“We Do Journalism”
the Quadrangle
Visit Our Website mcquad.org
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MANHATTAN COLLEGE | SINCE 1924
Volume CVIII, SPECIAL ISSUE
NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 14, 2023
THE BRONX BRONX ISSUE ISSUE
FREE
News
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
Volume CVIII, Bronx Issue NOVEMBER 14, 2023
The Editorial Board
Jocelyn Visnov Editor-in-Chief Kyla Guilfoil Managing Editor
Lauren Raziano Multimedia Editor
Angelina Persaud News Editor
Grace Cardinal Asst. News Editor
Angelica Niedermeyer Features Editor
Angelina Perez Asst. Features Editor
Karen Flores Arts & Entertainment Editor
Mack Olmsted Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
Isaiah Rosario Sports Editor
Andrew Mannion Asst. Sports Editor
Adrianne Hutto Production Editor Rebecca Kranich Social Media Editor Zoe DeFazio Angelina Perez Web Editors
Ivy Jaep Maizy Swift Asst. Production Editors Mary Haley Asst. Social Media Editor Nicholas Gilewicz Faculty Advisor
About The Quadrangle A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news or ganization run by the students of Manhattan College. We strive to cover news around campus and the greater community, publishing weekly in print and daily online. Our goal is always accuracy, relevancy and professionalism. The opinions expressed in The Quadrangle are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board, the College or the student body.
Join The Quadrangle The Quadrangle’s staff holds weekly open meetings on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in Kelly Commons Room 412. All are welcome to come and join the club.
Connect with The Quadrangle mcquad.org @mcquad @mcquad mcquad
2
LETTER from the EDITOR
Hello and welcome to The Bronx Issue! We are so very excited to bring you this week’s articles in print for the first time this semester! A huge thank you to anyone who has donated to our GoFundMe page to make this possible. If you’re interested in supporting The Quadrangle and making a donation, you can find the link in our Instagram bio, or by searching gofundme.com/support-the-quadrangle-newspaper. Each semester, The Quadrangle staff votes on a theme for one Special Issue. This semester, we’ve chosen to highlight The Bronx and various locations throughout the borough that make it so unique. From local favorite hot-spots frequented by students to historic landmarks and iconic artists, The Bronx Issue takes you through every corner of the borough we know and love. If you’re looking to read previous issues of The Quadrangle from this semester that unfortunately were not in print, you can flip through them on issuu.com/mcquad. Be sure to follow along on the web (mcquad.org) and on our Instagram page (@mcquad). If you have a tip or an event you would like to see covered by The Quadrangle, always feel free to send us a message (thequad@manhattan.edu). Please note that there will be no articles or JasperJist coming out next week for the holiday. We hope you stay warm and enjoy your Thanksgiving! I’m certainly thankful I have the opportunity to do journalism with such amazing folks at The Quadrangle and that we get to see our fine publication in print this week. Remember that even in the hectic world we live in today, there’s still so much to be grateful for.
Jocelyn Visnov
Sincerely,
Editor-in-Chief
News
The Future of Rikers Island and E3MC 3
Anna Segota Staff Writer
The future of the E3MC program is being called into question as the debate and conversation around the possible closure of Rikers Island is brought into the spotlight in New York politics. Founded by Andrew Skotnicki, Ph.D., professor of religious studies at Manhattan College, the E3MC program aims to allow currently and formerly incarcerated persons access to higher education to combat inequality. Each week, MC faculty and students travel to Rikers Island for a class alongside a group of inmates. This joint program enables prisoners to earn college credits toward a bachelor’s degree. The program has been in operation for the past 11 years. “I did not want to do this program unless I was able to bring our students from the main campus into contact with the students at Rikers because I knew that once you see the face of the suffering… they stop being statistics,” Skotnicki said. “We’ve changed the lives of many people. Many of our former Manhattan students are now working in social reform, criminal justice agencies and reentry agencies. So I know it’s had a profound impact.” According to the students
and professors alike, the program is a transformative and inspiring experience. Deirdre O’Leary, Ph.D., is currently teaching her first semester at Rikers’ with Skotnicki at the Rose Center, the women’s prison at Rikers. “I’ve never had a class where everyone is just so present, so attentive to what everyone in the class is saying,” O’Leary said. “These are people going through incredibly difficult times and they show up every week with the work done, participating, and talking. The dynamic in the classroom is one I’ve been privileged to be a part of.” While the program has been able to help and inspire many, its future is uncertain due to the possible closure of Rikers, a complex issue that has outspoken activists on either side. The NYC Department of Corrections was the first to establish a specialized education unit for incarcerated people, but current conditions within Rikers have been described as lacking and even dangerous. Gabriela Sandoval, a senior at MC, spoke about her experience and the conditions of the prison, describing the intensive labor that inmates do for very little pay, and the inhospitable living situation that many must deal with. “Some of these women live in an empty room with just a cot
An image of some of the facilities at Rikers. CNN/ COURTESY
and that’s all they have, there’s no type of privacy,” Sandoval said. “Even with commissary most of those girls are working for companies that pay them maybe 20 cents to 50 cents an hour…it was really disturbing to see that”. The program largely takes place within the school building at Rikers, which has been described as similar to a public high school. However, the incarcerated students have spoken about the pain and suffering they face in the jail system and the abuse they have faced from employees. While the corruption and decay of Rikers’ infrastructure has brought heavy criticism, some are unsure if the living conditions would be much different at other facilities. While especially egregious at Rikers, similar circumstances have been described all over, in many different prisons. “I’m not opposed to closing Rikers, its isolation and the collective cultural impact of an institution that has been functioning practically in secrecy for over a century has left a generally negative atmosphere in which to work,” Skotnicki said when asked about the possible closure. “What will be different when they move the Rikers population to facilities in Queens, Brooklyn, or the Bronx? I’m not certain that’s going to improve it.” While the future is uncer-
THE QUADRANGLE
An aerial view of Rikers Island, highlighting the isolation. ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST/ COURTESY tain, the program will continue, with Skotnicki teaching two classes this upcoming semester, one at Rikers and another at the Westchester County Jail. Those involved have praised the program and described the merits of participating in it as life-changing. “We demystify a lot of stereotypes, a lot of prejudices, every bigot is just another person who lacks the opportunity
to see how fundamentally alike he or she is to the person that they hate,” Skotnicki said.“I know in my heart that fundamental human compassion is not something we lack, we simply lack the opportunities for us to be able to discover it within ourselves.”
