Category: New York

As Mayor of New York, I know just how important public safety is to our city, and how important the right leadership is in achieving it. Over the last 18 months, this Administration has made major progress driving down major crime, and last week I named a new leadership team at the NYPD that will continue to improve safety across our city and keep New York the safest big city in America. This new team is not just making news – they are making history. Police Commissioner Edward Caban is the first Hispanic Police Commissioner in our city’s history, bringing decades of experience and leadership to this role. Our incoming First Deputy Commissioner, Tania Kinsella, is the first woman of color to serve in this role. Rebecca Weiner, our new Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism, is also the first woman to serve in her position. And when I reflect on my time... Read more

In New York City, our streets aren’t just streets. They are where we walk, eat, play, and come together as one city. As mayor, I am committed to reclaiming our streets for everyone to enjoy safely. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to travel to Europe to experience open summer streets. We have them right here in our own backyard. And this summer we are expanding Summer Streets to all five boroughs. On five Saturdays in July and August, from 7am to 1pm, select streets will be open to pedestrians citywide. New Yorkers will be able to enjoy outdoor activities with their neighbors, all car free. And now they can enjoy Summer Streets in their own borough for the first time. Last year, we added two miles, brought the program to East Harlem, and brought back the third Saturday of Summer Streets. This year, we are bringing Summer Streets to all five... Read more

Summer weather is here, and there is no better time to be on the streets of New York—especially at our city’s bustling outdoor restaurants. At the height of the pandemic, our temporary outdoor dining program served millions of New Yorkers and saved 100,000 jobs.  It allowed cooks, waiters, busboys, and all those who depend on the restaurant industry to get back to work – and New Yorkers to get back to socializing safely after being cooped up indoors. Outdoor dining transformed our cityscape for the better, making our sidewalks and neighborhoods livelier and more welcoming and helping our small businesses thrive. While it may have been an improvised solution at first, outdoor dining helped us reimagine how we use our public spaces, and quickly became a beloved feature of New York City life. But outdoor dining brought challenges too. Abandoned and poorly maintained sheds became a haven for rats and an eyesore for... Read more

New York City has the largest public school system in the nation, and we are proud of our dedicated teachers and administrators who do so much to educate our talented students from so many different backgrounds and countries. We want to set up our students for success, and teaching them to read confidently is crucial to our efforts. That is why we are making a historic shift in our curriculum, and launching NYC Reads, a program based on proven science-of-reading techniques. We will teach our students skills that they can fall back on to decode words when the level becomes difficult, and we will train our teachers so they can provide instruction effectively.  When our young people don’t learn to read properly they are more likely to struggle, and they can fall into a cycle of poverty and even incarceration.  A staggering 40% of our jail population cannot read properly,... Read more

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks on May 9, 2023,  launched “New York City Reads”, a new citywide literacy campaign. Two days later after the  launch of  the new campaign, New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks alongside with three New York City public schools’ deputy chancellors ( Kara Hamed, Danika Rux, Carolyne Quintana), hold an in-person roundtable with ethnic and community media to discuss the new citywide literacy campaign “New York City Reads”. A study shows that “ 51% of NYC elementary school students are not reading proficiently.” The same study states that 30% of Asian students are not proficient in reading; 33% of White students are not reading proficiently; 63% of Latino students are not reading proficiently; and 64% of Black students are not reading proficiently.” Those statistics according to Banks and... Read more

Last week, the Adams Administration released our Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget. As President Joe Biden has often said: “Show me your budget and I will show you your values.” That is why this budget invests in our Working People’s Agenda, prioritizing education, jobs, housing, health care, and public safety. As Mayor, I'm committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of our people. But the challenges we face are real. It is no secret that our city is still recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as spending over millions on the ongoing asylum seeker crisis. These are unavoidable realities that have made a massive dent in our city’s resources. The good news is that we were able to balance this year's budget with better than expected revenues and efficient budgeting. We were able to create $1.6 billion in savings across the two fiscal years – without... Read more

Democracy Prep Public Schools ‘ superintendent and  several principals have  hold on April 28, 2023, a virtual conversation with African community leaders to talk about the holistic approach or education  the  Democracy Prep  Schools offer to children. “We  strongly believe we have the best options to serve  all children and we understand they are people in our community, who can help us to get better,” said Emmanuel George the Democracy Prep Public Schools superintendent who also believes that partnership with community leaders is the best thing to do to succeed. “ We cannot do it alone,” he added. Democracy Prep Public schools is a growing network of high – performing public charter schools educating 6,500 PK – 12th grade scholars at 21 schools in four regions. Students are enrolled through a random lottery. There are elementary and high schools. [caption id="attachment_7312" align="alignleft" width="300"] Emmanuel George[/caption] For Shanique Clement, principal at... Read more

New State senator Cordell Cleare ‘ swearing – in ceremony took place on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Wadleigh School for the performing arts and visual arts auditorium in Harlem. The chief judge of New York State Court of Appeals, the honorable Rowan Wilson has administered the oath of office to senator Cordell Cleare before several guests and constituents. Senator Cleare who represents  the 30th district in the  State of  New York, which includes Central Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Upper West Side and Washington Heights, was so excited as she was swearing in. “ I am excited to share this special moment with the people who have entrusted me to be their voice in Albany,” Senator Cleare said. “ I am going to continue to be your voice. I will take you to Albany and advocate for you. When they will  talk about job, education, housing, etc., I will... Read more

