New York Trend NYC: December 23-29, 2021

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NEWMAYOR YORK TREND DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, Serving New York City, Nassau & Suffolk Counties

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C E L E B R AT I N G HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 30

TO I N C R E A S E A F F O R D A B L E P RTheO G R A M Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner H O willUhonor S IMayor N G FOR P E O P L E OF C O L O R David Dinkins, Rep. Charles

YEARS!

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

Pioneering producers Stephen Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) has Clarke, organization for real estate and land  Virtual and in-person classroom Rangel, Rep. Yvette Byrd and Alia Jones, through their announced it is committing more than use experts, 5% of its U.S. members instruction on real estate fundamentals, R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara doors for people of color Row who can then company Front Production, $21 million to pilotInez a professional affordable housing trends, public policy, Arnwine, Barron, Sabrina are Black and 82% are white, though pay their experience forward.” brought “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” training, mentorship, and capital Blacks represent more than 13% of and financing best practices Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen the U.S. population. This disparity and “A Streetcar Named funding program to help promote real  Small group mentoring “With Amazon’s support, our hope Desire” is AliaofJones, and two-year, the Centraltranslates into a lack of diversity at estate Byrd, developers color. This  Professional networking opportunities to bridge theaknowledge gap cast and build with multi-ethnic to Park Five survivors of gross injustice part-time professional development the project development level that can with industry leaders, researchers, and a bench of developers colorthey who bring Broadway.

Inof2016 onwhich December 18 participants, from 6:00pm – subsequently exclude developers of program, is free for established real estate developers are trusted in their with communities,” said “Eclipsed” Oscar Winner MISTdevelopers Harlem, 46 West aims to10:00pm teach realat estate color from working on meaningful and  Access to capital for pre-development Brian Surratt, Executive Director of Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway. of color116th how toStreet. advance their careers. lucrative housing deals as cities expand. expenses, such as architectural and LISC Puget Sound. “These developers Honorees, thecontractors so-called Central It also aims to lower the barriers these are then likely to hire and “Each honoree chosen for Park 5,ofare collectively and developers can face when bidding for other workers color, some of whom recognition has demonstrated affordable housing developments.

The may live in those same neighborhoods.” individually heroes.

They are exceptional leadership and goal of the program is to increase thevision in Participants in the program will be survivors of one of the ugliest David Dinkins Charles Rangel or his respective profession or numberher of professional real estate selected by each partner organization miscarriage of justice in New York’s endeavor and inare some significant developers of color who focused and willhistory; be based on thebeen following having railroaded majority. She now leads The was a member of the New York measure has contributed towards on affordable housing and inclusive eligibility guidelines: and unjustly convicted for a crime Transformative Justice Coalition.

City Council, representing the community building.

Thisjust initiative is in this creating a more society  Identify as a person of color th they did not commit and for which Arnwine was for 26 years executive 40 council district in Brooklyn, part of country,” the $2 billion Amazon Housing  Work experience as a developer says Black Star News they served long prison sentences director of the Lawyers’ Committee succeeding her mother, Una S. Equity founder Fund, a commitment to create at a real estate development firm or and publisher Milton ranging from seven years to 13 years for Civil Rights Under the Law. organization T. Clarke. In the current 114th and preserve 20,000 affordable homes Allimadi. “Obviously much work before being exonerated when the Congress Clarke serves on for individuals andbe families Inez Barron, honoree, formerly a Real estate development activities needs to doneearning here and actual rapist confessed. They are: the Energy and Commerce moderate to low incomes in Washington State Assembly member, is nowfocused in the Puget Sound region, around the world.”

Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond state’s Puget Sound region; the Arlington region, or Nashville Committee, responsible for a New York City council member TheVirginia gala starts at and 6:00pm with a Arlington, region; Nashville, Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin consumer protection, food and a champion of education for Concurrent to the accelerator Tennessee. cocktail hour to be followed by the Richardson, and Kharey safety, energy development, public program, Amazon is also partneringWise. our youth. dinner and awards ceremonies.

There health, communications, the “With this accelerator program, we are with Enterprise Community Loan The Black Star News, which focuses Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is Fund, Inc. to administer grants of up will be on musical environment, and interstate and laser focused lifting entertainment up emerging by on investigative journalism, has a legendary radio talk show host to $200,000 to qualified real estate opera singer Cassandra real estate developers of color. WeDouglas international commerce. been featured as a result of some if and executive producer, radio DJ,developers of color. These grants are from harmonica phenomenon want toand foster their professional growth its news scoops, on CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is poet, songwriter, music recordingopen to anyone who applies to the throughWilliam education and training, Galison.

DavidasDinkins is York Daily News, The New York a leading developer and founder of well ashonored improve their access toAchievement capital, artist and producer, rapper, writerAmazon Housing Equity Fund and for Lifetime Post, The with Village Voice, and Brill’s The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest and community activist. He beganneeds assistance which can be was elusive to developers the capacity— he New York City’soffirst Content magazine.

African American-owned real color,” said Catherine Buell,mayor Director his career as a radio DJ in Buffalobuilding and pre-development expenses African American and also Photo Source: Amazon estate firm with $3.5 billion worth of the Amazon Housing Equity Fund. theStar preservation and Pastwith Black News honorees at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s associated welcomed Nelson Mandela to the “If we are going to bring about lasting, of properties under development creation of affordable housing within have included: Gil Noble (Like It been a talk show host at WBLS and city after his release in 1990. holistic, and meaningful change to Amazon’s three focus regions. orhas management — he was one engineering Amazon partnered with local costs; permitting, survey Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad WLIB radio in New York City. He how affordable housing is developed, Rep. Charles Rangel, also honored of the and pioneering developerswho social impact economic justice and site-planning and market andtalk The Amazon Housing Fund isCosby, O’Brien (CNN),Equity Ms. Camille also has a fees; Friday night radio developers of color need to be a part of for Lifetime Achievement, has organizations helpedinturn and revitalize eacharound region—the Local feasibility studies a more than $2 billion commitment to Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), show on WBAI. the solution.” served in Congress since 1971. He Initiative is Corporation (LISC) in “Developers of color bring enormous theSupport once-blighted Anacostia create Errol or preserve housing and Louis existing (NY1 News), Amel Honoree Sabrina foundercreate inclusive housing developments a are recipient of The medal for the Puget Sound region, Capital Impact D.C. opportunity for creative andLamb, inclusive Not only developers of Bronze color neighborhood in Washington, Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William of World of Money, is a champion the Arlington region, and solutions to community-focused real helping save behind enemyPartners in underrepresented in soldiers the real estate throughPollard below-market loans andCollege), grants A champion of African-American (Medgar Evers the Urban League of Middle Tennessee estate development, but systemic issues of financial literacy for youth-she industry, but they also access to line during the lack Korean War. to housing partners, traditional and noneconomic empowerment Peebles’ is Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba in Nashville—to develop curriculums and continue to create multiple barriers teaches knowledge about handling the capital and resources necessary traditional public agencies, and minoritycontemplating a possible run for NYC Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna networking opportunities that reflect the to theirmoney, success,” said Ellis and Carr,planning. led organizations. to advance much-needed affordable Since its January budgeting mayor in 2017. member of the US House of University), specific issues facing their communities. President and CEO of Capital Impact housing projects to help their launch,Fountain the fund’s(Columbia commitments will Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of Representatives from New Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy Honoreeprogram Barbara civil Partners and CDC Small Business The accelerator willArnwine, initially communities. According to a 2019 preserve or create over 5,600 affordable the“Through nation’sthis leading educators.

