Nos Quedamos - WE ARE MELROSE Community Festival - June 10, 2023 ~ 12pm-6pm | Artist, Healer, Performer Spotlight

 

As We Stay/Nos Quedamos, Inc. prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary this coming Saturday, June 10, 2023, appropriately theme "WE STAYED: And Flourished. NQ 3.0 - Past, Present & Future," we wanted to whet your appetite by highlighting the amazing artists, healers, and cultural performers participating in our annual 2023 WE ARE MELROSE Community Festival.

The creative and diverse lineup includes storytellers and face-painters for young audiences, healers, poets and spoken word artists, and dance troupes and musical performers. The event will kick off with a special non-denominational spiritual blessing. Download Flyer.

The daylong celebration also includes a street naming ceremony in NQ's honor, as well as the 2023 Harvesting Culture Awards that recognize Bronxites whose dedicated contributions have made the Melrose Commons section of the Bronx and extended borough a better place for all (including a dynamic emerging trailblazer).

This incredible community-based celebration is taking place at your favorite public community space Yolanda García Park (dedicated to the memory of Nos Quedamos' founder and first executive director). We look forward to sharing with you this coming Saturday—ALL ARE WELCOME!!

EVENT HOSTESS / MC

CARIDAD DE LA LUZ, a.k.a. “La Bruja,” is the Hostess/MC for this year's WE ARE MELROSE Community Festival. She is a Nuyorican (a New York-born Puerto Rican) poet, playwright, actress and activist. She is considered one of the leading spoken word poets in the world. In 2005, El Diario La Prensa, the largest Spanish-language newspaper in New York City, named De la Luz as one of the “Fifty Most Distinguished Latinas in the United States.”

De la Luz made her debut as an artist in 1996, when she first took the microphone at the Nuyorican Poets Café and received a standing ovation.

She has also shared her work on HBO’s Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam, and at the American Museum of Natural History.

In 2022, she won an Emmy as Script Writer for Legacy of Puerto Rican Poetry on ABC, a cultural short produced in Puerto Rico. De la Luz lives in the Bronx.

EVENT BLESSING

ZAYDA RIVERA is the founder of Mindful Living with Z, which she launched in 2019 following a near-death experience. After more than a decade of practicing meditation and yoga, Z answered the call to take a deeper dive in healing modalities to heal herself and others. JOSÉ ORTIZ (DR. DRUM), is a nationally highly acclaimed professional on-stage performer, educator in Pan-African, Caribbean and Latin culture and is a self-taught percussionist of Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Dr. Drum is known as one of the Top National Afro Rican Bomba Artists, and is the creator of the 'The Healing Dome,' a drum-based sound/vibration healing station designed for relaxation, releasing stress and increasing mental wellness.

