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No Longer Empty & Hostos Center For Bronx Nonprofits To Address Redlining, Gentrification, & Art This Thursday, June 18
WATCH: ProjectBronx Season 3 Premieres Today Asking You, “What Is Justice?”
It’s that time of the year again and without fail, Adam Levine-Peres, founder and creator of ProjectBronx has just launched season 3 of the Bronx favorite YouTube Series.
The first episode asks “What is Justice?” and here’s what folks had to say (oh and by the way, we want to know what YOU think justice is too so let us know in the comments section below:
By Dissing The Bronx, The NY Post Proves Once Again It’s Worth Less Than Used Toilet Paper
Yellow journalism is alive and well, folks.
So the title of this blog post is pretty harsh but who cares, so is The New York Post’s reporting in general and especially when it comes to The Bronx. This time, however, the offense will not go unnoticed nor without a response.
On Tuesday June 9th, The Bronx and Manhattan celebrated the reopening of The High Bridge—New York City’s oldest standing bridge and having been closed for 45 years—with residents, politicians, community groups from both boroughs coming together for this historic occasion over the Harlem River.
It was a festive day despite the morning rain and residents from Highbridge and Washington Heights—the two neighborhoods which The High Bridge straddles—were out in full force mingling with each other and making new acquaintances.
Instead of reporting back on the real story, The New York Post decided to do what it does best: Yellow Journalism. In their piece on the opening of The High Bridge, they chose to seek out folks who saw it as a negative and went on to say that residents on The Manhattan side are “…worried about the bloodshed across the way…” and that Washington Heights residents, “…fear it would connect their neighborhood to a war zone.”
This was based on quotes from TWO individuals. That’s it. There was no evidence whatsoever that Washington Heights residents were in fear for their lives because of the opening of The High Bridge. These are two communities sharing strong, historical and ethnic ties.
The New York Post talks about the 5 murders within the 44th Precinct in The Bronx which covers Highbridge among other neighborhoods and 23 shootings as of this year. Although the 33rd Precinct in Washington Heights hasn’t registered a murder as of 2015, it has registered 6 shootings which represents a 600% increase in shootings as of this year when compared to the same point last year.
The 23 shootings in Highbridge represent 144% increase, a far cry from the 600% increase over in Manhattan and Washington Heights.
Furthermore what the New York Post doesn’t tell you is that the 44th precinct in The Bronx covers over twice the geographic area that the 33rd precinct in Manhattan covers. The population in the 44th precinct is 146,441 versus 76,958 in the 33rd precinct—that’s almost DOUBLE the population of the Manhattan side. (population statistics of each precinct are straight from nyc.gov)
When you look at the data and current statistics, you can clearly see that there is virtually no differences between the two neighborhoods with respects to crime when you take into account the overall disparities in geographic size and coverage as well as population.
What’s even more ridiculous about The New York Post’s sensationalist piece is that they forget to mention one thing: Both communities already were connected via the Washington Bridge which has pedestrian walkways further to the North. It also neglects to mention that The Bronx is connected to Manhattan by 16 bridges (The Randall’s Island Connector will be the 16th bridge to connect The Bronx with Manhattan/New York County).
Of these 16 bridges 3 are dedicated strictly to rail only and 2 for cars only with the remaining 11 bridges to carry pedestrians, vehicular traffic, and the 1 subway line into Riverdale.
That being said, The Bronx and Manhattan have over a century of being united by dozens of bridges so to highlight The High Bridge as something potentially dangerous for Manhattan is both irresponsible and unfounded and once again puts a spotlight on the ethics of The New York Post and of course these two particularly irresponsible journalists.
I went back yesterday without having even read or heard about the New York Post article yet and was there for a couple of hours interviewing folks from both sides and the consensus from over 3 dozen people (ok so that’s not scientific poll either) was that they were excited and happy that they now have a safe and clear passage into either side void of vehicular traffic.
On its second day of opening, The High Bridge was full of parents with their children who were learning about the history of The High Bridge via the medallions placed along the bridge’s path, bikers, skaters, runners, joggers, or folks simply just sitting on one of the benches to take in the views and the amazing breezes one gets over 100 feet in the air without any obstructions.
Having been there on both the opening day and the second day of its opening for a combined total of roughly six hours speaking to dozens of people, I could not find one person to say anything negative about the opening from either side let alone Manhattan residents.
The New York Post owes The Bronx and The City of New York an apology for its unprofessional reporting that, instead of celebrating a momentous occasion uniting two communities that share common ties even further, it chose to actively seek out to shed a negative spotlight.
