New York Trend NYC: December 8 – 14, 2022

NEW YORK TREND

MAYOR DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

NYC’S NEWEST CULTURAL INSTITUTION OPENS IN THE BRONX

After more than 12 years of providing quality enrichment programs to children throughout the Bronx as a museum “without walls,” Bronx Children’s Museum held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony today to celebrate the upcoming public opening of its new facility on Saturday, December 3. The Museum, located at 725 Exterior Street along the Harlem River hosted an extraordinary lineup of Bronx leaders, friends and supporters to celebrate the opening of the first children’s museum facility in the borough.

The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honor Mayor David Dinkins, Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen Byrd, Alia Jones, and the Central Park Five survivors of gross injustice on December 18 from 6:00pm –10:00pm at MIST Harlem, 46 West 116th Street

beginning,” continued Precht, “– a combination of a fine arts museum space and a children’s museum that emulates a natural landscape with all its beauty, twists and turns, surprises and diversity. The space reflects the fluidity of water which is an overarching theme throughout the Museum exhibits, space, experiences

“Each honoree chosen for recognition has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in her or his respective profession or endeavor and in some significant measure has contributed towards creating a more just society in this country,” says Black Star News founder and publisher Milton Allimadi. “Obviously much work needs to be done here and around the world.”

The Museum was joined by local elected, city officials, architects and members of the community today to celebrate the completion of a $16 million project to create a new and permanent home for the Museum Carla Precht, Founding Executive Director said, “Today marks a new chapter for all Bronx children. Using a framework of early childhood enrichment and social justice, the Museum provides bridges to imagination, ladders to knowledge and safe places for children to have fun and just be children.”

The Museum features interactive exhibits where families can play, learn and connect to the natural and cultural resources in the Bronx through art, dramatic role-play and scientific exploration. In tandem with the exhibits, the Museum features the Arts Builds Community Collection – site-specific artworks by Bronx-connected fine artists, directly inspired by the natural environment of the Bronx, its rich history, music and culture and, most importantly, children in the Museum’s Little Friends of the Museum Program.   “Architects O’Neill McVoy understood just what we envisioned from the

The gala starts at 6:00pm with a cocktail hour to be followed by the dinner and awards ceremonies. There will be musical entertainment by opera singer Cassandra Douglas and from harmonica phenomenon William Galison. David Dinkins is honored for Lifetime Achievement — he was New York City’s first African American mayor and also welcomed Nelson Mandela to the city after his release in 1990. Rep. Charles Rangel, also honored for Lifetime Achievement, has served in Congress since 1971. He is a recipient of The Bronze medal for helping save soldiers behind enemy line during the Korean War Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives from New York whose 9th district covers much of central Brooklyn. Before entering Congress in 2007, she

and programming.”

Actor, author and longtime friend of the Museum, Sonia Manzano (“Maria” from Sesame Street) served as the host of the event. “Opening this Museum building has been a labor of love for so many of us for so long.

I’ve dedicated my career—as an actor, an author, and now, as the creator of Alma’s Way—to the principle that children naturally learn when they are having fun, feel valued and have agency. Visitors will immediately appreciate the encompassing physical beauty, interactive experiences,

attention to detail and respect for all that is The Bronx.”

Prior to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, the Museum unveiled “Sonia’s Corner,” which houses an array of children’s books and family-friendly resources, in honor of both Sonia Manzano and fellow Bronx native U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor

York and a former chancellor of the New York public schools system.

District 29

R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is a leading developer and founder of The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest African American-owned real estate firm with $3.5 billion worth of properties under development or management — he was one of the pioneering developerswho helped turn around and revitalize the once-blighted Anacostia neighborhood in Washington, D.C. A champion of African-American economic empowerment Peebles’ is contemplating a possible run for NYC mayor in 2017.

Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil rights lawyer, is a champion of protecting voting rights of ethnic minority groups — the emerging

Transformative Justice Coalition. Arnwine was for 26 years executive Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law.

, honoree, formerly a member, is now council member and a champion of education for

Imhotep Gary Byrd is a legendary radio talk show host and executive producer, radio DJ, poet, songwriter, music recording artist and producer, rapper, writer and community activist. He began his career as a radio DJ in Buffalo at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s been a talk show host at WBLS and WLIB radio in New York City. He also has a Friday night radio talk show on WBAI

Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founder of World of Money, is a champion of financial literacy for youth-- she teaches knowledge about handling money, budgeting and planning.

Pioneering producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones, through their company Front Row Production, brought “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” with a multi-ethnic cast to Broadway. In 2016 they bring “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway.

of Committee

Board President Arlene Lewis Bascom recounted, “I grew up in the Bronx. I am the daughter of immigrants and a resident. I cannot express how proud I am to be here today. Many Bronx children lack access to affordable arts and multicultural programming in their community. It was true for me growing up here in the Bronx. We’re changing that with this new building, and our programming as we continue to reach children in schools, shelters and the community. Research shows that children’s museums such as ours provide children with the freedom to express themselves, become better communicators, learn to problem solve, build confidence and think creatively. This Museum shows Bronx children that they matter and their community matters.”

Honorees, the so-called Central Park 5, are collectively and individually heroes. They are survivors of one of the ugliest miscarriage of justice in New York’s history; having been railroaded and unjustly convicted for a crime they did not commit and for which they served long prison sentences ranging from seven years to 13 years before being exonerated when the actual rapist confessed. They are: Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, and Kharey Wise.

The Black Star News, which focuses on investigative journalism, has been featured as a result of some if its news scoops, on CNN, The New York Daily News, The New York Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s Content magazine.

Founding Museum Board President Hope Harley, who also spoke at the event, added, “What began as a dream almost 15 years ago is now a reality. Today we have a children’s museum located in and rooted in the Bronx—its people, places, environment and history. We are now able to invite children and families to the building, as well as go out into the neighborhoods to engage them where they are–in schools and at public events. We are truly and finally a Museum 'with and without walls.'”

Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of the nation’s leading educators. He’s president of Medgar Evers College of The City University of New

Bronx Children’s Museum expects to engage more than 23,000 children in the building during its first year alone.

Past Black Star News honorees have included: Gil Noble (Like It Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William Pollard (Medgar Evers College), Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna Fountain (Columbia University), Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National Action Network), and many others.

Speakers included: Adolfo Carríon Jr., Commissioner, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development and former Bronx Borough President 2002-2009; Rubén Díaz Jr., Senior Vice President – Strategic Initiatives, Montefiore Health System and former Bronx Borough President, 2009-2021; Hon. Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Borough President; Hon. Diana Ayala, NYC Council Deputy Speaker, District 8; Sue Donoghue, Commissioner, NYC Parks; Laurie Cumbo, Commissioner, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs; Hon. José M. Serrano, NYS Senator,

and Chair

on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; and Salvatore Cali, Deputy Commissioner of Public Buildings, NYC Department of Design and Construction

LOCAL ELECTED CITY OFFICIALS AND SPECIAL GUESTS GATHERED TO CUT THE RIBBON OF THE FIRST CHILDREN’S MUSEUM IN THE BRONX PRIOR TO ITS PUBLIC OPENING ON DECEMBER 3.