STORYTELLERS AND POETS MARÍA APONTE is a Poet/Author/Performance Artist/ Community Arts Activist/Educator. Two-time recipient of the International Latino Book Award. A 2021 honoree Bronx Book Fair for Community Service and Literary Excellence. Through poetry and storytelling Maria will engage the audience in positive healing through the spoken word on the importance of discovering your inner spiritual self to celebrate change and accepting the new. How do we learn from our abuelas and mothers the importance of keeping traditions alive and present to give us a foundation to plant and replant our seeds of joy. JESÚS “PAPOLETO” MELÉNDEZ, also known as “Papo”, or “Papoleto”, (born June 13, 1950) is a New York-born Puerto Rican poet, playwright, teacher, and activist. He is a member of the Nuyorican Movement. He grew up during the Civil Rights Movement, Black Power movement, and the emergence of the Nuyorican Movement in East Harlem. His titles include the play The Junkies Stole the Clock (1974), and Hey Yo/Yo Soy! 40 Years of Nuyorican Street Poetry. His honors include a fellowship from the New York Foundation for the Arts, the Louis Reyes Rivera Lifetime Achievement Award, an Artist for Community Enrichment Award from the Bronx Council on the Arts, and a joint fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and Combined Arts of San Diego. Melendez lives in New York City. BONAFIDE ROJAS is a poet, musician, artist, performer, and teacher, was born in New York on October 8, 1977. Although he spent part of his childhood in Levittown, Puerto Rico, Rojas was raised in the Bronx. In 2018, Rojas received the BRIO Award for Poetry from the Bronx Council on the Arts. In 2022, he was named an inaugural Letras Boricuas Fellow by the Flamboyan Foundation. Rojas resides in the Bronx & only wears red socks.  CULTURAL PERFORMERS (MUSIC AND DANCE) KINTO ZONÓ  was formed in 2017, under the direction of Nelson “Mateo” Gonzalez (who grew up at Rincón Criollo in the South Bronx), Jorge “Georgie” Vazquez, and George “Nate” Velasquez. Kinto Zonó is an 11-piece ensemble consisting of two brass, piano, bass, and full-on percussion bringing the sounds of Puerto Rico with a modern twist and a New York style of playing plena and bomba. Kinto Zonó had the privilege to share stages such as Plena Libre, Bobby Sanabria, El Gran Combo and many more. Their mission is to keep the musical tradition of Puerto Rico alive and fresh with a New York attitude, and Kinto Zonó is in the forefront of these new musical innovations. MAZARTE DANCE COMPANY is inspired by traditional Mexican dances and brings its folklore back to life, combining dance, research and indigenous art. Our work honors the cultural vastness of Mexico as they embody the fusion of Mexico’s old and new as part of Mazarte’s mission to preserve these dances for the community and generations to come. MazArte endeavors to create a union between dance, research and indigenous art to promote our Mexican cultural heritage, bring history to life and produce educational programs to our communities. We want to expand cultural awareness and an appreciation that will nurture diversity and inclusivity. CHIEF JOSEPH CHATOYER DANCE COMPANY is committed to showcase Garifuna culture with an educational experience that involves drumming, singing and dancing as a means of preserving and raising awareness about our cultural heritage, language, history, and multiple-task dance forms. The Garifuna folkloric ballet company was founded in February 2009 in New York City with eight members, and named to honor the legacy of a brave Garifuna men who fought fearlessly against the European influence in defense of our territories in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and received a positive and overwhelming reception from our Garifuna community, especially from the younger generations who embraced our traditions as a connecting point to its related historical and cultural legacy. MARIACHI REAL DE MÉXICO was founded in 1991 by Ramon Ponce and his son Ramon Ponce Jr. This year Mariachi Real de Mexico is proudly celebrating 31 year. Mariachi Real de Mexico is considered to be the ambassador of Mariachi music and the most important and sought after mariachi ensemble in New York City and the North East of the United States. Click link or scan QR Code map for directions full event details. Event Info Click map for directions to event. WE STAY/Nos Quedamos 754 Melrose Avenue Bronx, NY 10451

NYPD Announces Citywide Crime Statistics for May 2023

 

Shootings, Murders, Robberies, and Burglaries driven down across New York City

For the month of May 2023, New York City saw a 26.5% drop in shooting incidents compared to May 2022 (86 v. 117). The decrease in shootings extends the 25.8% decrease in shooting incidents citywide through the first five months of 2023 compared to the same period a year ago (379 v. 511) – meaning 154 fewer people have been shot this year compared to last year. Additionally, homicides fell by 33.3% (32 v. 48) for the month of May 2023. 

The NYPD continues working to foster an environment that allows every community in New York City to flourish. A prime focus is combating gun violence and leveraging partnerships to assist in that important work. In May 2023, the department continued to make historic numbers of gun arrests – 349 arrests resulting in 284 firearms seized for the month. Overall, NYPD officers have seized 2,802 guns from the streets of New York City and made 1,802 gun arrests through the first five months of 2023. 

Overall index crime stayed flat in May 2023 compared to the same period a year ago, increasing by 0.1% (10,610 v. 10,603).  Index crimes were driven mainly by grand larceny auto (+32.5%; 1,369 v. 1,033). At the same time, New York City saw a drop in five of the seven index crime categories in May 2023, including a 33.3% reduction in homicide, an 11.1% decline in robbery (1,351 v. 1,520) and an 11.8% decline in burglary (1,127 v. 1,278). 