Maybe The Bronx should kick the New York Post out FROM The Bronx when The Randall’s Island Connector opens this summer which is directly adjacent to their printing facilities. I say we have them evicted, demolish their plant and turn it into another park for Bronxites. We’re good enough for their polluting trucks coming in and out to deliver their crappy paper but not good enough to write positive stories about our borough so why not get rid of them and put that land to good use.
New York Restoration Project Begins Planting of 825 Trees in The South Bronx
The New York Restoration Project, founded by Bette Midler in 1995 with the mission to bring green spaces as well as upgrade existing green spaces across New York City, particularly underserved areas and that everyone should be within walking to green spaces.
You may recall that the Divine Miss M herself had adopted several miles of The Bronx River Parkway as part of the beautification of the roadway.
Now the organization is planting 825 trees across the South Bronx but with an added twist: They’re also installing tree guards, something which I noticed while walking through Melrose.
According to Anne Tan-Detchkov, Director of Marketing & Communications New York Restoration Project (NYRP), the planting of these trees is, “…part of New York City’s 1 Million Trees program.”
Not only are the trees going to provide extra shade and more cooling of our streets but will also help clean up our much polluted air and provide energy savings.
The vast majority of the trees will be planted on NYCHA property with the remainder going to schools, street replantings and parks.
“During the spring and fall planting seasons in 2015, the trees will be planted in key properties throughout the South Bronx that are selected in need of greening, including 550 trees on select New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) housing developments, 100 in NYC Parks, 40 at New York State Department of Education (NYS DOE) schools and 35 along roadway medians; and 100 replanted street trees.
As part of the project, a two-year stewardship plan will also be implemented with the help of The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and Trees New York, to ensure long-term health of the trees. CEO will provide tree maintenance job-readiness training in the basics of tree care and maintenance, to perform tasks such as weeding and mulching tree pits, watering trees, and other such necessary jobs. Trees New York will conduct community tree care training workshops and citizen pruner classes to educate residents and businesses on how to ensure optimal health of trees.
“We are deeply committed to greening the South Bronx and look forward to bringing so many new trees to the area,” said Deborah Marton, NYRP Executive Director. “Trees mitigate the heat island effect and fortify community health by cleaning air and water, encouraging physical activity and reducing energy usage.”
The 825 trees to be planted are estimated to absorb 20,625 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, with carbon sequestration increasing approximately 40 percent each year as the trees grow. Within the first year of planting, the trees will help save approximately $23,100 in energy costs, with an additional 10 percent each year the trees grow.” – via NYRP
Some of the NYCHA developments where planting has begun and will continue are St Mary’s Park Houses, Patterson Houses, Mott Haven Houses, Mitchel Houses, and Millbrook Houses which will be receiving magnolias, and willow oak, and tulip trees to name a few.
This is a really exciting program as it is one offered by many organizations to engage our youth and communities to be stewards of our natural resources and learn how to take care of them.
With limited city funding, it is crucial that we, as residents of our beloved Bronx and city, that we take a little time to take care of the little corners we all inhabit.
The results of such actions and behaviors only strengthen communities engaging residents across a multigenerational spectrum and all sorts of socio-economic barriers.
I hope that within my life time, I can see a Bronx (and the rest of the city) that is fully tree-lined regardless of where you go and tree pits full of flowers planted by our children and community members where we can truly stake claim to our neighborhoods.
History is Made Again As The High Bridge Reopens
This morning, thanks to NYC & Co, we arrived promptly at Highbridge Park in Manhattan just before 8am for a small, private and intimate walk along The High Bridge which was just hours away from officially opening.
It was a pleasant walk across to The Bronx as we enjoyed the panoramic vistas of The Bronx, The Harlem River, and Manhattan (no ‘The’ for you). It indeed was and is NYC’s original High Line.
Soon enough, however, residents began congregating on either side of the bridge in the Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights and Highbridge in The Bronx.
Once the clear was given, both crowds began to walk across The High Bridge until we all met in the middle, Manhattan meeting The Bronx with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr leading the way with Congressman José E Serrano and other elected officials along with school children as Manhattan Borough President Gayle Brewer did the same.
Congressman José E Serrano was instrumental in securing the initial and necessary funds to get the project off the ground so a big thanks goes to him for that.
It was a joyous occasion of an opening of a bridge that has been shuttered to the public for 45 years and to many if us our entire lifetimes.
Bee Bee Jay, a resident of Highbridge for over 30 years said, “I couldn’t be happier, this is something I’ve been waiting for so long.”
It was the sentiment echoed by many residents.