York the Urban whose 9thLand district covers Greg Floydto(Local supportrights up to lawyer, 30 totalisparticipants byof Finance. program, we are He’shousing(New a champion report from Institute, units,York with Times), more investments providing: partnering with Amazon in helping open much of central Brooklyn.

Before 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president of Medgar Evers College a nonprofit research and education come. protecting voting rights of ethnic entering Congress in 2007, she Action Network), and many others. of The City University of New minority groups — the emerging

INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS

PAGE 2 Education FLY BLUE!pg.5 PAGE 2 REHABILITATING NYC NewYorkTrendnyc

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PAGE 3 A HISTORIC RENOVATION

December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015

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Page 11 NYC NEW YEARS!

PAGE 11 A KING'S LIFE AND LEGACY

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N AT ION AL

C O M M U N I T Y B U I L D I N G S R E C E I V E F U N D S F O R R E H A B I L I TAT I O N

Mayor de Blasio has announced a new pilot program that will help ensure new City infrastructure and public facilities are prepared for the worsening impacts of climate change, including intense rainfall, coastal storm surge, chronic high tide flooding, and extreme heat.

Under this program, 23 City capital agencies will begin designing and constructing dozens of new projects using the NYC Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines, which were developed by the Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency (MOCR) using cutting-edge science and research.

These Guidelines translate futurelooking climate change projections into technical guidance that engineers and architects will use as they design roads, buildings, sewer systems, hospitals, public housing, and other pieces of critical public infrastructure. This ensures that projects constructed today will be prepared for worsening extreme weather decades into the future and can continue to provide critical services to New Yorkers.

“Climate change is happening now and we have the guide we need to ensure our public infrastructure is protected in New York City,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Roads, hospitals, public housing, and buildings need to be designed with the impact of extreme weather in mind and the NYC Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines will make sure that happens.”

“The NYC Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines pilot program is a massive step forward in our work to build a more resilient New York City,” said Director of the Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency, Jainey Bavishi. “Following the five-year pilot, all City buildings and infrastructure projects across $90 billion in planned capital spending will be built to withstand future flooding and heat, ensuring that New Yorkers are safer, infrastructure lasts longer, and taxpayer dollars go further.”

Forty pilots were selected through a rigorous process that considered climate exposure, equity, and project scope. Over 40 percent of projects being advanced under this program range will be constructed in environmental justice areas. They range in budget from $3 million up to $1 billion and include a wide diversity of facilities spread across all five boroughs. The cohort of projects will apply resilient design principles from the very beginning of their design.

In March of 2021, the de Blasio Administration worked with City Council to pass Local Law 41, which will transform how City Capital projects are designed and sited. This pilot program is the first step toward full implementation of Local Law 41, which involves the development of a new resiliency scoring system for public projects. By 2026, all City projects must meet a stringent set of requirements that will certify their preparedness for extreme weather threats.

“While the City works to mitigate the impacts of climate change, we must

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ensure the safety of our residents by adapting our infrastructure to make New York even more resilient,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “I thank the Mayor and the Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency for their commitment to protecting New Yorkers and building a greener and safer future for all.”

"Our communities are safer, healthier and stronger economically when the public infrastructure that underpins daily life for millions of New Yorkers is resilient to the growing climate threats facing New York City," said HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll. "Gowanus Green and the other affordable developments participating in the NYC Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines pilot ensure the City's investments in resiliency support residents who have faced real challenges related to climate change

services during emergencies. In the event that facilities are compromised by flooding, resilient design features can help them come back online faster.

Additionally, implementing resiliency standards will save taxpayers money.

For every dollar invested in resiliency, six dollars in future repair and recovery costs are saved. Making investments in preparedness now will pay dividends in the future.

The projects being advanced under this program include:  Horizon Adolescent Facility Expansion (ACS)  Canarsie Library Overhaul (BPL)  Kingsborough Community College Hot Water Heat Piping Distribution (CUNY)  Queens Courthouse Upgrades and Renovations (DCAS)  Queens County Farm Museum: New Education Center (DCLA)

 Jefferson Playground Reconstruction (NYCHA)  23rd Street Warehouse Rebuild (NYPD)  Rodman’s Neck Facilities Improvements (NYPD)  New Dorp HVAC Improvements (NYPL)  Dalton Recreation Center Reconstruction (Parks)  Haffen Park Improvements (Parks)  107th Street Pier and Bobby Wagner Walk Reconstruction (Parks)  Jackson Heights Library Expansion (QPL)  Sunset Park Sub-District School Construction in Brooklyn (SCA)  New School Construction in Queens (SCA)  New School Construction – site to be determined (SCA) “Climate risks have created a tremendous sense of urgency in how we design, build, retrofit, and

while providing a template for future affordable housing."

“Protecting public health in a city of 8.8 million residents means it is critical that our drinking water and wastewater systems operate without interruption, 24/7/365,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. “We thank MOCR and Director Bavishi for their leadership and support as we create a more resilient city.”

“Climate change is no longer a question – it’s a fact of life and an existential threat to our city,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “We’re ensuring that the work we do today will be able to stand up to more extreme weather and changing climate conditions while still being able to serve our city.”

“As the largest residential overseer in New York City, NYCHA plays an important role in the coordinated, interagency effort to address climate change,” said NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ. “The forward-thinking technical guidance and expertise provided through this pilot program will enable the Authority to prepare for worsening extreme weather events by further embedding resiliency-based design principles across our portfolio of capital projects.”

