Endangered Youth an American Tragedy: A violin class at the PAL Wynn Center on Gates Avenue near Marcy. This is just one of hundreds of programs to be lost as youth programs close across the city. Below is a letter to the community from one center director, whose story can be told 172 times.
City to Cut 172 Children’s Programs!
Bed-Stuy’s Historic PAL Wynn Center on Chopping Block
May 22.2012
To the Community Stakeholders,
It is with a tremendous amount of sadness that I am writing to inform you the PAL Wynn Center was not awarded funding from the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development to support after school and summer camp programs for the youth of our community.
The Wynn Center is currently supported mainly through City funding in the form of Out- of-School Time (OST) contracts. In January, all OST service providers had to reapply for their funding. We worked tirelessly with school administrators and community organizations to submit the best application we could for the Wynn Center.
The disinvestment the City is making in our children is deeply troubling. The most-recently released OST awards will result in 172 programs closing citywide. This represents a cut of 25,000 OST slots, leaving these children without a place to go after school and during the summer.
Over the years, countless families have relied on PAL to provide their children with academic enrichment and recreation after school, during holidays and during the summer. Teachers have relied on PAL to help their students get the support they need to succeed during school. Communities have relied on PAL to keep their young people safe, off the streets and out of trouble.
We are asking for your support as PAL looks for ways to continue to serve the children and the families of NYC. Please take a moment to complete the Petition to Action, which will be shared with local representatives. Thank you for your continued support and allowing us to serve your children.
Sincerely,
Danielle Lynch, Center Director
If any actor-writer’s shoes are hard to fill, it’s the pair that belongs to Daniel Beaty, the hardest-working thespian off-Broadway.
This Saturday, May 12, the hugely popular actor adds yet another multi-faceted character to his list of “long-running” cameos when he debuts the one-act play, Mr. Joy, as a New York-based Chinese shoe storeowner.
Mr. Joy runs through June 2 at The Riverside Theatre located at 91 Claremont Ave. (between 120th and 122nd Streets) in Harlem from May 12th through June 2nd.
Mr. Beaty took time from his daylong rehearsals on Riverside Drive in Manhattan to answer our questions. Then the actor whose plays Ruby Dee once said, “touch the human spirit,” was back up and running, preparing for the debut of Mr. Joy, this Saturday, May 12.
In the midst of all of this, he found time to answer the Our Time Press questions below:
OTP: In what ways does this play intend to touch the human spirit?
DB: My character (Mr. Joy) has been running a shoe store in NYC for 25 years. As he repairs people’s soles, he also repairs their souls. At the beginning of the play, we discover that something has happened to Mr. Joy that impacts the community in a deep way, and the central question of the play becomes: What has happened to this community’s joy and how do we reclaim it? Various members of the community (9 characters total) tell their personal stories through their shoes that Mr. Joy has repaired for them. This play intends to touch the human spirit by showing the power of our interconnectedness through something as fundamental as the shoes we wear. The characters I portray range from a Chinese man to a white woman from the Upper East side, to a black male Republican to a young black man who lives in Harlem.
OTP: Your plays are funny, uplifting and also have a social consciousness. What is the message that you are trying to convey with this play?
DB: My goal is always to use humor and multifaceted characters to explore social political themes. In the past, all of the characters I have portrayed have been black. This is the first time I am also including nonblack characters. There are so many urgent issues facing our society. For me the state of our young people in urban communities is in desperate need of attention. I believe it is an illusion that we as human beings are separate from one another. I deeply believe that internally we are reflections of each other no matter how different we may seem externally. When I as one man am able to successfully portray such a range of characters with true dimension, humor and heart, it underscores this idea.
OTP: Your plays seem to have a healing message for black people, for example, Run Black Man Run deals with a man who seeks a “bigger worldview” of himself and his life than the images about black men in the projects. Knock Knock is about a black boy whose father is suddenly incarcerated. Did you draw on personal experiences to delve into these topics? How do you know these people?
DB: My father was a heroin addict and dealer in and out of prison during my entire growing up period. My older brother was addicted to crack cocaine and has been incarcerated as well. As a child and young man, these were my primary models of my possibilities as a black man. As I became curious about my destiny, and what I could do to walk a different path, I understood that my father and brother’s pain was the product of unhealed wounds such as the legacy of slavery, disenfranchisement and the breakdown of the family. These wounds have deeply impacted black people in this country and our nation in general. I began to understand clearly if I was to heal, I would need to not only address these wounds for myself, but also be about the business of helping others to address their wounds—to heal. OTP: In a recent interview, you said that you have three mantras that you say to yourself: (1) No attachments, (2) No fear and (3) I trust you, God. Please explain the reasons behind each one. (Also, with so busy a life on and off-stage, how do you practice your mantra?)