At one point, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr mentioned how The High Bridge would not only connect communities and neighborhoods but also families.
He spoke of the Fuentes family who lived on either side of the span and I now they had easy access to each other.
The opening of this landmark, the oldest standing bridge in New York City, older than the Brooklyn Bridge, the bridge that brought life into Manhattan and helped New York City with its explosive growth that eventually led to The Bronx being absorbed into its fold along with the other boroughs, is really a historic moment for all.
It is a victory on how community can band together and demand better and get it.
Many of us look forward to taking long walks along the promenade and enjoying the beautiful breezes almost 100 feet above the river but most of all we see this as a catalyst for expanding our greenways in The Bronx.
Baron Ambrosia walks across The High Bridge on the day of its reopening.
The High Bridge, connecting Upper Manhattan with The Bronx, was constructed by Irish laborers and is New York City’s oldest standing bridge.
Ending The Stigma Among Bronx Residents & The World On Mental Health Ends With Me
This is not your typical Welcome2TheBronx post.
It is a post that I hope will help my fellow Bronxites come to terms with the fact that IT’S OK TO SEEK HELP if you’re suffering from mental health issues.
It is my coming out story, if you will, with my battle against anxiety and panic disorder.
So it’s been almost two years since I began what I thought was going to be an an easy process.
Two years ago I decided to begin weaning myself off paxil for anxiety which I first encountered when my grandmother passed away in 2007.
Before then I never had an episode except several times after 9/11 but I didn’t know what I was experiencing back then.
It wasn’t until her passing that they hit me wave after wave to the point that I could no longer function at the office and had to get on treatment.
Eventually they subsided with maybe an episode a year If that.
In 5 years I gained 60 lbs, slowly creeping on me and slowly killing me with super high blood pressure to the point I had to go on 3 medications to regulate it.
2013 was the year it dawned on me why I had gained so much weight and decided to get off of paxil. It was a very hard decision because that meant that anxiety and panic could hit at any moment.
From July to the first week in September of that year I lowered my dose weekly until I was down to almost zilch. (something you MUST do under the supervision of a mental health provider).
That’s when all hell broke loose and I began getting palpitations, things I couldn’t explain, waking up in panics in the middle of the night and ended up sleeping at my parents each night from September through December until I finally settled in with a therapist.
The Mayo Clinic defines mental illness as:
“Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.
Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function.
A mental illness can make you miserable and can cause problems in your daily life, such as at work or in relationships. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and counseling (psychotherapy).”
But what happens when you live in The Bronx where there are 10x fewer psychiatrists than Manhattan as New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray pointed out in an op-ed piece in Psychology Today.
“According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in 2012 there were 1,952 psychiatrists in New York City.
When you dig deeper into the data and compare the city’s five boroughs, it won’t come as a surprise that Manhattan is home to the most psychiatrists, with a total of 1,270. Coincidentally, that divides out to approximately one psychiatrist for every 1,270 Manhattan residents.
But what if you live in the Bronx, the poorest county in New York State? The numbers are much different, with approximately one psychiatrist for every 13,100 Bronx residents. In other words, there are 10 times fewer psychiatrists in the Bronx than in Manhattan. And the numbers for other health professionals, psychologists and therapists, are similar.
Sadly, this local example illustrates a broader and troubling reality: The supply of mental health services doesn’t even begin to meet the overwhelming demand, especially in our highest-need communities.”
That became a huge problem for me when I began my search for care in The Bronx for you see, I’m a big proponent of doing things local and basic necessities shouldn’t have to be an obstacle course.
Eventually, I found a perfect match for me within walking distance from my apartment.
It was there that I began seeking and trying to comprehend the source of the anxiety which I never felt before.
I had dramatically lost almost all the weight I had gained and my blood pressure was at levels I hadn’t seen in years.
In order to combat the night terrors I was given klonopin to help me as needed.
In the beginning I used it pretty much each day but as 2014 progressed, I was down to using it every 4 to 5 days maybe even 10 days on a lucky streak.
I was finally seeing progress in the long journey of weaning. Then in March of this year I relapsed again.
I am not ashamed to say this. I accept my relapse and embrace it for what it is: something that happens and I must get through and try and be as strong as possible but at the same time I have to learn not to be ashamed or afraid to ask for help beyond my therapist.
Mental health issues, from minor to major are still a big stigma in our communities but even bigger in communities of color. This is largely because it is seen as a “white person’s” disease or affliction being that the face of mental illness is white in America.