E3MC is the program through which the Rikers’ classes are run. @MANHATTAN.EDU/ COURTESY
News
There’s No NYC Without the MTA
November 14, 2023
Barbara Vasquez Staff Writer
NYC has the largest transportation network in the United States, with well over 300 million annual riders of the city transit in 2021. With so much of NYC’s population using the many trains and buses around the city, it’s interesting to learn more about the evolution of the transit system- the subways in particular. NYC originally had two different private subway companies, including the Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) and the Brooklyn Manhattan Transit (BMT). The IRT was the company running number trains, and the BMT ran letter trains. In the 1930s, a city-owned and operated company called the IND, standing for the Independent Subway System, was opened to compete with these two private companies, until they were unified in 1940 to form one subway system under city control. In 1968, the MTA took over this company as well, leading to all subways being placed under the MTA’s jurisdiction- a system that has made little changes since then. The vice president of Manhattan College’s Train Club, Jadon Schneider, went in-depth into the reasons why these unifications began. “The thing that really drove these unification decisions was money,” Schneider said. “You saw the BMT and IRT entering bankruptcy due to a city law forcing them to keep their prices at a nickel, which was the original price when the subway was formed in 1904. And because of inflation, by the time the 1920s and 1930s rolled around, especially through the Great Depression, that was just not enough money for them to keep the budgets balanced.” The decision to unify the systems was ultimately a positive one, said MC Train Club president William Reed. “I would probably say it was for the better since it resulted in a unified system,” Reed said. “This way there’s the same fares and I guess you could say more options for connections between the number and letter lines… You now have essential-
ly all the public transit under one agency in NYC.” Since the subways were unified under the MTA, few changes have been made to its administration. Though many city-goers do agree that some updates need to be made to the trains and subways throughout the city, one of the more popular suggestions is better maintenance. Bronx native and MC student Aaliyah Cruz shared her opinions on some of the changes she wants to see. “I would want them [the subway stations] to be cleanerdefinitely clean up all the trash around them since so many are so dirty,” Cruz said. Considering that the subway and bus systems in NYC see over 300 million riders annually, there is a question to be asked- could the city function without the public transit system? For many, the answer is a very simple one- no. “If we didn’t have this infrastructure capable of moving so many people the city couldn’t function,” Schneider said. “You can’t move that many people around in cars. It’s just not physically possible. And the ability to not dedicate all this space to cars because of our public transportation system is what allows New York City to be such a socially vibrant place.” MC Train Club member and NYC native Maroon Hammonds elaborated on this point as well. “It’s a lifeline that’s ingrained in you if you’ve grown up in the city, just taking the train and using public transport in general,” Hammonds said. People throughout the city, whether native or new, have different reasons for using the train. Reed shared his perspective on being an MC student with direct access to the 1 train. “You have Manhattan College that is right next to two subway stations technically242nd and 238th- and with that, you practically have direct access to not only Manhattan, but the rest of New York City and the rest of the country because the 1 train stops at Penn Station,” Reed said. “And not only can you take the subway for commuting purposes, but you can also take it to go to conferences, meet with friends, have
4
The 1 Train connects the Bronx to the rest of NYC. WIKIPEDIA/COURTESY a nice dinner, go watch a play, do anything really.” Cruz shared some of her favorite places to go utilizing the transit system as well. “Of course I use public transportation! I mainly do the 4 and 1 trains to go to fun places with my friends, like Dave and Busters,” Cruz said. “I also use the Bx9 a lot since it’s so close [to the school].” A few students shared some advice for those new to the subways and gave tips about how to enjoy the Bronx.
“You always wanna have a hand on whatever belongings you’re carrying with you,” Schneider said. “I’ve seen so many instances where someone runs by and just snatches something that was left unattended.” Bronx native Vincent Lombardozzi gives some insight into his own favorite places around the borough and how people new to the area can see the full beauty of the Bronx. “I’d say my favorite place to go is probably Arthur Avenue,”
Lombardozzi said. “Probably biased for me since that’s where my parents grew up, but it has a lot of Italian culture, and, well I’m Italian. In addition to that, I think there’s a lot of culture in the Bronx, a lot to be proud of. There’s the Bronx Zoo, Fordham Road, Yankee Stadium, all these areas- Botanical Gardens too. So I would say visit all the places that the Bronx has to offer and be proud to be in the Bronx.”
Metropolitan Transportation Authority helps many New Yorkers travel, including Manhattan College students. FACEBOOK/ THE QUADRANGLE
News
5
THE QUADRANGLE
MC Alumni Find Successful Careers in the Bronx Lauren Raziano Multimedia Editor
Upon graduation from Manhattan College, many alumni stay in the Bronx and continue to keep up their involvement with MC. Founded in 1869, the Alumni Society at MC is the oldest Catholic alumni association in the country with a rich heritage and a vast professional network. According to manhattan. edu, “The Alumni Society can provide invaluable networking opportunities. Many of our bright and talented graduates quickly find themselves in influential leadership positions, looking for employees or able to offer meaningful letters of recommendation.” Many alumni were born in the Bronx and chose to pursue their careers close to home as a way of staying connected with the community they grew up in. Recent marketing major and real estate minor graduate Denis Haxhija ‘23, calls himself a “true Bronxite” and wrote to The Quadrangle about how he stays connected with his alma mater and the Bronx community. “Manhattan College was al-
ways a pivotal institution and a special place for many of my friends, relatives, and neighbors, so it was a no-brainer for me to choose MC,” Haxhija wrote. “Although I just graduated this past May, I truly had such a special experience that I know I have to stay connected as much as possible. I have also seen firsthand how so many alumni from various years are tied with the school community in so many ways, which has always been very inspiring.” Haxhija gives back to the Bronx community with other MC alumni through the Riverdale Main Streets Alliance. The alliance is a non-profit organization that was created to encourage the economic progress of local businesses and maintain the aesthetics of local neighborhoods. “I serve on their Board as Secretary,” Haxhija wrote. “Some of my fellow board members are Manhattan College alumni too, such as Giordana Avila, Damian McShane (uncle of associate director of career counseling Megan McShane), and Christopher Rizzo.” Earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Manhattan College, Megan McShane ‘13, ‘17, worked in the Bronx as a college counselor and school
counselor after graduation. “I worked at a high school in the Bronx after completing my graduate degree, which was most meaningful to me,” McShane wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “I worked as a school counselor and helped high students through their college application process. During graduate school, I also volunteered in the Bronx often in my free time at Concourse House and Brilla Charter School.” McShane is now the associate director for the Center for Career Development (CCD) and encourages all alumni to develop a strong network with fellow Jaspers. She also highlighted the mentor program at MC, offered through the CCD, as a prime example of keeping connections alive between students and alumni. “Before coming back to MC, every job I had I was able to get because of an alum or a professor from Manhattan College,” McShane wrote.“Maintain connections with fellow Jaspers and utilize the network that you have. I also think it’s important to give back and help current students once you’ve graduated.” Psychology major and Spanish minor graduate Itzel
Denis Haxhija, Manhattan College alum from the Bronx, New York City. BROWN HARRIS STEVENS/COURTESY
Flores ‘22 came to MC as a first-generation student and knew pursuing higher education was her passion. During her time at Manhattan College, she held a work-study position as an afterschool tutor, which helped her to get to know other local students better. “Reflecting on my journey from being a student at Manhattan College to an active alumni member I would advise current students to get involved in any opportunity that is offered to them,” Flores wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “I was able to get the opportunity to work for the Non-Credit Program Office as After School Tutor and Office Assistant. All which gave me leadership and management skills that are currently of great help.” Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household, Flores is passionate about using her degree to connect with the local Spanish community. “I would also advise current students to take language courses,” Flores wrote. “I personally took Spanish in order to refine my comprehension and learn more about the history…I am able to have better communication with those around me.” Around graduation, Flores utilized her MC network to find a position that would allow her to stay close to home and also give back to the community. “I realized many jobs required higher education and got discouraged,” Itzel wrote. “It wasn’t until I was able to find a position as [a] psychology assistant at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the East Bronx that I realized I did not have to go far to pursue a job. I am able to use the knowledge I learned at Manhattan College for a greater purpose. I am able to work with a community that I can relate with and comprehend.” Flores recently was a participant in the psychology alumni panel and is grateful that she was able to share her advice to current students. “I am a recent graduate from Manhattan College and I am still looking for opportunities to give back to Manhattan
College. However I did participate in a recent Psychology Alumni Panel where I was able to share my experience at Manhattan College and how that is shaping my post-graduate career,” Flores wrote. Alumni also play a pivotal role in supporting college initiatives and fundraising efforts, contributing to the ongoing growth and success of the institution. Debra O. Reich, director of annual giving, enjoys staying connected to alumni and encourages graduates to financially support their alma mater. “Making gifts to the Fund for Manhattan, allows us to be nimble in how we use these gifts based on our current needs, such as providing scholarships and financial assistance to our students, enhancing student activities and making campus improvements,” Reich wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. Manhattan College also has regional chapters in cities and states across the US so that alumni can connect and give back wherever they are. The Giving Days and Annual Fund allow alumni to donate to funds that address the gap between tuition and the extraneous expenses providing financial aid, enriching student services and activities and enhancing academic programs and facilities. “I am always open to hearing from our alumni, students, parents and broader community members about ideas or opportunities to increase support,” Reich wrote. “I am in the process of launching a Student Philanthropy Club and welcome all to participate.” Beyond the college walls, the alumni from Manhattan College exhibit a strong dedication to supporting the local community, particularly in the Bronx. The bond between Manhattan College alumni and their alma mater extends far beyond graduation, fostering a vibrant and interconnected community.