DB: My daily spiritual practice is the most important aspect of my life. Spending time with God keeps me connected to purpose and I believe purpose is the bridge past ego. By ego, I mean one’s insecurities or cockiness. I believe at the core of me and every human being is the spirit of God, the Divine that is all-powerful. My daily spiritual practice keeps me in touch with God, and this keeps me from being attached to results that often are out of my control—ultimately I cannot control how someone receives my messages. This connection gives me courage in the place of fear, and ultimately, this connection enables me to trust—to have faith.
OTP: Black writers whose works are presented on-screen —— from Lorraine Hansberry, Spike Lee, Tyler Perry and Steve Tyler — continue to break down doors for struggling writers of color. Our movies are gaining increased accessibility and popularity; the current Think Like a Man … success story is one example. How can theater keep up with the big screen with regards to building new audiences, sustaining them and, at the very least, compensating actor-writers like yourself – whose shoes are surely worn from all that walking around on and off Broadway? DB: Theater artists must tell stories that are urgent and timely. We must challenge ourselves to be consistent in our excellence and determination. The budgets that many big budget films have enable them to market in ways theater artists simply cannot. However, I have faith that there is something so core to the way live theater can touch and inspire that if theater remains committed to telling vital, urgent stories, the audiences will come. Sometimes the journey is rocky and long, but the path I travel contains the footprints of giants who have walked before me – Lorraine Hansberry, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, James Baldwin, August Wilson, and the list goes on and on.
OTP: Just for the record, please briefly describe:
Your favorite pair of shoes? DB: My favorite pair of shoes is a pair of black leather boots. They are extremely comfortable and have a weight that grounds me. Who applies your makeup for the Mr. Joy role? How long it takes to apply it? And why it is not so far-fetched to transform an American of African descent into an Asian? DB: I actually do not wear any makeup in my shows. I change my characters’ physicality, voice and emotional inner life, and magically the audience is able to see a new human being emerge right before their eyes. How do you pick up accents and styles of speech?
DB: Observation is the artist’s greatest tool. I spend a great deal of time observing people, listening to how they speak, and often more importantly, why they speak. This sensitivity enables me to pick up accents and styles of speech easily.
In the upcoming season, Mr. Beaty’s ensemble musical Breath & Imagination – The Story of Roland Hayes will premiere as a co-production with Hartford Stage and Pittsburgh City Theater. He also has a new solo play on the life of Paul Robeson – The Tallest Tree in the Forest – directed by Moises Kaufman and slated to premiere next season. He is a proud member of New Dramatists and an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University. His first children’s book based on his poem Knock Knock is slated to be released by Little Brown Books in 2013. Daniel has also written a Spoken World Ballet Far But Close that will premiere in the 2012/13 season for Dance Theater of Harlem.
For a schedule of Mr. Joy performances, please call The Riverside Theatre at 212-870-6784 or visit their website at www.theriversidetheatre.org. You can also visit Mr. Beaty’s Web site at www.danielbeaty.com.
And for a sampling of “the Daniel Beaty experience”, visit www.youtube.com to see clips of his plays. One in particular that you may enjoy is, Run Black Man Run.
(Our Time Press contributor trainee B. Sadlonova provided questions for this piece. The article is available at www.ourtimeathome.com and at Facebook/ourtimepress.)
It is a pleasure to see the support of Corporate America to the USA Olympic & Paralympic programs. Throughout the year, sponsorships are at an all-time high as corporations have finally realized “It takes funding to support our athletes.” Citi Every Step in addition to being a sponsor to The United States Olympic Committee (USOC), they have donated over $500.000. Some of the athletes involved are: Sanya Richards-Ross, Amanda McGrory, Bob & Mike Bryan, Carlos Leon, Christie Rampone, Cullen Jones, and Danell Leyva. For more information, please visit the https://everystep.citi.com.
BP has signed up as a partner of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Olympic and Paralympic athletes vying for a spot on Team USA. Not only are they providing these athletes with some much needed funding as they prepare for the 2012 Olympic Games and 2014 Olympic Winter Games, they are working with the USOC to reduce its carbon footprint. With the help of BP Target Neutral, they’ll be given support to offset their travel related carbon emissions.