People easily will dismiss you as weak or just crazy so taking those weekly walks to your therapist and walking into that building is a chore and a stress unto itself because you feel like you’re being judged.
The Huffington Post wrote recently:
“Despite the obvious need for increased attention and care, mental illness continues to carry a stigma.
If you do not believe me, here are some facts about the stigma associated with mental illness:
Fact #1) While 1 in 5 Americans live with a mental disorder, estimates indicate that nearly two-thirds of all people with a diagnosable mental illness do not seek treatment.
Fact #2) Twenty to 25 percent of the homeless population in the United States suffers from some form of severe mental illness. Stigma leads to fear, mistrust, and violence against people living with mental illness and their families and causes family and friends to turn their backs on people with mental illness.
Fact #3) Between 25 percent and 40 percent of all Americans with mental illness will at some point pass through the criminal justice system. Stigma leads to prejudice and discrimination and poor treatment of those with mental illness.”
Not only do we need improved access to mental health care professionals in our very own borough but we also need to come out of our mental health closets and be OK and know that we can get help even if it’s limited.
Your support network doesn’t end at your therapist’s office either.
A strong, supportive network of friends and family is critical during this healing process and if you do come out and learn that it’s nothing to be ashamed about they will most likely try to empathize and offer the support you need as best as they can give it.
When I came out to a smaller audience, my load became lighter.
I was free from the stigma because I refused to let it stigmatize me.
Know that you are not alone in these battles and that there are resources out there.
I am writing this in order to help others out there seek the help they need and to know that you aren’t alone.
I am writing this right now as I am going through a severe panic/anxiety attack in the hopes that others know they aren’t alone and seek help.
Let’s end this stigma on mental health and let’s fight for better access to mental health care access in our communities especially those at risk and need.
Articles
- Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness. False beliefs about mental illness can cause significant problems. Learn what you can do about stigma. —Mayo Clinic
- Coming Out With Mental Illness – New York Times
- Help Erase Mental Health Stigma – Mental Health Association of New York City
- People of Color & Mental Illness Photo Project
Bronx Resources: (PLEASE NOTE: The following places have not been fully vetted by Welcome2TheBronx but are resources found on the web. We are providing them to you as an easy guide to find a place nearest you or one that may fill your needs.)
- New York Psychotherapy & Counseling Center (Melrose)
- Montefiore Behavioral Health Center (Soundview & Westchester Square)
- Riverdale Mental Health Association
- Fordham-Tremont Community Mental Health Center
- Full Circle Health (Westchester Square)
- Montefiore Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Norwood)
- Lincoln Hospital Behavioral Health Services (Melrose/Mott Haven)
- Urban Health Plan, Inc (All locations have onsite therapists, however, only the Hunts Point, Nuevo San Juan site has a psychiatrist)
- Jacobi Medical Center Behavioral Health Center (Morris Park/Pelham Parkway)
The Original “High Line”, The High Bridge, to Reopen This Tuesday, June 9th!
After over 40 years of being closed off to the public and after decades of community groups working to restore and reopen it, The High Bridge is finally opening this coming Tuesday, June 9th.
The High Bridge is New York City’s oldest bridge completed in 1848, although it has been altered and portions even removed since its construction, one can still see the majority of the original remaining structure on The Bronx side of the span.
Watch this PBS Video on The High Bridge:
https://vimeo.com/18642808
Taking 11 years to complete, the bridge was built as an aqueduct in a Roman style to quench the thirst of an ever-growing New York City (remember, at this time, The Bronx was still part of Westchester County and was several decades away before the South and Western Bronx were annexed to the city and NYC was confined to Manhattan).
“During the early nineteenth century the chief occupations of lower Westchester County were growing wheat and raising livestock; between 1800 and 1830 the population rose from 1755 to 3023. Severe famine in Ireland and the growth of industry and commerce in the city drew thousands of Irish to the Bronx as laborers. Many Irish immigrants were employed in the construction of the High Bridge over the Harlem River, the New York and Harlem Railroad, and the Croton Aqueduct. Much of the area consisted of fertile lands that yielded fruits, vegetables, and dairy products for sale in the city. The first railroad tracks were laid over these lands, and rural stations eventually became the centers of new villages such as Melrose, Tremont, and Riverdale. As the railroad was extended, the center of population shifted west from the area east of the Bronx River, and the towns of West Farms (1846) and Morrisania (1855) were established.” – A Walk Through The Bronx/Thirteen PBS
The bridge wasn’t fully shut off to the general public, it was still open for tours by NYC Park Rangers until the late 1990s due to safety concerns from structural flaws discovered.