The kick off of the African Nations Soccer Cup took place on April 15, 2023  at Mullay Park in the Bronx. This is the twelfth time in a row that the organizer of the cup, Ambroise Ngande has doing his best  to make this African Nations  Cup a reality. Several African  soccer teams  have  participated  the twelfth edition of the cup that  was placed under the presidency of the Bronx Borough president Vanessa L. Gibson.  Women were also in the spotlight because they were the ones who opened the match. It was therefore the women's team of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon who competed in a fun and fair play game. Final score: 0 – 0. The men enter the dance Ghana and Senegal face each other. In the  first half, the two teams played at the same pace with each on their side for the chance to win. During... Read more

New Yorkers work hard twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They should expect their city government to work at their pace — not the other way around. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to navigate layers of government bureaucracy or fill out pages of paper forms to have access to the services their tax dollars pay for. My Administration is committed to making it easier for New Yorkers to access city services, wherever they are, and on their schedule. That is why we’re launching MyCity, an online portal where New Yorkers can search, apply for, and track city services right from their smartphones and computers. The first phase of MyCity is focused on providing access to child care assistance for low-income New Yorkers. For the first time, New York City families who need help paying for child care can apply in one place, with one digital application. Before, families had to... Read more

Several authors are hosting a book fair on Sunday, March 26, 3pm-7pm, at the Coal Pot, 1466 St. John’s Place, Brooklyn, NY. Authors include: Pat Chin, VP Records cofounder. Her book, My Reggae Music Journey, is cherished worldwide. Herman Hall, a recipient of a national journalism award and publisher of EVERYBODY’S Magazine. His two easy reading history books on revolutionary leader Julien Fédon have attracted major book reviewers. Burnett Coburn was celebrated last July at the St. Maarten Book Festival. The Skatalites were revered in pre-and-post independence Jamaica. James Haynes, Jah Jerry: Legacy of an Original Skatalites, is a must read. Claudette Joy Spence, an inspirational speaker, has written several books. Grenada’s Anthony W. Deriggs, Jamaica’s Keisha-Gaye Anderson and Trinidad & Tobago’s Dr. Meagan A. Sylvester have penned thrilling short stories and novels. Miss Pat Chin and Herman Hall who are organizing book fairs remind everyone of renowned authors the Caribbean and the diaspora have produced such as Nobel... Read more

 Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light ( HWPL)  has held on March 18, 2023, in Manhattan its 7th annual commemoration of the declaration of peace and cessation of war. About 100 people from different sectors have  attended the event, which was held under  the theme of “ Institutional peace: strengthening communication to build the trust.” Talking about peace around the world is significant. According to Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light, “the current global community has the highest count of conflicts since World War II. One out of four people live in conflicted – areas, and the number of people forcibly displaced due to violence or human rights violations has gone over 100 million in 2022.” [caption id="attachment_7239" align="alignleft" width="300"] Lee Man – hee[/caption] Lee Man – hee the chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light was optimistic about peace in the world during his videotaped... Read more

The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut in partnership with I Am My Community Inc, have organized on February 25, 2023 in the Bronx violence intervention summit. The African Journal has interviewed Mory Kouyate who gave us a big picture of the summit. The African Journal ( AJ):  You organized on February 25, 2023 the violence intervention summit. How many people attended that summit? Mory Kouyate  ( MK) : The attendance was not at a level we wanted . Our target audience was the youth in the 168th and Grand concourse area. They did not turn out as much . However, we cannot underestimate the impact the event had. We were able to shine a light on the violence in our community  nationwide through the presence of national news outlets such as CBS News 2, and Bronx 12 News. They amplified our voice and our messages beyond our... Read more

A year into my administration, New York City remains the safest large city in America. We are following through on a 360-degree approach to fighting crime that includes both strategies for investing in our communities and excellent policing. Thanks to two years of tireless efforts and coordination between the NYPD Gun Violence Suppression Unit and the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau, on February 14th, we announced an 85-count indictment that charges 23 gang members in Queens with conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, reckless endangerment, and gun possession. Eight of the men had fired a weapon previously.  All of them had no regard for others’ lives or safety. The indictment covers eighteen acts of gun-related violence that took place in and around the Astoria Houses and the Woodside Houses. The gang members fired their weapons in broad daylight next to an ice-cream truck, in a courtyard and at a playground. Children... Read more

New Yorkers know that rats love trash bags full of food waste. And they know that I hate rats. This week, our Administration declared that Restaurant Week for rats in this City is finally over.  For too long, New Yorkers have had to bring their compost to neighborhood drop off sites, or deal with one-off collection programs that weren’t designed to reach everyone. This meant mountains of trash bags on our sidewalks, attracting rats day and night.  New Yorkers have been saying loudly that they want a compost program across the City – they want the rat food out of the black bags and out of the landfills once and for all. For over twenty years, New York City has been trying to achieve citywide curbside composting that actually WORKS for everyone. We are finally getting it done. By the fall of next year, New Yorkers in all five boroughs... Read more

Last week, in Queens — the borough I grew up in — I reported to New Yorkers on the state of our city. I outlined what we’ve accomplished in the year since I took office, and my vision for the future. We are going to build a city for working people, one that is more affordable, safer, cleaner, and more livable. We focused on four essential pillars: jobs, safety, housing, and care. Because without a strong working class, this city cannot survive. Working people need good jobs and pathways to get those jobs. And those jobs need to be able to support a home for New Yorkers and their families. That is why we are reimagining our workforce system, connecting 30,000 New Yorkers to apprenticeships through a new Apprenticeship Accelerator. It’s also why we are creating the jobs for the future, through our first of its kind biotech start up incubator that... Read more