Increasing the resiliency of infrastructure and other City-funded construction has numerous benefits.

First, stronger and more resilient facilities are better prepared to withstand storms—which means that they can continue providing critical

 Harlem Stage at The Gatehouse: HVAC Upgrade (DCLA)  Reconstruction of Paerdegat Pumping Station (DEP)  Owls Head Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility Main Sewage Pump Replacement (DEP)  Mahopac Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades (DEP)  Arcady Road Reconstruction (DEP)  Mid Staten Island Bluebelt (DEP/DOT)  Leonard Covello Senior Center Upgrades (DFTA)  Harlem Shelter Improvements (DHS)  New Manhattan Detention Facility (DOC)  Washington Heights Health Center Exterior Renovation (DOHMH)  Manhattan Greenway – Inwood (DOT)  Harper Street Administration Building (DOT)  Reconstruction of Shore Road Bridge (DOT)  Queens 1 Luyster Creek Garage Construction (DSNY)  Brooklyn Army Terminal Elevators (EDC)  Hunters Point South Ferry Landing Reconstruction (EDC)  Engine 91 Renovation (FDNY)  Fort Totten Utilities Improvements (FDNY)  Partially funded renovation of a pediatric hospital facility on Staten Island (H+H)  Brownsville Community Center (HRA)  Gowanus Green, new affordable housing (HPD)  New affordable housing development in The Bronx (HPD)  Renovated affordable housing project in Brooklyn (HPD)  Wagner Community Center (NYCHA)

maintain our infrastructure,” said Vice President of Programs, Waterfront Alliance Karen Imas. “Waterfront Alliance commends the City on actualizing the climate resiliency guidelines through 40 critical public infrastructure pilot projects. This is an important step for making communities safer and creating long-term savings from reductions in damages and increases in efficiency. These projects can also catalyze New York’s leadership in the climate-smart design industry and drive job growth in the green economy.”

“Every violent storm that hits our region is another reminder that we must build better, stronger, and for the future,” said President and CEO of the New York Building Congress Carlo A. Scissura. “These new projects are a bold first step in making our buildings and infrastructure more resilient to the effects of climate change. This initiative is crucial because it guarantees that capital projects are all held to the same standards. The New York Building Congress applauds Mayor de Blasio and his team for continuing to build a stronger, smarter New York City.”

“Scientists tell us that extreme weather events will become even worse and more frequent as a result of climate change,” said Professor and Director of Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia Law School, Michael Gerrard. “This demands serious efforts by cities to require that buildings and infrastructure are designed to withstand these predicted events. New York City is again taking the lead in actually implementing – not just talking aboutits pathbreaking Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines.”

December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

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NEWS B R O O K LY N M U S E U M Mayor de Blasio has announced a historic $50 million capital investment in the Brooklyn Museum. Provided through the City’s Department of Cultural Affairs, the funding will support a transformative plan that encompasses gallery renovations and infrastructure projects aimed at updating the Brooklyn Museum’s 120-year old, City-owned landmark building for the 21st century and signals an important recognition of the museum’s growing role in the life and wellbeing of Brooklyn, New York City, and beyond.

“Art has the power to shape us and bring people together in conversation. The Brooklyn Museum has always exemplified these values, shaping the rich narrative around New York City for residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “As New York City’s rich art and culture institutions emerge from the pandemic, this historic $50 million investment will ensure the Brooklyn Museum remains an iconic destination for generations to come.”

“The City’s $50 million investment emphasizes the administration’s commitment to ensuring that the great cultural institutions across the City are able to meet the needs of our changing boroughs,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. “Community members and tourists alike will benefit greatly from the forthcoming improvements to the beloved Brooklyn Museum, a world-renowned icon.”

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R E C E I V E $5 0 M

“The Brooklyn Museum is both a community anchor and an encyclopedic museum that does an amazing job of amplifying the voices of diverse artists from across the ages, and bringing them into conversation with contemporary audiences," said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Gonzalo Casals.

“As part of the City’s long term commitment to investing in our cultural institutions, this transformative contribution to the Brooklyn Museum will ensure that this historic facility can continue to engage communities across Brooklyn and beyond for generations to come. The pandemic showed us just how critical culture is to the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, so we are proud to stand alongside Mayor de Blasio for this historic announcement.”

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additional education space for more extensive after-school programs, create permanent gallery space devoted to Brooklyn’s great history, and improve the facility’s energyefficiency. The renovations will significantly upgrade the fourth and fifth floor galleries for European, decorative, and American arts, including Indigenous artworks, as well as design, with all new interiors and state of the art building and climate control systems to support thoroughly reconsidered installations of the collection. These investments will transform the visitor experience, and enable the Museum to share more of its collection, engage new audiences with interactive digital technologies, and represent a major reduction in the Museum’s climate impact.

R E N O V AT I O N S The Brooklyn Museum has been the site for rallies and civic action, and played an important role in community support during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a food distribution site for neighbors suffering from food insecurity, as well as a polling site during the election. The Museum has also worked to center the needs of its surrounding communities, partnering with local hospitals and offering programming focused on mental health and community care.

These important building updates will enable the Brooklyn Museum to continue to commit to its mission of public service and be a source of inspiration for the next generation of New Yorkers.

“The Brooklyn Museum is and has always been the people’s museum. For generations, our audiences have reflected the rich diversity of New York City itself,” said Anne Pasternak, Shelby White and Leon Levy Director, Brooklyn Museum. “This historic investment will reimagine the museum for the next hundred years and further our commitments to connect with and serve our community. We are profoundly grateful to Mayor de Blasio and everyone in the Administration for their belief in our civic and cultural importance.”

The major public investment announced today will be used to transform and modernize 40,000 square feet of existing collection galleries, improve infrastructure across the museum, provide

Photo Credit: Nicholas Ceglia via unsplash

D O N AT E A N E W U N W R A PPE D TOY A N D G E T A F R E E T I C K E T T O A N O F F - B R O A D W A Y S H O W !

The Off-Broadway League today announced its annual OFF-BROADWAY TOY DRIVE has begun and will benefit children at The Row, a NYC Department of Homeless Services family shelter in Times Square. Last year over 218 toys were donated! This year’s goal is to raise at least 125 presents for kids aged six months to 18 years old. Toys can be donated by bringing them to a participating theater or by purchasing on Amazon.com, Wal-Mart.com or any other online retailer and shipping it directly to Off-Broadway Toy Drive, c/o The Theater Center, 210 West 50th Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10019.