Features
An Beal Bocht: The Poor Mouth Bar Rich in Arts and Spirits
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
Adrianne Hutto and Lauren Raziano Production Editor and Multimedia Editor
This slice of Ireland tucked among community spaces and delis is a gem of the Bronx. A popular bar among locals, undergraduates and graduates, this Riverdale icon supplies the neighbors with beer, poetry and live art. Clad with wood benches, images of Irish literary greats on the walls and of course lots of Guinness. An Beal Bocht, which translates to “The Poor Mouth” in Irish Gaelic, was founded in 1991 by Irish immigrants and enthusiasts seeking to create a space where their cultural heritage could thrive. Keith McDermott, the current manager, graduated from Manhattan College in 2005 and has stayed in Riverdale ever since. Two locals sit at the corner of the bar, sharing laughs and hugs. When the Quadrangle asked them how they knew each other, they explained they had known each other for years. Though you get the sense they met at a bar like Beal, which is the name affectionately used by regulars. Maureen is one of the locals and is seen regularly in the bar, floating from table to table and speaking to and dancing with anyone within reach. When asked what her favorite drink is, she said assuredly, “tequila.” “It’s a very community space, It’s a public house,” Maureen said while seated at the bar with her go-to drink.
Having lived in the Bronx for 30 years and with no intention of moving, Maureen has an avid understanding of the local bar scene. “It’s a space to be comfortable,” Maureen said. “I love their music and I love the people.” Cassandra Sawyer, or “Cass,” one of the many recognizable faces at Beal, has been a bartender for enough years to have seen the ebb and flow of Manhattan College students for generations. Trained as a sommelier, she has chosen an Irish pub to take her talents because she prefers a friendly and welcoming environment. During her years here, Sawyer has watched many generations of Manhattan College students come and go. She explained that it is one of the amazing things about the job. Another of the faces behind the bar is Ryan Banger, who explained that the interactions between locals and students are just as interesting as the college students themselves. “I get a lot of intergenerational conversations going on here, and it’s funny how much people agree with each other,” Banger said. Prior to working here, Banger had been coming to the bar for 20 years. Once given the opportunity to bartend at Beal, he happily took the chance. He is still a regular at the bar on his days off. “People tend to stick to their tribe,” Sawyer said. “Writers with writers, musicians with musicians. But here, when you walk in the door, that veil crumbles. Because here people
Keith McDermott, the current manager, graduated from Manhattan College in 2005 and has stayed in Riverdale ever since. ADRIANNE HUTTO/THEQUADRANGLE
are just friendly, and it’s reminiscent of that culture, that ambiance that comes from Ireland itself.” As Sawyer says, Beal radiates warmth, which is a key factor in bringing people back repeatedly. “Being able to walk in and open that conversation with someone like, Verizon Mike, who tells old fishing stories, and Brota, who’s been working here since she was my age,” Sawyer said. “People appreciate community, and that’s why I think we have that foundation where people have a good experience.” Banger, carrying the same amicable attitude he talked so highly about, gestured to another regular who was sitting drinking whisky while silently reading a book; he referred to him as one of the smartest people he knew. As the regular said his goodbyes, he waved by calling Banger by his first name. “It’s good work and people need that release and you get to help them do that,” Banger said. Beal hosts a plethora of events, with poetry or live music happening almost every night. Sawyer explains that having this space for the arts is unique these days. “I think places like that thrive because of creativity, because we are open to allow that,” Sawyer said. Sharing the same appreciation, Banger emphasized his love of live music at Beal, explaining that he occasionally performs with his band. With a dedication to preserving the arts through community events, the pub has poetry nights, where the entire bar is engaged and enthralled with entertainers. Trivia also takes place on the first Wednesday of the month, with open mic nights popularly held on Mondays. To promote and preserve Irish traditions, the pub continues to host the longest-running traditional Irish music session in the Bronx. This session takes place every Sunday from 4pm to 7pm and is currently run by Lindsey Céitinn and Michelle Bergin. Ciara McGinty, a 2023 MC alum, frequently participates in the trad sessions with her singing and violin talents. McGinty and her roommate, Mairéad Fee, started attending these
6
An Beal Bocht, which translates to “The Poor Mouth” in Irish Gaelic, was founded in 1991. ADRIANNE HUTTO/THEQUADRANGLE trad performances together while in college and have continued to post-grad. “Throughout our time living in Riverdale, myself and Mairéad would attend the open mic nights and traditional sessions that take place in An Beal,” McGinty wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “Mairéad and I have both played and sang in the sessions a few times this year and I have loved the inclusive nature of it. I love singing in the sessions at An Beal with people who create such a welcoming atmosphere.” Another annual event at Beal that is special to the Irish traditions is a pantomime show known as “panto” in Ireland. “Another way An Beal Bocht fosters Irish artistic tradition is by hosting a pantomime show around Christmas time every year,” McGinty wrote. “Often referred to as a “panto” by people in Ireland, attending one around Christmas is a tradition carried out by many. The show usually tells a fairytale while incorporating comedy.” Regulars share that walking into An Beal feels like a warm embrace from a relative during the holidays. “The patrons of An Beal Bocht are so friendly, every time I walk in I am welcomed by people coming up to me and saying hello,” McGinty wrote. “Especially Edna, who welcomes everyone with a hug.” Beal’s comforting atmosphere invites patrons to interact with each other and fosters a space of encouragement. “While I was at an Irish trad session, a couple came up to me after seeing me sing a few weeks prior, and asked me to sing again,” McGinty wrote. “It was such a nice feeling to be welcomed into the session by
both the patrons and musicians alike. Personally, I think that the music thoroughly enhances the atmosphere of the bar/café and contributes greatly to the sense of camaraderie amongst its patrons.” With a fresh-poured Guinness stout in hand, recent MC alumni Claire Vredenburg detailed that her favorite aspects of Beal’s culture are the best local and national bands that come and perform. “Honestly, if you are looking for local music, you will find some of the best musicians at Beal,” Vredenburg said. “SmokeyO, we call him the ‘White Plains cowboy,’ and the Dusty 45s are the best musicians that come to the Bronx with no cover charge. [The Dusty 45s] come from Seattle once a year and light their instruments on fire; it’s an experience.” As a previous college student who has stayed in the Bronx, Vrendenburg feels like An Beal is where locals and students have developed great relationships. “You always want to talk to people here because they always have some advice to share. This place loves Manhattan College and Manhattan College loves An Beal, it’s a great relationship they have,” Vrendenburg said. In Pete McCarthy’s book McCarthy’s Bar, he explores the unique community that exists in the Irish pub. “Always stop at a bar with your name on it,” McCarthy writes. While a few Annes may identify with this, An Beal Bocht is a bar with everyone’s name on it.