In the city’s subway system, robberies decreased by 30.9% (38 v. 55) in May, as major crime in transit fell 13.1% (193 v. 222) for the month. This extends the 8.7% (893 v. 978) decrease in major crime in transit through the first five months of 2023 – a development which reflects the increased confidence in the subway system’s improving public-safety picture. New York City’s subways, like its streets, are becoming increasingly crowded – continuing the ongoing vibrancy of the city in a post-pandemic environment. 

As in May, this month’s decline in burglaries included decreases in the burglaries of both residences and commercial establishments. And retail theft – otherwise known as shoplifting – also continued its decline in May 2023 by 6.4% (5,175 v.5,530), as the NYPD maintained its focus on ensuring public safety in the city’s bustling commercial corridors and business districts. 

Through the first five months of 2023, New York City has seen reductions in five of the seven index crime categories, including murder down 14.1% (158 v. 184), rape down 7.3% (619 v. 668), robbery down 3.9% (6,357 v. 6,615), burglary down 7.7% (5,834 v. 6,319), and grand larceny down 0.6% (19,993 v. 20,121). The women and men of the NYPD remain steadfast in their ongoing efforts to drive down crime, improve the quality of life in New York City, and earn the confidence of those who live in, work in, and visit the city. 

In May 2023, NYPD officers made 4,599 arrests in the seven major crime categories, a 13.7% increase compared to the number of such arrests in the same period last year – and the highest number of arrests in the seven major crime categories for any May in a quarter century. In the first five months of this year, officers have made 21,406 such arrests – a 24-year high.  

“The women and men of the NYPD start each day with a clear mission: to work for and with the people of this city in our shared investment in public safety,” said Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “Over the past seventeen months, I have seen their tireless work and their critical contributions to the vibrancy returning to our sidewalks and subways, stores and restaurants, and business districts. Our work remains unfinished, but we will never waver in our public safety mission to deliver safe streets and enhance strong bonds between the police and the people we serve.” 

*All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change.*

Index Crime Statistics: May 2023

	May 2023	May 2022	+/-	% Change
Murder	32	48	-16	-33.3%
Rape	124	157	-33	-21.0%
Robbery	1351	1520	-169	-11.1%
Felony Assault	2350	2384	-34	1.4%
Burglary	1127	1278	-151	-11.8%
Grand Larceny	4257	4183	74	-1.8%
Grand Larceny Auto	1369	1033	336	32.5%
TOTAL	10610	10603	7	0.1%

Additional Statistics For May 2023

	May 2023	May 2022	+/-	% Change
Transit	193	222	-29	-13.1%
Housing	511	531	-20	-3.8%
Shooting Incidents	86	117	-31	-26.5%

Hate Crimes Statistics Summary for 

May 2023

(Representing May 1st – May 31st for calendar years 

2023 and 2022)

Motivation	2023	2022	Diff	% Change
Asian	13	5	8	160%
Black	0	5	-5	-100%
Disability	0	0	0	0%
Ethnic	8	2	6	300%
Gender	5	2	3	150%
Hispanic	2	4	-2	-50%
Jewish	23	26	-3	-12%
Muslim	2	7	-5	-71%
Religion	1	0	1	***
Sexual Orientation	4	5	-1	-20%
White	1	0	1	***
TOTAL	59	56	3	5%

Note: Statistics above are subject to change upon 

investigation, as active possible bias cases may be 

reclassified to non-bias cases and removed from counted data.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES ENROLLMENT IN NATION’S LARGEST FREE MUNICIPAL BROADBAND PROGRAM SURPASSES 100,000 NYCHA HOUSEHOLDS

 

 

Current Number of Households Enrolled in ‘Big Apple Connect’ Accounts for Approximately 75 Percent of Residents Eligible

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Chief Technology Officer and New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) Commissioner Matthew Fraser today announced that ‘Big Apple Connect’ — the nation’s largest municipal broadband program — has surpassed 100,000 household enrollments. The immense response means that approximately 75 percent of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) households eligible for the program now have access to broadband through Big Apple Connect. Since its inception last fall, Big Apple Connect has provided free internet and basic cable television access to approximately 300,000 New Yorkers at 202 sites across the five boroughs. The program has saved NYCHA residents tens of millions of dollars since its inception, according to service providers. New York City is currently evaluating additional developments to include in the program.