Every year, the Mayor presents a budget to the people of New York City. This budget is about much more than what we are spending and what we are spending it on. It is a statement of values and a declaration of purpose: Creating a safer, more prosperous and equitable city for all. This is the city that our responsible and focused Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget continues to make possible. Since Day One, fiscal discipline has been the hallmark of this administration. We are focused on governing efficiently and getting results. Over the past year, we have made our city safer and continued our economic recovery. We have funded and will continue to support programs that benefit everyday New Yorkers — including public safety, affordable housing, and clean streets.  It can be tempting to add a bunch of new spending, and certainly there are many who will call for... Read more

When I came to office, I inherited a city with many crises, including increasing crime. And my top priority has always been public safety. From day one, I got to work with the Police Commissioner, our Deputy Mayor and our team to make our streets and subways safer.   And our public safety strategy is working. New York City is getting safer. 2022 ended with crime trending downward in New York City. In December, we saw major crimes go down by 11.6 % and in the fourth quarter of 2022, overall index crime dropped by 1.5%.   Last month, we saw murders, shootings, robberies, burglaries, grand larcenies, and hate crimes all going down. Our efforts — including taking 7,100 firearms and more than 400 ghost guns off our streets — are bringing gun violence down. What these numbers tell us is that we are turning the corner on crime in this city. And the results speak for themselves. New York City is back.   You can see it and feel it across the five boroughs. Tourism is back at a... Read more

The Mayor of New York City Eric Adams has hold on January 6, 2023, at City Hall a media roundtable to discuss topics related to community as well as topics related to 2022. A meeting that brought together local news outlets ‘reporters and publishers. The Mayor who is celebrating a one-year anniversary as a New York City Mayor, has decided to not make any statement as he gave the latitude to journalists and reporters to ask any question they wanted to and that came to their mind. After one year in office and when you looked back, what is your biggest achievement and what issue you think you failed on? I asked the Mayor. “My top achievement is my team,” Mayor Eric Adams said.  “I built the right team, which reflects the diversity of New York, and I am proud of my team.” Several people in New York City are... Read more

The Evolved Harlem Merchants Coalition in partnership with the office of City Council District 9, has celebrated on December 30, 2022, Kwanza, the annual celebration of African – American culture. There were several people who have joined the Evolved Harlem Merchants Coalition and Kristin Richardson Jordan the New York City Council Woman to enjoy Kwanza in its fulness. [caption id="attachment_7137" align="alignright" width="300"] Kristin Richardson Jordan the New York City Council Woman[/caption] “I have been blessed for celebrating Kwanza, which is a celebration of our journey to freedom and liberation,” said Council Woman   Kristin Richardson Jordan. “Kwanza reminds us of our struggle and how far we must go,” said Nova Felder the president of the Evolved Harlem Merchants Coalition. “Without struggle there is not progress.” [caption id="attachment_7136" align="alignleft" width="156"] Noa Felder[/caption] There are seven principles of Kwanza: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self – determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics),... Read more

The office of City Council Woman Kristin Richardson Jordan and Prophetic Whirlwind Ministries have celebrated on December 19, 2022, in Harlem, Hanukkah the Jewish festival.  The particularity of the celebration of Hanukkah in Harlem was that it brought together African American Jews and Jews. [caption id="attachment_7129" align="alignleft" width="139"] Onleilove Alston[/caption]  “Celebrating Hanukkah is to stand in fulness of who you are, and a dedication against simulation,” said Morah  Oneilove Chika Alston, Founder of HerWisdom LLC and Prophetic Whirlwind Ministries.  “I do not have to hide my blackness.”  And she added: “Here in Harlem in this time of hate and bigotry, we want to come together to honor people who are dedicated to Jews and diversity.”  Together they broke bread and ate it. And together they sparked menorah light, the light of hope, love and resistance.  “Harlem is always representing to me a place of resistance,” she said. Ms. Alston went... Read more

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the “NYC Speaks Action Plan” — created in partnership with civic and community leaders — outlining policy goals for five issue areas that are priorities for New Yorkers: Housing and public safety, youth mental health, community spaces, jobs in high-growth sectors, and civic engagement. NYC Speaks is a public-private partnership led by Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright, working alongside various philanthropic partners, community leaders, and civic institutions to inform the priorities and policies of the Adams administration. “New Yorkers deserve a seat at the table to share their vision for our city’s future. It is why I engage and speak with community groups in all five boroughs every day, making sure I hear their concerns and dreams,” said Mayor Adams. “Having that input from New Yorkers is helping us ‘Get Stuff Done’ the right way. But I am only just one person... Read more

While I was on the campaign trail, I met many New Yorkers who expressed their desire for a safer city.  New Yorkers want to feel safe in their neighborhoods, at their places of worship, in the subway and on the streets.  I vowed to make public safety my top priority, and under the bold leadership of NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell, our efforts are paying off.  We have a lot more work to do, but I want to be clear to New Yorkers: we are making progress. For the first time this year, we saw a drop of 1.2% in overall index crimes in November compared to November of 2021.  What does that mean?  It means that in November of 2022 compared to November of 2021, we saw a 32.8% decrease in shootings, a 14.1% decrease in rapes, a 6% decrease in burglary, and a 5.5% in grand larceny. We have... Read more

