Category: Whats Buzzing in the Streets

Jalen Hemphill: The R&B-Boy Revolutionizing Hip-Hop Culture

In an industry where tradition often takes precedence, Jalen Hemphill, affectionately known as “The R&B-Boy,” is shattering conventions and redefining the boundaries of Hip-Hop culture. This talented artist seamlessly fuses the classic elements of R&B and soul with the vibrant energy of b-boy culture, creating a unique sound that is both nostalgic and innovative.

Hemphill’s Journey

Hailing from the birthplace of Hip-Hop, the South Bronx, Hemphill embodies the spirit of his roots while pushing the genre forward. His artistic expression is deeply rooted in the culture, and he proudly wears his influences on his sleeve – from the colorful high-top fade to the classic Kangol hat, and the gold ankh and crown chain.

Music and Style

With a voice that effortlessly glides between smooth R&B crooning and soulful belting, Hemphill’s sound is a refreshing departure from the norm. His music is a masterful blend of old-school soul, 80’s b-boy swagger, and 90’s R&B, creating a distinctive style that is both retro and cutting-edge.

Notable Works and Projects

– The Life of An Old Soul, Vol. 1 (2023) – A testament to his innovative approach, this EP is a beautifully crafted body of work that tells a story of self-discovery and growth.

– A New Love: The Remix EP (2021) – A showcase of Hemphill’s versatility, this project features reimagined versions of his original tracks, further solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the industry.

– “Don’t Mind” and “No One Can See How Much (I Love You)” – Two standout singles that demonstrate Hemphill’s ability to craft infectious, soulful hits.

Breaking Barriers

Hemphill’s impact extends beyond his music. He is a true embodiment of Hip-Hop’s original elements – DJing, MCing, breaking, and graffiti art. As a b-boy who sings, he is challenging traditional norms and paving the way for a new generation of artists.

Jalen Hemphill, “The R&B-Boy,” is an artist on a mission to revolutionize Hip-Hop culture. With his unique sound, captivating style, and dedication to the craft, he is leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As he continues to push boundaries and defy conventions, Hemphill is sure to remain a driving force in shaping the future of R&B and Hip-Hop.

Written by Regina Annette

Todd Bridges

Todd Anthony Bridges (born May 27, 1965) is an American actor. He portrayed Willis Jackson on the sitcom Diff’rent Strokes and had a recurring role as Monk on the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. Bridges worked as a commentator on the television series TruTV Presents: World’s Dumbest… from 2008 to 2013.

Bridges was born on May 27, 1965, in San Francisco, California, the son of Betty Alice Pryor, an actress, director and manager, and James Bridges Sr., a talent agent. His brother Jimmy Bridges and sister Verda Bridges are also actors.

Bridges appeared on The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, “The Love Boat” Season 2 Episode 5, and the landmark miniseries Roots. He was a regular on the Barney Miller spinoff Fish. It was playing Willis Jackson on the NBC/ABC sitcom Diff’rent Strokes that made him a household name, along with those of fellow co-stars Conrad Bain, Charlotte Rae, Dana Plato, and Gary Coleman. With Rae’s death in 2018, Bridges became the last surviving original cast member. (Two actors who joined the regular cast later are still living as of 2022: Mary Jo Catlett and Danny Cooksey.)

Bridges appeared in the 2002 special Celebrity Boxing with friend Vanilla Ice, whom he defeated. In 2006, Bridges appeared as a contestant on a celebrity episode of Fear Factor but was eliminated after the first stunt. Also in 2006, he appeared as a contestant on the Fox reality show Skating with Celebrities but was eliminated in the second episode of the show because he was using roller skates instead of ice skates. In January 2007, he appeared as a member of the “mob” on the American version of the game show 1 vs. 100. He and his wife Dori Bridges appeared in the November 14, 2007, episode of the MyNetworkTV show Decision House titled “Burned Bridges.” He also had a recurring role as Monk on the UPN/The CW sitcom Everybody Hates Chris.