Donate a new, unwrapped toy worth $10 or more and you will receive a voucher

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for a free ticket to a participating OffBroadway show of your choice. Those donating a toy through Amazon, Walmart or any other online company should e-mail the confirmation to offbroadwaytoydrive@ gmail.com and in return, you will be emailed a voucher enabling you to redeem one free ticket to any participating OffBroadway show in 2021-2022.

Participating shows include: PERFECT CRIME, THE OFFICE! A MUSICAL PARODY, LOVE ACTUALLY…? A MUSICAL PARODY, ANIMAZE X, A MUSICAL ABOUT STAR WARS, CHASING JACK, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNESTLY LGBTQ+, LITTLE CHRISTMAS MIRACLES, SWAN LAKE ROCK OPERA, and more shows added everyday! Check our website

December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

for the most up-to-date participating shows! offbroadwaytoydrive.com

The Theater Center will also accept in person drop offs for those in the local area. Toys can be dropped off on Mondays through Fridays between 10:00AM – 6:00PM or on Saturday and Sunday between 10:00AM - 8:00 PM. Here’s how it works:

 PURCHASE a toy online.  SHIP IT: Off-Broadway Toy Drive c/o The Theater Center, 210 West 50th St. 4th floor, New York, NY 10019  E-MAIL your purchase confirmation to: offbroadwaytoydrive@gmail.com and a voucher will be sent back to you within 3 business days

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COMMUNI T Y CALL ISSUED TO BIDEN FOR INCREASED CONTRACTS BL ACK-OWNED FIRMS The Biden Administration has announced a set of reforms to the federal procurement process to increase the share of small and disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) in the federal contracting base.

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) has called for a number of these changes in its annual BLACKprint and worked with the Administration to realize new policies that open federal doors to Black business owners.

Among those include a commitment to ensuring 15% of all federal contracts go to SDBs by 2025, releasing Small Business Administration (SBA) disaggregated racial and ethnic data on small business contractors, and making improvements to the category management system. The SBA’s data on federal contracting opportunities for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) show that, in 2020, Black-owned small businesses only received 1.67% of all federal contracts, whereas white-owned small businesses received 15.64%. This disparity underscores the continued need for additional support for Black-owned small businesses to gain access to federal contracting opportunities to remain competitive in today’s economy.

Ron Busby, President and CEO, USBC, said the following about the initiatives to reform the federal

contracting system: “The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. applauds this long-awaited initiative both at the White House and at the SBA to uncover the demographic breakdown of federal contracts awarded to Black-owned firms and increase equity and access to the federal contracting

accountability and intentionally.

This data and commitment from The Administration allows us to address each of those. We will remain the active voice for small Black contractors to ensure a continued increase in the percentage of contracts they are able to secure, moving

Photo Source: blackenterprise.com

system. For years we've asked 'How can you promise increased spending with Black and minority businesses when you don't know the numbers?' While unsurprised that Black-owned firms were only awarded 1.67% of all federal contracts in FY20, we finally have the data in hand to demand measurable improvements. The USBC has called for transparency,

forward. The USBC recognizes this initiative as a catalyst for lasting changes towards increasing racial equity and parity in the federal contracting sector.”

The USBC is the leading advocate for Black business contracting opportunities, recognizing the immense economic opportunity behind federal procurement

opportunities in the United States. In addition to procurement advocacy at the federal level, USBC further champions and helps to facilitate procurement opportunities through its ByBlack platform. ByBlack is both an extensive national database and certification platform for Black-owned businesses.

ByBlack certification is unique in that it is the first certification specifically designating that a business is Black owned. The directory component allows large corporations and entities across the public and private sectors to source diverse suppliers to fulfill their business needs – from IT infrastructure to marketing to consulting and more.

The USBC hopes that the transparency of the data released today, coupled with the initiative to reform the contracting system, will work to increase accountability in the federal contract system when deciding to support Black and minority-owned businesses nationwide —creating increased economic opportunity, the creation of Black wealth, and financial stability for Black contractors.

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) is the national voice of Black business and a top advocate for resources and policies that impact Black business owners. To learn more visit: usblackchambers. org.

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Together with small businesses, we’re helping bring hope to the streets.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of every community. They make our neighborhoods vibrant places to live, work, and raise families. Here are just a few ways Wells Fargo is giving hope a hand: • Providing nonprofits with roughly $420 million through our Open for Business Fund to help small businesses • Helping nearly 282,000 small businesses keep 1.7 million people at work through Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding* • Pitching in to help beautify local business districts in cities nationwide • Working together with more than 3 million small businesses to help them get back to thriving Join us in bringing hope to the streets by shopping local. Learn more at wellsfargo.com/impact. * PPP data from Program inception in 2020 through 06/09/2021. © 2021 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-7112904

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E VENT S ‘QUEEN NZINGA’ In Development

STARZ announced it is in development on “Queen Nzinga,” executive produced by Yetide Badaki (“Army Of The Dead: Lost Vegas,” “American Gods”), Mo Abudu (Òlòtūré, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel), Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (“Power” Universe, “BMF”) and Steven S. DeKnight (“Spartacus,” “Daredevil”). The scripted drama series will chronicle the amazing life of the famed African Warrior Queen to be played by Badaki.

A search for the series’ showrunner is currently underway. The remarkable true story of Nzinga, warrior queen, takes place in 17th century Angola.

This is the legendary tale of Nzinga’s transformation from an innocent princess into a fearless warrior queen who rages a ferocious 40-year guerrilla war against the kingdom’s formidable enemies, and the cruel subjugation of her people by Portuguese slavers.

Nzinga would come to sacrifice everything to defend her people’s dignity, liberty and freedom. On seizing the crown, Nzinga, the first-ever female ruler, decreed – “Call me king.”