Our city is facing a crisis.  New Yorkers with severe and untreated mental illness are living out in the open, on our streets and in our subways.  They are in danger and need help, yet often, the nature of their illnesses prevents them from seeking the support they require. My Administration is determined to do more to assist people with mental illness, especially those with untreated psychotic disorders who pose a risk of harm to themselves, even if they are not an imminent threat to the public. Moving forward, we will take several key steps.  The most important is for our outreach workers, hospital staff, and police officers to be aware that New York law already allows us to intervene when untreated severe mental illness prevents a person from meeting their basic human needs, causing them to be a danger to themselves. https://youtu.be/2OVMFqc7tGI We will continue to do all we can to persuade those in need... Read more

The non-for-profit organization "Hope For Desperate Hearts" has  celebrated on November 12, 2022 in New York, Manhattan its tenth anniversary. Several guests and donors have come together to celebrate the tenth anniversary of an organization that cares about disadvantaged populations not only in Burkina Faso but also in the United States of America. Hope For Desperate Hearts works to improve the lives of disadvantaged populations in Burkina Faso and supports the African community in New York," said Ms. Barkissa Dabire Barro, founder and executive director of Hope For Desperate Hearts. According to the president of  the Board of Directors, Angie O'Reilly, "Burkina Faso is in immense need." Hope For Desperate Hearts  has indeed decided to meet the  need of disadvantaged populations  in Burkina Faso. Women, children, young people, etc., are getting the help they need from the organization. In 2021 alone, a total of 60 widows benefited in Burkina Faso... Read more

#Vote4Harlem and Bridging Africa and Black America Inc ( BABA Inc)  have organized on November 7, 2022, an online participatory budgeting idea generation session that brought together several people. The goal according to the two non-for-profit organizations, is to collectively  generate ideas and submit those ideas to New York City Civic Engagement Commission. Apostle Onleilove Chika Alston Founder, Her Wisdom Consulting LLC and  #Vote4Harlem said that “ participatory budgeting in both the city council and city wide, is a process where residents have a direct say in how public funding is spent.” “ This is a session for coming with ideas,” she added. Before generating   ideas, Abdoulaye Cisse  who is BABA Inc’s  executive director,  has laid out 5 community  agreements. The 3rd one was : “ Together we know a lot, alone we don’t know it at all.” And together participants have generated ideas based on how the city spends... Read more

The Cameroon American Council is seeking Special Humanitarian Parole for Cameroonians living in Cameroon. Sylvie Bello, the founder and CEO of the Cameroon American Council has been championing for many years for that since 2016.  "Cameroon has 5 armed conflicts," she said. [caption id="attachment_7050" align="alignleft" width="182"] Sylvie Bello and Congresswoman Elaine Luria[/caption] According to Prism Report, a news outlet, Ms. Bello’s fight in 2016 has led the “Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to finally designate 18 months of protected status for Cameroonian nationals in the U.S. The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will protect qualifying Cameroonians from deportation and give them the ability to receive work permit.” TPS is for people who are already  in the USA and are undocumented.  https://prismreports.org/2022/05/16/cameroonians-were-granted-temporary-protected-status-in-the-us-but-advocates-say-more-protections-are-needed/ Ms. Bello has appreciated positively that decision. However, she said it is not enough. She still does not understand why Fombi Thomas who went to fight in Afghanistan as a... Read more

Eric Adams the Mayor of the City of New York has hold on October 6, 2022, the African Heritage Month at Gracie Mansion in Manhattan. African diaspora in New York City in its diversity has massively responded to the Mayor’s call for the traditional celebration of the African Heritage. They came from all over the city with joy and enthusiasm. “This is an important gathering today,” said Eric Adams who is proud to be the Mayor of New York City “one of the powerful states of America.” After the Mayor told the origin of African Americans’ story, which related to slavery, he said that he went to Senegal and stood of the” Door of No Return,” where millions of Africans were shipped to a life of slavery in America and in other continents in the world.   He said he also went to Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Maroc. “I realized... Read more

District 9, City Council’s woman Kristin Richardson Jordan has hosted on September 30, 2022, in the headquarter of Senegalese Association of America in Harlem an African Heritage Month to celebrate what she called “the beautiful people” and honor many of them. [caption id="attachment_6998" align="alignleft" width="113"] District 9, City Council’s woman Kristin Richardson Jordan[/caption] In the big room where the event was held, Ms. Jordan was socializing, interacting and discussing with anyone she came across. “I appreciated my African heritage,” she said. “We are beautiful people.” As an African American Woman, Ms. Jordan said: “We all have root in the African Continent.” The event was indeed an opportunity for her to take a panoramic look at the work her and her team have done so far after 180 days in office. She has laid out in a handout their accomplishments such as “the laws she has signed on to, initiatives her... Read more

Mory Kouyate is the CEO of the African Immigrants’ Commission of NY & CT, Inc. He has initiated three years the African Heritage Month Parade and Festival. He answered our questions regarding the 3rd edition of the African Heritage Month Parade and Festival. Take a look to learn what he said.  This was the 3rd edition of the African Heritage Month Parade and Festival organized by African Immigrants’ Commission of New York, what was the singularity of the 3rd edition?  This year we zeroed in on the achievements and contributions of the African immigrant community to the American experiment. What do we bring to the table? What have we brought to the table as immigrants to this great country? The fact is we have contributed a lot to the economy. The African immigrant community among the most educated in the US. We are doctors, nurses, teachers, business leaders etc. We seize the opportunity... Read more

African Health Awareness Day was held on September 26, 2022, in the Bronx to raise awareness about health issues in African communities in New York City and exceptionally in the Bronx. Many people in the African Community travel every single year to Africa where malaria is a health issue. When they travel, they do not know where to get medication or vaccination against certain diseases such as malaria. So, they usually travel without taking any prevention regarding malaria and other illnesses. They usually come back with malaria, and they do not know where to go to get treatment. This a sad reality with its consequences.  “African Health Awareness is about to bring resources to our community and tell our people that there is malaria program for those who used to go to Africa. We indeed want to make sure they get medication or vaccination before any trip to Africa,”... Read more