The cast of Diff’rent Strokes with guest star Nancy Reagan in 1983

In March 2008, Bridges appeared on TruTV Presents: World’s Dumbest…, on which he continues to appear as a frequent commentator. That October, he debuted as a contestant on Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling on CMT as a member of Team Beefcake (coached by former wrestler Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake). Bridges’ wrestling persona was the character Mr. Not So Perfect. In one episode, he defeated Tonya Harding with a lead pipe. The judges praised him for his athleticism and his cunning while defeating Harding. After reaching the finals along with Butterbean and Dustin Diamond, Bridges was defeated by Dennis Rodman. In 2015, Bridges was the host of a live game show titled Lovers or Losers: The Game Show at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. In 2022, Bridges was announced as a HouseGuest competing in the third season of Celebrity Big Brother.

Bridges has appeared in several music videos. His first appearance was in Penny Ford’s single “Change Your Wicked Ways” (1984). He made a cameo in Moby’s 2002 music video for “We Are All Made of Stars” and in the video for the Black Keys’ 2011 single “Howlin’ for You.”

Bridges’ son Spencir Bridges (born July 15, 1998) from his marriage to former wife Dori Bridges (née Smith) is also a former child actor who appeared in the film Daddy Day Camp and an episode of iCarly. Bridges also has a daughter from a previous relationship.

In 1998, Bridges and his brother James saved the life of Stella Kline, a 51-year-old paraplegic woman who nearly drowned when her wheelchair rolled into a lake while she was fishing. Kline said: “I was thanking God that he was there, and you know, everybody’s been saying nothing but bad stuff about Todd Bridges on the news and in the papers… He has a heart of gold.” Bridges remarked: “We felt God put us there at the right time to save this lady’s life, because there was no one else around.”

In a 2010 appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Bridges said that he was sexually abused at age 11 by a publicist who was also a family friend.

On September 25, 2022, he married designer Bettijo Hirschi.

Bridges started smoking marijuana as a 15-year-old star on Diff’rent Strokes. In his twenties, Bridges battled a crack cocaine and methamphetamine addiction. He bought and sold drugs to support his addiction. Bridges was arrested for felony assault and cocaine possession.

In 1983, Bridges was fined $240 for carrying a concealed firearm. In 1987, he received a suspended sentence after pleading no contest when charged with making a bomb threat.

In 1989, Bridges was arrested and tried for the attempted murder of Kenneth “Tex” Clay, a Los Angeles-area drug dealer who prosecutors argued had been shot by Bridges. Bridges pleaded not guilty and was represented by the famous defense attorney Johnnie Cochran, who argued that Bridges was an abused minor who had been driven to drugs by an exploitative entertainment industry and was now being framed. A witness finally testified that Bridges was not present at the shooting, and Bridges was acquitted of all charges by a jury.

Bridges was arrested on December 29, 1992, on suspicion of transporting narcotics for sale and possession of a loaded firearm after Burbank, California police officers discovered methamphetamines and a loaded gun in his car. He was released on $10,000 bail. Bridges stopped using drugs on February 24, 1993, after years of use.

Bridges wrote a book, Killing Willis: From Diff’rent Strokes to the Mean Streets to the Life I Always Wanted (2008), discussing his childhood sexual abuse, drug addiction, criminal charges and efforts to establish a public identity independent of the Willis character. He appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show on April 28, 2010, to discuss the troubled past that he had chronicled in his memoir.

Written by Dianne Washington

Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz was born on this date in 1964. He is a Black singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and actor.

Leonard Albert Kravitz was born in the New York City borough of Manhattan, the only child of actress Roxie Roker and network television news producer Sy Kravitz. His mother was of Black and Bahamian descent, and his father was a white-Russian Jew. Kravitz is a second cousin of television weatherman Al Roker through his mother, as their grandfathers were brothers.

During his early years, Kravitz spent weekdays on the Upper East Side of Manhattan with his parents, attending P.S. 6 for elementary school and weekends at his grandmother Bessie’s house in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. In 1985, Kravitz met Cosby Show actress Lisa Bonet backstage at a New Edition concert in California. They were close friends for two years before beginning a relationship. Kravitz moved back to New York City, where The Cosby Show was produced, 1987 to move in with Bonet. They eloped to be married in a Las Vegas ceremony in 1987, her 20th birthday. Kravitz, still known as Romeo Blue at the time, suddenly found himself in the headlines of tabloids. He and Bonet had a daughter, Zoë Isabella Kravitz, in 1988, who became an actress, singer, and model. Kravitz and Bonet separated in 1991 and divorced amicably in 1993.