Features
7
THE QUADRANGLE
Concourse House Provides Artistic Sanctuary for Bronx Mothers
Grace Cardinal Asst. News Editor
Concourse House is a transitional housing organization in the Bronx dedicated to helping women and their children who are facing homelessness. Concourse House goes above and beyond in their efforts to help mothers and their children by implementing art programs, including paid apprenticeships, allowing mothers to get back on their feet and find their creativity. Jess Rolls, arts program curator at Concourse, takes a hands-on approach in helping mothers feel at home in the house. “I always say that it’s Concourse House, home for women and their children,” Rolls said. “The word home is often where I start in my program, and it’s sort of connecting arts with well being and self expression. I often ask that question, “what feels like a home to you?” Manhattan College student and art intern Jamie Robbins explained that Concourse is an important resource to have in NYC due to the high rent prices and unpredictability of the job market. “I feel like there’s a really big stigma around homelessness, where it’s like, ‘Oh, you
don’t do anything’, but it’s not that,” said Robbins. “A lot of the moms there do have jobs. It’s just that housing is so expensive in New York and you literally miss one paycheck or you get laid off or something unfortunate happens, and then it’s ‘oh, now me and my kids have nowhere to go.’” Robbins explained why art is important to include in the transitional housing process. “If you’re dealing with a money crisis and thinking about where you’re going to sleep tonight, art gets put on the backburner,” said Robbins. “You’re not really thinking about art, if you’re thinking about ‘where’s my dinner coming from?’ I feel like that’s so nice to be able to, for at least an hour or two hours out of your day, just get to sit down and not think about that.” Everyday at the Concourse House is different. The shelter runs a variety of programs for the mothers and children to make everyone feel at home in the space. “Honestly, I can’t describe a day because it changes every day,” Alanna Miacordero, MC student art intern, said. “We’re always doing different programs. As of recently, we’re doing a recipe book. So on Tuesdays, we’ve been bringing food for the kids, it’s usually a
Concourse House children with art program curator Jess Rolls and student interns outside the building. ADRIANNE HUTTO/THE QUADRANGLE
Concourse House is a transitional housing organization in the Bronx dedicated to helping women and their children who are facing homelessness FLICKR/COURTESY recipe from a mother or from Jess or from Adrianne. We explain what goes into it, we taste it and we draw it. We get everyone involved.” One of the biggest programs Concourse House has started is the Mother Apprenticeship Program. Started by Concourse House art curator Jess Rolls in 2020, the apprenticeship allows mothers to learn how programs at the house are put together and gives them teaching opportunities. The program is paid, an added bonus for the mothers involved. “We now have two apprentices currently working with me, one of which is Miss Justine Warren,” Rolls said. “She’s just recently transitioned out of the shelter, she’s managed to find a home. She’s 19 years old, and we work together on lots of funding grants. She’s won a couple, and it’s really cool for the mothers to see her having successfully found a new home, but she still has her foot in here to support and mentor and guide.” Miacordero explained that art is a powerful tool in helping the mothers open up. “I’ve seen a lot of mothers open up about their situations,” Miacordero said. “My outlet with the mothers is always through music because that’s another form of art I feel that is a really big thing that Bronx
Community shares. I remember specifically this one time, I had a mother who looked just like Solange and I was playing Solange, we’re talking about it and she had gone deep into her life and her own struggles…I feel like art opens up this gateway into a welcoming and accepting space to be able to talk, to be vulnerable, to be yourself and to be able to open up with things you struggle with and most of all, accept help.” Robbins explained that this experience has altered what she originally hoped to do with her future. “I first came to college as like a biology major, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with that, but then I took this religion class, and I was like, okay, I don’t really want to be on the biology side of things, I’d rather be on like the helping side,” Robbins said. “There are just so many environmental disparities that affect only people of color and that’s something that we don’t really talk about at all. So that’s something I really want to go into, kind of exposing all these subliminal things that are happening to immigrants and people of color.” Robbins said that while the job takes a lot of work, she feels it is rewarding. “It’s definitely like a lot of work,” said Robbins. “But whenever I leave, I always
have a smile on my face. I always feel good. I always feel like moms can come to me and talk to me about whatever they want to talk about. And it just puts life in perspective. I really get to see how fortunate I am to be able to go to college and not have to worry about where my next meal is coming from.” Miacordero explained that she notices the impact of the house’s work every single day. “I think what we often neglect to understand about women in these situations is that they’re always missing a part of themselves and a part of a home that they no longer have,” Miacordero said. “Being able to see that there’s people trying to help the community is one of the best things about this job and knowing that you’re making a difference every single time you step into the art room, every single time you’re in a meeting with a museum trying to partner and get them to come to the to the Concourse House to teach these women how to make pottery or how to like crochet or whatever it is. The most rewarding part of this job is just knowing that you’re making a difference…seeing someone bloom within the program is the best thing about the job and I really don’t know anywhere else where I could have gotten this experience.”
Features
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
Nature in The Bronx: A Walk Through Van Cortlandt Park
Angelica Niedermeyer Features Editor
Across from bustling Broadway are the vast green fields, brimming trees and canopied trails full of wild creatures living unbeknownst to the city around them. Barbecue pits, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, golf courses, tracks, playgrounds, pools and skate parks are just a few amenities home to New York City’s third largest park and Manhattan College’s backyard. The sun is still shining, zip up a sweater and come take a walk with The Quadrangle through Van Cortlandt Park. “The vastness here is so special,” said Lillian Fox Peckos, New York City Parks and 3x3 field researcher, who highlighted the importance of green spaces in The Bronx for mental and physical health, “Parks are the lungs of the city.” Van Cortlandt Park at 11,146 acres with 600 acres of woodlands is most known for its over 100 year-old world renowned cross country course. Runners, walkers and bikers make use of the tracks and trails each day. Sofia Petroski, junior English and secondary education double major, is training for the Big Apple Half marathon and relies on VCP’s long trails and
flat terrain. Fall is her favorite season to run at VCP. “The park is just the only place around here that provides long stretches of nature,” said Petroski. “I’ve done countless runs just down Broadway. It’s not the same as smelling the fresh air and being connected, seeing the trees above you.” However, the college is no stranger to running in VCP. The annual MC Cross Country Invitational attracts over 300 teams and 10,000 runners; this Oct. was its 51st year. Stephanie Ehrlich, Executive Director of the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA), spoke on the relationship between Manhattan College and the park through the years. “Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Manhattan College are very good friends,” said Ehrlich.“We have a very, very deep partnership that spans a lot of different areas.” Many sports teams have practiced in the park– like at the country’s first public golf course. But, to some MC students and faculty, VCP is also an outdoor classroom. Michael Judge, Ph.D. professor of biology, and Pamela Chasek, professor of political science, take advantage of the space both personally and educationally. “My ecology class uses Van
A mallard couple in a pond reflecting the colors of the autumn leaves. PAM CHASEK/COURTESY
8
The entrance of Van Cortlandt Park at sunset. ANGELICA NIEDERMEYER/THE QUADRANGLE Cortlandt Park quite a bit for different laboratory exercises,” said Judge, who also shared that he used to go cross country skiing on the park trails when there was enough snow. “It’s a way to investigate nature and my ecology course [by] seeing the world outside.” Chasek shared that she takes her morning walk in the park to prepare for her long teaching days, and encouraged students to make use of the serene space for noticing critters. After making the park a habit during the 2020 lockdown, Chasek photographs birds daily on her Instagram @ paminnyc. “My environmental politics class had a park assignment [...] to talk about [the] multiple uses of parks, [and] what are the challenges faced by the park that they visited?” said Chasek. “99% of New York City is within a 10 to 15 minute walk of a park. We should be really thankful to have it.” VCP offers an abundance of activities for park goers– whether students and faculty are into fitness, mindfulness, history or the arts– the park has it all. Ehrlich shares how her love for performing inspires the programs at the park. “I love the sort of intersection of culture and the arts and nature,” said Ehrlich. “That
is really what makes me feel alive. I love seeing outdoor music and outdoor dance. I like to sing and so all of those things are really important. I love creating programming to share with the public.” Reflecting on The Bronx’s history, The Van Cortlandt House in the middle of the park is The Bronx’s oldest surviving building from 1748. The first to own the property being Jacobus Van Cortlandt, a wealthy New York City merchant and two-time mayor of New York City. Enslaved people and a local overseer kept up the property until Frederick Van Cortlandt, Jacobus’ son, had the historic house built in 1749. “There’s an enslaved African burial ground here,” said Ehrlich. “It is very, very important to the descendant community. We are continuing to try and make that space more beautiful and better known.” The house is now a museum that is open for self-guided tours. As the days get dark and the breeze gets colder, park experts remind The Quadrangle that the park is still an outlet to release tension from long hours at the library. “Don’t be afraid,” said Ehrlich. “Come on out, do some exercise, get some fresh air and get away from your computer.