In September 2011, BP extended its sponsorship of the USOC through the 2016 Games, giving the USOC a boost as it tries to keep companies in the fold beyond this year’s London 2012 Games, and in October 2011 BP announced its support for a diverse group of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Some of the athletes include are: Brian Clay (Decathlon), Sanya-Richards-Ross (400 Meter Sprinter), Lolo Jones (100 Meter Hurdler), Rudy Garcia-Tolson (100 & 200 Meter Swimmer), Jonathan Horton (Gymnast), Tatyanna McFadden (Wheelchair Racer), Jerome Singleton (100 & 200 Meter Sprinter), Rebecca Soni (100 & 200 Meter Breatstroke) and Matt Stutzman (Archer). For more information: www.bplondon2012.com
The BMW Performance Team was formed to help Team USA athletes achieve their Olympic and Paralympic Dreams. Each team member is passionate, talented and constantly striving to improve in his or her sport. And with BMW’s support, members of the BMW Performance Team will be able to focus entirely on qualifying and training for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Members supported by this venture include: Ricky Berens (Swimming), Bryan Clay (Track & Field), Sanya Richards-Ross (Track & Field), Janet Evans (Swimming), and April Holmes (Paralympics Track & Field). For more information, please visit www.bmwusa.com.
The Olympic Torch Relay
The Olympic Torch Relay will help shine a light on the whole of the UK – from dynamic urban areas to places of outstanding natural beauty. Torchbearers will carry the Flame through more than 100 cities, towns and villages in the UK.
Lit in Greece, the Olympic Flame arrives in the UK on 18 May 2012 before setting out the next day on a 70-day Olympic Torch Relay, bringing the excitement of the Games to everyone.
The Olympic Flame stands for peace, unity and friendship. It will be carried by 8,000 truly inspirational Torchbearers.
Where is the Olympic Flame going?
The Olympic Flame will travel to within an hour of 95 per cent of people in the UK, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey during the 70-day Torch Relay. It will enable local communities to shine a light on the best their area has to offer.
The most memorable Olympians I can recall are:
Memorable Olympic champion Carl Lewis
In Women’s Soccer, player of the 1990’s, was Mia Hamm who has been an inspiration to young players around the world, Teresa Edwards who holds the record as both the youngest and the oldest Olympic Gold Medalist in Women’s Basketball. One of only four Olympians to win nine Gold Medals, Carl Lewis was among the greatest Olympic idols of the 20thcentury. Jenny Thompson’s 12 Olympic medals make her the most successful female Olympian to ever compete in the pool. Stephanie Cook has the honor of being the first ever female Olympic Gold Medalist in Modern Pentathlon. Michael Jordan’s remarkable achievements throughout a long and illustrious career make him one of the greatest basketball players of all time and Michael Phelps an American swimmer who has, overall, won 16 Olympic medals—six gold and two bronze at Athens in 2004, and eight gold at Beijing in 2008, becoming the most successful athlete at both of these Olympic Games.
Exercise/Healthy Tidbits
Drink Clean Water
Our bodies are mostly water, approximately 85% of your brain, 80% of your blood and 70% of your muscle is water. So logically, our bodies need water as a source of replenishment. But I even find it a challenge at times to make sure I am always drinking water. One system I’ve developed is simply making sure I drink 1 cup of water (about 8-12 ounces) every hour on the hour between the hours of 9-5. If you have a cell phone or you are on your computer for a major part of the day, set a reminder alert for every hour.
Drink some Green Juice
Every day for the next week, find a way to incorporate a green drink in your diet, preferably in the morning. Whether it is a glass of wheatgrass, adding spinach or kale to your morning smoothie, or juicing, find a way to have it in liquid form.
Green Juice of Champions
2 bunches of greens (kale, spinach, chard etc) 1/2 bunch parsley, 1 inch piece of ginger, half of a lemon, 2-3 apples
Drink 2 Cups of Tea a Day The benefits of tea are undeniable. Most teas contain antioxidant, may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke, can boost your immune system, and phytochemicals that protect your bones. Unbeknownst to many, teas actually contains fluoride and tannins, so drinking unsweetened tea, and brushing afterward (some teas can cause stains), can aid your smile.