Scheduled to have been open in 2009, anticipation has been building for years for this landmark to reopen and connect the neighborhoods of Washington Heights in Manhattan and Highbridge in The Bronx.
At over 2,000 feet in length, it isn’t anywhere near as long as the High Line in Manhattan but at almost 140 feet in height it more than towers above the city offering incomparable views lacking from Manhattan’s famous park.
This is an exciting time for Bronx residents as we get to reclaim part of our historic past and take it beyond into the future. Just last week we were celebrating the official opening of Bridge Park, now this!
Check out images of Bridge Park:
NYC Parks Commissioner, Mitchell J. Silver, addresses the crowd at today’s ribbon cutting ceremony.
Seating, drinking fountains, bike racks, pedestrian and bike paths are one of the many amenities you’ll find along Bridge Park.
Melvin, a local resident at River Park Towers, enjoys the official Bridge Park opening by fishing along the Harlem River.
Can’t get views like these in the other boroughs, now can you?
Construction is almost complete on the Highbridge which will have an opening celebration this July 25th after being shut to the public more than 40 years.
Local school children, along with Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, officials from The Bronx Borough President’s Office and Community Boards 4 and 5 participate in the ceremonial ribbing cutting.
Soon we’ll be able to walk across the Highbridge and not just admire it from above and below.
The Bronx really is beautiful, in case you didn’t know it.
View from the unimproved portion of Bridge Park
With views like this, who needs to go into Manhattan to enjoy the waterfront? This is one of the many reasons we fight for access to our waterfront as one of our most precious natural resources.
Do you have memories of The High Bridge? We’d like to know!
The Bronx Is Beautiful—Show Us Your Best Pics of Our Beautiful Borough!
The Bronx is beautiful. We know that whether we lived here long ago, still live here or just arrived. We are a diverse borough both in nature, in the richness of its people, and landscape.
That being said, we’d love to see The Bronx through your eyes so feel free to submit your pics to submissions@welcome2thebronx.com or tag us on Instagram @welcome2thebronx or use the hashtags #welcome2thebronx #welcometothebronx and we’ll feature your love of our borough!
Don’t be shy!
Click on an image below to start our gallery:
The entire mural was done by artist R. Nick Kuszyk at Zaro’s headquarters.
The beautiful Enid A. Haupt Conservatory — a New York City and National Landmark
Melvin, a local resident at River Park Towers, enjoys the official Bridge Park opening by fishing along the Harlem River.
Mural for WallWorks NY on Alexander Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard by Tats Cru legends Bio and Nicer. The wall is scheduled to change several times a year.
WallWorks NY, located at 39 Bruckner Boulevard on the corner of Alexander Avenue is situated on one of the most highly visible intersections in The Bronx. Thousands of cars drive by daily on their way into Manhattan from The Bronx, Westchester, Connecticut and points North.
Cupid stands alone in an empty reflecting pool which appeared to be drained for the winter season.
One of the 3 murals currently being restored is sealed off as preservationists work 6 days a week to restore the murals to their former grandeur.
Thousands wiz by at the beginning of the Tour de Bronx through Melrose.
The entire mural was done by artist R. Nick Kuszyk at Zaro’s headquarters.
Wave Hill House
Barefoot Dancing in Van Cortlandt Park was a wonderful experiencing showing off the beautiful tapestry that is the people of The Bronx.
The iconic Clocktower building on the left—its vibrant facade and exterior is quite the opposite of the expansion being constructed.
Arbor House, one of the many “affordable” housing developments constructed throughout The Bronx.
The Boogie Down Booth installed by The Bronx Music Heritage Center played curated selections reflecting our borough’s rich cultural and musical legacy.
A rear view of Bartow-Pell Mansion from inside the walled garden.
The entire mural was done by artist R. Nick Kuszyk at Zaro’s headquarters.
242nd Street Station on the #1 Line in Riverdale
Andrew Freedman Home
Buidings in the Lower Concourse Rezoning area and Special Harlem River Waterfront District
2883 3rd Avenue at The Hub in Melrose would make for a great new location for a Barnes and Noble.
Simply just love this place!
Seating, drinking fountains, bike racks, pedestrian and bike paths are one of the many amenities you’ll find along Bridge Park.
La Casa Azul
The Bronx really is beautiful, in case you didn’t know it.
‘Albanian Jesus’ as this Mural dedicated to local resident, Anton D Nikci, on Arthur Avenue.
Another local mainstay along Bruckner Boulevard.
Poe Cottage, as seen from within the Poe Visitor Center where a “Raven” sits by the window.