Get away from your phone, get some sunshine, clear your head. The park is really, really, really a great place to do that. I think folks sometimes lose sight of that.” However, regarding the recent muggings at knifepoint last month, it is still important to remember there is safety in numbers. “Always visit the woods with a friend or two or three,” said Ehrlich. “This is still a city I wouldn’t recommend venturing out alone. It’s always good to have a buddy or two when you are in the park. As The Quadrangle looks towards the future, Fox Peckos shares that NYC parks have been operating at a deficit since the 1970’s and they hope to raise that budget to 1%. Van Cortlandt Park is MC’s natural treasure and with living in a crowded city researchers cannot ignore the realities of the current climate. “You’re so lucky to have a beautiful green space,” said Fox Peckos. “We can all get wrapped up in our lives, and school is so important—study for finals— but it’s also so nice to look at the vastness of a place […] it’s a good reminder to take care of our earth and be mindful of our impact on the world.”
9
Features
THE QUADRANGLE
Broadway’s Taste of Hispanic Cuisines Angelina Perez
Asst. Features Editor/Web Editor In recent years, Hispanic enrollment at Manhattan College has reached about fifty percent, making up most of the population and community. The demographics in the Bronx are categorized as a heavily Hispanic populated area, opening cuisine to locals of flavors perfected by rich cultural history. A gourmet adventure unlike any other is promised by the variety of Hispanic eateries surrounding the MC campus. Santa Fe Grill & Bar was founded in 2003 by Efrain Farciert and Manari Merino, a married couple from Puebla, Mexico, who emigrated to our neighboring state of Connecticut. Farciert and Merino sat down with The Quadrangle to break down the journey that
The mariachi band plays at Santa Fe every Friday from 5 to 8 pm. ANGELINA PEREZ / THE QUADRANGLE led them to serve the Bronx community with authentic Mexican food. “I started working very early on at a young age,” Far-
El Economico sits in front of the 231st stop off the 1 train. USARESTAURANTS / COURTESY
ciert said. “I used to be a chef in Greenwich, Connecticut in 1987 until I decided to open my own restaurant.” Before this location, located on Broadway only a five minute walk from campus dorms, Lee and Horan, Farciert and Merino opened three restaurants in the tristate area, hitting New York City, New Jersey and their home state of Connecticut. “The college is very dear to us and it’s a very nice neighborhood,” Farciert said. “That’s why I thought it was a good idea to open here next to [Van Cortlandt Park].” Their most popular menu items include either seafood or poultry, specifically chicken coming in multiple forms solo or wrapped in a tortilla and surrounded by a variety of toppings such as salsa, peppers and homemade sauces. “It’s not always very easy to open a business in the beginning,” Merino said. “I started working here as a bartender, since most of the job I do is taking care of the floor making sure we give good service and the drinks and food are coming out good.” Santa Fe offers variations on flavors for their margaritas such as mango, strawberry, raspberry, passion, tamarindo and coconut frozen or on the rocks. Mojitos, sangrias and pina coladas are offered in addition, both virgin and alcoholic. “It’s a family owned busi-
ness which provides a nice atmosphere for families and young adults,” Merino said. “We have a full bar with a variation of drinks containing alcohol and non alcohol, some of which you may be unfamiliar with.” Every Friday, a live mariachi band plays for customers as diners indulge in the southwestern Mexican menu from 5 to 8 pm with karaoke starting shortly after, lasting all the way past midnight. “When you bring your college ID you can get up to 15% off your tab,” Merino said. “Sometimes especially as college students you don’t have a big budget and the good thing is you don’t need that to be able to come eat and drink because of our affordable prices. When [professors] host events, they contact us for food and we give affordable prices for the college.” Organizations on campus willing to collaborate are encouraged to reach out to partners Merino and Farciert. Farther down Broadway of the 231st stop is El Economico, a Dominican-Puerto Rican fusion restaurant embracing characteristics familiar with the calm island behavior such as older men playing cards and women chatting around smiling. Famous for their mofongos of cheese, shrimp and chicken, diners can expect a new burst
of flavors to reach the menu as El Economico received new ownership in the last year. Their website promotes affordable prices and new ways to create an experience that will have those who decide to step inside begging for more. El Economico has catered multiple events with MC, such as collaborations with our Hispanic organization Fuerza Latina, and is a constant delivery service for returning students who have gained familiarity with the area. Across from El Economico sits Malecon, an authentic Caribbean food restaurant with home-style recipes reflecting rich cultural traditions for a reasonable price. According to their website, Malecon “offers a wide selection of foods such as our customer’s favorites such as our filling seafood platters, to our Signature Rotisserie chicken, Mofongos.” The word malecon is often associated with waterfront restaurants in the Caribbean surrounded by bright colors, which can be why the owners decided to bring that type of atmospheric environment to the Bronx. Neon lights hang above the seating area, with Latin music able to be heard outside. In hopes of eventually reaching the islands connection to the community.
Features
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
10
A Hidden Oasis: The Magic of the MET Cloisters Rebecca Kranich Social Media Editor
Just seven subway stops from campus lies a castle-like structure, hidden by the greenery as the steeple towers over the surrounding city buildings; the Met Cloisters is a secret portal to the past. Marisa Lerer, Ph.D., interim chair of the art history and digital media art department, recalls her experience at the Met Cloisters and its importance to the Upper Manhattan/Bronx area. “You walk into the Cloisters, and you’re transported spatial-
ly and temporally,” said Lerer. “It’s like you’re not in New York or the states anymore. It feels like you’ve walked into medieval Europe. The designers purposely bought all this land around the Cloisters, like even land even across the Hudson, so you couldn’t build on the property. It’s really important to have art encapsulated in these green spaces.” According to an official Met Cloisters press release from 2006, construction of the Met Cloisters began in 1933 with the help of funding from John D. Rockefeller. The museum features tapestries, paintings and woodwork from 15th cen-
The view from the entrance of the Met Cloisters. REBECCA KRANICH/THE QUADRANGLE
tury medieval Europe. However, the building itself is from the medieval era. Maria Lucca, an adjunct professor in the art history department, who teaches classes on monasticism and art, explained what a cloister is and the museum’s origins. “A cloister is a monastic compound surrounded by walls,” said Lucca. “In medieval times, it would have several different compartments like a refectory where monks would eat and a chapel where they would pray. It [the Met Cloisters] was brought over stone by stone from France. It’s an original, not just made to look like a castle. However, some of it is hybrid, but it’s the closest you’re going to come to a monastic setting in Inwood.” One of the museum’s many highlights is the enclosed gardens, which feature herbs and flowers from the medieval era. This aspect of the museum is a major draw for tourists, including Chelsea Kramer, who traveled all the way from Denver, Colorado, to see the Cloisters. Dressed in a traditional medieval dress, Kramer explains her first impression of the museum. “I’m a medieval reenactor, so being here for the first time, it just feels very homey,” said Kramer. Similarly, Lerer noted that the gardens add to the immersive nature of the Cloisters. “I think that’s what’s so special about it [the Met Cloisters],” said Lerer. “It’s successful in creating an atmosphere that involves all of these sensa-
Medieval reenactor and museum visitor, Chelsea Kramer. REBECCA KRANICH/THE QUADRANGLE tions. They have gardens with plants that would have been typical of different medieval countries.” With the Cloisters so close to Manhattan College, art history professors have utilized the museum for their classes. Both Lerer and Lucca have taken classes at the museum and have emphasized the importance of art museums in their students’ education. “It’s a way for students to be immersed and to really understand artwork in a whole different way,” said Lerer. “We get to walk around in architectural spaces and see how a work of
art would have been a part of the space.” Similarly, Lucca explained the irreplaceable experience of seeing the Cloisters in person. “I think it’s very different looking at something in person; you could do a visual analysis, which is something that you really can’t do online,” said Lucca. “In particular, when you’re at the Cloisters, you’re in an architectural setting. You can’t really duplicate that by looking at the images. The feeling of being in a medieval cloister, seeing the columns and the archways; those are things you have to experience.”
