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FDNY Hosts Annual Community Block Party

Pojanee Fleury
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FDNY Hosts Annual Community Block Party

Monroe St. Between Bedford and Nostrand Aves.

By Pojanee Fleury
The FDNY Block Party on Saturday, July 12, 2025, on Monroe Street, between Bedford and Nostrand Aves, was much more than a summer gathering—it was a day of connection, education, and celebration! Hosted by Engine 235 and Battalion 57.

The event exemplified the FDNY’s dedication to fostering strong bonds with the neighborhoods they serve while providing valuable resources to the community.


This block party was part of the FDNY’s summer-long initiative to connect with residents across New York City’s boroughs. For over a decade, these events have served as a platform to promote fire safety, raise awareness about the department’s critical role, and showcase FDNY’s commitment to public service.


Event Highlights
The block party featured activities and events designed to engage attendees of every age. Fire safety demonstrations were a central focus, with FDNY firefighters stepping up to teach families lifesaving tips and techniques. These demonstrations emphasized how preparation and knowledge can make all the difference in emergency situations.


The day was packed with entertainment, from games and face painting to music and food stalls. Children gleefully enjoyed the hands-on activities while parents took part in fire safety sessions or explored the recruitment booth set up by the FDNY.

The lively atmosphere brought together individuals of all backgrounds, uniting them in celebration of their community and the vital services provided by the FDNY.


The atmosphere was lively, with games, face painting, food, giveaways, music, and entertainment creating a fun-filled day for families and individuals alike. For those interested in joining the FDNY, representatives were present to provide detailed information about the recruitment process and the steps to becoming a firefighter.


A standout feature was the focus on the FDNY Pre-Training Program for the entrance exam. Aspiring firefighters were given valuable insights into the structure of the exam, the types of questions they could expect, and effective preparation strategies. Current firefighters were available to share their experiences and offer mentorship, providing attendees with a clear path to navigate the recruitment process.


The block parties serve a bigger purpose, providing much needed resources. “We gave out 200 pounds of food, provided fire safety and prevention information and shared CPR techniques,” the rep stated.


A FDNY Community Affairs spokesperson explained, “we have been doing these block parties in the community for over 10 years in every borough on Saturdays. You can go to the FDNY website (www.nyc.gov/site/fdny) page for the schedule and locations of the block parties.”


The FDNY Block Party was more than just a community gathering; it was an opportunity to meet FDNY members operating in their community, explore career opportunities, and celebrate the dedication of the FDNY. The event left a lasting impression on all who attended, making it a memorable day for the Brooklyn community.

Neighbors Celebrate Their Heroes

Editor, Our Time Press
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Neighbors Celebrate Their Heroes

Bedford-Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps honored for 37 Years of Service with a Vibrant Block Party – Greene Ave. Betw. Marcus Garvey Blvd. & Lewis Ave.

By Pojanee Fleury
By Pojanee Fleury

On July 12, 2025, the Bedford-Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BSVAC) marked their 37th anniversary with a block party that was full of excitement and joy! Held at the intersection of Greene Avenue and Marcus Garvey Boulevard, next to the now iconic site of the BSVAC command center, the event brought neighbors, community leaders, and supporters together to celebrate the extraordinary history of BSVAC as well as the strength and unity of the local community.


The Legacy of BSVAC
Founded in 1988, BSVAC is a vital pillar of emergency medical service in Bed-Stuy. This all-volunteer organization was born out of a commitment to addressing the critical need for timely and culturally competent emergency care in a historically underserved area. Founder James “Rocky” Robinson, who tragically witnessed his niece pass away while waiting for an ambulance, envisioned a community that would help each other and 37 years later with currently over 100 volunteers who have dedicated themselves to providing lifesaving services, his vision is not only alive but thriving. BSVAC has recently expanded to provide services to Crown Heights and Brownsville and increased its fleet to 5 ambulances. Through its work, BSVAC provides trust, connection, and lifelines to individuals who might otherwise be left unsupported during emergencies.

Highlights from the Block Party

This year’s block party offered family fun, community resources, and free health screenings. Live performances by local artists and bands filled the streets with diverse and energetic music, reflecting the neighborhood’s rich cultural legacy. Children were drawn to the family-friendly activities, which included face painting, balloon animals, and a bouncy castle. 

As the day progressed, tributes, recognition and promotions became a moving highlight of the celebration. A special presentation honored longtime BSVAC volunteers who have dedicated years of service, including the Dispatcher, EMT and Volunteerism of the Year Awards. 

Expressions of gratitude filled the air as speakers praised BSVAC not only for their record of saving lives, but also for nurturing unity and pride within the community, including Mayor Eric Adams attended the event, showing his continued support of the important work of the BSVAC. His presence highlighting the importance of collaboration and ongoing investment in resources to ensure that groups like the BSVAC can continue their lifesaving work. 