Thrust into a kingdom ravaged by slavery, ferocious tribal wars and ruthless male power struggles, Nzinga’s journey is thwart with danger at every turn. She faces a brutal

family blood-bath, ferocious battles intertwined with deceptive truces, hair-raising escapes, and depraved enemies. With every part of her that she sheds or is stolen from her, she moves one step closer to realizing her

On

STARZ

Mo Abudu added, “The continent of Africa has a treasure trove of stories that are yet to be told. Queen Nzingha is a story that I have wanted to tell for a long time, so when EbonyLife Studios finally found a home for this project at STARZ and Lionsgate, it was a dream come true. We are happy to be at the forefront of forging these new partnerships with such an incredible team of creatives, because it is truly about sharing our local stories with a global audience – stories that are historical, authentic and progressive.”

screen. Her courage, determination and passion resonated from the moment I laid eyes on historical depictions of the legendary queen,” said Yetide Badaki. “I am thrilled

by STARZ’ continued commitment

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson said, “As G-Unit Film & Television launches more premium, international productions, I couldn’t have found better partners than Mo, Yetide and Steven to help tell the incredible story of Queen Nzinga.”

Photo Courtesy of STARZ

dream of freedom and peace for her people.

“It has been a long held dream of mine to bring the story of Nzinga to the

to much needed stories about and by historically excluded voices and the deeply talented team being built to share this epic narrative with the world.”

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson will executive produce through his G-Unit Film & Television alongside Mo Abudu who will executive produce through EbonyLife Media. The series, from Lionsgate Television in development for STARZ, will be overseen by Executive Vice President of Original Programming Karen Bailey on behalf of STARZ. Courtney Mock is overseeing on behalf of Lionsgate.

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Struggling with a gambling addiction? Call the HOPEline 1-877-8-HOPE-NY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369). Standard text rates may apply. NYLResponsiblePlay.com

December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

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New Opportunities to Save on Health Care Coverage Learn about new financial help to keep you and your family healthy!

If you lost your health insurance during the pandemic or have been unable to pay for coverage in the past, you may now be eligible to save money on your health care. Over 362,000 New Yorkers ages 50-64 may qualify for premium tax credits.

Because of changes in the law, you could now pay as little as $0 for your premiums, or you could save up to thousands of dollars a year.

You can enroll or change your coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, an online platform that offers insurance plans to individuals, families, and small businesses.

To learn more call 1-888-OUR-AARP or visit aarp.org/acany.

Behind South Florida’s cloudless sky and golden light exists a fragile community that is facing issues of class, race, climate change and gentrification.

Starting on November 20, Oolite Arts kicks off Feels Like 97°, a lens-based exhibition where artists look beyond the city’s dreamlike imagery and into the area’s diversity and socio-economic

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Scan the QR code or visit aarp.org/acany to learn more about the ACA special enrollment period.

divide.

Curated by renowned visual artist Michelle Lisa Polissaint, Feels Like 97° features the work of 10 artists who provide their perspective on South Florida’s way of life and ecosystems by analyzing varied regions of South Florida including the

December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

www.newyorktrendnyc.com | 7

PROFILE S CHERYLE HARRISON H E A D OF B O U N C E Cheryle Harrison has been appointed the head of Bounce, the nation’s popular entertainment television network serving African Americans.

Harrison has served in various roles at Bounce since it was launched in 2011 as the first Katz network. She will now be responsible for the overall strategic vision for Bounce, including brand strategy, programing, marketing, social media, digital and community relations. She is based in Atlanta and reports to Lisa Knutson, President of Scripps Networks.

“Cheryle has been a driving force in Bounce’s development, growth and success since its beginning,” Knutson said. “She is a talented, well-respected leader at Scripps and within Scripps Networks and the right person to guide Bounce through an important and exciting new future as we strive to continue serving Black audiences on TV and beyond.”

Harrison has more than 30 years of experience in broadcasting and digital media. Prior to joining Scripps when it acquired Katz in 2017, she served in ascending positions with Turner Broadcasting. She has been recognized with awards from the National Black Chamber of Commerce and Cynopsis Media, which

named her “One of the Top Women in Digital Media.”

“Our goal is that Bounce will become the meeting ground for Black culture, communities and creators building the most valued Black media brand in the world, and for the world, with authenticity and purpose,” Harrison said. “I’m excited to lead Bounce into the future.”

Bounce is the country’s most accessible African American network, available free over-the-air in 98 percent of the U.S. and on the recently launched BounceXL FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) channel, which can be found on Samsung TV Plus, Pluto, Xumo and TCL. Bounce (@bouncetv) programming is seen over-the-air, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over-the-top on Roku, on mobile devices via the Bounce and Brown Sugar apps and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce features a programming mix of original series, docuseries and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports, and events and more. Bounce is one of nine national networks that make up the Scripps Networks division of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on

K E I S H A TAY L O R S TA R R NEW CHIEF OF MARKETING SCRIPPS

Photo Source: prnewswire.com

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Photo Source: prnewswire.com

creating a better-informed world. As the nation’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets.

The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit,

Laff, Court TV Mystery, Defy TV and TrueReal. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

Keisha Taylor Starr has been hired as chief marketing officer for Scripps Networks, effective Jan. 3, 2022.

Taylor Starr will set the vision and lead marketing strategies across the portfolio of the nine Scripps national networks as well as direct the marketing, brand strategy, and creative for each network. She will be based in Atlanta and will report to Lisa Knutson, President of Scripps Networks.

“Keisha is a remarkably talented executive whose multi-faceted experience marketing top brands and programming across multiple platforms will be a tremendous asset for us as we connect consumers with the news, information, and entertainment they’re seeking,” said Knutson.

The Scripps Networks, a division of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), reach nearly every American household through national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, Laff, Court TV Mystery, Defy TV, and TrueReal.

Taylor Starr has more than 20 years of media experience across news, sports, and entertainment. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for the digital news outlet The Recount. She led the brand’s expansion into new content verticals and the go-tomarket strategy for the company’s various products. Taylor Starr previously oversaw marketing for Learfield IMG College, including graphic design, research and analytics, client insights, and innovation, and events as the Senior VP of integrated marketing. She was an integral member of the executive leadership team and collaborated with colleagues and partner brands in supporting revenue generation and business development initiatives.

“As a graduate of Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, the opportunity to serve as a member of the senior leadership team for a division of the E.W. Scripps Company is a full-circle moment for me,” said Taylor

Starr. “Given the dynamic range of the networks’ programming across news and entertainment, I look forward to developing marketing campaigns that deliver both cultural and business impact.”

Taylor Starr spent a decade with WarnerMedia (formerly Turner Broadcasting), leading award-winning teams across entertainment (TNT/tbs) and news (CNN) networks. Before joining WarnerMedia, Taylor Starr began her career as an assistant account executive for BBDO ad agency in Atlanta.

She was selected as a 2017 “Game Changer: Women in Sports Business” by the Sports Business Journal, and her work has been highlighted in Advertising Age’s list of the “Top 15 Global Marketing Stunts.”