the quadrangle
Boogie Down Bronx
11
THE QUADRANGLE
Charles Esperanza Sees the Bronx in Color Kyla Guilfoil
Managing Editor “The Bronx is the last place you can experience real New York,” Charles Esperanza told the Quadrangle. He’s an artist who was born and raised in the South Bronx and has stuck around to share his talents with the neighborhood. Esperanza is an author, an illustrator and a teaching artist. He’s the second born of six kids, surrounded by his brother and four sisters. He told the Quadrangle that he didn’t see the importance of being from the Bronx until after college. Esperanza studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, graduating in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in illustration. He said after college he be-
his second book, “Boogie Boogie, Y’all” in 2021. Esperanza described this as his “first mainstream book” as the book was published by Harper Collins, and “expanded his reach” as an author and artist. He said this book was undeniably inspired by the Bronx and its street art culture. Esperanza told the Quadrangle that he feels “the Bronx is the last place you can experience real New York,” saying that he feels the other boroughs have lost their authenticity because their communities have become displaced due to rising living and rent costs, among other issues. “I think the activists in the Bronx really try hard to push back on a lot of that, so it feels very authentic here,” Esperanza said. “It’s super diverse when people come from other
Charles Esperanza’s work posted on his X account. @C.G.ESPERANZA / COURTESY gan to question what was next for him and who he was as an artist. This is when he started to feel that connection to the Bronx. “After college, I realized, you know, the best way that I could develop myself as an artist, and a writer, is to draw on my background and where I come from and my community,” Esperanza said. Esperanza published his first book as author and illustrator, “Red, Yellow, Blue and a dash of White too!”, in 2015, which showcased his whimsical, bright, fusion style. As he continued to work in the Bronx, both during long hours in his studio and by working with kids, Esperanza published
places. This is the one of the only places in New York that they can find affordable land and find community. So in that sense, I’m very protective of the Bronx.” Esperanza said his relationship with the Bronx is “almost a selfish thing” as he has found and taken so much inspiration from the Bronx for his art. He said that he realized that if he wasn’t from the Bronx his art wouldn’t be the same. “I wouldn’t be able to create the art that I’m creating right now. I don’t know how my art would look, if not for that,” said Esperanza. Beyond his own art, Esperanza has uplifted children, adolescents and adults across the borough as a teaching artist.
He’s worked with several organizations in New York City and is currently part of the Bronx Space to Connect program by Chashama, a nonprofit organization that supports workspaces for artists in the city and holds workshops, among other services. Esperanza also currently teaches regular classes at the Concourse House, a women’s and children’s shelter in the Bronx. Xiomara Malpica-Martinez, manager of the Space to Connect program at Chashama, told the Quadrangle Esperanza is “one of the best teachers I’ve seen.” “He knows how to work with kids in a very beautiful way,” Malpica-Martinez said. “He knows how to tap into people’s creativity in a way that I really haven’t seen others do before.” Malpica-Martinez said that she’s worked with Esperanza for about six years since he started working in the program. “To be a teaching artist, it takes a very specific kind of skill,” Malpica-Martinez said. “And it takes a special kind of person who, you know, who wants to share their skill and knows how to make other people feel invited to, you know, receive it.” Esperanza said the connection he feels through working with kids in his classes helps inspire him in his personal work. “Whenever I’m creating a book, I’m like, creating it for my younger self, a person who didn’t consider themselves a reader because comics weren’t taken seriously at that point and weren’t, you know, you weren’t congratulated for reading a comic book,” Esperanza said. “So now I’m like, I want to change all of that.” He said that the first time he considered becoming an artist was when his kindergarten teacher told him his artwork was good and he should be an artist when he grew up. “I remember that distinctly being the first time I considered being an artist,” Esperanza said. “So every time I talk to these kids, who I feel like remind me so much of me and my four sisters and my brother, I’m like, I have to just encourage them at every step.” Jess Rolls, curator at the Concourse House, told the Quadrangle that Esperanza is able to create a welcoming, supportive environment for the women and children at the
Charles Esperanza’s work posted on his X account. @C.G.ESPERANZA / COURTESY shelter, enabling them to feel comfortable and able to use art to express themselves. “Some people can have had a really difficult night or a really difficult day, where [someone] might have even just arrived in the shelter, so no day is the same,” Rolls said. “You don’t quite know what’s in front of you for each workshop… Charles has a very calm, patient, kind of curious energy, and he’s ready to lead with listening.” Rolls said that she’s worked with Esperanza in the neighborhood for over seven years, but in 2020 his role at the Concourse House was really solidified. Since then, Esperanza has led several projects at the shelter, including murals and an upcoming cookbook with the women and children at the shelter. Rolls added that in an environment like the shelter, trust and forming relationships are essential. She said that Esper-
anza has taken the time to build relationships at Concourse House, which makes him such an important and impactful figure in the community. “He approaches everyone as individuals with their own feelings, own stories and gives space for the kids and the moms to imagine and be creative,” Rolls said. Esperanza said he is working to make space for the neighborhood in his art, uplifting the community and attempting to change the narrative when it comes to the Bronx. “I think part of the reason I never considered where I’m from as an important place is because I never really saw myself in anything,” Esperanza said. ‘I never read a comic about somebody like me or somebody where I’m from, you know, that kind of thing… That’s something that I definitely want to give to this new generation.”