Kravitz dated French singer and model Vanessa Paradis from 1992 to 1996. He began dating Brazilian model Adriana Lima in 2001, and they lived together before becoming engaged in 2002. However, the engagement was called off in April 2003. Lima was featured in the music video for Kravitz’s 2002 single “Yesterday Is Gone (My Dear Kay).” He then briefly dated and was engaged to Australian actress Nicole Kidman from 2003 to 2004.

He won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance four years in a row from 1999 to 2002, breaking the record for most wins in that category and setting the record for most consecutive wins in one category by a male. He has been nominated for and won other awards, including American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Radio Music Awards, Brit Awards, and Blockbuster Entertainment Awards. He was also ranked at No. 93 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock”. He was made an Officer of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres 2011 and has played Cinna in the Hunger Games film series. His music incorporates elements of rock, blues, soul, R&B, funk, jazz, reggae, hard rock, psychedelic, pop, folk, and ballads.

Kravitz Design Inc. is a New York City-based company founded by Kravitz in 2003. Swarovski selected Kravitz Design Inc. in 2005 and 2006 to participate in their Crystal Palace Collection. Kravitz Design Inc. has also envisioned a luxury recording studio for The Setai Resort and Residences in Miami Beach, New York, Paris, and New Orleans. Kravitz Design focuses on commercial, residential, and product creative direction and design. Its clients are the Morgans Hotel Group, Swarovski Crystal, and The Setai Group. Morgans Hotel Group In 2010, Kravitz Design Inc. collaborated with Flavor Paper wallpaper on the Tropicalismo Collection, a line inspired by Brazil’s Tropicalia art movement of the late 1960s.

He identifies himself as a Christian in a religious sense “through choice” but states, “I’m also a Jew; it’s all the same to me.” During another interview, Kravitz stated, “I’m half Jewish, half black, I look in-between.” He also notes that spirituality “has been an important issue in [his] growth,” given his upbringing by parents of different faiths. Such spirituality is prominently featured in many of his songs, such as the lyrics on his album Baptism and having his back inscribed with a tattoo stating, “My Heart Belongs to Jesus Christ.”

As late as 2011, Kravitz stated that his 2005 religious commitment to remain celibate until remarriage was unchanged. Kravitz is a member of the Canadian charity Artists Against Racism and worked with them on a radio PSA. Kravitz has partnered with Leica on two occasions. In 2015, a Leica M-P edition was titled “The Correspondent,” and again, in 2019, a Monochrome edition was titled “Drifter.” The 2019 collaboration also included a gallery of his work, unveiled on May 24, 2019, and was on display for 3 months in the Leica Gallery in Wetzlar, Germany.

Written by Dianne Washington

Patti LaBelle

Patricia Louise Holt (born May 24, 1944), known professionally as Patti LaBelle, is an American R&B singer and actress. She has been referred to as the “Godmother of Soul”.

She began her career in the early 1960s as lead singer and frontwoman of the vocal group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. After the group’s name change to Labelle in the 1970s, they released the popular number-one hit “Lady Marmalade”. As a result, after the group split in 1976, LaBelle began a successful solo career, starting with her critically acclaimed debut album, which included the career-defining song, “You Are My Friend”. LaBelle became a mainstream solo star in 1984 following the success of the singles “If Only You Knew”, “Love, Need and Want You” (later sampled for 2002’s “Dilemma”), “New Attitude” and “Stir It Up”. Less than two years later in 1986, LaBelle scored a number-one album Winner in You and its number-one duet single, “On My Own”, with Michael McDonald.