The Banknote building as of July 2014 / ©welcome2thebronx.com
Crash goes over some artwork with an artist for the gallery.
Looking out towards Pelham Bay.
Founded in 1899, the Mertz Library has evolved to become one of the largest, most comprehensive botanical libraries in the world and is a treasury of knowledge about all aspects of the plant world./Via NYBG
Charlie’s, formerly known as The Clocktower, is one of several popular watering holes and restaurants along Bruckner Boulevard.
©welcome2thebronx.com
Orchard Beach
One of the many trees in bloom in Cherry Valley. This one you can go underneath it!
Bomba dancing last year at a block party in Port Morris
Bruckner Bar & Grill, long considered the pioneer in the area, has been well established for quite some time with clients coming from all over The Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester and includes a long list of local politicians – including the Borough President himself.
The landmark Enid A. Haupt Conservatory in the background.
Van Cortlandt House, where President George Washington slept at least twice and also where he began his journey from into Manhattan to re-capture New York from British rule thus ending their control in America.
Isn’t the conservatory just splendid?
Kick Off LGBTQ Pride Month At The Old Bronx Courthouse This Friday With a Huge Celebration!
This Friday from 8PM to 11:30PM, join BAAD (Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance) in collaboration with No Longer Empty’s exhibition to kick off Pride month in what is being touted as the largest, “queer pride art and performance carnival The Bronx has yet seen”…along with Queer marriage vows being officiated for the first (and last) time at The Old Bronx Courthouse.
The Bronx has limited venues for the LGBTQ community to come together and this Friday may very well be the largest indoor gathering and event since The Warehouse off the Grand Concourse was open back in the 90’s.
The ‘Bronx Comin’ Out To The Courthouse Carnival (Out Like That 2015) & Mr Papo’s Big Gay Draw-a-Thon‘ is going to be a night to remember if you’ve ever been to ANY BAAD event.
According to BAAD, you can expect the following:
Free Event/ Performances! LIVE DJ! MODELS! ARTISTS!
KICK OFF PRIDE MONTH with BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance in collaboration with No Longer Empty and Ivan Velez’s Drink and Draw. Join us as we take over the old Bronx Borough Court House and turn it into the largest queer pride art and performance carnival the Bronx has yet seen.
Over 50 Dancers, Models, Artists, Performers on 8 stages inside a cavernous room in the historic former Bronx County Courthouse, the latest project of No Longer Empty. In The Life Ministries will be on hand to officiate queer marriage vows (the first and last time in the courthouse) and a live DJ delivers beats to keep your mind and body grooving.
Performers include: Tyra Allure Ross, Arthur Aviles, Lawrence Graham Brown, J Skye Cabrera, Yoseli Castillo, Jennifer Chin, Kharis Collins, Filip A. Condeescu, Susana Cook, Appolonia Cruz, Joseph Davis (Jackie O), Charly Dominguez, Shizu Homma, Annie Lanzillotto, Malcolm Low, Michael Lynch, Elizabeth “MACHA” Marrero, Ricardo Muniz, Alethea Pace, Antonio Ramos, Charles Rice-Gonzalez, Richard Rivera, Simply Rob, Anthony Rosado, Alicia Anabel Santos, Sparklez, Charlie Vasquez, Vir Amicus, Lorenzo Walker II, Vivika Westwood Mugler and Ni’ja Whitson.
LOCATION: Old Bronx Borough Courthouse, 878 Brook Avenue (at E. 161st St. & Third Avenue)
Subway: 2 or 5 trains to 3rd Ave-149 St., walk northeast on Third Ave., left onto Brook Ave.
4 train to 161st Street long walk down to Third Ave. or take #6 bus.
#6 bus from #4 train or #6 train (Hunts Point stop)
The Old Bronx Courthouse is PACKED With Events For No Longer Empty This Weekend!
No Longer Empty’s exhibition, ‘When You Cut Into The Present The Future Leaks Out’ isn’t just about the great artwork on display but it is also about the community engagement via the many programs surrounding the exhibition and this weekend will not disappoint with FIVE events!
Saturday, May 30 2015 3:30 pm – 4:40 pm
PERFORMANCE
Poetic Justice, a walk by Todd Shalom (Elastic City)
3:30 p.m.
On this participatory walk, participants will respond to the Melrose neighborhood of the Bronx and its abandoned courthouse through a variety of poetic prompts. Techniques from sound, movement, ritual and photography will help frame the area and perhaps each other anew. This walk holds 12 people.
