experience. Hosted by Joe Conzo Sr., noted music historian, producer, and author of Mambo Diablo: My Journey with Tito Puente, the seminars take place virtually on Zoom, every Saturday through April 24, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (718) 518-6656 or email cedu@hostos.cuny.edu for more information.

 

Movement

Join the Spring Planting and Garlic Mustard Pull on Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Help kick off Earth Week 2021 with a spring planting of shrubs and trees in the forest of Van Cortlandt Park, along the Putnam Greenway. Meet at Van Cortlandt Golf House. In addition to planting, the group will also be removing the introduced garlic mustard species, harmful to native forests, outcompeting native herbaceous plants. Gloves and tools will be provided. Volunteers must wear masks and follow social distancing at all times. RSVP required for this free event. Call (718) 601-1460 or email john@vancortlandt.org.

 

Shape up NYC presents “Whine” fitness (aerobic dance fitness) for teens, adults, and seniors each Friday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., from April 16 to June 30, at Williamsbridge Oval Park. Join this Carnival-style workout, with easy–to–follow dance moves, and let the bass-driven music move you. Memorable time guaranteed! For everyone’s safety, participants and instructors should wear a face covering and maintain social distancing of 10 feet during class. Wash your hands frequently and stay home, if sick. Carmen is the instructor. Sign up here for updates on this class: https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/shape-up-nyc/10697.