Born Patricia Louise Holte, she grew up singing in the Beulah Baptist Church Choir of southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was born the second youngest child of Henry and Bertha Holte’s three children and the next-to-youngest of five children overall. Her father was a railroad worker and club performer, and her mother was a domestic. Despite enjoying her childhood, LaBelle would later write in her memoirs, Don’t Block the Blessings, that her parents’ marriage was abusive. Shortly after her parent’s divorce, when LaBelle was twelve, she was sexually molested by a family friend.

At ten, she joined a local church choir at the Beulah Baptist Church and performed her first solo two years later. While growing up, she listened to secular music styles such as R&B and jazz. When she was sixteen, LaBelle won a talent competition at her high school, John Bartram High School. This led to her first singing group, the Ordettes, in 1960, with schoolmates Jean Brown, Yvonne Hogen, and Johnnie Dawson.

With LaBelle as frontwoman, the group became a local attraction until two of its members left to marry, while her religious father forced another to quit the group. In 1962, the Ordettes included three new members, Cindy Birdsong, Sarah Dash, and Nona Hendryx, two girls having sung for another now-defunct vocal group. That year, they auditioned for local record label owner Harold Robinson. Robinson agreed to work with the group after hearing LaBelle sing “I Sold My Heart to the Junkman.” Initially, Robinson was dismissive of LaBelle, believing her to be “too dark and too plain.” Robinson altered the group’s name to “Patti LaBelle and The Blue Belles.”

In 1963, the group scored their first hit single with the ballad “Down the Aisle,” a crossover top 40 hit on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts. Later in the year, they recorded their rendition of the “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. In 1965, the group moved to New York and signed with Atlantic Records, where they recorded twelve singles for the label, including their rendition of “Over the Rainbow” and a version of the song “Groovy Kind of Love.” In 1967, Birdsong left the group to join The Supremes; Vicki Wickham, producer of the UK music show Ready, Steady, Go, agreed to manage the group after Dusty Springfield mentioned signing them. Wickham’s first direction for the group was to change their name to Labelle. In 1971, the group opened for The Who in several stops on the group’s U.S. tour.

After the group split in 1976, LaBelle began a successful solo career, starting with her critically acclaimed debut album, which included the career-defining song “You Are My Friend”. LaBelle became a mainstream solo star in 1984 following the success of the singles, “If Only You Knew”, “New Attitude” and “Stir It Up”, with the latter two crossing over to pop audiences and becoming radio staples. Less than two years later, in 1986, LaBelle scored with the number-one album, Winner in You, and the number-one duet single, “On My Own”, with Michael McDonald. LaBelle eventually won a 1992 Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for her 1991 album, Burnin’, followed by a second Grammy win for the live album Live! One Night Only. Her 1990s albums, Burnin’, Gems (1994) and Flame (1997), continued her popularity with young R&B audiences throughout the decade.

Following releasing two mildly receptive solo albums in the early new millennium, she reunited with her Labelle bandmates for the album, Back to Now, followed by a briefly well-received promotional tour. LaBelle’s success has extended as an actress with a notable role in the Oscar-nominated film A Soldier’s Story and TV shows such as A Different World and American Horror Story: Freak Show. In 1992, LaBelle starred in her TV sitcom Out All Night. A decade later, LaBelle hosted her lifestyle TV show, Living It Up, with Patti LaBelle on TV One. In 2015, LaBelle participated in the dance competition Dancing with the Stars at 70. Labelle has also seen success launching her brand of bedding, cookbooks, and food for various companies.

In 2015, Patti’s Sweet Potato Pie sold millions when a YouTube video praising the product went viral. As a result, over a 72-hour period, Walmart sold one pie every second. In a career that has spanned over seven different decades, she has sold more than 50 million records worldwide. LaBelle has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame. LaBelle was included in Rolling Stone on their list of 100 Greatest Singers. LaBelle is a dramatic soprano and is noted for her vocal power, range, and emotive delivery.

Written by Dianne Washington

Heavy D

Dwight Arrington Myers (May 24, 1967 – November 8, 2011), known professionally as Heavy D, was a Jamaican-born American rapper, record producer, and actor. Myers was the leader of Heavy D & the Boyz, a group that included dancers/hype men G-Whiz (Glen Parrish) and “Trouble” T. Roy (Troy Dixon), as well as DJ and producer Eddie F (Edward Ferrell). The group maintained a sizeable audience in the United States through most of the 1990s. The five albums the group released included production mainly by Teddy Riley, Marley Marl, DJ Premier, Myers’s cousin Pete Rock, and “in-house” beatmaker Eddie F. Myers also released four solo albums and discovered Soul for Real and Monifah.