Taylor Starr holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications/media studies from Hampton University. She has served on several industry diversity councils and committees. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

Ab out Scr ip ps  The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As the nation’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets.

The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, Laff, Court TV Mystery, Defy TV, and TrueReal. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of the broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades the motto, “Give light, and the people will find their own way.”

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HE ALTH FITNESS Meet advisor to Hollywood actor and sports stars Eszylfie Taylor, who stars in the upcoming docuseries “Mind.

Body. Money” where he navigates the challenges of working fitness and finance with top athletes and Hollywood celebrities while also being a ‘girl dad’ at home to his three daughters. As a long-time yoga instructor, he is also a new face of lululemon and maintains a daily practice, and teaches at some of LA’s most popular yoga studios.

Eszylfie has defied the odds to become the country’s top African-American financial advisor and will take you on a journey through his professional & personal life, including his new fitness & financial lifestyle app of the same name: Mind. Body. Money. Eszylfie was also recently chosen as the face of LinkedIn, where he was featured for his remarkable story in national commercials

AND

FINANCE

FOR

DOCUSERIES STAR his career at age 22 with New York Life Insurance Company, where he soon reached the ranking of #1 Broker in Los Angeles and #1 Agent for the company’s African-American market.

and billboards.

Eszylfie’s new app Mind. Body.

Money. brings together video content to help people open their minds, move their bodies, and grow their money. Their affirmation tool is scientifically backed, replaying your affirmation to you at a frequency and speed that has the optimal cognitive effect, allowing people to reach their full potential.

With a client roster that includes Hollywood celebrities and legendary Hall of Fame athletes, Eszylfie can speak to his success and advise on how individuals from every generation can overcome current obstacles to end up on top.

Eszylfie has achieved his unprecedented success at such a young age due to a combination of education, motivation, a positive outlook, and a deep desire to help others improve their lives. He began

He currently sits on the board of three non-profit organizations dedicated to business empowerment, children’s health, and social services. He mentors upcoming youth as the founder of the non-profit Futures Stars Camp for kids, dedicated to providing basketball training and life coaching skill in his free time. In addition to his passion for business, he is raising three daughters in Pasadena, CA, where he still resides.

Photo Courtesy of Eszylfie Taylor

P U B L I C H E A LT H R E L E A S E S N E W R E P O R T Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has released a new report showing that while food insecurity in Los Angeles County had trended downward prior to 2020, deep racial and economic disparities in access to and affordability of healthy food persisted. The report also shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many households in the county experienced

Southern California, highlights of the report include:  In 2018:  Among households in Los Angeles County with incomes less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (incomes less than $73,000 a year for a family of four), 26.8% or 516,000 households experienced food insecurity.  Households with children had higher

As a long-time yoga instructor, he is also a new face of lululemon and maintains a daily practice, and teaches at some of LA’s most popular yoga studios.

ON

FOOD INSECURITY

Asians (28%), and Non-Hispanic Whites (21%).  Between 14.7% and 26.7% of Los Angeles County households were likely to be eligible for CalFresh but were not enrolled in the program as of July 2020.  Individuals who experienced food insecurity were almost twice as likely to have been infected with COVID-19 (11.6%) as those who were food secure (6.4%).

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many of the existing flaws in our food system that prevent access to affordable, healthy, and nutritious food,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “While many Los Angeles County residents experienced food insecurity in the past year, low-income communities and communities of color continue to be disproportionately affected on an ongoing basis. We must embrace innovative programs and policies to ensure a more equitable, sustainable and effective food system.”

Photo Credit: Katie McCloskey via flickr

food insecurity, with communities of color hit the hardest. The report includes forward-thinking strategies for reducing food insecurity and improving food equity in Los Angeles County.

Food insecurity – defined as having limited or uncertain access to enough affordable and nutritious food to live an active, healthy life – is a serious public health concern associated with some of the costliest diet-related chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and many forms of cancer. Experiencing food insecurity during childhood can lead to delayed development, diminished academic achievement, anxiety and depression, and early-onset obesity.

Drawing on data from the 2018 Los Angeles County Health Survey (LACHS) and more recent data from the Los Angeles County component of the Understanding Coronavirus in America study conducted by the University of

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levels of food insecurity (28.1%) than households without children (26.1%).  Among those living in food insecure households, 67.3% were Latino, 13.9% were White, 11.9% were African American, and 6.2% were Asian.  The prevalence of obesity (36.9%), type 2 diabetes (17%), hypertension (30.4%), high cholesterol (30.4%) and depression (23.9%) were higher among adults living in food insecure households than those living in food secure households (29.6%, 11.8%, 24.2%, 25.6% and 8.4%, respectively).  In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic:  34% of all households in Los Angeles County, including those in all income groups, experienced food insecurity at some point between April and December.  Latinos experienced the highest prevalence of food insecurity (40%), followed by African Americans (39%)

Recommended strategies from the report for reducing food insecurity and improving food equity in Los Angeles County include:  Promoting health equity by understanding and addressing the important relationship between food equity and racial equity.  Shifting the focus from “food security” (having access to sufficient calories or quantities of food) to “nutrition security” (having access to quality and nutritious food).  Identifying and implementing additional innovative strategies to increase participation in proven nutrition assistance programs such as CalFresh and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).  Investing in food recovery systems throughout Los Angeles County to increase food resources and assure food equity for all.  Leveraging data sharing across county social service programs to increase enrollment in CalFresh and WIC.  Expanding nutrition incentive programs

December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

that can help stretch CalFresh and WIC dollars while increasing access to quality food resources for low-income families.  Supporting a social safety net program for individuals who are undocumented and/or from mixed status households.  Engaging the health care sector to expand food insecurity screening and linking patients to nutrition assistance, including produce prescription programs and food distribution efforts throughout Los Angeles County.

The release of the report comes after a virtual Food Day Summit hosted by Public Health that brought together public health professionals, policymakers, communitybased organizations, and advocates for food justice to discuss the root causes of food insecurity as well as future directions and promising community-driven strategies to ensure everyone has access to affordable, sustainable, nourishing, and nutritious food.

To view the full report, visit http:// ph.lacounty.gov/nut/media/ nutrition-physical-activity-resources/ LA_County_Food_Insecurity_ Report_2021_508Compliant.pdf.

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and wellbeing for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health.

Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion.