Photo Source: Keyz2Life Media

ALVIN AILEY HOLDS STAR - STUDDED GALA

-- By ANN BROWN

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicked off its four-week holiday season with a star-studded Opening Night Gala complete with a performance and party led by Artistic Director Robert Battle with two-time Emmy-winning TV host, journalist, author and producer Tamron Hall as Honorary Chair

The spirited occasion celebrated Honoree Philanthropist Denise Littlefield Sobel, a true patron of the arts and champion for social equity who is leaving an indelible mark on the dance world. Her dedication and commitment to the Ailey organization has spanned two decades with vital support for essential artistic initiatives like the commissioning of new works and international touring.

The evening’s program featured a onenight-only performance of an excerpt from acclaimed Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti’s Festa Barocca with Constance Stamatiou and talented students from The Ailey School, Jacquelin Harris and James Gilmer in the “Softly, As I Leave You” romantic duet from Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs; highlights from Alvin

L & Eric J. Wallach

Pamela D. Zilly

John H.

Vice Chairs are Jill & Gunther

S.

, and Raina & Jack Pitts. Over $2.7 million was raised in support of the creation of new works, scholarships to The Ailey School, and Ailey’s educational programs for children. Throughout the holiday engagement, which ends with two performances on Christmas Eve, Ailey’s remarkable artists will unveil four premieres, a new production, special live music programs, and a variety of returning favorites, including Alvin Ailey’s mustsee masterpiece Revelations. This year all are invited to join in the dance on Saturday, December 3rd at 3pm with Revelations Around the World – a free online global celebration where people from all over the world come together to learn the steps of this beloved American classic.

A.

The Company will continue to inspire audiences from coast to coast on a National Tour to over 20 cities from February – May 2023. For information on how to experience the magic of Ailey, visit www.alvinailey.org

WOMEN AT GREATER RISK TO BE KILLED AT HOME

A new study by UNODC and UN Women shows that, on average, more than five women or girls were killed every hour by someone in their own family in 2021. The report comes ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25 and is a horrific reminder that violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide.

Of all the women and girls intentionally killed last year, some 56 percent were killed by intimate partners or other family members (45,000 out of 81,000), showing that home is not a safe place for many women and girls. Meanwhile, 11 percent of all male homicides are perpetrated in the private sphere.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said: “Behind every femicide statistic is the story of an individual woman or girl who has been failed. These deaths are preventable –the tools and the knowledge to do so already exist. Women’s rights organizations are already monitoring data and advocating for policy change and accountability. Now we need the concerted action across society that will fulfil women’s and girls’ right to feel and to be safe, at home, on the streets, and everywhere.”

UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly said: “No woman or girl should fear for her life because of who she is. To stop all forms of gender-related killings of women and girls, we need to count every victim, everywhere, and improve

understanding of the risks and drivers of femicide so we can design better and more effective prevention and criminal justice responses. UNODC is proud to launch the 2022 femicide study with UN Women to galvanize global action and salute the efforts of women’s rights organizations around the world to end this crime.”

This year’s figures also show that over the past decade, the overall number of female homicides has remained largely unchanged, underscoring the urgency to prevent and respond to this scourge with stronger actions. Even though these numbers are alarmingly high, the true scale of femicide may be much higher. Too many victims of femicide still go uncounted – given inconsistencies in definitions and criteria amongst countries, for roughly four in ten women and girls killed intentionally in 2021, there is not enough information to identify them as femicide, especially for those killings happening in the public sphere.

As for regional disparities, while femicide is a problem that concerns every single country in the world, the report shows that in absolute numbers, Asia recorded the largest number of gender related killings in the private sphere in 2021, whereas women and girls were more at risk of being killed by their intimate partners or other family members in Africa. In 2021, the rate of gender related killings in the private sphere was estimated at 2.5 per 100,000 female population in Africa, compared with 1.4 in the Americas, 1.2 in Oceania, 0.8 in Asia and 0.6 in Europe. At the same time, the findings suggest that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 coincided with a significant increase in gender related killings in the private sphere in Northern America and to some extent in Western and Southern Europe.

However, gender-related killings, as

well as other forms of violence against women and girls, are not inevitable. They can and must be prevented, with a combination of early identification of women affected by violence, access to survivor-centered support and protection, ensuring that the police and justice systems are more responsive to the needs of survivors, and primary prevention by addressing the root causes of violence against women and girls including through transforming harmful masculinities, social norms, eliminating structural gender inequalities and gender stereotypes.

Strengthening data collection on femicides is a critical step to inform policies and programs aimed to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.

Today’s report will help inform this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. The yearly campaign sparks hundreds of events around the world to accelerate efforts to end violence against women and girls. The global theme for this year’s UN SecretaryGeneral UNITE campaign is “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls,” calling upon governments and partners to show their solidarity to

Ailey’s Night Creature, a perennial favorite set to a sparkling score by Duke Ellington; and Robert Battle’s tender Unfold danced to Gustave Charpentier’s exquisite aria (“Louise,

women’s rights movements and activists and invites everyone to join the global movement to end violence against women once and for all.

Act III, Depuis Le Jour”) sung live by Brandi Sutton. The performance culminated with Alvin Ailey’s inspiring must-see masterpiece Revelations Afterwards, the celebration continued at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom where nearly 500 guests joined Robert Battle for dinner and dancing with live music

by the premier band Élan Artists Special guests in attendance from the worlds of entertainment, business, philanthropy, and politics included Erika Alexander, Sunny Hostin, Harry Lennix,

Bevy Smith, Pose’s Ryan Jamaal Swain, LaChanze, Danielle Moné Truitt (“Law & Order: Organized Crime”), Brynn Whitfield (“Real Housewives of New York”), Larry Wilmore and many more.

The gala co-chairs were Emily & Len Blavatnik, Howard Bradnock, Daria

, Joan & Sandy Weill and

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Schaefer;

Bright, Anthony

Kendall, Anthony

Lewis

Photo Credit: Mr Kafui via pexels.com

AAADT’s Constance Stamatiou with students of The Ailey School in Mauro Bigonzetti’s Festa Barocca Ailey’s 2022 Opening Night Gala

Photo Credit: Christopher Duggan

NETWORK MAKES STRIDES TO ADVANCE RACIAL JUSTICE

The leading justice organization –Wellbeing In the Nation Network (WIN) –hosted an interactive and engaging virtual series of events themed “How Might We Sharpen Movement Strategy For Lasting Change?” late last month. Virtual sessions addressed ways to achieve racial justice, an equitable well-being economy, and the right to voice and vote for everyone.

WIN Week featured the nation’s foremost social justice change and thought leaders across sectors committed to advancing intergenerational health and well-being, and equity across the country. To address these unprecedented challenges, WIN Week’s design was rooted in community, building non-traditional bridges, and changing the narrative, system, and structures to advance intergenerational well-being and equity.

Speakers and attendees discussed ways to change the narrative, system, and structures to advance racial justice for everyone. Additionally, attendees learned from and networked with key leaders across multiple sectors who delivered innovative solutions to drive real change and create a more equitable and wellbeing society.

All WIN members are committed to dismantling oppressive policies of structural racism and other inequities and creating the vital conditions everyone needs to thrive. “There is strength in collaborating with like-minded organizations to pool our collective resources. More than ever, we need to act, organize, and build equitable systems to effectively combat this divisive political and economic climate,” noted Abeni Bloodworth, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of chromatic black™, which serves on the Core Implementation Team of the WIN Network.

“Those closest to the problems are likely to be the most resourceful in creating the solutions,” said Somava Saha, founder of Well-being and Equity (WE) in the World and Executive Lead of the WIN Network “By restoring agency and voice to communities which have been marginalized, by looking to our roots and history, we are gaining fresh perspectives and solutions to addressing what previously seemed like intractable

challenges.”