Born Dwight Arrington Myers in Mandeville, Jamaica, the son of Eulahlee Lee, a nurse, and Clifford Vincent Myers, a machine technician. His family moved to Mount Vernon, New York, in the early 1970s. In 1987, Heavy D & The Boyz, the group he founded, was the first act signed to Uptown Records, the record company started by Andre Harrell. The group enjoyed widespread fame in the early 1990s and scored prominent cameos on hit songs with Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. Heavy D also appeared on the theme songs for the popular sketch comedy shows “In Living Color” and “MadTV” and later ran Uptown, the record label on which he’d spent much of his career.

But tragedy found the group at the beginning of its commercial success. Troy Dixon, a member of the group known as Trouble T Roy, died in an accident after a show when he fell from an exit ramp. Dixon’s death inspired Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth’s “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.).” Heavy D was name-checked on the Notorious B.I.G.’s first hit single, “Juicy,” in which Biggie Smalls remembered growing up and wanting the fame enjoyed by rap pioneers like Heavy D and Salt ‘N Pepa. A young Biggie Smalls appeared on Heavy D’s 1992 album “Blue Funk.” Heavy D, the rapper whose real name is Dwight Arrington Myers, is dead at the young age of 44.

He was known for his heavyset physique, his dancing, and tongue-twisting rhymes. Beverly Hills police told the Associated Press that Heavy D died in a Los Angeles hospital on November 8th, 2011, after collapsing at his condominium building. Heavy D’s death came almost a month after a comeback performance at the 2011 BET Hip-Hop Awards, when he performed a medley of his best-known singles, among them “Nuttin’ But Love,” “Is It Good to You” and “Now That We Found Love.” On Twitter, he was known for posting affirming messages. His final tweet appeared early the morning he died, November 11, 2011.

Written by Dianne Washington

Christopher Wallace

Christopher Wallace (his name at birth) grew up in the district of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York. He soon graduated to a life of selling drugs and acting as a teenage lookout. He first rapped under the name Biggie Smalls as part of the neighborhood group the Old Gold Brothers. He also made his demo recording, a copy of which was eventually sent to Mister Cee, Big Daddy Kane’s DJ. The demo ended up at The Source, America’s best-selling rap periodical, which gave it a great review.

This attracted the attention of Sean “Puffy” Combs, who signed him. Having now adopted the stage name Notorious B.I.G., Wallace made his recording debut in 1993, backing Mary J. Blige on “Real Love.” He also appeared on Supercat’s “Dolly My Baby.” His first solo effort was “Party and Bullshit,” included on the movie Who’s The Man soundtrack. His debut album followed in 1994. “ Ready To Die” became a major hit thanks to the inclusion of singles such as “Juicy”, “One More Chance,” and “Big Poppa”, the latter a US Top 10 hit which was voted Billboard “s rap single of the year. He received several end-of-year awards in The Source, as the album achieved platinum sales.

B.I.G. went to the UK to support R. Kelly at Wembley Stadium in London and also was a guest on Michael Jackson’s HIStory — Past, Present and Future Book 1. However, despite his elevation to such exalted company, Notorious B.I.G. never left his roots (the ghetto) behind. He formed M.A.F.I.A. with some of his former hustler colleagues, releasing an album, “Conspiracy,” in 1995. He was also involved in sundry episodes involving violence, such as a fracas with a promoter in New Jersey and his attempt to take a baseball bat to autograph hunters (for which he received a 100-hour” community service sentence). He was also involved in a running feud with rapper TuPac, who was convinced of B.I.G.’s involvement in a 1994 robbery in which he was injured.