To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www. publichealth.lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lapublichealth, facebook. com/lapublichealth, instagram.com/ lapublichealth and youtube.com/ lapublichealth.

Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

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TRAVEL H O L I D AY Travelers can step out of their homes and into a land of sugar plum fairies with a stay at these upscale hotels—all decked out for the holiday season. From East Coast to West, we’ve gathered the best warm-weather and winter wonderland spots to enjoy the holidays surrounded by grand Christmas trees, extravagant light displays, gingerbread visions, and more. And we’ve paired them with suggested outings to can’tmiss holiday attractions nearby that make these destinations an all-around

DÉCOR

ice-skating rink (with complimentary skates to borrow), sip hot cocoa next to a cozy fire and admire the magnificent display of holiday lights while watching the snow fall.

Nearby Attractions: Shred Whiteface Mountain’s 86 trails that stretch over 22 miles and three glorious peaks or enjoy a wintertime stroll down Lake Placid’s festively decorated Main Street for big-city shopping in a small mountain town.

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FESTIVITIES

Nearby Attraction: It’s not the holiday season without a performance of The Nutcracker. Pebble Beach guests can catch the timeless classic in nearby Carmel-by-the Sea, where the Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre will perform at the Sunset Center.  Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona Lay out all day in the sun then warm up in the evenings by a cozy outdoor fire

Salt River Fields or the World of Illumination in nearby Glendale and Tempe.

 Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua, New York Just a short drive or train ride from New York City, Westchester County’s historic Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant and Inn transports visitors to the timeless elegance of holidays past in charming Chappaqua. Classic decorations throughout the 1790 property, world-class dining and an

Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, New York Photo Courtesy of Whiteface Lodge

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley, Arizona Photo Courtesy of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Pebble Beach Resorts, Pebble Beach, California

Crabtree’s Kittle House, Chappaqua, New York

Photo Courtesy of Pebble Beach Resorts in Pebble Beach

win for the season.  Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York The all-suite luxury Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid is the most wonderful place in the Adirondacks to spend the most wonderful time of the year.

Set against a snowy white backdrop and a rustic timber design that evokes the Adirondack great camps of the 19th century, Whiteface Lodge’s extravagant holiday décor brings winter wonderland dreams to life. Holiday guests can take a spin on the resort’s

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Photo Courtesy of Crabtree’s Kittle House

 Pebble Beach Resorts in Pebble Beach, California The crown jewel of California’s Golden Coast, Pebble Beach Resorts is a bucket-list-worthy destination all year long, but especially during the holiday season. Guests will find holiday decorations around every corner, including grand Christmas trees, light displays, gingerbread houses, and more.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach is outlined in lights, giving the already grand appearance an even more impressive glow.

at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain.

Picturesque Christmas trees and garlands strewn with jingle balls and bows are among the holiday touches that surprise and delight guests at every turn. Pro move: Host a dinner party at the resort’s premier restaurant, elements, helmed by celebrity chef Beau Macmillan. His inspired holiday menu, plus the gorgeous dining set up, will be the talk of the table.

Nearby Attractions: For holiday light shows and grand drive-thru experiences, guests can check out Scottsdale’s Holiday Lights at

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award-winning wine cellar all make for an extra-merry escape. Warm up with an evening glass of wine by the fireside and enjoy complimentary breakfast in the dining room each morning.

Nearby Attractions: Guests should check out the Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, where more than 100,000 lights and holiday music transform the Walled Garden for the holiday season, or head to Kensico Dam Plaza for Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, a dazzling, 1.2-mile drivethrough holiday light display.

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END NO TE S

THEATRICAL PREMIERE Sugar Ray Robinson was, pound for pound, the greatest boxer of all time. In his 25-year professional career, from 1940 to 1965, he was boxing history’s first winner of five divisional championships (in the middle weight and welterweight divisions).

This “King of Harlem” was renowned for his litheness, his power and his flamboyant lifestyle outside the ring. His career peaked between 1947 and 1950, before the era of TV boxing, so his style and legacy are less preserved today than those of other boxers, including his admirer, Muhammed Ali. That’s why “Sugar Ray” by playwright Laurence Holder is so significant.

It recaptures Robinson’s life and boxing legacy in a biographical solo show that is exciting to those who idolized him and illuminating to those who grew up after his era. The play will have its theatrical premiere January 6 to 23, 2022, at Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond Street, presented by 24 Bond Arts Center in association with Faith Steps Productions and performed by AUDELCO-winner Reginald L. Wilson. The theater’s playing area will be transformed into a boxing ring for the production.

Wilson performed the show in New York once before, in 2016, in a site-specific dinner theater presentation at New Harlem Besame Restaurant at 2070 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. That location was the original home of Sugar Ray’s bar/restaurant and business offices during the 50’s and 60’s.

Directed by Woodie King Jr., the production received plaudits from the critics and was visited by notables including Ray Robinson II (the last surviving son of the famed boxer); Jimmy Hayes, a member of the vocal group The Persuasions; and Johnny Barnes, who played Sugar Ray in “The Raging Bull.”

Sugar Ray Robinson was born Walker Smith Jr. and got his first fight by circumventing the Amateur Athletic Union’s age restriction by borrowing a birth certificate from his friend Ray Robinson.

Subsequently he was told that he was “sweet as sugar” by a lady in the audience of a fight in Watertown, NY. He won the Golden Gloves featherweight championship in 1939 and its lightweight championship in 1940.

Turning pro, he was World Welterweight Champion from 1946 to 1951 and added the World Middleweight crown the latter year.

He retired in 1952, only to return to the ring two and a half years later and continued fighting way beyond his prime, until 1965, in a lifetime struggle to get out of IRS trouble (he never succeeded). He regained the middleweight crown in 1955 and held it, on and off, until 1959.

He possessed a fine mind and physical talents, but his race was used against him, both in boxing and outside of it. He was cheated and out-negotiated on purses and embezzled in his outside businesses.

Nevertheless, he maintained a stalwart integrity as a gladiator, once turning down a million dollar payoff from a mobster to throw a fight with “Raging Bull” Jake LaMotta. The sum would have settled his tax bill.

Robinson was the most charismatic athlete of his age and one of the most graceful and handsome men of any time. He was larger than life, idolized by millions of African American youths. He originated the modern sports entourage, traveling with a golf pro, a barber, an Arabian midget who spoke five languages, and his signature pink Cadillac convertible. Crowds gathered wherever he was parked.