Actionable solutions to implement in communities across the nation and around the globe are listed below.

most impact investors. These enterprises aggregate the work of other women or women-led micro-enterprises and add value in a way that helps end poverty sustainably and systemically.

As one example, Pine Ridge Reservation was described by a former Surgeon General as the deadliest place in the nation to grow up: more than 500 youth and thousands of adults died by suicide in one year, fell prey to drug and alcohol addiction, teen pregnancy, and poor chronic disease outcomes, driven by trauma from colonial practices such as boarding schools.

By restoring Indigenous healing practices to the schools and community, Freedom Lodge and its partner Oceti Wakan are interrupting the cycle of trauma and addiction and creating post-traumatic resilience and growth.

 Building Equitable Well-Being Economies

– Indigenous practices are at the root of shifting current economies and building ones rooted in intergenerational wellbeing.

For too long, we have prioritized extractive business practices that are unsustainable and create harm to people and the planet.

Laina Raveendran-Greene, Founder, Angels of Impact, is building a restorative well-being economy by investing in Indigenous women and women of color social entrepreneurs.

Through this organization’s Women Impacting Social Enterprise (WISE) fellowship, Ms. Raveendran-Greene provides Indigenous women and women of color social entrepreneurs funding for their social enterprise to: 1) help women earn an income, and  2) re-invest their earnings in their communities

Angels of Impact supports “missing middle” women and Indigenous-led community-based enterprises that are too big for microfinance and too small for

By investing in these emerging social enterprises, we invest in growing women leaders who in turn help to build thriving families and communities that create a well-being economy.

 Indigenous communities who have experienced some of the greatest harm have identified ways to heal intergenerational trauma by reclaiming Indigenous practices.

Dr. Ruby Gibson, Executive Director, and Kara Big Crow, Director, Freedom Lodge and The Black Hills Historical Trauma Research & Recovery Center, shared their deep work in healing generational trauma leading the way with “The Future of Native Wellness(™).”

This organization incorporates Somatic Archaeology©, which centers on “unearthing in the human body those remains and artifacts of our familial, ancestral, and spiritual lineage in order to uncover our myths and remember our stories for personal and planetary evolution.” (Source: Freedom Lodge and The Black Hills Historical Trauma and Research & Recovery Center)

BROOKLYN HONORS BLACK WOMEN SUFFRAGISTS

The New York Committee of the National Votes for Women Trail (NVWT) partnered with the historic Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church (LAPC), and Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated to host the October 15, 2022 dedication ceremony for the plaque commemorating the centennial of the 19th Amendment and honoring the tireless efforts of a Brooklyn-based group of Black Women Suffragists, who struggled to secure the RIGHT TO VOTE for all American women.

The celebratory event took place in Cuyler Gore Park, Fulton Street and Greene Avenue, Brooklyn, NY; from 1 pm to 2:30 pm (EST).  The newly installed

plaque – funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation – honors the African American women of the Equal Suffrage League of Brooklyn (ESL) and is the first such NVWT plaque in New York City. In 1908, these women established their headquarters at the Carlton Avenue Branch of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), in Brooklyn. Among the leaders of the ESL were: (1) Sarah J.S Garnet, the founder of the Equal Suffrage League and the first African American woman principal in New York City’s public schools, and (2) Dr. Verina Morton-Jones a medical doctor, and outstanding social activist, who served as the President of the ESL for many years. State and local government officials including NYS

Attorney General Letitia James, Justin Freeman, a representative for NYS Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest (AD 57) and NYC Council Member Crystal Hudson (CD 35), were among the attendees who offered remarks at the event.

Dr. Judith Burgess, event organizer and member of NVWT, unveils the plaque which is mounted on the former African American YMCA on Carlton Avenue which is now the New Carlton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Brooklyn, New York. For more NVWT information, go to: https:// ncwhs.org/votes-for-women-trail



Using Data for Power in Boston, MA Ramandeep Josen, Stantec, works with the city of Boston to allocate dollars to repair sidewalks. Research found a system that privileged those who trusted the government to meet their needs–the wealthy and predominantly white neighborhoods–despite these being the least walked neighborhoods in the city.   Those who walked the most and needed sidewalks to get to jobs and school every day didn’t feel they would get help if needed–and had a reason for this mistrust. By engaging the community where sidewalks were broken, mapping where the greatest traffic was and how that mapped to social vulnerability, they flipped the process of allocating ten million of repair dollars to prioritize neighborhoods and communities that needed the repairs the most.

This helped to rebuild trust with the community and used data to shift the balance of power to create an equitable distribution of resources for everyone. During six years, they watched as communities built trust and became engaged in their communities.

 Voters’ rights and the relevance of Fannie Lou Hamer’s story are paramount.

Fannie Lou Hamer was a Black sharecropper in Mississippi fed up with Jim Crow, literacy tests, poll taxes, violence, intimidation, racism, and statesanctioned terror. Still, Hamer remained steadfast in her determination to vote and teach Blacks and other marginalized groups to do the same.

Photo Credit: Gerald Peart

NY CARES ANNUAL COAT DRIVE SUPPORTS NEW YORKERS IN NEED

New York Cares, the largest volunteer network in New York City, today announced the official launch of its 34th Annual Coat Drive. For the second year, New York Cares is launching Coats+, a fundraising campaign with a continuing focus on distributing warm winter coats with care, while also addressing food insecurity through meal distributions. New York Cares Executive Director Sapreet K. Saluja and New York Cares Chief Program Officer Arlene Lozano were joined today at K-8 school, PS/MS 31 X, The William Lloyd Garrison School in the Bronx by Principal Elisha Boyd New York Cares’ Coat+ fundraising campaign aims to distribute brand new winter coats, and addresses other essential needs like hunger. Every $25 donation will provide a New Yorker with a warm winter coat, as well as ten meals. In 2021, New York Cares volunteers delivered more than 33 million meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

For this year’s coat drive, New York Cares is aiming to raise $600,000 and hopes to distribute more than 60,000 coats to New Yorkers in need. Ten thousand new coats will be donated in partnership with national nonprofit, Operation Warm, and New York City Community Schools, to support local students and families, including students in temporary housing. The coat drive will serve all five boroughs through meal distributions and coat deliveries.

“As New Yorkers struggle with the rising costs of food, rent and basic necessities, food insecurity in New York City remains at a historic high. As temperatures drop, it is imperative to help the many families and individuals who are struggling to choose between a warm coat and a bag of groceries,” said Sapreet K. Saluja, Executive Director of New York Cares “Over the last 34 years, New York Cares has mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers to support and uplift our communities through the distribution of two million coats to our neighbors in need

during the coat drive.”

“Schools are the centers of our communities and hubs of support for our young people and their families,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks “I’m grateful to New York Cares and our school communities for coming together to provide our students with the resources

they need to keep warm and safe this winter.”

From today through December 31, 2022, individuals and organizations can set up virtual Coats+ fundraisers at newyorkcares.org/coats. Every dollar goes directly to a coat supplier and supports volunteer programs addressing

hunger, ensuring that coats and meals reach people who need them most quickly and safely. While virtual fundraisers are encouraged, a limited number of drop-off locations will be available in each borough for New Yorkers who wish to donate a new or gently used, freshly laundered coat. All donations are tax deductible.