Their disagreement soon festered into a bitter feud between the east and west coast American rap scenes. When TuPac was murdered, B.I.G.’s non-attendance at a rap peace summit in Harlem was widely criticized. Instead, he began work on a second album entitled, prophetically, Life after Death. Its cover featured the rapper standing next to a hearse with the license plate B.I.G. He never lived to see its official release. He was gunned down after leaving a party in California on March 9, 1997. Subsequent guesses indicated that his murder was in retaliation for Tupac’s killing.

Released three weeks later, “Life after Death” went straight to the top U.S. charts. In 1999, he was back in the charts with “Born Again,” a motley collection of unreleased material.

Written by Dianne Washington

Happy Birthday Janet Jackson!

Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreography became a catalyst in the growth of MTV, enabling her to rise to prominence while breaking gender and racial barriers in the process. Lyrical content which focused on social issues and lived experiences set her reputation as a role model for youth.

The tenth and youngest child of the Jackson family, she made her debut at the MGM Grand. She starred in the variety television series The Jacksons in 1976 and went on to appear in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including Good Times, Diff’rent Strokes, and Fame. After signing a recording contract with A&M Records in 1982, she became a pop icon following the release of her third and fourth studio albums Control (1986) and Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). Her collaborations with record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis incorporated elements of rhythm and blues, funk, disco, rap, and industrial beats, which led to crossover success in popular music. In 1991, Jackson signed the first of two record-breaking multimillion-dollar contracts with Virgin Records, establishing her as one of the highest-paid artists in the industry. Prior to her first studio project with Virgin, she appeared in her first of several lead film roles in Poetic Justice (1993). Her two studio albums which followed, Janet (1993) and The Velvet Rope (1997), saw her develop a public image as a sex symbol. These records, along with their promotional music videos and live performances in concert tours, branded Jackson as one of the world’s most erotic performers, garnering both criticism and praise. By the end of the 1990s, she was named by Billboard magazine as the second most successful recording artist of the decade in the United States after Mariah Carey. The release of her seventh studio album All for You in 2001 coincided with a celebration of her impact on the recording industry as the subject of the inaugural MTV Icon special.

The backlash from the 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy resulted in an industry blacklisting under the direction of Les Moonves, then-CEO of CBS Corporation. Jackson subsequently experienced reduced radio airplay, televised promotion and sales figures from that point forward. After parting ways with Virgin Records, she released her tenth studio album Discipline (2008), her first and only album with Island Records. In 2015, she partnered with BMG Rights Management to launch her own record label, Rhythm Nation, and released her eleventh studio album, Unbreakable, the same year. Since then, she has continued to release music as an independent artist.

Jackson has sold over 100 million records, making her one of the world’s best-selling music artists. She has amassed an extensive catalog, with singles such as “Nasty”, “Rhythm Nation”, “That’s the Way Love Goes”, “Together Again”, and “All for You”; she holds the record for the most consecutive top-ten entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart by a female artist with 18. She is also the only artist in the history of the chart to have seven commercial singles from one album (Rhythm Nation 1814) peak within the top five positions. In 2008, Billboard placed her number seven on its list of the Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists, and in 2010 ranked her fifth among the “Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years”. In December 2016, the magazine named her the second most successful dance club artist after Madonna. Her accolades include five Grammy Awards, eleven Billboard Music Awards, eleven American Music Awards, an Academy Award nomination, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and eight Guinness World Records entries. In 2019, she was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Written by Dianne Washington

Disappointing Remarks From Governor Kathy Hochul: Undermining The Bronx’s Digital Achievements

In a recent speech, New York Governor Kathy Hochul made a startling statement that has left many in the education community disappointed and concerned. While discussing the digital divide, Hochul remarked that “kids in the Bronx don’t even know what a computer is.” This sweeping generalization not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also ignores the significant strides made by Bronx students in embracing technology and achieving academic success.

Hochul’s choice of words is particularly disheartening, as it reinforces negative perceptions about the Bronx and its residents. Her statement implies that the borough’s children are somehow less capable or less deserving of access to technology, which is far from the truth. In reality, many schools and organizations in the Bronx have made concerted efforts to bridge the digital divide, providing students with comprehensive computer education and access to cutting-edge technology.