D.J. Hard Hittin’ Harry

Among those that were promoted and recognized was BSVAC Lieutenant Amy Dorfman, who was promoted to Captain. She said, “It marks 37 years of service and we look forward to serving the community for 37 more and beyond.” Captain Dorfman expressed how good it felt to see community members come out to mark this special time with BSVAC. “They know us and have a strong connection [to our mission], many of our volunteers are from the Bed-Stuy area.” 

The 37th Anniversary Block Party was more than just an occasion to honor BSVAC’s achievements; it was a celebration of Bed-Stuy’s resilience and the enduring spirit of service that defines the neighborhood. BSVAC’s 37 years of service serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial role that volunteer organizations have in building and sustaining thriving communities.



800 Block Association

Pojanee Fleury
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800 Block Association

Lafayette Ave. Btw. Marcus Garvey and Lewis Avenue

By Pojanee Fleury
On July 12, 2025, the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, NYC, came alive with energy, laughter, and joy as the 800 Block Association hosted its annual Block Party on Lafayette between Marcus Garvey Ave and Lewis Ave. The event featured activities for all ages, from games and art stations for kids to engaging spaces for adults to mingle and reconnect with familiar faces. Neighbors, friends, and families gathered for a fun-filled day of games, delicious food, and unforgettable memories!


The 800 Block Association returned this year to continue building the annual event that had taken a hiatus during the pandemic, ensuring the tradition of bringing its residents together remains a community fixture. This year’s event featured vendors, live DJ, and activities for all ages, creating a vibrant space for residents and community members to reconnect.


The dynamic DJ Hard Hittin Harry kept the energy high throughout the day! A former resident of the block, Harry brought a personal touch to his set, spinning a blend of timeless classics and new hits. He had the crowd on their feet with tracks like the iconic club banger “Follow Me” and the latest dance craze, “Boots on the Ground.”

His playlist wasn’t just limited to one genre—he seamlessly mixed reggae, soca, merengue, and afrobeat, creating a truly dynamic and inclusive experience. DJ Harry’s music brought everyone together, making the day all the more memorable.


And of course, no block party is complete without amazing food! Vendors and home cooks lined the street with vibrant stalls, serving up a mouthwatering selection of dishes that catered to every taste. From classic New York-style hot dogs and burgers to unique, organic baked goods from The Root of Pie Co.—a local business owned by block resident Denise Burke—there was something for everyone to enjoy!


Adrienne, a long-time resident who has lived on the block since she was eight years old, shared just how much the event meant to her. “This block has my heart,” she said. Along with the newly elected board, Adrienne worked hard to ensure the legacy of the Association remained strong, honoring past and present residents alike.

“We started off with a street clean-up with residents,” she explained, “set up activities for the kids and ended with a fun dance party!” Through their efforts, the block party became more than just a gathering—it was a heartfelt celebration of the neighborhood’s history and future.


Families, friends, and neighbors filled the streets, sharing laughter, food, music, and stories that reinforced the strong bonds among them. The event highlighted the incredible dedication of its organizers, who worked tirelessly to bring people together, and the enthusiastic participation of residents, whose energy and pride made the day truly unforgettable.


The 800 Block Association’s annual block party was a symbol of resilience and unity for the neighborhood. The gathering provided a much-needed opportunity for residents to reconnect and celebrate their vibrant community.


Thanks to the dedication of its organizers and the enthusiastic participation of its residents, the tradition of the 800 Block Association continues to thrive, bringing joy and inspiration to all who attended.

Second Half Adjustments

Editor, Our Time Press
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Second Half Adjustments

By Eddie Castro
The New York Mets were one of the hottest teams in baseball to begin the 2025 campaign. With the new acquisition of Juan Soto, manager Carlos Mendoza could plug him right into the lineup between All-Stars Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso.

Despite not having pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas to begin the year due to injury, the Mets once lead Major League Baseball in ERA. When the calendar hit June, the Mets as a team have been in disarray. The teams’ inability to score runs as well as players underperforming has led to the teams recent offensive woes.


The pitching hasn’t been as sharp as it was at the beginning of the season. Entering play on June 13, the Mets had a league-leading team ERA of 2.79 which is astonishing considering that was a huge concern for the team coming into this season.

The wheels seemed to fall off after that. Calculating 16 games after the 13th of June, Mets starters has an ERA of 6.22 which marked dead last in MLB. The Mets starting pitching alone have given up 47 runs in 68 innings.


The team has played a little better recently. Aside from dropping two out of three games to the Baltimore Orioles the Mets took two out of three from the Yankees in which their offense woke up scoring 22 runs in the series and finished off the first half taking two of three from the Kansas City Royals. With the team being decimated by injuries, especially with pitching, help could be on the way.

Frankie Montas just recently came back and if he stays healthy, he could add a much-needed boost to the rotation. The most important injury returns could be Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea. Before Senga went down with a hamstring injury during his start on June 12, he was pitching like an ace for the Mets.


