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Decatur Street Block Party: Strengthening Community Bonds

Pojanee Fleury
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Decatur Street Block Party: Strengthening Community Bonds

By Pojanee Fleury
Decatur Street between Tompkins and Throop Avenue came alive on Saturday, August 9, 2025, as it transformed into an exciting celebration for its annual block party! The street buzzed with energy as neighbors and visitors gathered to enjoy a day filled with music, delicious food, and fun games for all ages.

Children laughed as they played games and participated in activities, while adults mingled and caught up with neighbors. The vibrant energy emphasized the importance of maintaining community spirit through events like these, a cherished tradition that has strengthened bonds on Decatur Street for over 60 years.


This block party was all about neighbors meeting neighbors. Block association president Gina has continued the long history of organizing on Decatur Street.

She shared, “everybody gets to meet their neighbors, we invite everyone to come out, long-time residents and new tenants, it strengthens the community feel of the block.”


Jane talked about the changes on the block in recent years mentioning that it’s another reason why the block has remained so important to the community, “you get to meet the people on your block so the next time you see your neighbor you can say hi, and actually know who is around you,” Gina explained.


Over the years, the block events have grown beyond just a casual gathering; they’ve become a powerful symbol of connection, unity, and resilience for the community.

These events have provided a space where neighbors can bond, share their stories, and celebrate their collective identity, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends daily routines.

Gina expressed her hope that these traditions will continue to thrive, bringing people together regardless of how much the neighborhood evolves.


Children enjoyed a huge bouncy castle and games in the open street, neighbors cooked for one another, and bookbags filled with valuable supplies were distributed by Brooklyn Scholars Athletes (bkscholarsathletes.com), an organization dedicated to providing basketball training, academic support and team building skills to youth in Brooklyn.


This block party was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. Residents of all ages came together to celebrate their shared heritage and love for Brooklyn.

The event not only highlighted the neighborhood’s rich culture but also served as a reminder of the importance of supporting and uplifting one another. It was a day filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of belonging that left everyone looking forward to next year’s celebration!

MacDonough Street Block Party: A tradition of Unity

Pojanee Fleury
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MacDonough Street Block Party: A tradition of Unity

By Pojanee Fleury
On Saturday August 9, 2025, MacDonough Street between Marcus Garvey Boulevard and Throop Avenue turned into a summer oasis of music, laughter, and fun complete with an inflatable water slide for the children!

Neighbors set up chairs under stoops, kids ran freely through the street, and irresistible aromas of barbecued food filled the air. The annual block party bought residents together to celebrate community and keep a long standing tradition alive.


The newly elected block association president, Demetrius Lenard Johnson, took over from the late Wayne Hartley this year and already has hit the ground running, planning this year’s festivities. He shared, “it is a day where the community can intertwine with each other and get to know one another beyond just living next to them.”

Johnson recalls attending the block party every year since he was 10 years old – now 40 years and a community leader, he understands how important it is to continue to build a strong, knit community. “I have a lot of great things planned, I have kids and I want them and later my grandkids to grow up in a stable :environment,” Johnson stated.


Johnson also spoke about the two churches that adorn the block. On one corner sits Bethany Baptist Church and on the other Our Lady of Victory Church of St. Martin De Porres Parish which Johnson referred to as “our church,” as it serves as the block association’s meeting space and other block activities. “This is a very special block, we have angels protecting it from each side,” Johnson shared proudly.


Johnson’s deep connection to the block was evident as he continued to reflect on its unique charm. From the friendly neighbors to the shared traditions, he emphasized the sense of unity that has long defined the community and will for generations to come.


Block parties aren’t just about the fun—they are traditions that keep local communities strong. They provide an opportunity for neighbors to collaborate, share experiences, and foster a sense of belonging.

From potluck meals to games and music, these gatherings bring residents together around common goals, these events create the space needed to strengthen relationships, create supportive networks and foster a safer and happier community.