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) has held on September 14, 2022, in the headquarter of United Nations a meeting with its partners to talk about peace in the world. Man Hee Lee, the chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), which is a Non – Governmental Organization, addressed in a video speech the importance or the urgency to spread the culture of peace in the world. In observance of the International Day of Peace celebrated each year on September 21st by the United Nations, the meeting was an opportunity according to the organization to “acknowledge the efforts being made to promote and achieve sustainable peace throughout the global village in order to create a better world for future generations.” [caption id="attachment_6943" align="alignleft" width="300"] Yong Min Shin HWPL East Coast Branch Director[/caption]  Mr. Lee said that if we are living in the same world, we... Read more

Bink International Charity has held on August 20, 2022, at Claremont Park in the Bronx, its annual back to school giveaway for three consecutive years now to help parents and students in need. The organization has provided 300 backpacks, school supplies and other assorted items. “We couldn’t do this without the help and support of MetroPlus Health that provided us with backpacks, pencil kits and other items for our communities and we are truly grateful for their continuous contribution and their commitment to make our communities better and healthier,” said Bintou Kone president of Bink International Charity. “This is not the first time that MetroPlus Health has supported our event and mission of providing educational equity for all children regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, social class and immigration status,” She added. According to   Samuella Tine, the president of Sam Charity, “Bink International Charity is doing an incredible job by... Read more

The discovery of arsenic in the tap water of a Lower East side public housing development, first reported by THE CITY on Friday evening, has raised questions about how NYCHA handled the testing and triggered an investigation by the federal monitor overseeing the authority. Two weeks ago, after reports of cloudy water from residents, NYCHA received results declaring the water drinkable. NYCHA then decided for reasons not yet explained to retest the water, and on Thursday those results, from the private water management company LiquiTech Inc., detected arsenic, which the earlier test had not checked for. But NYCHA sat on those results for 24 hours, and there was no public acknowledgement or warning until City Hall confirmed the arsenic finding on late Friday—after THE CITY began asking about it. On Saturday the federal monitor who has jurisdiction over NYCHA announced he would be looking into the circumstances surrounding the testing at Riis. “We... Read more

The dedication of “Africans in Harlem: An Untold New York Story “  the new book of Dr. Boukary Sawadogo, has taken  place on August 3, 2022  in the African Center in Harlem. “Africans in Harlem: An Untold New York Story is a narrative of the African presence and influence in Harlem from my own perspective as an African – born immigrant scholar at the City College of New York, writer, filmmaker, and founding director of the Harlem African Animation Festival who lives and works in the neighborhood,” wrote Dr. Boukary Sawadogo in the preface of his book. The content of the  book that counts 2003 pages is an “ academic research and personal reflection,” according to Dr. Sawadogo who has penned the long story between Harlem and African immigrants.  “I saw a very complex and nuanced Harlem when I arrived in Harlem,” he said.  And  he pointed out: “ Africans... Read more

The victim was struck in the arm by gunfire near Grand Concourse and Eliot Place shortly before 5 p.m. as the parade was still winding down the Concourse, police sources said. The man walked into BronxCare Health System hospital where he was listed in stable condition Sunday night. The shooting occurred as Dominicans throughout the city gathered in the Bronx to celebrate the Caribbean country’s culture Sunday. The annual parade had been canceled the previous two years due to the pandemic. Flag-waving spectators lined the Concourse as colorful floats and dancers marched along the street throughout the afternoon and Latin music filled the air for much of the day before the gunshots rang out. When the bullets flew, people ran for their lives, according to a resident who witnessed the aftermath. Nathalie Peña, who lives in an apartment building adjacent to the crime scene, said she saw people franticly running... Read more

Bink International Charity has organized on July 23, 2022 “Children’s Play and Learn day”, which has taken place in Claremont Park in the Bronx. Several children from the Bronx have come to enjoy themselves and  play games such as: crafts, outdoor nature play, treasure hunts, storytelling, interactive games, and relay race. “It is about bringing kids together and giving them the opportunity to know each other and enjoy themselves,” Bintou Kone the chairwoman of Bink International Charity, said. “ Such activity also allows us to do something else other than going to work.” The event was sponsored  by  many organizations including Metro Plus Health, New York Public library, New York Life as well as community organizations. “Metro Plus Health  is our biggest sponsor and support as they gave us four big boxes full of sand pail set toys that were distributed to the kids,” Ms. Kone said. “ Every kid... Read more

The office of the Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson has  organized on July 18, 2022  a virtual Monkeypox’s forum in partnership with New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and healthcare professionals as well. “My goal is to share information with all of you,” said the Bronx Borough president Vanessa L. Gibson. “Many of you are serving very vulnerable communities and we want to make sure you have the right information so that you share that information to your community.” It was for Ms. Gibson an opportunity to tell people not only what her borough but also the New York City have done and keep doing to protect citizens against the new disease. “Bronx has 10% of the cases and I want to make sure Bronx is prioritized,” she said. According to Ms. Gibson there are 618 cases in the Bronx and 1800 cases nationwide. And around... Read more