Contrary to Hochul’s assertion, numerous academic success stories from the Bronx demonstrate the impressive progress made by students in the digital realm. For instance:

– The Bronx’s PS 126, a public elementary school, has implemented a robust computer science program, with students as young as five learning coding and programming skills.

– The Bronx High School of Science, a prestigious public high school, boasts a strong computer science department, with students consistently excelling in national competitions and hackathons.

– The Per Scholas Bronx location, a non-profit organization, offers free technology training and certification programs to local residents, including youth, to enhance their digital skills and employability.

These examples illustrate the dedication and aptitude of Bronx students in the realm of computer science and technology. It is crucial to acknowledge and celebrate these achievements rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Governor Hochul’s statement was not only disappointing but also inaccurate. Instead of reinforcing negative perceptions, our leaders should focus on supporting and empowering the Bronx’s students, acknowledging their accomplishments, and working to address the systemic issues that hinder equal access to technology and quality education. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable environment that allows all students to thrive in the digital age.

Written by: Regina “Gigi” Rodriguez 

Latina Students Thrive in Mercy University’s Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program

Mercy University’s mental health counseling graduate program has become a beacon of hope for Latina students seeking to make a difference in their communities. Among them is Regina Rodriguez, a 44-year-old single mother who has overcome unimaginable challenges to pursue her dream of becoming a mental health counselor.

Regina’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. A survivor of domestic abuse, she was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer last year. Just one month after undergoing cancer removal surgery, she began her first year in the graduate program. Despite the physical and emotional toll of her experiences, Regina is determined to succeed.

“I want to help others who have gone through similar struggles,” Regina said. “I know firsthand the importance of having a supportive and understanding mental health professional. I want to be that person for someone else.”

Regina is not alone in her pursuit. She is part of a growing number of Latina students enrolled in Mercy University’s mental health counseling graduate program. These women are driven by a desire to address the mental health disparities affecting their communities.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Latinx individuals are more likely to experience mental health issues due to systemic barriers and cultural stigma. Yet, they are less likely to seek professional help. Latina students in the program are committed to changing this narrative.

“We need more mental health professionals who understand our culture and experiences,” said Maria Hernandez, a second-year student. “We’re not just pursuing a degree; we’re becoming agents of change for our communities.”

The program’s diverse faculty and curriculum have created a supportive environment for Latina students to thrive. Coursework focuses on culturally sensitive approaches to mental health counseling, and students engage in practicum experiences in local community organizations.

Regina and her peers are inspiring examples of the power of perseverance and dedication. Despite the challenges they face, they remain committed to their studies and their communities.

“We’re breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes,” Regina said. “We’re showing our families and communities that we can achieve our dreams, no matter what obstacles we face.”

As Regina and her fellow Latina students continue their journey in the mental health counseling graduate program, they are poised to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. 

Written by: Regina Gigi Rodriguez 

Opportunity Charter School: Empowering Students in Harlem

Located in the heart of Harlem, Opportunity Charter School (OCS) is a public charter school dedicated to providing a high-quality education to students in grades 6-12. Since its founding in 2004, OCS has been committed to empowering students from underserved communities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college and beyond.

OCS offers a rigorous academic program, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. The school’s curriculum is designed to meet the needs of its diverse student body, with a range of courses in English, math, science, social studies, and the arts. OCS also offers specialized programs, including English language learner (ELL) support and special education services.

In addition to its academic programs, OCS offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and community service projects. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop new skills, build relationships with peers and mentors, and engage with their community.

At OCS, the mission is clear: to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility. The school’s values – respect, empathy, perseverance, and responsibility – guide every aspect of school life, from classroom instruction to community engagement.

OCS has a proven track record of success, with students consistently outperforming their peers in local and state assessments. In 2022, OCS was recognized as one of the top-performing charter schools in New York City, with a graduation rate of 95% and a college acceptance rate of 90%.

Opportunity Charter School is a beacon of hope for students in Harlem, providing a high-quality education and a supportive community that empowers them to succeed. With its rigorous academics, diverse extracurricular activities, and commitment to social responsibility, OCS is a model for what is possible in public education.

Written By: Regina Gigi Rodriguez