Starting Location: E. 156th Street and Concourse Village West; Bronx
Ages: 16+
Duration: 70 minutes
Limited Space. Please RSVP. The 1PM performance is already BOOKED so make sure you click on RSVP if you want to attend!
Saturday, May 30 2015 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
PERFORMANCE
Deborah Fisher and Paul Ramirez Jonas: “Something for Nothing” Performance II
1PM-6PM
For this exhibition, Deborah Fisher and Paul Ramirez Jonas work as a collaborative team. The two artists, who have each produced participatory work in public spaces, combine their interests toward a work for the Old Bronx Borough Courthouse about service, art, and alchemy. A custom-designed neon sign signals the possibility of fortune telling, notary service, gold exchange, and coffee, all in a single action/interaction. The artists will activate the shop three times over the course of the exhibition, resulting in a personalized “hand-made” artwork created intimately with each participant.
Saturday, May 30 2015 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
NLE Programs
A Timeline of Hand Styles: Signatures from the 1960s to Present Day
1PM – 6PM
A temporary public art project curated by Lady K Fever
This project aims to capture the energy, style, form, and essence of artists’ signatures through a timeline that will refer to the history of graffiti from the 1960s to the present day. Artists from multiple generations that are still actively painting or writing their name in dedication to their craft will be invited. The unique style of each artist will come together on one wall, focusing on the “handstyle”—worked on and mastered over many years. This is a historic New York City moment for graffiti art: a way to celebrate and educate about the importance of the handstyle and to chip away at the stigma around the negative perceptions of graffiti.
Family Activity: Families will be encouraged to participate and tag/write their name on a roll of paper. Many parents/people have tagged their name when they were younger. Activities will encourage families members to talk about this NYC experience of coming of age
Saturday, May 30 2015 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
CHILDREN/YOUTH
No Longer Bored Family Days: Dubbed in Reflection
1PM – 4PM
Lady K Fever, an exhibiting artist and educator, uses performance, photography, painting, drawing to create abstract expressive artwork that incorporates traditional font lettering, poetry, street art techniques weaved with biographic and fantastical imagery. During this free art-making workshop, participants will work with Lady K Fever and her piece, titled Dubbed/ in Justice to create reflective light interventions in response to the Old Bronx Borough Courthouse.
No Longer Bored is a program designed for children and families to discover and explore No Longer Empty´s art exhibition through activities centered on inquiry, reflection, creativity and participation. We want children and families to explore the exhibition and develop an appreciation for art together.
Sunday, May 31 2015 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
MUSIC & Film
The Adventures of Don Quixote
1PM – 6PM
“The Adventures of Don Quixote” is a performance project created by a group of artists (Melanie Crean, Sable Elyse Smith, Shaun Leonardo) and individuals affected by the justice system, concerning the process of cyclical incarceration.
Based on the Cervantes character, their goal is to create a film and performance series that explore how factors leading to initial detention can further lead to increasing cycles of violence and repeated incarceration.
The project engages a range of participants, including teens working with The Point, the project’s supporting nonprofit in the Bronx, formerly incarcerated young adults, as well as a range of people who have escaped the cycle and are now working as creative activists.
On May 31st, you will have the opportunity to experience their creative process during an open film session when directors and participants will develop, film, and interpret both scripted and unscripted actions onsite at the Old Bronx Borough Courthouse. Members of the community will be called to offer input as to how the building introduces meaning to the project, share their own experiences of the space, or even participate as a performer.
That’s all for this weekend, hope to catch you at one or all!
Mayor of San Juan Stays In Melrose, The Bronx—Not Manhattan—But Cab Driver Refuses to Take Her There
Rather than staying in a glitzy hotel in Manhattan, the mayor of San Juan—the capital city of Puerto Rico—Carmen Yulin Cruz Soto decided to stay in Melrose at The Opera House Hotel at the recommendation of her friend,City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito according to the New York Daily News.
The Opera House Hotel, located on 149th Street in Melrose, between Brook and Bergen Avenues is nothing to sneeze at either as it is a beautiful luxury boutique hotel in the heart of The South Bronx and the Puerto Rican heart and soul of our city.
Hopefully she’s had the chance to enjoy some of the local culture in our diverse community and it’s definitely an honor to have such a high-ranking politician stay right in our own backyard.
The entire trip hasn’t been easy, however, as the Daily News reported that a cab driver refused to drive her to The Bronx—something which many Bronxites are familiar with although on a personal note, I haven’t had a cab driver refuse to take me to The Bronx since the late 90’s.