Eating & Exercising! It’s MY LIFEStyle LifeFITNESS
For more information or questions, please contact OlympianDianeD@yahoo.com and check out my blog at http://olympiandianedixon.wordpress.com
New York, NY – Earlier this week Council Member Al Vann honored both the boys basketball team and boys track team of Boys & Girls High School during the City Council’s Stated Meeting.
Boys & Girls High School’s boys basketball team is celebrating winning its third straight PSAL Championship title and the New York State Championship, both firsts in the school’s history.
The boys track team won city, state and national championships for indoor track, and in one race earned the best time in the nation for this year and the second best time in the history of United States indoor track.
Boys & Girls High School Principal Bernard Gassaway instituted a “Higher Standards, Higher Expectations” policy for student-athletes at the beginning of this year, which requires them to maintain a grade average of at least 70 percent, pass a certain number of Regents Exams, and serve 30 hours of community service to remain eligible for athletic participation.
Located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Boys & Girls High School has graduated basketball greats like Hall of Fame player and coach Lenny Wilkens and NBA player and playground legend Connie Hawkins. Alumni also include historic presidential candidate Rep. Shirley Chisholm, singer/actress Lena Horne and many others.
On May 17, the city will foreclose on any property owner who has not yet paid off any outstanding property debt or water bills, which could mean that 600 current homeowners in Bed-Stuy could lose their home to auctions by the city.
Every year the city auctions off property that is on it’s annual tax lien list, which is property that has any tax debt on unpaid water bills and property taxes. But in 1997, as a way to generate more money, the city expanded the sale of properties that are in tax debt to include single-and three-family homes. Before this, commercial and industrial properties where the only ones that qualified to be auctioned off. Since then, many minority families have been disproportionally affected by this, especially homeowners in central Brooklyn.
“Four years ago the number of homes on the list in Bed-Stuy was 3,000. This year it’s 600. We want to get that number down to zero,” said Melissa Lee, Managing Director of the Coalition for the Improvement of Bed-Stuy (CIBS).
Luckily there are a wide array of services that can help homeowners stay out of foreclosure. One such service is the Tax Water Lien Help Night, a public service night held this past week at the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation building. The goal of the night was to help community members that are on the lien list, figure out a way to get off the list and see if they qualify for any exemptions that are there to help people.
The Tax Water Lien Help Night is a partnership between councilman Al Vann, City Comptroller John Liu, The Coalition For the Improvement of Bed-Stuy, Brownstoners of Bed-Stuy, Pratt Area Community Council, Bridge Street Development Corporation, Neighborhood Housings Services of Bed-Stuy and Bed-Stuy Community Legal Services.
“If you owe outstanding money on your water bill or property bill, the city can take your property, so this tax lien night is where our coalition invites homeowners from central Brooklyn to come and meet members from the various city agencies and learn tips on how prevent the city from taking their property because of outstanding debts on the property. Seniors, the disabled, and veterans can apply for some exemptions,” said Warren Hu, a home ownership Counselor at the Bridge Street Development Corporation.
The main services offered are the one-on-one sessions with counselors from the NYC Department of Finance, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation. Through these sessions, homeowners can arrange for ways to get off the lien list and begin to pay back any outstanding debts.
“I was involved with this issue when I was with the City Council and now that I am comptroller, I am in a position that uniquely allows me to get the word out to Bed-Stuy and other parts of the city that this issue disproportionately affects,” said Comptroller Liu. “I don’t want to see any foreclosures due to this issue, that’s why we have a help night like this.”
The Tax Water Help Night also informs community members about how their home can become included on the lien list. Owing two or more years of property taxes and having unpaid water and sewer bills is the surefire way to make it onto the list.
There are exemptions for the list as well, if you are a senior citizen, disabled or a veteran, then you can qualify for exemptions, which can remove your home from the list completely.
“A lot of people can’t go down to City Hall, so we bring City Hall to them. We want to make it convenient for people to take care of this,” explained Councilman Al Vann. “We have reformed the legislation significantly, which is why there are fewer people on the list every year. One part of the legislation reform was that you don’t need to make a down payment to get off the list now. There are many options available for people, it’s not like as soon as you enter this process then you are in foreclosure.”
“The process here is 100% easy and stress free. A lot of people can’t go down to the municipal building because of work, so it is nice that they come here,” said Winston Blunt, a participant at the Water Tax Help Night. “you have to read to stay alert, if you don’t read the papers they send or don’t pay attention, then its your fault if you miss out.”