ABOUT THE 34TH ANNUAL NEW YORK CARES COAT DRIVE

Since 1989, the New York Cares Coat Drive has collected over two million winter coats for men, women, and children throughout the city. For more information on setting up a virtual Coats+ fundraiser and for other ways to help keep New Yorkers warm, visit newyorkcares.org/ coat-drive

The sponsors for this year’s New York Cares Coat Drive are the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, PJT Partners, The Amine Family, The Shapiro Family, Adam & Jodi Zotkow, Julie Turaj and Robert Pohly

HOW TO DONATE COATS IN-PERSON

In addition to virtual fundraisers, New Yorkers can also donate gently-used, freshly laundered coats at several public sites around the city through December 31, 2022. Please visit New York Cares’ coat drive map at newyorkcares.org/coatdrive/map, which includes information on this year’s partners with exact times and locations, and additional collection sites. The following Hub Sites are New York Cares partners that can receive, store and distribute thousands of coats to the communities they operate in: 

Mott Haven Community Partnership (South Bronx)  Coalition for the Homeless (Manhattan)  Staten Island Community Partnership (Staten Island) 

The River Fund (Central Queens)

Brooklyn Defender Services (East Brooklyn)  And many more sites citywide.

to the editor. Photographs and manuscripts will not be returned.

VOLUME 32 ISSUE 27

Due to federal and state regulations concerning the operations of non-essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and deliveries, please be advised that regularly scheduled deliveries may be delayed or adjusted to meet these regulations at the discretion of the distributors and publisher requires to adhere to the mandates. @2020

(Photo Credit: New York Cares)

PRIMARK EXPANDS WITH JAMAICA STORE

-- By ANN BROWN

PRIMARK , the international clothing retailer, today opens its 15th store in the United States on Jamaica Avenue, Queens, New York. The store has 34,000 feet of retail selling space, bringing quality fashion at great value prices to Jamaica Avenue. Primark aims to revitalize a once-bustling shopping area of Queens and reach one of the most diverse communities in the US with essentials for the whole family as well as fashion trend pieces, homewares, and gifts – all at affordable prices customers love.

Primark is committed to serving the communities in which it operates. For Jamaica Avenue, Primark looked to its new neighbor, the Jamaica Children’s School (JCS), where approximately 80 percent of the student population are from households at or below the poverty level. Through a partnership with the Kids in Need Foundation, Primark was able to supply each JCS classroom with all the school materials needed for a full semester of active learning. Primark also provided each student with a new backpack for back-to-school and a $50 gift card to attend a private holiday shopping event ahead of the store opening.

“At Primark, one thing that is consistent across our 14 markets is our commitment to serving the communities that surround our 411 stores,” said Kevin Tulip, President of Primark US “Whether it’s helping a parent fill out a holiday wish list at prices they can afford, or in the case of Jamaica Avenue, building a relationship with a local school, this is what Primark is all about and we look forward to serving more communities across the US as we continue on our plans to open 60 stores by the end of 2026.”

Jamaica Avenue is Primark’s fourth New York Metro store with current locations in King’s Plaza Mall, Brooklyn, Staten

and the most recently opened Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, Long Island. Primark

Island

will also open a new City Point location before Christmas. This new store,  located in the recently constructed City Point complex, will have frontage onto Fulton Street, giving Primark prime access to Brooklyn’s principal retail high street as well as easy access from Manhattan.

The new store on Jamaica Avenue is one of ten new stores that Primark is set to open in the next 12 months in the US, nearly doubling its selling space in the country. This is part of its plans to grow from its current US footprint of 15 stores to 60 stores by the end of 2026.

Primark is an international clothing retailer employing more than 65,000 colleagues across 14 countries in

Europe and the US. Founded in Ireland in 1969 under the Penneys brand, Primark aims to provide affordable choices for everyone, from great quality everyday essentials to stand-out styles across women’s, men’s, and kid’s, as well as beauty, homeware, and accessories. With a focus on creating great retail experiences in-store, Primark continues to expand across new and existing markets with the aim of reaching 530 stores by the end of 2026, including upcoming new markets of Romania and Slovakia.

Primark is working to make more sustainable fashion affordable

for everyone. Primark Cares is its commitment to doing better, every day – making more sustainable products everyone can afford, reducing its impact on the planet and improving the lives of workers. It has made a series of public commitments it plans to work towards and report on progress each year.

These include making all its clothes from recycled or more sustainably sourced materials, ensuring clothing is recyclable by design, halving carbon emissions across the value chain and pursuing a living wage for workers in the supply chain.

INAUGURAL ENTREPRENISTA AWARD APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

THE ENTREPRENISTA LEAGUE , a leading membership community for ambitious, entrepreneurial women, is excited to announce applications are now open for its inaugural Entreprenista

100 Awards

Presented in partnership with Chase Ink, the Entreprenista 100 Awards will recognize 100 stand-out women business owners across 11 categories.

“The number of women entrepreneurs is increasing worldwide, however recognition is still lacking. Women own nearly half of businesses in the U.S., raking in trillions of dollars and employing millions of people, and

yet, many women continue to face significant obstacles when it comes to starting and scaling their own businesses,” Entreprenista Cofounder Stephanie Cartin said. “The Entreprenista 100 Awards shine a much-deserved light on these extraordinary achievements and help to elevate the women-led entrepreneurial community.”

Award applications open on November 7 at 8 a.m. EST and close on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Women founders, or members of their teams, are encouraged to nominate their businesses online at Entreprenista. com/100

Mall, Staten Island,

Photo Credit: Roberto Hund via pexels

UNVEILED : SURVIVING LA LUZ DEL MUNDO DEBUTS

The HBO Original three-part documentary series UNVEILED: SURVIVING LA LUZ DEL MUNDO, directed

“P.S.

Please”) and produced

This

Crime Productions, debuts TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 (9:00-11:00 p.m. ET/ PT) with parts one and two, with part three debuting December 7 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO. All three episodes of the series will be available to stream on HBO Max on December 6 with the linear premiere.

SYNOPSIS  UNVEILED: SURVIVING LA LUZ DEL MUNDO explores the horrifying, yet relatively unknown story of the Christian church La Luz del Mundo (LLDM) and the sexual abuse that scores of members, many of them minors, say they have suffered at the hands of its successive leaders, known as the “Apostles.” Told from the point of view of the survivors who met on Reddit to share their stories of abuse, the series chronicles the history of one of the most powerful religious groups not only in Mexico where it was founded, but also in the United States, while giving voice to the men and women who were brave enough to stand up and call out the heinous crimes.

Under the guise of the only true church offering eternal salvation, LLDM, which claims to have congregations in over 50 countries and over five million followers, was founded in 1926 by Aarón Joaquín Gonzalez Joaquín Gonzalez was succeeded by his son and then

grandson, all three Apostles said to be appointed by “divine revelation.” Now, scores of former members have come forward to describe how the Apostles built and maintained a system to procure and groom children for abuse. The series culminates in the events

leading up to the 2019 arrest of the current Apostle, Naasón Joaquín García and his present-day trial, shedding light on a story that was all but ignored by mainstream media, and illustrating the positive power of social media to unite and provide agency to the survivors.

by award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Tiexiera (

Burn

Letter

by Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions in association with Law &

‘ LEAVES ’ DEBUTS AT NEW YORK THEATER FESTIVAL

The primary themes of this play include assimilation, colorism, the importance of family and mental health. ‘LEAVES’ is being presented as an 0ne-act play (45 minutes) alongside with another 45-minute play "The Pretty Orange Dress."