During his first retirement, from 1952 to 1955, he pursued a career as a dancer,

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opening at the French Casino in NYC for $15,000 a week. After that, showbiz was downhill for him. Sportswriter W.C. Heinz quoted a Broadway booking agent as saying, “Robinson was a good dancer, for a fighter.

Maybe no other fighter danced as well, but the feature of his act was his change of clothes. He looked good in everything he put on.” Nevertheless, “Sugar” was probably the first black athlete to establish himself as a celebrity outside sports. He was a fixture of the NYC social scene in the 40’s and 50’s and his glamorous restaurant, Sugar Ray’s, was a destination for Broadway and Hollywood stars.

When Robinson re-entered the ring in ’55, his physical discipline as a dancer facilitated his comeback by keeping him in condition.

That and his outstanding abilities enabled his long career. He had an astonishing 200 career victories, about seven times the number of most of today’s champions. He suffered one TKO, but was never knocked out. He could knock out an opponent with either fist while skipping backwards. Now as then, he is the standard by which all other fighters are measured.

FOR

“SUGAR RAY”

Director for the critically acclaimed remount of “A Soldier’s Play” (which won three Audelco awards including Best Revival of a Play), “Black Angels Over Tuskegee,” “Twisted,” “Haiti’s Children of God,” “The Whistle In Mississippi,” and “The Meeting.”

He directed “Dearly Departed,” at Mars Hill University in North Carolina, appeared as Xavier in Dominique Morisseau’s “Pipeline” in Portland, Oregon for The Portland Playhouse and Confrontation Theatre, and played Levi in Layon Gray’s “Cowboy, “which earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor on Broadway World Regional Awards. On TV, he has appeared in five episodes of “Celebrity Crime Files,”

“Woman” with Judy Thames and “Hot Fingers” with Bruce Strickland.

Other early plays include “Open” (1969), which earned him a position as Writing Instructor for New Federal Theatre Workshop, and “Bird of Paradise,” which he self-produced in 1974. For La MaMa, he wrote “Juba” (1978), a dance musical directed by John Vaccarro in Ridiculous Theatrical style. All his other works are either realistic or biographical. His “Scott Joplin” was produced by Black Theatre Troupe, Phoenix, in the late 80’s. Theater for the New City has presented debuts of his plays “Monk ‘n Bud,” “M: The Mandela

Robinson’s autobiography states that despite earning over $4 million in the ring and outside it, he was flat broke by the time of his final retirement in 1965. He owned most of the block on the west side of Seventh Avenue from 123rd to 124th Streets and he had $250,000 tied up in a five-story apartment house, Sugar Ray’s Bar and Restaurant, Edna Mae’s Lingerie Shop and Sugar Ray’s Quality Cleaners with its five outlets. He sold all his properties after his retirement to pay down his tax bill. He did some TV and film acting in the 60s.

Toward the end of his public life, in 1969, he founded the Sugar Ray Robinson Youth Foundation to serve inner city kids in Los Angeles. (Interestingly, it has no boxing program.) He died in 1989 of Alzheimer’s Disease.

AUDELCO-winning actor Reginald L. Wilson was too young to witness “Sugar” in action. He has never been a boxer, but is an ex-marine and has studied martial arts. He bears a marked resemblance to the champion. They are almost identical in size: Robinson was 5"11"; Wilson is 5" 10".

They even have a similar vocal timbre and regional inflection. Robinson’s family came to Harlem from Georgia; Wilson grew up in North Florida.

Wilson arrived in NYC in January of 2011 to intern with Woodie King Jr. and The New Federal Theatre and by 2012 had been awarded an AUDELCO Award (Lead Actor) for his performance as Levee in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which was presented by New Harlem Arts Theatre (NHAT) at Aaron Davis Hall. The year before, he made his NY debut in NHAT’s production of “Blues for Mister Charlie” by James Baldwin and was commended by Nytheatre.com for his “standout performance.”

He appeared as Jean in Strindberg’s “Miss Julie,” refashioned by August Strindberg Rep into a tale of the Antebellum South. He also appeared in “Stockholm Savings” by Matthew McNerny in NY Fringe Festival (Award: Outstanding Ensemble) and performed “Home” by Sam Art Williams, directed by Woodie King Jr., for Project One Voice in Detroit.

In 2016, he starred in the One Man Show, Sugar Ray, by Laurence Holder, directed

by Woodie King Jr., and he won his second Audelco Award for Best Solo Performance.

Other New York credits include Assistant

REGINALD L. WILSON AS SUGAR RAY. Photo by Kimberly K. Harding

“Redrum,” “I Killed My BFF,” “Celebrity Close Files,” and two episodes of “My Dirty Little Secret.” He holds a BA in Theatre from Florida A&M University, where he served as the University’s Mascot, and an MFA in Theatre from University of Florida, where he won a Teaching Award for his class Improvisations in Theatre when Dealing with Social and Political Affairs. He has taught at City College of NY, where he revised the syllabus for Acting IV, “The Business of Acting.”

Laurence Holder (Playwright) is author of such noted plays as “When the Chickens Came Home to Roost” (1976), which featured Kirk Kirksey as Elijah Muhammad and Denzel Washington in his first incarnation as Malcolm X. His “Zohra,” featuring Phyllicia Rashad, presented

by New Federal Theatre, earned seven AUDELCO Awards. He received AUDELCO nominations for “Man” with Kirk Kirksey,

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Saga” (AUDELCO award for acting for Marjorie Johnson), “Ruby and Pearl” and “Red Channels.”

His plays have been presented in Europe, Asia and Africa. Mr. Holder has also written original plays about Barack Obama, George Bush II, Valaida Snow, Billie Holiday, Charlie Bird Parker, Langston Hughes, Max Roach, Nelson Algren, Simone deBeauvoir, Lenora Fulani, David Fagen, (the Army traitor who opposed the treatment of Black Phillipinos by the American troops in the Spanish American War), and Bussa, the African-born slave who led the first of three large-scale rebellions in the British West Indes that shook public faith in slavery in the early 19th century. Holder also created a TV show produced by the Department of Education for WNET/13 entitled “Watch Your Mouth.” His work is available at AuthorHouse.com.

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WHEREVER YOU’RE HEADED, ROLL IN THE VIP SEATS All New 2022 Equinox RS

The all-new 2022 Equinox RS adds flavor to life in the fast lane. Designed with a stylish trim, striking black interior and sporty red accents, the Equinox RS is always the hottest seat in the house.

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December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

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