Charles Esperanza’s work posted on his X account @C.G.ESPERANZA / COURTESY
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
Boogie Down Bronx
12
Beat-Boxing Bronx: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop
Grace Cardinal Asst. News Editor
Hip-Hop has officially reached its 50th anniversary! Celebrations have occurred across the city and nationwide, including everything from museum exhibits to documentaries and much more. Hip-hop rose from poverty, urban decay and gang violence in the Bronx borough. “Block parties and the various elements of hip-hop served as an outlet for creativity and an escape from the hardships of daily life,” according to AP News. “At the time of hip-hop’s inception, the Bronx had the highest poverty rate of not just New York City, but of all 62 counties in New York state,” according to AP News. “50 years later, it holds that same status.” Today, the style of hip-hop has evolved, yet maintained a prevalent presence on 21st century billboards. “It’s all about taking music like disco, jazz, rock, r&b, music that sort of reflects, at the time, a sense of the past, almost like getting together for a family picnic,” Mark Pottinger Ph.D. said. “Music that sort of captures a generational moment in time. That’s the hook that defines hip-hop.” Pottinger explained that hip-hop was created to shake up traditional, stable, socially constructed ideas. He said that the style mixes the past with the future, which represents everyone. “The idea of boy or girl, or gender or race, or black or white, which seem to have been stable for many centuries or decades, this modern reality post-1950 brings the sense that things are not stable, that we can sort of revive a hybridity… to return to the past, but destabilize its meaning is at the heart of hip-hop,” Pottinger said. “It takes ideas of the past, reinvigorates it with new hybridity, filling it with elements that speak to the now but also ideas of the past. If anything, that’s what we are, we are sounds and ideas of
the past that are reawakened with ideas of the present.” Ethan Viera, a student at Manhattan with his own rap record label, told The Quadrangle about why hip-hop remains a prevalent genre with the younger generations and beyond. “It voices struggle, and it kind of displays raw emotion,” Viera said. “I think those two things are inevitable in life. Everybody suffers. Everybody has raw emotions, how we express it is filtering those raw emotions, but rap is as raw as you’re gonna get. And so it relates to a lot of people because rappers are saying things that people don’t want to hear, but things that really make sense. A lot of people feel that a lot of people see that and they understand it. And that’s why there’s that familiarity. That’s why it’s loved so much.” Pottinger explained that he feels hip-hop is still prevalent today due to its accessibility in creation. “I think it’s mainly because many people can participate in its creation. There’s all these different dock programs that are online, and many of those same dock programs are used by artists. Lil Uzi Vert, he’s considered a SoundCloud rapper, a lot of that has been done independently away from the big production houses that define music today.” Viera has been drawn to the genre since childhood, crediting Jay-Z as the artist who first got him interested in the style. “It was maybe in like 2013 I was playing 2k, believe it or not,” Viera said. “And that year, Jay Z and Swizz Beatz did a soundtrack, and there was one song that really got my attention. It was PSA by Jay Z. I heard it, I was like, this is so gritty. It’s gritty, it’s intense, I really enjoyed it. I saw what he was trying to do, and I enjoyed it. Ever since then, I’ve just been listening more and more, indulging myself more and more into the genre.” Pottinger commented on
The MTA released 50 Years of Hip Hop MetroCards to celebrate the event throughout the city. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (mta.info)/ COURTESY his own experience with rap music as a child, growing up in a time when hip-hop was gaining popularity. “I went into my little world and created my own sort of space in my room. And that included Run DMC, as well as Fat Boys as well as, at the time, Will Smith, the whole DJ Jazzy Jeff, you know, that whole world of not hard-hitting, gangster rap, but more sort of focusing on the having fun with the language and having fun and poking fun at sort of the everyday teenage phase because I think, that group was more focusing on what it means growing up in this country, as a black man.” Pottinger, who was on sabbatical last year, spoke of his time internationally while hiphop celebrations were occurring. “What was interesting is that I was in Paris last year with students during the summer,” Pottinger said. “And then I went to Amsterdam and London and to see continually in these 50 years there was
already discussion of this happening in these international spaces. And as an aside, for the first time ever, in the 100 plus years of the Olympics, we have breakdancing as an event. It’s gonna be Paris, which many people would argue is the second capital of hip-hop. When I was in Paris, there were always happenings with breakdancing, but also a live event right there. You know, these [events] that are not necessarily planned for the 50 year, there’s no real leader of the 50 years celebration. There’s a sense of making this 2023 something important.” Viera spoke about the ways he noticed NYC celebrated the milestone in music in different ways. “I know that the MTA did 50 years of hip-hop Metro cards,” Viera said. “It depends on what borough you get it from, but it’ll give you a different card each time, which I thought was interesting. They also have a hiphop museum. There’s also the Brooklyn Museum with the Jay Z exhibit. There’s even more
than that, you go to Soundview in the Bronx and there’s a block named after Big Punt. There’s so much and I feel like they’re trying to publicize it more, make it reach past the surface a little more, because with the younger generations, the origins aren’t as recognized. Everyone just listens to what’s popular now. But how did it get popular? You know, who started that? Who helped it?” Viera concluded with hopes for his future in the industry. “I would not spend my life doing anything else, this is all I want to do,” Viera said. “When I first figured it out, when I first found it, I didn’t know it. But there was a point where I was like, there’s no going back. This is what I want to do, and I don’t care what I have to do to get there. That’s all part of the struggle and raw emotion that rap kind of teaches you. Literally just don’t give up. You want some shit to happen, make it happen, and that’s all there is to it.”
Boogie Down Bronx
13
Jasper Jams: Bronx Artists to Boogie To Adrianne Hutto Production Editor
The Bronx has always been a home to artists and creatives. A large percentage of the art coming out of the Bronx has always been music, with artists from Cardi B and Jennifer Lopez to Billy Joel. With waves of immigrants from all over the world forming a melting pot of culture, the Bronx is the birthplace of hip-hop music. A lot of the names you may recognize as oldies or as current favorites, but either way there is bound to be a song on this playlist you can boogie down to. My Sh*t - A Boogie wit da Hoodie A top party song for the weekend, this born and raised Bronx artist is a singer and
songwriter with his own recording label and a staple of the Bronx music scene.
Drowning - A Boogie wit da Hoodie (feat. Kodak Black) This song is one of A Boogie’s most recognizable songs, having hit #34 on the Billboard Top 100. It also features Kodak Black, which in my opinion makes any song good. Play this and reminisce about High School. Only the Good Die Young - Billy Joel While Billy Joel doesn’t quite fit alongside the rest of the songs on this playlist, he is a city kid through and through. While there are a million Billy Joel songs, this is a personal favorite and one of his best singalong-songs.
Uptown Girls - Billy Joel It feels only fitting to include “Uptown Girls’’ on this playlist as people living in the Bronx are in fact “Uptown Girls.” This song is a classic and must be on your playlist. It’s also the title of a great New York city based movie that everyone should have seen by now.
Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2 - Ice Spice & Pink Pantheress Not much needs to be said about this one. It’s the song of the year. Ice Spice is a Bronx native and credits having grown up in the Bronx as keeping her music authentic, saying that it is one of the few “real spaces” left in New York City. In Ha Mood - Ice Spice Another great Ice Spice song, throw this one in your playlist, if you haven’t already (unlikely) and enjoy the music
of the Bronx.
Bodak Yellow - Cardi B Cardi B is probably one of the most well-known native Bronx artists. Growing up in the South Bronx, Cardi B still brings her kids to the Bronx to help them keep in touch with their family background and to continue her family traditions. This is one of Cardi B’s best songs and most fun to listen to. Finesse - Cardi B and Bruno Mars This is one of the most underrated Cardi B and Bruno Mars songs in my opinion. It’s a really fun song to listen to and, while Bruno Mars is not from the Bronx, it does capture the fun spirit of the Bronx in its upbeat energy. On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez
THE QUADRANGLE
Jennifer Lopez is a Latin pop culture and music icon and also a native of the Bronx. She was born in the Bronx in the later 60s and still returns to the Bronx to visit other Latin artists. Jenny From the Block Jennifer Lopez Of her songs, this is a favorite of mine. It’s fun and upbeat and if you haven’t heard it before you should. The song’s title is a nudge to her upbringing in the Bronx, making it more fitting. My Boyfriends Back The Chiffons The Chiffons are a Bronxbased girl group from the 1960s. This song is fun, silly and a must listen to. They are also a great representation of the kinds of pop music coming out of the Bronx in the 1960s.
Scan here to listen to The Quadrangle’s playlist!
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
Boogie Down Bronx
14
Through the Jasper Lens:
Iconic Bronx Locations
Photos compiled by Jocelyn Visnov and Adrianne Hutto Photos Courtesy of The Bronx Zoo, Secrets NYC, Angelica Niedermeyer, Manhattan.edu and Time Out.