Police need the public’s help in finding the bike-riding pervert in Manhattan who sexually assaulted two women on the streets early Saturday morning. The NYPD released video footage of the first incident, which happened at about 4 a.m. on July 16 near the corner of Central Park West and West 82nd Street on the Upper West Side. The video shows the creep riding a bicycle alongside the victim, a 23-year-old woman, through a nearby intersection.  Seconds later, as shown on video, the woman is walking alone under a scaffold-covered sidewalk when the creep — no longer on the bike — approached her from behind, then grabbed her legs and tackled her to the concrete. Following a brief struggle, cops said, the perpetrator held the victim down and then digitally penetrated her.  About an hour later, authorities said, the pervert attacked a 28-year-old woman at the corner of Avenue A and... Read more

Detectives have linked the suspect behind a cold-blooded, deadly stabbing at a West Village park earlier this month to two other recent knife attacks on sleeping men around Manhattan.  “These are senseless acts on defenseless people experiencing homelessness and somebody knows this person,” Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said of the pattern Tuesday. “We need to get this killer off our streets as and as safely as possible.” Law enforcement sources said the serial stabber struck early on Monday morning, July 11, at Stanley Isaac Playground along the FDR Drive on the Upper East Side. According to authorities, the assailant approached the 28-year-old man at about 3:30 a.m. that morning as he lay on a park bench and knifed him in the abdomen, then fled to parts unknown. EMS rushed the victim to Metropolitan Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. Three days earlier, cops said, the suspect similarly stabbed a 59-year-old... Read more

A police-involved shooting in Queens on Saturday evening left both an armed suspect dead and an officer hospitalized, it was reported. According to sources familiar with the investigation, a man allegedly fired at cops at around 6:25 p.m. on 205-17 116th Ave. in St. Albans. Sources said that officers returned fire, killing the suspect with a barrage of bullets. Several officers were taken to a nearby hospital for ringing in the ears and high blood-pressure following the incident. NYPD brass Chief of Patrol Jeffery Maddrey and Chief of Transit Jason Wilcox spoke from the scene later that night. According to Maddrey, the NYPD received several 911 calls from the suspect who made threats to both elected officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and law enforcement about 20 minutes prior. “He clearly stated that he was going to blow the head off of the first police officer he saw,” Maddery said. “The... Read more

Abortion-rights and anti-abortion demonstrators gather outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, Friday, June 24, 2022. The Supreme Court has ended constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years, a decision by its conservative majority to overturn the court's landmark abortion cases. Abortion, guns and religion _ a major change in the law in any one of these areas would have made for a fateful Supreme Court term. In its first full term together, the court's conservative majority ruled in all three and issued other significant decisions limiting the government's regulatory powers. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Abortion, guns and religion — a major change in the law in any one of these areas would have made for a fateful Supreme Court term. In its first full term together, the court’s conservative majority ruled in all three and issued other significant decisions limiting the government’s regulatory powers. And it... Read more

 Former police captain Eric Adams easily won the race for New York mayor Tuesday, and Boston elected its first woman and Asian American to the city’s top job as voters across the U.S. picked local leaders who were largely defined by their stances on police and crime. Adams, who will become the second Black mayor of the nation’s largest city, first triumphed this summer in a crowded Democratic primary after he struck a nuanced stance on law enforcement issues. His message on crime and his experience as a police officer largely insulated him from attacks from his Republican opponent Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels anti-crime patrol. He described being beaten by police officers as a teenager when he was arrested for trespassing. When he later became a cop, he was a vocal critic of the police department, advocated for Black officers and spoke out about injustices. But... Read more

A Columbia high school student   was shot and killed on June 6, 2021 in New Jersey and the killer is  still on the  loose . Moussa Fofana, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene at 10: 24 pm in the area of Underhillfield where he  was playing soccer with other friends.   Masane Fofana, the victim sister still wondering why the killer is not yet arrested. “There is a camera there, if the camera did not  see that, this is a problem,” she said. “ It happened at a white school.” According to Tapinto.net, a local news outlet, Moussa of Maplewood was shot at “approximately 9: 38 pm on Sunday, June 6, 2021,” and was pronounced dead at the scene. “This is not a mistake. The shooter was in a car ; they run after him and shot him,” Masane  said. Moussa Fofana was originally from Ivory Coast, West Africa,... Read more

New Yorkers will choose on June 22, 2021, a new Mayor, Comptroller, four Borough Presidents, and two – thirds of City Council positions. Over 400 candidates are running. Among those candidates they are Africans who are running for example in the Bronx for City Council positions. One of the goals of The African Journal is to see our brothers and sisters succeed in anything they will embrace. We are proud that we have Africans who are running to be elected officials in New York. For City Council district 16 in the Bronx, two young Africans are running for the same position. Our readers wanted to know for whom candidate we stand for?   When we decided to run this news outlet three years ago, we let people know that we embrace unity not the opposite. We hate division and we censure it. Our vision did not change, and it will remain... Read more

New York City residents can access many health and social services including emergency Medicaid, food assistance, tenant protection, free legal help, and COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and care. Your immigration status, ability to pay, and employment status do not matter. Learn more at NYC.gov/Immigrants. The NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) want all New Yorkers to trust that they can seek the care they need, without fear of immigration consequences, to be empowered by knowledge about their right to get support, and to know that their City has their back. For connections to City-funded, free and safe immigration legal help, call ActionNYC at 1-800-354-0365. Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Read more