With his recent return to the rotation, Mendoza is hoping he can continue his impressive 2025 campaign and most importantly stay healthy. Senga has been bothered by lower leg issues the past two seasons. Manaea made his 2025 debut last Sunday after being plagued by an oblique strain and elbow discomfort.

In 3 ½ innings, Manaea gave up just one run and struck out seven batters. Definitely a positive sign to see if you are a Mets fan. Another positive for the Mets is the re-emergence of Juan Soto. After a slow start to the season, Soto is inching closer to his elite ability that earned him the richest contract in baseball history. Although he was not selected to the All-Star team, his first half numbers indicate that he should be. He is batting .266 a 919 OPS with 23 home runs and 56 RBIs.


The team will resume play in Ohio tonight against the Cincinnati Reds. Although the Mets are getting back key players as well as Soto sizzling like a hot July day in New York, General Manager David Stearns knows he must find a way to improve the roster. There are few areas the team must address if they wish to return to the National League Championship Series as they did last year.


The bottom half of the lineup is simply not getting it done, which puts even more pressure on players such as Soto, Alonso and Lindor. A player out there like Cedric Mullins (Orioles) or Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox) would be a good upgrade. As far as pitching goes, it’s not just the rotation that needs help, their bullpen does as well.

Danny Coulombe could be a target for the team. He has pitched 0.68 in 35 games this season and the Mets desperately need a left-handed pitcher available to come out the bullpen. Felix Bautista could also be an option. We shall see how the second half looks for the Mets. Even though it’s been a Rollercoaster summer for the team, the Mets are just a half game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL East division.


SPORTS NOTES: (FOOTBALL) on Monday, the New York Jets locked up their stud wide receiver Garrett Wilson to a 4-year/$130-million-dollar extension through the 2030 season. He had two years left on his rookie contract. Wilson is one of five players in the NFL to have 1000 yards receiving and 80 catches in each of his first three seasons. Tune in tonight for an All-New episode of Sports talk with Eddie presented by Our Time Press. Tune in on our you tube channel at 5pm. Make sure to like and subscribe and most importantly interact with me as we talk about what’s going on in New York Sports!

Africa Focus: Ethiopia, Egypt, Somalia, and Sudan

Editor, Our Time Press
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Africa Focus: Ethiopia, Egypt, Somalia, and Sudan

By Jeffery Kazembe Batts
IG:@kazbatts


Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali recently announced that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will be officially opened this September. The 6,450 MW hydropower project is located in Guba, on the Blue Nile, 30 km upstream of the border with Sudan. Sudan and Egypt are not happy.

Their governments have taken issue with GERD, fearing its operation threatens their access to the Nile waters, which they depend on.


Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has warned of potential regional instability and highlighted Egypt’s dependence on the Nile River for drinking water and irrigation. Sisi stressed that Egypt was pursuing a diplomatic solution but also stated that “all options are open” if Egypt’s water security is threatened. The Nile supplies 97 per cent of its water needs. Sudan, located between Egypt and Ethiopia, has echoed Egypt’s concerns.


Second only to Nigeria on the African continent, Ethiopia’s population is 130 million. Half of its people do not have access to electricity. Maximizing the use of GERD is a key strategy for increasing electrification in Ethiopian society. In 1929, the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty, also known as the Nile Waters Agreement, was signed.

The agreement gave Egypt the right to over 90 per cent of the water, and the rest to the Sudan. This agreement was made while Great Britain controlled both territories. Contemporarily, Egypt and Sudan lean on this treaty while Ethiopia feels it is an outdated example of colonial legacy in Africa.


While preparing to celebrate the official opening of GERD, Ethiopia has an existential issue. It is the world’s most highly populated landlocked country. To solve the problem of a lack of a seaport, Ethiopia has negotiated with the breakaway territory of Somaliland to gain access to a 20-kilometre stretch of Somaliland’s coastline.

This has outraged Somalia, which considers Somaliland a mere province. Somaliland is not internationally recognized. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called Ethiopia’s actions a land grab and a violation of its sovereignty. Recently, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. During the meeting, Egypt pledged to strengthen military cooperation and support Red Sea maritime security.


Meanwhile, as always, non-African states have involved themselves in African issues. Earlier this July, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Turkey for a meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations in the areas of counterterrorism and regional cooperation. Previously, Turkey has attempted to broker an agreement between Ethiopia and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland since February 2024. During his first term, in October 2020, President Trump was quoted as saying, “Egypt might blow up the GERD if an agreement wasn’t reached regarding its operations.” At that time, Ethiopia called Trump’s comments “reckless and irresponsible.”


The need for water, electricity, and access to the sea are all critical existential issues to be resolved for national development. The legacy of colonialism in Africa, the current intervention of foreign states, and the lack of a strong African Union derail the growth possibilities of a united and powerful Africa. As the world focuses on fundamentalism in West Africa, exploitation in Congo, and the genocidal war in Sudan, eyes and interest must also be on what is happening in the Northeast and the Horn of Africa.

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