Read what the New York Daily News has to say about this ordeal:
“The mayor of San Juan got an unfortunate taste of Big Apple life on Wednesday when she tried to hail a yellow cab from Manhattan to the Bronx — and the cabbie kicked her out.
Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz Soto said on Thursday she then hailed a second cab in Greenwich Village asking to go the the Opera House Hotel and the cabbie obliged — but complained the whole ride about going to the borough.
“Just because you’re going outside of Manhattan doesnt mean you’re going to a lesser place,” she said. She added, “As someone who loves New York City, my request to everyone, especially the yellow cabs, is let’s give New York a chance. All of New York.”
Soto said she plans to file a complaint with the Taxi & Limousine Commission.
It’s illegal to refuse a fare within the five boroughs. Soto said she was staying in the “wonderful” Bronx hotel at the recommendation of her friend, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. The boutique hotel is in Mark-Viverito’s district.
In the first ride, the cabbie told her he didn’t know how to get to the hotel on E. 149th St. in the South Bronx and claimed he had no GPS and “no way of finding out.” “He kicked us out. He told us we had to get out,” she said.”
Source: San Juan mayor has trouble getting cab to drive her to Bronx – NY Daily News
Bridge Park Officially Opens in The Bronx Adding Another Along The Harlem River
Today the people of The Bronx celebrated its newest park as a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Bridge Park with NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver along with local politicians and school children.
Although the park was completed in 2013, it wasn’t until today that the park was officially opened due to construction work that was being done along I 95 leading to the George Washington Bridge which is directly above the southern and main entrance to the park. The park straddles and connects the neighborhoods of University Heights and Highbridge.
The park offers beautiful vistas of the Harlem River and the many scenic bridges that cross over it into Manhattan including the soon-to-open Highbridge which will have a celebration on both sides of the bridge on July 25th of this year.
Bridge Park was constructed (or rather upgraded since it was once originally called Washington Bridge Park and was utilized as such between 1888 and 1890) to the tune of $4.054 million with funds coming form a Federal grant, Council Member Vanessa Gibson’s office and the Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz Jr’s office as well.
This beautiful waterfront park runs about half a mile from under I-95 up to River Park Towers where it connects to the promenade surrounding that property and leads straight into Roberto Clemente State Park. There are approximately 4 additional acres adjacent and directly south of the park which still needs funding and would extend the park down under the Highbridge.
The addition of this newly minted park is yet another piece in the puzzle to create a contiguous greenway from the North Bronx straight down the Harlem River and connecting to the vision that is the Mott Haven-Port Morris Waterfront Plan.
Already Mill Pond Park just north of 149th Street and the 145th Street Bridge has proven a major success in the area, stretching from 150th Street to 153rd Street which includes 16 tennis courts, a tennis club house and will be the future home of the Bronx Children’s Museum. This park also has a plot of land between the 145th Street Bridge and the park itself waiting for funding to develop it as well.
With Mayor de Blasio’s administration dumping $200 million into the Special Harlem River Waterfront District, this area could eventually create a ribbon that would wrap around the South Bronx and connect with the Mott Haven-Port Morris Waterfront Plan creating virtually uninterrupted access to the waterfront for the Western and Southern neighborhoods of The Bronx which lack sufficient access when compared with all the other 4 boroughs.
While Bridge Park is absolutely beautiful, the one criticism that I do have is access to it. There is no easy way to access the park and getting there is not pedestrian or cyclist friendly whatsoever so you have to be extremely careful when going there especially if on bike.
Hope you all enjoy our latest park and let’s keep on pushing for more and more access to the waterfront. Access to our most precious resources is a basic human right not an amenity we should have to fight for.
Click an image to view the full gallery:
Construction is almost complete on the Highbridge which will have an opening celebration this July 25th after being shut to the public more than 40 years.
View from the unimproved portion of Bridge Park
Melvin, a local resident at River Park Towers, enjoys the official Bridge Park opening by fishing along the Harlem River.
Seating, drinking fountains, bike racks, pedestrian and bike paths are one of the many amenities you’ll find along Bridge Park.
NYC Parks Commissioner, Mitchell J. Silver, addresses the crowd at today’s ribbon cutting ceremony.
Local school children, along with Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, officials from The Bronx Borough President’s Office and Community Boards 4 and 5 participate in the ceremonial ribbing cutting.
With views like this, who needs to go into Manhattan to enjoy the waterfront? This is one of the many reasons we fight for access to our waterfront as one of our most precious natural resources.
Can’t get views like these in the other boroughs, now can you?
The Bronx really is beautiful, in case you didn’t know it.
Soon we’ll be able to walk across the Highbridge and not just admire it from above and below.