New York School Safety Coalition has organized a rally on April 11,2021 to protest against some electoral officials’ campaign  promises that will aim to eliminate completely school safety agents who will be replaced by guarding counselors. [caption id="attachment_5977" align="aligncenter" width="455"] Mona Davids founder and president of New York Charter Parents Association, and the New York City Parents Union[/caption] Since school safety agents are hired under New York Police Department (NYPD)  and trained by the same entity, those electoral officials said there is not way to make a difference between police officers and school safety agents as they promise to defund the police. For that reason, New York School Safety Coalition and several other organizations in New York City took to the street to protest against what Mona Davids founder and president of New York Charter Parents Association, and the New York City Parents Union, has called “outrage, absurd, and ludicrous... Read more

“Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID - 19 world,” was the theme that was chosen this year to celebrate International Women’s Day. As always, International Women’s Day, which is celebrated every single year on March 8tth,  was celebrated in  different ways and in different countries. African Life Center, which is a 501C organization has commemorated that historical Day by engaging a discussion related to the theme as three women with extensive experience in the medical field debated the topic. They were: Mariama Bah Sow MD, Physician, Maimouna Coulibaly, MD, MPH, medical doctor and epidemiologist, and Dr. Lois Bookhardt, chief medical officer. Ramatu Ahmed, founder of Africa Life Center,  who has initiated the discussion, said the goal is to acknowledge any woman who fought and continue to fight as we navigate through covid – 19. For Ms. Ramatu, African Life Center, which purpose is to serve African... Read more

When she came to the United States of America, she could not either speak or write in English. She never dreamt she will one day speak fluently English or write academically  books  in English. However, she did it in less than four years. Her name is Arisa Diane Oliver AKA Diane Bertille Olivia Kabore and she is 24  years  old. Daughter of a diplomat from Burkina Faso ( West Africa) , her native country, Arisa Diane Oliver authored two books: a novel ( A Strange World) and a poem ( Black and White), which are written in English. Although  she said writing is like expressing herself, Oliver got her inspiration from watching  movies. “They made me dream and discover a new world,”  She said. And she wrote “ I am a big fan of movies. One day while watching a movie where the lead was a writer made me realize... Read more

 African communities in New York - most of them were Guineans – took the streets in New York on October 31st, 2020 “ to denounce the violence and injustices happening in countries across the African continent,” specifically in Guinea and Nigeria. They held a meeting in front of the United Nations building  where they were joined by some New York’s elected officials  such as  Assemblyman Charles Barron, New York State Assembly District 60, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, New York State Assembly District 78, and Jumaane D. Williams New York City Public Advocate who came to support the protesters.   ” Africa is bleeding from police brutality in Nigeria to post-election violence in Guinea,” organizers said. Cellou Dalein Diallo the opposition leader in Guinea who run for presidential election in Guinea appeared on computer screen and talked directly to the audience. He accused  Guinea president Alpha Conde of killing 240 people after... Read more

Attorney Eunice Ukwuani is the Founder and the President of Princess Eunice Ukwuani Foundation, which is a non – governmental organization that champions  girl-child and women/children with disabilities. Let’s meet Ms. Ukwuani and her organization. [video width="640" height="352" mp4="https://theafricanjournalonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/eunv.mp4"][/video] African Journal ( AJ): Can you  introduce yourselves to our readers? Eunice Ukwuani (EU): My name is Eunice Ukwuani, an Attorney and Founder/President of Princess Eunice Ukwuani Foundation (PEUF). A lawyer by profession and I also studied Public Administration.  AJ:  Princess Eunice Ukwuani Foundation (PEUF) is a Non-For-Profit Organization you found in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. What is the main goal of PEUF? EU : PEUF is a non-governmental organization that caters for the needs of the girl-child and women/children with disabilities in Africa and around the world. It is basically founded to cater for education needs of the vulnerable children that are affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. AJ:  PEUF... Read more

Yankassa community held on June 12, 2020 in the Bronx  a press conference to call the entire community  to support Assemblymember Michael Blake a former White House aide to President Obama. “The Yankassa community will not let you down,” said El hadj  Shaib Gali, Yankassa interim chairman who emphasized how  Mr. Blake has been with the community for many years. “He has supported us, let’s support him,”  he said. Famod Koney, the deputy director of Census 2020 Partnership  said that the community has supported Mr. Blake when he was running for assembly member, and that it will support him as he is running for Congressman. “ The district 15 is our home,” he said. “ Give Mr. Blake the opportunity to be our congressman.” [caption id="attachment_4986" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Assemblymember Michael Blake[/caption] Mr. Blake said he knows the community for many years. He added  he has been  with the community several... Read more

Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday joined a crowd of demonstrators outside the Capitol protesting police brutality toward black Americans following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed man who died in Minneapolis police custody. Pelosi wore a mask and was accompanied by her usual entourage of staff and members of her security detail while walking through the crowd, which a spokesman confirmed was on the Capitol's East Front.  Pelosi's show of solidarity with the protesters comes as House Democrats weigh legislative options for responding to the public outrage over the recent string of deaths of unarmed black Americans. Her appearance also comes two days after law enforcement cleared protesters outside the White House on Monday night with tear gas to make a path for President Trump to hold a brief photo opportunity outside St. John's Episcopal Church after it had been vandalized. Demonstrations against police brutality and racial profiling have been ongoing in Washington, D.C., and other cities... Read more

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Women of Distinction Awards is one of the biggest event, which has been organized in New York for 14 years.  Eight women from different backgrounds and different countries will be honored in December 9, 2018. The ceremony will be held at Staten Island Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Staten Island . Emmanuel Randolph Wheagar who initiates the event, through this interview,  gives the details about this important event. Can you introduce yourselves to our readers? My name is Emmanuel Randolph Wheagar, Founder and CEO of the 2nd Chance International Women of Distinction Magazine, the 2nd Chance Youth Empowerment Project, and the 2nd Chance Gospel Music Convention, Inc. You are organizing in December 9, 2018 a big event called “International 2nd Chance, Women of Distinction Awards,” why do you decide to organize a such event and why it is called 2nd Chance? I decided to organize this event in the early... Read more