Sports
15
THE QUADRANGLE
The Past, The Present, The Future of The Battle of the Bronx Isaiah Rosario Sports Editor
Manhattan College vs. Fordham University, Jaspers vs. Rams, Draddy Gymnasium vs. Rose Hill Gymnasium, green vs. maroon, only 2.6 miles separating the battlegrounds for this historic rivalry. The ongoing battle between the two Bronx schools in basketball has been happening since 1912 on the men’s side and since 1982 on the women’s side. “Like any rivalry, The Battle of the Bronx was born out of proximity and great competition,” Fordham Athletic Director Ed Kull wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “Over the past 108 meetings of the two men’s programs, each has 54 wins. There have been periods of Fordham dominance and eras where Manhattan had the upper hand, but I think all generations of Ram fans recognize Fordham-Manhattan as the great rivalry that it is.” The head-to-head matchup is close on the men’s side as the Jaspers have beaten the Rams 59 times and lost 54 times. On the women’s side, head-to-head is just as close as the Lady Jaspers have beaten the Rams only 23 times compared to the Rams tallying 28 wins. The Jaspers have won the last two matchups and the Lady Jaspers have lost the last ten. The first matchup on the men’s side was on Jan. 1, 1912, as the Jaspers beat the Rams, 20-19. On the women’s side, Lady Jaspers lost to the Rams on Jan. 26, 1982, with a score of 53-58. The previous matchups between these two teams resulted in different winners. On the men’s side, the Jaspers beat Fordham 66-60 on Nov. 12, 2021. On the women’s side, the Rams beat the Lady Jaspers and lost to the Rams 65-55 on Dec. 3, 2022. Forward Petra Juric stated that playing against Fordham last year was one of her favorite games of the season. Despite the loss, she reiterated that the atmosphere was incredible and is hoping to win her next Battle of the Bronx. The athletes, coaches,
Nick Brennan shooting a corner three against Fordham on Nov. 11, 2021. MANHATTAN.EDU/ COURTESY faculty, staff and administrators on both campuses make sure to circle their calendars when Manhattan and Fordham play each other, no matter the sport. Unfortunately for both of the men’s basketball teams, they were unable to play in a Battle of the Bronx last year. Last year, Athletic Director Kull and former Athletic Director Marianne Reilly released a joint statement speaking about the hiatus that the Battle of the Bronx took in 2022-23 for the men. “While we are disappointed that we will not be playing the long-standing series this year, we are looking forward to both programs resuming competition next year and in the future,” Kull and Reilly said. Despite the hiatus in the 2022-23 for the men, the Battle of the Bronx is back for 2023. The Jaspers are expected to play Fordham on Nov. 27 at 7 P.M. at Fordham and the Lady Jaspers expect to play Fordham on Nov. 16 at 7 P.M. at Fordham. “Obviously it was a tough loss [against George Washington],” Juric said when speaking about the loss and the upcom-
ing game against Fordham. “We know what we need to work on, offense execution. Fordham is going to be a tough matchup especially because it’s a Battle of the Bronx. It’s a lot of people coming, we are ready and we’ll be ready for Thursday and we hope to have a good game.” With historic rivalries, comes a lot of emotion, especially with teams located in the Bronx. One of the most historic rivalries in all of the sports includes a team from the Bronx, the New York Yankees and their rivalry against the Boston Red Sox. Despite there being a stalemate in the rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees as of late, in 2018 the rivalry was ignited as former Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly threw at former Yankee Tyler Austin as a result of a hard slide at second base and a brawl ensued. In games where emotions are high, it is important to live in the moment and enjoy the best of rivalries. “I think it’s very important that we maintain our composure because it is a fun matchup plus a number of our players, know players on their team, they play against each other in the
summer,” head coach Heather Vulin said. “[One of] Jade [Blagrove’s] very best friends [Emy Hayford], who’s one of the best players on Fordham is one of her best friends from back home. It’s always fun when you have those other dynamics instead of just hopping on the core and playing a basketball game. I feel like both of them will have something to prove to each other.” Maintaining composure is a critical aspect of rivalry games, as tensions get higher and higher, whether that be leading up to the game or during the game. When athletes get on the field or court during rivalry games, there is an extra gear that gets kicked on no matter what side you are on. “It’s natural for any athlete to kick his or her game into extra gear for a rivalry matchup,” Kull wrote. “Our coaches and student-athletes know that they feel the same way on the Manhattan side, so you can’t take a night off in this rivalry … We may have won 25 games last year, but no one is looking past this game.” A major factor of the re-
cruitment of high school students is the desire to play in massive college rivalries such as Duke University vs. University of North Carolina, University Michigan vs. Ohio State University and Manhattan College vs. Fordham University. These rivalries create some of the best atmospheres in professional sports across the world. The Battle of the Bronx and other cross-town rivalries allow local student-athletes to play in one of the biggest rivalries in the state. “The Battle of the Bronx helps especially with the recruitment of local student-athletes,” Kull wrote. “Maybe they attended those games growing up and loved the rivalry atmosphere, maybe they just want the opportunity to play as much as possible in front of their friends and family. I think it allows potential and current student-athletes to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Given our new television partnership with SNY, I’m hopeful that more people than ever will get to witness this year’s Battle of the Bronx.”
Sports
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
16
Yankee Stadium: A Landmark for MC Baseball Fanatics
Jocelyn Visnov Editor-in-Chief
100 years ago, two significant landmarks officially finished construction and opened up facilities in The Bronx; old Yankee Stadium and Manhattan College. The connection between Manhattan College and Yankee Stadium has continued to thrive ever since both landmarks occupied the borough. The stadium’s proximity has allowed several guest speakers and coaches to visit Manhattan College to speak with students and work with baseball players. While old Yankee Stadium has since been torn down, the new stadium was rebuilt just across from the original site in 2009. Records of the new stadium indicate that alumni of the school of engineering such as Thomas Scarangello were involved in the structural planning and building of the new Yankee Stadium fans know and love today. Amy Surak, Director of Archives had previously written about the college’s link to Yankee Stadium as part of a special collection. “Opening day at Yankee stadium marked the first entry of major league baseball into the borough,” Surak wrote.
Yankees player Dizzy Dean hosts pitching clinic with Jasper men’s baseball in 1950. AMY SURAK/COURTESY “New York Governor Al Smith, whose son attended Manhattan College, threw out the first ball, and Babe Ruth, educated by Catholic Brothers, baptized the new stadium by hitting a home run. The Bronx connection to the national pastime took root and the long history remains a resilient thread between the two institutions. In the 1930s, for example, Manhattan’s baseball team maintained successful seasons under the guidance
of Bert Daniels, erstwhile third baseman and outfielder of the New York Yankees.” According to Surak’s research, Gerry Markey ‘58, a former member of Jaspers men’s baseball team, attended the Metropolitan Collegiate Baseball Conference in 1957 where he received an award for outstanding pitcher from Yankee pitchers Johnny Kucks and Tom Sturdivant. In addition, famed pitcher
Coach Dave Curran meets with Jasper men’s pitcher Gerry Markey to award him for outstanding pitching. AMY SURAK/COURTESY
Dizzy Dean, who was known at the time as “the voice of the Yankees” held a pitching clinic for the Jaspers in the Spring of 1950. Senior sports fanatic at MC, Matthew Catania first visited Yankee Stadium with his grandfather when he was 13. “The Yankees are the only professional sports team who actually played in the Bronx up until FC for soccer,” Catania said. “The Yankees are a real staple for the Bronx, and Manhattan College to come up with the seventh inning stretch, which is now used at Yankee Stadium and of course the MLB but yeah, it’s [Yankee Stadium] just a really historic landmark.” Catania also noted that part of what makes Yankee Stadium so special is the history of talented baseball players who have played there. Yankee Stadium has long been a place of fun and camaraderie for the Jasper community. With only one subway swipe and a ticket for entry, students and alumni alike can easily enjoy a baseball game and some time away from campus without ever leaving the borough. Robert Colleti ‘91, Chair of MC’s Alumni Association, shared his memories of attending Yankees games as a student. “During my time at Manhattan, I recall sitting in the very last row of the upper deck in the old stadium on opening day,” Coletti wrote. “It was cold and windy way up there, but it
was a spectacular view of the whole field and I was there with five or six friends. I have also had the privilege of sitting in the first row behind the Yankee dugout in the new Yankee stadium with my family and having Gary Sanchez toss us a ball.” Just this past fall, MC students and alumni gathered in Yankee Stadium to honor the college’s 100-year anniversary of the Bronx campus. Fatima deCarvalho-Gianni ‘93 attended the game with her husband whom she met at MC. “Taking the subway down to the old Yankee Stadium was incredible,” deCarvalho wrote. “Many students went, and we sat in the nosebleed section and loved every minute of it … Students would play drums and wear Yankee and Manhattan swag. We would also sing ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ since this was a tradition at our basketball games.” deCarvalho also shared that she was able to enjoy the event with her daughter Emily Gianni, a current senior and second-generation Jasper. “It was a wonderful experience seeing old friends, new friends and students I taught who now attend Manhattan College,” deCarvalho said. “Having a daughter who is also a senior at Manhattan College was a wonderful bonding experience as well.”