This poignant drama was written and directed by Victor Vauban Junior The Brazilian born playwright finds inspiration for his narratives in the words of artists like August Wilson, Tennessee Williams, Henrik Ibsen and the late Nina Simone, who said, “The artist’s duty is to reflect the times.”

In this domestic drama, Mr. Vauban introduces us to Muriel, a devoted housewife living happily ever after with her beloved husband, Curtis and their two children, James and Rhonda They are a quintessential middle-class, African American family living a normal life in Syracuse. However, despite their content and conventional appearance, this family also has its secrets.

Before long, we play witness to their unraveling, with heated accusations and discussions that involve everything from loyalty and colorism to assimilation and mental health, all of which are still controversial subjects within the African American community.

Vauban Júnior is a former circus performer in love the art of writing. This award-winning dramatist has had his works featured at the Writer’s Guild, The Guild Magazine and have had his plays read at the Classical Theater of Harlem’s workshop. He is a constant presence in theater festivals in NYC. He started his writings at the, “Writers in Performance” at the Tribeca

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Performing Arts Center under the tutelage of Mario Giacalone, Program Director of the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, in 2012. Mr. Vauban’s works are attentive to the inevitable dilemma’s society has faced since the beginning of its history. As a circus performer he has taught at the social program of Cirque du Soleil, Cirque du Monde and performed with a number of international circus companies such as: UniverSoul Circus, Gran Circus Norte-Americano, Beto Carrero Show, Gran Bartholo Circus and Circus Amok. Mr. Vauban is an eternal admirer of the arts and is always willing to share his passion for arts with his students, friends, and community. His work has been gaining recognition for its involving and conscious approach to delicate themes that are still taboo in African American circles, such as assimilation, colorism, mental health, and the mass incarceration of people of color. His main goal as a writer/ director is to advance social change by encouraging a safer, better-informed, and more cohesive community.

“Through theater, I seek to facilitate a deeper understanding of self and others, and a greater acceptance of different cultures and ways of being, so that we can’t be pitted against each otherso easily.”

CAST

We’re here for you. Here in your neighborhood.

: Dierdra McDowell, Ben Rowe, Patricia Fields, Riyadh Rollins, Soyini Cranshaw and Natalie Djondo

COSTUME DESIGN : CAROLYN ADAMS

LIGHT & SOUND DESIGN : VICTOR VAUBAN JUNIOR SOUND : GEOFFREY CHRISTOPHER AND DAYVIS FERRERAS

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL BOSTON

-- By ANN BROWN

Five-Star

MANDARIN

ORIENTAL, BOSTON  is ready for the holiday season and will offer guests a festive holiday stay with experiences, events and offerings from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Plan a weekend getaway to enjoy Boston at the holidays, go on a Newbury Street shopping spree, have a night at The Nutcracker with Boston Ballet, or take time for self-care and holiday stress-relief at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

Beginning November 28, the hotel lobby will be opulently decorated with a grand holiday tree, perfect for gazing while relaxing by the lobby’s fireplace. Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Spa Gift Cards can also be purchased at a dedicated station in the Lobby beginning November 25, a luxurious and well-deserved gift for loved ones.

HOLIDAY HOT COCOA & TREATS BAR

Have an afternoon treat with a complimentary hot cocoa bar and holiday sweets available in the lobby from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. daily from December 1 to January 1. 

LIVE JAZZ ENTERTAINMENT IN THE LOBBY LOUNGE – SATURDAY EVENINGS

IN DECEMBER

Select Saturdays during the holiday season, gather in the Lobby Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Boston to enjoy live jazz music with a holiday flair. During the live jazz sessions, enjoy a special champagne and wine bar in the lobby from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 3, December 10, December 17, and December 31. Toast with friends and family before going out on the town. A light lounge food menu will also be available.

FESTIVE DECORATED SUITES

Make Mandarin Oriental, Boston your holiday “home away from home”– with your suite including a 7.5-foot holiday decorated tree in gold and jewel tones. Enjoy holiday amenities such as champagne and chocolate truffles, milk and cookies and more.

Mandarin Oriental, Boston is also the only luxury hotel in Boston with fully equipped kitchenettes, making it feel even more like home for extended holiday stays. Available December 1, 2022, through January 1, 2023; holiday trees are priced at USD 500 for stay duration, plus taxes and gratuities. In addition to the Menorah that will be featured in the lobby beginning December 18, Menorahs can also be added to the suites; pricing available upon request.

 HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN BACK BAY

Mandarin Oriental, Boston is ideally situated in the city’s chic Back Bay neighborhood, just steps from Boston’s best shopping and holiday attractions. The Holiday Shopping in Back Bay package will be offered beginning November 28 and is the perfect option to get you into the vibrant mood of the season. Accommodations are accompanied by: a 10 percent discount at Elisha Daniels Style Studio & Boutique at Mandarin Oriental, Boston, a USD 100 dining credit at Ramsay’s Kitchen, a holiday gift welcome amenity, and complimentary parking. Guests also have exceptionally convenient access to other area shopping in Copley Place, on Newbury Street and more. Available through January 2, 2023.

For reservations or more information, please call +1 (617) 535 8888 or email mobosreservations@mohg.com. All reservations are subject to availability.

 NIGHT AT THE NUTCRACKER WITH BOSTON BALLET

Available as an add-on guest experience, Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutracker mesmerizes audiences of all ages and is Boston’s favorite holiday tradition. As a guest of Mandarin Oriental, Boston, you’ll enjoy VIP Member’s Lounge access during pre-performance reception and intermission, a special Boston Ballet ornament welcome amenity, and more. The Nutcracker performs at The Citizen Bank Opera House from November 25 through December 31, 2022. VIP experience pricing varies based upon ticket availability and can be provided upon request from our Guest Relations team.

Tickets are non-refundable, non-changeable and non-transferable. All sales are final.

 HOLIDAY DINING AT RAMSAY’S KITCHEN – THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVE Ramsay’s Kitchen, with a menu inspired by Chef Gordon Ramsay’s global travels, will be open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve and serving special holiday menus. A traditional Thanksgiving feast will be available for $70 per adult and $30 per child. A festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu is offered for $125 per person, plus $65 for wine pairings. New Year’s Eve details to come!

Reservations are available online and can also be made with the Concierge team. Menus are available here: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Private Dining is also available for intimate holiday dinners.

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MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BOSTON FAN ORNAMENTS TO BENEFIT FRANCISCAN CHILDREN’S

Exclusive holiday ornaments with signature Mandarin Oriental Fan design elements, locally made in New England and in partnership with Massachusetts Bay Trading Company, will be available for purchase at the Gift Card station in the lobby starting December 10 and throughout the holiday season. Proceeds will be donated to Franciscan Children’s in Boston, the hotel’s charitable partner, which provides a compassionate and positive environment where children with mental health challenges, complex medical conditions, or special education needs receive outstanding care from experts committed to helping children reach their full potential. The ornament is brass with 24 karat gold plating and packaged in a gorgeous black box with black velvet interior and gold ribbon

– a perfect holiday gift that also gives back. It is sustainably designed by Beacon Design of New England. For those simply interested in donating, the Mandarin Oriental, Boston team will facilitate guest donations at the Front Desk and at the Spa.