Africa Photo Festival New York will be held in August 25 and 26, 2018 at The National Black Theater in Harlem. The festival has been organized by Yemi Ojagbamila, who is also the curator. Participants will have a chance to admire the work of many artists, and to talk directly to them. According to Yemi, “It will be an exhibition, artist talk, and collection.” Everyone is welcome to this big event.     Read more

Forty-five women were trained in August 4, 2018 in Harlem to fight mental illness. The free training, which was initiated by Women’s Federation for World Peace, USA in collaboration with Harlem Family Church, is part of the New York City program called “Mental Health First Aid Trainings,” which is sponsored by Thrive NYC. “New York city is stressful and mental illness is a real issue, “said Assetou Sy who also thanked Famod Koneh from the Mayor’s office for making this training happened. [caption id="attachment_1622" align="aligncenter" width="5184"] Assetou Sy[/caption] Here are statistics in New York regarding mental illness:  20 % of lower – income mothers develop symptoms of depression after pregnancy. 25% or 230, 000 veterans live in New York, and one out of four are estimated to have PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and/ or major depression. 35% of NYC Department of Homeless Services shelter clients have a serious mental illness;... Read more

 The African Journal your newspaper was in July 24, 2018  the guest of Zeno radio to debate the role of media in the community. The debate was initiated by Dr. Marie Claudine Mukamabano and Randolph J. Thomas, and The African Journal was represented by Bazona Barnabe Bado and Mustapha Dioune who are respectively co- founder and editor – in – chief,  and co- founder and manager. The debate, which took place in Manhattan lasted one hour.  We answered many questions such as “ why did you create a newspaper, why audience should advertise in The African Journal? What make The African Journal different than other newspapers?... It was an opportunity for us to focus on our mission, which is “the freedom to tell our stories, the African’s stories, to educate our people in America as a community’ s newspaper, and to support in Africa our young democracies.”  As a community... Read more

After winter with its frigid weather, New Yorkers are enjoying the summer with its warmer and humid weather. It is also an opportunity to make money in several ways. People are making money on street corners. In general street vendors in New York are those who are selling body oils, and clothes. In summer, the hot weather is a great opportunity for youth to sell water to drivers in some busy streets.  Some Women and aged people who do not have job sell also fresh water, juice, soda, fruits, and  ice cream on a corner of streets. Men with big vans occupy street corners to sell fruits, and vegetables. The street’s businesses work  as vendors sell goods that are cheap. The same apple you buy for 50 cents on the street will cost you one dollar in a store. So many people prefer to buy fruits and vegetables on the... Read more

                          African communities alongside with other organizations were gathered on June 13, 2018 in the Bronx to demand justice not only for Mouctar Diallo, but also for Leo Clarke. Diallo 21, was struck  and killed on November 7,  2017 by a garbage truck belonged to Sanitation Salvage and which he had been  working for. The company ( Sanitation Salvage)  had tried to cover -  up the truth about his death. Clarke 72, was also run over by the same truck as he was crossing the street. He was walking with a cane.             “The message we are sending is to highlight the issue of Mouctar Diallo, to express our outrage and to demand that Sanitation Salvage be held responsible for his death,” Mohammed Mardah of African Advisory Council said. Diallo was an immigrant... Read more

  The Bronx week parade and festival hosted by the Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. was held on Sunday May 20th in the Bronx at Mosholu Parkway and Hull Avenue. Community organizations, schools, sport teams, and civic groups have marched along Mosholu Parkway celebrating the 46th anniversary of the event. The African Advisory Council ( AAC) was there. “We are here to represent African community and culture,” Mory Kouyate, the AAC chairman said. According to Mory, there are more than 100, 000 Africans in the Bronx. “ it is important to let people know we are there,” he said. He also said that it is important to show politicians that we are committed. Yes, the African Advisory Council have marched alongside other community groups and has celebrated with cheer and joy. It was an opportunity for President Diaz, to give the African soccer tournament trophies to the team that... Read more

                               The annual meeting of the Group of Friends of Corrections in Peacekeeping ( GOF) was held on May 9 and 11, in  the premises of Permanent Mission of Burkina Faso, New York. “The Group of Friends was formally created in 2011 and its objectives are to provide advice and expertise on the difficulties encountered by penitentiary officers deployed in peace keeping operations,”  Eric Y. Tiare, Ambassador Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso, said. The theme of this annual meeting  was “ the strategic role of corrections in furthering the peace and security objectives of United Nations peace operations.” Burkina Faso has been chosen to lead the Group for the next two years. “Burkina Faso has been for many years an active member of the GOF and it is one of the biggest  contributors in peace operations... Read more

  Veteran diplomat Bernard Tanoh-Boutchoue, the Ivory Coast's ambassador to the United Nations and a member of the UN Security Council, has died suddenly. The Security Council began a meeting Thursday with members standing in silent tribute to their colleague, who was serving a two-year term on the U.N.'s most powerful body. Peru's UN Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, the current council president, said the Security Council "with great shock and profound sadness acknowledges the sudden passing yesterday of our dear colleague and friend." Meza-Cuadra called him "a great diplomat" who was committed to ending "the suffering of millions of people affected by conflicts and humanitarian crises, especially in his dear continent of Africa". "There are no words to express our feelings of sadness upon this news," Meza-Cuadra said Source Associated Press Read more