VOICE Community Activation at Raymond Bush Playground

Editor, Our Time Press
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VOICE Community Activation at Raymond Bush Playground

By Pojanee Fleury
On August 9, 2025 the historic Raymond Bush Playground was filled with community members from near and far for the 3rd Annual VOICE Community Activation, a daylong event designed to support local families and celebrate neighborhood pride.

Led by organizer Jordan Pierre the activation blended sports, play, and resources to help students gear up for the new school year. The event aimed to strengthen neighborhood ties and create positive outlets for youth.


Jordan Pierre founded the VOICE Foundation three years ago, inspired by the momentum from a viral speech he gave at Syracuse University.

Encouraged by his barber to stay connected to his community and use the attention for something meaningful, Jordan set out to make a positive impact.

He launched the activation day alongside community members, including those who had moved away from the neighborhood. Jordan compared them to an alumni association, who would act as continuous supporters to help the community stay strong, no matter where they live.


Attendees enjoyed free food and snacks, while children had fun playing games and jumping on the bouncy castle. School supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, pens, and pencils, were distributed.

There was a youth basketball tournament with local players competing in spirited games that emphasized teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Neighbors connected across generations, meeting new families and reconnecting with old friends. The highlight of the day was the amazing performance by the Brooklyn United Arts Music and Arts Program’s marching band!

The band’s performance was truly breathtaking. The young, dynamic drummers and dancers were filled with electric energy, delivering tricks and musical feats with precision!


Jordan shared that the theme of this event was “We Are More Than What They Portray Us To Be.” With VOICE, he is changing the narrative and the image of those in his community.

He incorporated basketball, music and art into the event because he wanted to show the young people that they can build skills that can open doors, mentioning how several students of the Brooklyn United received music scholarships to play in bands at HBCUs.

“Most young people need a reference, to see something and say I can do that, knowing it’s possible to be successful because others in their own community can and have done it.”


By bringing together celebration with support, VOICE Community Activation showed how local leadership can foster pride, resilience, and empowerment. Events like this strengthen trust, create opportunities for youth, and keep vital resources within reach—helping the community head into the school year stronger and more united. All images/Pojanee Fleury

USA and South Africa During the Trump Administration

Editor, Our Time Press
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USA and South Africa During the Trump Administration

By Jeffery Kazembe Batts
IG: @kazbatts
Recently, the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives voted 34 to 16 in the Foreign Affairs Committee to approve the HR2633 bill. The “United States / South Africa Bilateral Review Act” gives President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio tools to attempt to micromanage the sovereign policies of Africa’s most industrialized nation, South Africa.

Under the bill, proposed by Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas, South African policies will be routinely evaluated every two years to ensure that they have not deviated in any way from the policies promoted by the Trump administration. Ranking member of the committee, Gregory Meeks, argued that South Africa is a leader on the African continent, should be respected, and dialogue and diplomacy are needed when differences exist with the United States.


In slightly more than half a year, in his rerun as president, Trump has continued his previous disengagement and contempt for the entire African continent, now with a special negative focus on South Africa.

Earlier this year, inside the White House, he blindsided South African President Cyril Ramaphosa by showing false images of supposedly white farmers murdered, and also a film of Economic Freedom Fighter leader Julius Malema speaking at a rally.

He then incredulously arranged a first-class trip for 59 white farmers to move to the top of the immigration list so they could immediately arrive at Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

Meanwhile, mostly people of the Global South, including numerous Africans, are rounded up and deported. In February, Trump signed an Executive Order that reduced the limited amount of foreign aid the US provides to South Africa.

Digging deeper into the Trump administration’s anti-Africanness, Trump expelled widely respected South African Ambassador to Washington Ebrahim Rasool in mid-March.


A 30% tariff rate has now been imposed on exports from South Africa to the US, with notable exceptions for pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber products, critical minerals, and energy products. South Africa is America’s largest African trading partner. After the European Union and China, America is the third-largest trading partner for South Africa globally.