 SILENT NIGHT AT THE SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BOSTON – DECEMBER 14

For those looking for a peaceful retreat or digital detox during the hectic holiday season, The Spa will host their annual Silent Night event from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 14. The complimentary night of contemplative calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy (and noisy) holiday season allows guests to enjoy the Spa in silence: no music and no talking for this one special hour. Guests will join Reiki Master and Yoga Instructor Shannon McNally for a group meditation and restorative yoga class using the power of breath work, reiki energy healing and restorative postures. Reconnect with yourself and find the calm within for the season and new year ahead.

Spa social channels will also go dark for this evening. The event is complimentary, but reservations are required; for reservations or more information, please call +1 (617) 535 8820 or email mobos-spa@mohg.com

 HANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING –DECEMBER 18-26

The Lobby will showcase a Menorah for Hanukkah, lit at sundown nightly from December 18 through 26 for all guests to enjoy.

 LUXURIOUS CITY EVENT SPACES FOR HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

The Oriental Ballroom, Gallery and wing of event spaces, all with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Back Bay, offer the perfect city setting for a holiday celebration. Event spaces fit from 20 to 350 guests and are ideal for holiday dinners, galas and cocktail receptions.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE PACKAGE – BOSTON’S FIRST NIGHT

Celebrate the new year in style, with a luxurious overnight stay in Boston’s Back Bay. Book the New Year’s Eve package and enjoy an in-room Bottle of Champagne and Holiday Treats, a holiday fan ornament amenity to take home, live jazz music from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. in the lobby, early check-in and late check-out, and convenient access to First Night activities around Back Bay.

Email mobos-reservations@mohg.com to book your New Year’s Eve stay.

FIRST WALDORF PROPERTY PLANNED FOR COSTA RICA

-- By ANN BROWN

Hilton announced the signing of the first Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property in Costa Rica, the newbuild Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste, currently under construction and expected to open in 2025. Exceptionally located on a peninsula with unobstructed ocean views, Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste will offer 190 guest rooms and 25 Waldorf Astoria branded residences in the tropical paradise of Guanacaste known for its dramatic scenery, lush forests and beautiful beaches. The property will focus on sustainable luxury with an emphasis on architecture that blends into the surroundings, native flora and fauna, and offerings that connect guests with the natural environment. All resort vehicles utilized on the property will be electric.  “Hilton has always been committed to serving any guest, for any travel need,

anywhere in the world, and we’re thrilled to expand our presence with the first Waldorf Astoria in Costa Rica,” said Chris Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton “Costa Rica is a fast-growing and highly soughtafter destination that is an ideal place to introduce the world-class personal service of our Waldorf Astoria brand. We look forward to sharing our signature hospitality and creating unforgettable stays for our guests in this serene and beautiful location.”

The hotel marks a milestone signing for Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand, as it welcomes a new and highly sought-after destination to its portfolio of more than 30 exclusive properties around the world and builds upon the luxury brand’s presence of iconic resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America, such as Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal and Waldorf Astoria Cancun, which opened earlier this month.

Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste is part of the Cacique Costa Rica community set to offer retail, residences, and wellness experiences in ways that highlight Guanacaste’s natural wonders and connect guests to the local community. Ideally situated on Guanacaste’s Cacique peninsula, Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste will offer the perfect backdrop for adventure seekers, sunbathers and nature lovers alike with the area’s impressive

volcanic landscapes, intimate beach coves and tropical forests. The destinationinspired barefoot luxury resort will also offer convenient access to Guanacaste’s international airport (LIR – Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport) and two nearby beach towns featuring lively restaurants, bars and local shops, truly embracing Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle.

DESSOFF CHOIRS PRESENTS HOLIDAY CONCERTS

Hailed as “one of the great amateur choruses of our time (New York Today) for its “full-bodied sound and suppleness (The New York Times),” The Dessoff Choirs today announced its annual holiday concert series. Now in its 98th year, The Dessoff Choirs continues to shepherd audiences into the holiday spirit with three performances in some of New York City’s most beautiful churches. This season’s offerings include the popular sing-along of Handel’s Messiah followed by a pair of concerts comprising carols and seasonal favorites. The holiday season kicks off with what has become an annual tradition for singers all across New York City: the annual singin of Handel’s Messiah in Harlem’s Union Theological Seminary. The 40+ member The Dessoff Choirs will be joined by audience members of all ages and singing capabilities.

“One of the highlights of our season is singing ‘Hallelujah!’ side by side with our neighbors,” says Malcolm J. Merriweather, Dessoff’s ninth Music Director. “It doesn’t get more festive and warmer than that!”

The following weekend, Dessoff performs a pair of Welcome Yule! concerts celebrating Mother and Child, the miracle of childbirth, and Mary in her universal aspect as mother of all Prophets, and co-redemptress with Christ. John Tavener’s Mother and Child (2022) will be alongside standard holiday fare and contemporary

arrangements of classics including a candlelit rendition of Silent Night 

ABOUT THE DESSOFF CHOIRS

The Dessoff Choirs, one of the leading choruses in New York City, is an independent chorus with an established reputation for pioneering performances of choral works from the Renaissance era through the 21st century. Since its founding in 1924, Dessoff’s concerts, professional collaborations, community outreach, and educational initiatives are dedicated to stimulating public interest in and appreciation of choral music as an art form that enhances the culture and life of our times. With repertoire ranging over a wide variety of eras and styles, Dessoff’s musical acumen and flexibility has been recognized with invitations from major orchestras for oratorios and orchestral works. Past performances include Britten’s War Requiem and Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 with Lorin Maazel in his final performances as Music Director with the New York Philharmonic

Over the course of its nearly 100-year history, Dessoff has presented many world premieres, including works by Virgil Thomson, George Perle, Paul Moravec, and Ricky Ian Gordon; the first American performance in nearly 100 years of Montemezzi’s opera La Nave with Teatro Grattacielo; and the American premieres of Philip Glass’s Symphony No. 5 and Sir John Tavener’s all-night vigil, The Veil of the Temple Dessoff’s recent discography

includes MARGARET BONDS: THE BALLAD OF THE BROWN KING AND SELECTED SONGS, a debut recording of Margaret Bonds’s crowning achievement, which was cited as a “Best Classical Recording of 2019” by WQXRFM Radio; REFLECTIONS, featuring music by Convery, Corigliano, Moravec, and Rorem; and GLORIES ON GLORIES, a collection of American song featuring composers from Billings to Ives

The Dessoff Choirs is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Please visit dessoff.org for more information. 

ABOUT MALCOLM J. MERRIWEATHER

Conductor and baritone, Malcolm J. Merriweather enjoys a versatile career with performances ranging from the songs of Margaret Bonds to gems of the symphonic choral repertoire. The baritone can be heard on the GRAMMY nominated recording of Paul Moravec’s Sanctuary Road (NAXOS). Hailed by Opera News as “moving… expertly interpreted,” Margaret Bonds: The Ballad of the Brown King & Selected Songs (AVIE) has earned considerable praise around the world. He is Director of the New York Philharmonic Chorus and Music Director of New York City’s The Dessoff

Choirs, known for their performances of great choral works from the preBaroque era through the 21st century. An Associate Professor, Director of Choral Studies and Voice Department Coordinator at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, he has also joined the faculty at Manhattan School of Music. He was the founding Artistic Director of “Voices of Haiti,” a 60-member children’s choir in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, operated by the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Maestro Merriweather’s 2022-2023 began with leading the Choir of Trinity Wall Street in three performances (staged) of Considering Matthew Shepard.