According to Simphiwe Hamilton, Director-General of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, 30,000 jobs are in jeopardy of being lost because of increased tariff. “We base this on consultations with sectors of the economy from automotive to agriculture that are going to be impacted,” he shared.

America is the world’s largest importer of citrus products, a major South African export. Be mindful that prices will rocket up!


South Africa has successfully charged Israel with genocide at the International Court of Justice because of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. The overwhelming majority of United Nations member states agree with this position.

The “S” in BRICS is for South Africa. Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko understands the importance of BRICS, saying, “I think that today, what is being done in the Global South and at the BRICS level is quite important and must continue for a more balanced, multilateral world.” These are two examples of where the US and South Africa diverge in their policies.


Allegedly, South Africa should not undermine US national security and foreign interests while also identifying and sanctioning the corrupt African National Congress is the goal of the HR2633 bill. Can the sovereign nation of South Africa make its own decisions? The Trump administration is seemingly on a mission to sabotage the historic relationship between Black people in America and South Africa.

The world, especially Black people living in the United States, organized and supplied resources to end apartheid, free Mandela, and help South Africa to become a republic that represents all the people. Moving forward, that legacy must be built upon and not tarnished and destroyed by current American foreign and trade policy.

New York Baseball Collapse

Editor, Our Time Press
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New York Baseball Collapse

By Eddie Castro
In the beginning of the 2025 baseball season, both the Mets and Yankees were firing on all cylinders with their respective hot starts. Despite being short-handed when it comes to pitching, both teams found a way to put things together and were sitting in first place of their divisions, but as we all know, the baseball season is a long one and things are turning left for both New York baseball teams.

At one point, the New York Mets had a win-loss record of 37-22 sitting atop of the National League East division. Since, June 13, the Mets have gone 18-31. As we go to press, the Mets are currently on a 7-game losing streak and have lost nine of their last 10.

A lack of their starting pitching unable to go deep into games and their top hitters such as Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto and Pete Alonso currently in hitting slumps are key factors as to why the Mets are now six games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for first place.

The team currently sits at the third and final spot in the Wild Card standings with the Cincinnati Reds just a game and a half behind.


Ironically the Yankees have suffered a similar fate. The team once had a 42-27 record and since June 13, the team has gone 21-31. Like the Mets, the Yankees have been unable to get any length from their starting pitching, which has put significant wear and tear on their bullpen.

The team is currently in third place chasing the Red Sox and the Blue Jays in the American League East division, you simply don’t know what you’re going to get from this Yankee team.

If they get somewhat good hitting, they get no pitching production. When they get good pitching, the Yankees bats go silent unable to score runs.

The team recently got back their star slugger Aaron Judge back from injury, however, the 2-time league MVP has not found a rhythm just yet going hitless in seven games played since his return. Manager Aaron Boone is still trying to figure out his new bullpen as fat as game situation.

With Devin Williams’ continued struggles, it seems like new acquisition David Bednar will now be the new closer for the Yankees moving forward. Ace pitcher Max Fried has not been as sharp as he was the first half of the season.

Since leaving his last start before the All-Star break due to a blister on his pitching finger, Fried has seen his performance declined pitching to an ERA of 6.00 giving up 29 runs (24 earned) in his last 36 innings pitched.


What once looked like two New York teams poised to meet in the Fall Classic could now see both clubs possibly missing the playoffs. Hitting must improve and the starting pitchers for both the Yankees and Mets must find a way to go deep into games to avoid burning out their respective bullpens.

A little over 25 games left in the regular season, the sense of urgency must kick in. It will not be an easy task to get in the playoffs, but if both the Yankees and Mets are able to put it together down the stretch, anything is possible.


Sports Notes: catch an All-New episode of Sports talk With Eddie live tonight at 5PM on the Our Time Press You Tube channel. Please continue to like and Subscribe to the channel!

(Baseball) The Yankees will head to St. Louis to begin a three-game set against the Cardinals. The Mets will look to get things going as the wrap-up a three-game set at home against the rival Atlanta Braves.

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