In his new appointment as Director of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, he is preparing the professional choir for three programs throughout the season for Maestro Jaap van Zweden including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for the reopening of David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center. With the Dessoff Choirs he conducts Duruflé’s Requiem, Bach’s St. John Passion and motets by Vicente Lusitano, the first Black published composer. This season includes the long-awaited release of the premiere recording of Margaret Bonds’s Credo and Simon Bore the Cross with the AVIE label. His solo baritone engagements include Messiah at Carnegie Hall; Sanctuary Road with the Cincinnati May Festival and the Penn Square Music Festival

A MUSIC SAGA DEBUTS HIGH ON BILLBOARD CHARTS

MOJA: A Music Saga, an eightvolume set of the history of Black Music from the drums of Africa to America’s Jazz, Blues, and Gospel; latest inspiring single, “Triumph,” debuts at #35 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 Indicator Chart and fuels launch of “MOJA Did You Know?” factoids on social media.

“Triumph” is making its way across radio formats with its fusion of r and b, hip hop, African beats, gospelinfused vocals, and inspirational lyrics featuring MOJA’s Co-executive Producer, Grammy-nominated

composer, producer, Ghanian-born, East St. Louis, IL raised master of the djembe (a West African drum) Weedie Braimah and Munir Zakee on the Silver Talon label.

Adding to the celebration of “Triumph” cracking the Billboard Top 40 Indicator Chart, MOJA: A Music Saga is launching “MOJA Did You Know?” factoids on Instagram, Facebook, and social media platforms. Through these short educational, and entertaining facts, you will learn the history of black music and the Muziki family as they

take you on an audio-musical journey through seven generations filling your spirit with music and knowledge from Africa to Cuba, to the United States.

The complete eight-volume set of MOJA: A Music Saga was submitted for a Grammy Award Nomination consideration by voting members of the Recording Academy. Grammy Award nominations will be announced on November 15. MOJA: A Music Saga, volumes 1-8, are available for Free on Spotify for your listening experience or at: www. Mojasaga.com

AMERICAN MODERN OPERA PRESENTS ‘EL NINO’

American Modern Opera Company (AMOC) and The Cathedral of St. John the Divine present contemporary composer John Adams’ El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered with libretto by Peter Sellars and concept by Julia Bullock on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 7:30pm at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, (at 112th Street) in Manhattan. Tickets are $5-45 (choose-what-you-pay) and are available online at https://www.stjohndivine. org/calendar/42514/el-nino-nativityreconsidered or in person at the Cathedral’s box office.

This chamber music arrangement was first performed at The Met Cloisters in 2018 in the beautiful San Martín at Fuentidueña chapel. The New York Times called it “intimate, affecting and quietly rich with activism.” The piece, which celebrates Latin American poets and the voices of women, returns for a one-night-only engagement this holiday season at a different New York City

landmark. The cast of this Christmas oratorio, an AMOC* production, features company members soprano Julia Bullock, countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, bass-baritone Davóne Tines, violinists Miranda Cuckson and Keir GoGwilt, cellist Coleman Itzkoff, bassist Doug Balliett, flutist Emi Ferguson, percussionist Jonny Allen, pianist Conor Hanick, with guest artists mezzo-soprano Rachael Wilson and The Choir of Trinity Wall Street. This special performance will be conducted by rising star Christian Reif, who created the new arrangement and premiered the initial iteration of the piece at the Cloisters in 2018. A rarely performed work, El Niño “ruminates on the notion that with the promise of new life, there is the equal threat of inexplicable violence and sacrifice,” said Bullock, “one of opera’s fastest-rising stars” (Vanity Fair), who curated the selections being performed.

“El Niño is one of my favorite pieces of music,” said Ms. Bullock “It’s

one of John and Peter’s greatest collaborations and explores the central themes of the nativity – miracles, the unique relationship between mother and child, and gift giving. The reason to develop this distilled rendering of El Niño with John’s and Peter’s blessing, was to enable more people to experience this extraordinary work.”

“During this season of giving, we believe that El Niño should be seen by anyone and everyone, without barrier of cost,” said Courtenay Casey, Executive Director, American Modern Opera Company “We are thrilled to be partnering with St John the Divine and are humbled to be presenting this special work to their community.”

NYC OPERA PRESENTS ‘ ALL IS CALM ’

New York City Opera celebrates the holidays with All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at Sacred Heart University Community Theatre, 1420 Post Road, Fairfield, CT, presented in association with Bodhi Tree Concerts and with the support of Kings Alley Performances: Wed 12/7 and Thu 12/8 at 7:30pm, Fri

12/9 at 8pm and Sat at 11am (family performance). Tickets are $45 for adults, $25 for children and are available at shucommunitytheatre.showare.com/ NewYorkCityOpera

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 tells the true story of the first

Christmas Eve of World War I, when soldiers across the Western Front laid down their weapons to celebrate Christmas together. For 48 hours to more than a week on some battlefronts, soldiers on all sides declared a truce and ate and drank together, played soccer, and sang carols. This beautiful retelling of the events, based on the firsthand accounts of soldiers who lived it, is woven together with traditional carols and patriotic songs, celebrating the unique way that the holiday season can bring us all together.

All is Calm is a holiday show like no other, guaranteed to put the whole family in the holiday spirit, with such favorites as “Silent Night,” “Auld Lang Syne,” “The First Noel,” “O Tannenbaum,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High,” sung a cappella in various languages, including English, German, and French. These traditional songs fostered the spirit of Christmas warmth in the midst of a war, and as a play with music, All Is Calm captures a snapshot of this moment when the war stopped, and these people put aside their differences to celebrate Christmas.

The all-male, fourteen-person cast

Christmas Carol AT MERCHANT’S HOUSE

This December, as Summoners Ensemble Theatre’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT THE MERCHANT’S HOUSE resumes long-anticipated live performances for its 10th holiday season, we are delighted once again to offer performances virtually! For $35, join Mr. Dickens and watch online, from anywhere and on your schedule. Your pay-per-view ticket is good for three viewings of our holiday classic anytime between now and December 30, 2022.  All proceeds will help keep us thriving

as we move through the continuing COVID crisis and beyond, ensuring that Summoners Ensemble Theatre can continue bringing classic literature to life and the landmark 1832 Merchant’s House Museum remains a pillar of education about life in 19th century in New York.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the MERCHANT’S HOUSE, Charles Dickens in New York, 1867, is presented online by Summoners Ensemble Theatre in

association with the Merchant’s House Museum. Performances were filmed in the landmark 1832 Merchant’s House Museum, New York City’s only 19th century family home preserved intact, inside and out.

Pay-per-view is $35 and allows patrons to unlimited views, anytime between November 23, 2022 and December 30, 2022.

View online at  www.summonersensemble.org

includes

All is Calm is written by Peter Rothstein, with musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach, directed by Richard Stafford and conducted by Juan Carlos Acosta, with dialect coaching by Vanessa Dinning, scenery designed by John Farrell, costumes designed by Stephanie Bauerle, and lighting designed by Susan Roth

“New York City Opera is thrilled to be presenting All Is Calm this December,” said Michael Capasso, General Director, New York City Opera “It’s a beautiful and moving work that my friend and longtime collaborator Diana DuMelle – the Director of Bodhi Tree Concerts – introduced me to. We’re excited to be partnering on this new production featuring several members of the original Bodhi Tree production and to begin our collaboration with SHU!”

Glenn Seven Allen, Michael Boley, Shelby Condray, Nicolas Davis, Walter DuMelle, John Robert Green, Spencer Hamlin, Andrew Konopak, Dimitrie Lazich, Brian James Myer, Jordan Weatherston Pitts, Timmy Simpson, Michael Sokol, and WooYoung Yoon

RAYE WORLD TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

Multi-platinum recording artist RAYE continues to evince herself as a powerhouse star with the release of her “Escapism.” Giving an emotional, adrenaline-rushing performance, RAYE reenacts her darkest days of numbing her pain with temporary fixes. The visual includes a rare, special appearance from featured artist 070 Shake and is the latest offering from RAYE’s upcoming debut album, My 21st Century Blues., set to release on February 3rd, 2023 via

Human Re Sources

“We worked really hard to create an honest depiction of where I was at that time in my life,” RAYE shares. “It was fun and wild. We shot it over a couple of days and wore

point-of-view cameras during a wild night out at many different clubs. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and I ran 150 meters in 5 inch heels. We really took it there! I am really proud of it and hope everyone enjoys the visuals.”

RAYE announced her headlining 2023 world tour, M21CB, which includes US dates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City. Pre-sale will begin on Wednesday, November 16th at 6:00am ET.

The success surrounding RAYE has been exponential. Most recently, she is celebrated as Spotify’s EUAL Artist of the Month for November. Spotlighting her achievements as a woman in music, billboards will be up the

next two weeks in her hometown of London and in Times Square in New York. It’s been a year since RAYE, the mononym for South Londoner Rachel Keen, blew up her career in order to rebuild it. Frustrated at the fact she’d been continually denied the chance to release her debut album by her then major label — despite more than 10 million monthly Spotify listeners, seven top 20 UK singles, and 4 Brit Award nominations to her name, plus song-writing credits that have clocked more than 3.5 billion global streams for other chart-topping acts like Beyoncé, John Legend, Little Mix and Charli XCX to name only a few— she posted a series of viral tweets that shed light not only on her own struggles but on the plight of female artists caught in an endless loop of faceless dance features and broken promises.

A straight shooter, RAYE has always relished being a maverick. Brought up in a musical household (her dad and grandad were both songwriters), RAYE knew from an early age that she would carry on this song-writing lineage. At 14-years-old, RAYE decided she wanted to attend the Brit School, the creative hothouse that had helped shape the likes of Adele and Amy Winehouse, but left two years later to jump start her career. That same year she released the independentlyfunded, blissed out Welcome To Winter EP on Soundcloud

In between penning hit records, such as “Bigger” for Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift album and “Bed” with Joel Corry & David Guetta, RAYE released a series of projects, including Second EP in 2016, Side Tape mixtape in 2018 and Euphoric Sad Songs mixtape in 2020. Her solo catalog alone has over 3 billion cumulative streams. She garnered early support from BBC Radio, The Guardian and Vogue, and continues to be championed by global names, including Bulgari, Christopher Kane and JW Anderson. Furthermore, she’s toured with Halsey, Khalid, Rita Ora, Years & Years and Jess Glynne

Now, with My 21st Century Blues completed and proper infrastructure in place to capitalize on her extensive experience as a hit-maker, RAYE is ready to launch stage two of her career and build out her discography. Over the summer, RAYE made her comeback as an independent artist with “Hard Out Here,” a no-holds-barred anthem that easily earned widespread support from critics at The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, PAPER, and more. She followed up with “Black Mascara” in August and last month, her double release of “Escapism.,” featuring 070 Shake, and “The Thrill Is Gone.” coincided with her performance of the singles on the critically acclaimed British show “Later… with Jools Holland.” Stay tuned for more news from RAYE

BLACK HOLLYWOOD IS ALL ABOUT G R A Y S C A L E

American”) have also sported the label as well in recent months.

!

Seen all over the worldwide red carpet premieres of “BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER” stars Daniel Kaluuya, Tenoch Huerta, Kumail Nanjiani all sported some of the latest styles from the brand! Also, celebrities such as Sam Richardson, Sterling K. Brown, Rege Jean Page, Jimmy Akingbola, Warren Burke, Karrueche Tran, Jameela Jamil, Yvonne Orji, Quinta Brunson, Maluma, Trey Songz, Common, Billy Porter, DJ D-Nice, Jabari Banks (“BelAir”), actor Skyh Black (“All The Queens Men”), actor Michael Evans Behling (“All

Known for his tendency to play with bold and bright colors and eye-catching prints and patterns that are out of this world!  His collection is fast becoming the go-to brand for the newest wave of Hollywood’s “IT” list.  BJ creates the ultimate in men’s tailored suiting that offers today’s man (and women) an arsenal of dapper and bespoke pieces that will stand the test of time! Pulling from inspirations that incorporate that 60’s and 70’s flare, designer BJ Gray brings to the fore bold and rich solids, contrasting prints and red-carpet worthy designs that has YBH talking!

MENTAL HEALTH MISSION GETS POP STARS SUPPORT

Recently featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, WWD, Newsweek, TODAY SHOW and seen in their massive viral success with famous fans Mick Jagger & Lady Gaga, non-binary singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Grace Gaustad (@GraceGaustad) just became the first singer to release music LIVE on the Metaverse platform ZEPETO

Always one to breakdown boundaries and carve their own path, Grace’s unique style and creativity bridges the gap between WEB3 and IRL universes.

Making worldwide headlines for their loyal Gen Z audience and raw music that touches on mental health, gender and sexual identity, and self-esteem, Grace is also the founder of BAKEUP, a digital-first beauty brand built on the concept of reimagining beauty in the multiverse which will be debuting on ZEPETO, the fastest-growing avatar platform that allows users to create unique,

customizable 3D experiences. In a recent survey of US ZEPETO users, over 16% of users self-identified as gender non-binary or transgender – and Grace aligned with the platform’s approach to beauty, life, mental

health and their audience of young, creative individuals who rely on ZEPETO as an outlet for experimentation and fluid self-expression.

The trailblazing success of Grace’s first self-released album BLKBX: wht r u hding?, successfully carved a niche for their sophomore album, PILLBX: whts ur fantasy? PILLBX zooms out on a fantasy world with Gaustad traveling through the adventures of Grace’s own imagination. Grace’s new video project creates a longform connected world where their album is a new ‘season’ & each track a new ‘episode’ of a mind-bending television series. The song “MOMENT” is the next track to be released from the album.

Whereas other artists release music with the “here and now” perspective of their career, this 20-year-old independent Los Angelesbased artist has already envisioned their entire trajectory and magnifies their message onscreen and beyond through their full-

length, multi-faceted, and multi-dimensional world where all are welcome. Grace’s sparkling discography has captivated fans worldwide thanks to an undeniable penchant for unflinching lyrics and a raw ability to convey the joy and pain of the human experience, solidifying Grace as the voice of Gen Z in the modern age. Grace began singing and writing at the tender age of five, steadily refining their craft with eloquence as they battled a tumultuous youth, ultimately yielding a rich point-of-view that continues to influence Grace’s artistic output into adulthood. The result is a vulnerable and raw catalogue that includes songs focusing on topics ranging from anxiety to trauma, sexuality and depression. One standout is the LGBTQIA+ anthem “Red,” a romantic rumination on coming to terms with one’s identity. Emphasizing Grace’s commitment to the cause, Gaustad’s complimentary venture BLKBX Project offers free mental health services to fans.

Black Hollywood is all a buzz with the newest young designer to the stars, GRAYSCALE, by BJ Gray