 

“In today’s digital age, reliable, high-speed internet is as essential as water and heat, and I am proud to mark this incredible milestone in our quest to bridge the digital divide,” said Mayor Adams. “Something as simple as providing free, accessible Wi-Fi can change the life of a New Yorker, and now, 100,000 NYCHA households — who for too long had been ignored — no longer have to worry about accessing the critical digital tools they need to succeed. I am thrilled that we have enrolled approximately 75 percent of households eligible in Big Apple Connect and urge all eligible NYCHA residents to take advantage of this wonderful program as we connect thousands more New Yorkers to opportunities and to the future.”

 

“Big Apple Connect bridges the digital divide that for too long has excluded our public housing NYCHA residents,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.  “I applaud Mayor Eric Adams for his vision and Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser for his dedication to making sure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their zip code, have access to vital, free internet and TV. With more than 300,000 New Yorkers served at over 200 NYCHA developments, Big Apple Connect is making sure we all remain connected.”

 

"The arrival of Big Apple Connect marked a paradigm shift in New York City’s affordable broadband strategy — one that prioritized immediate action to meet the urgent needs of our students, families, and older adults living in public housing,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer and OTI Commissioner Fraser. “These enrollment milestones, achieved less than nine months after the program’s launch, highlight the immense demand for free high-speed internet across NYCHA, enormous cost-savings for our lower-income residents, and the city’s ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide. While we reached our goal of bringing Big Apple Connect to 200 developments earlier this year, we continue to evaluate new opportunities to expand broadband access across the city. I thank Mayor Adams for his staunch support of this program, Altice and Charter for their partnership, and all the NYCHA residents who have enrolled.”

 

“The success of Big Apple Connect shows that access to high-speed internet is a necessity rather than an amenity. The enthusiastic response of NYCHA tenants to this program is a major advance toward fulfilling a goal of ‘Housing Our Neighbors,’ the city’s housing and homelessness blueprint,” said Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “Ending the digital divide is one more way of addressing racial disparities, expanding economic opportunity, and improving quality of life for NYCHA residents.”

 

"NYCHA is thrilled that Big Apple Connect has reached this major milestone," said NYCHA Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt. "Over 100,000 NYCHA households will now have access to internet and basic cable services — essentials for all New Yorkers. We are proud to partner with OTI to connect NYCHA residents to the critical resources that access to the internet can provide."

 

Mayor Adams launched Big Apple Connect in September 2022, with a first phase that included access to more than 90,000 households eligible across 135 NYCHA developments and a promise to reach 200 sites by end of 2023. This past March, the Adams administration expanded program eligibility to make it available to an additional 40,000 households at 67 new sites — completing the program nine months ahead of schedule.

 

Among the largest NYCHA developments with the highest enrollments of Big Apple Connect for each borough are:

 

• Bronx: Patterson Houses, 1,518 households, 85.57 percent registration rate
• Manhattan: Grant Houses, 1,635 households, 84.10 percent registration rate
• Brooklyn: Brownsville Houses, 1,067 households, 81.33 percent registration rate
• Queens: Astoria Houses, 740 households, 80.50 percent registration rate
• Staten Island: Mariner’s Harbor Houses, 465 households, 76.61 percent registration rate

 

Thirty NYCHA developments have more than 1,000 households enrolled, 23 of which have 75 percent enrollment — including 11 in the Bronx, five in Brooklyn, four in Manhattan, and three in Queens. The nation’s largest public housing development — Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City — has 2,547 households — or approximately 80 percent — enrolled.

 

Big Apple Connect provides residents of NYCHA developments a free bundle that consists of in-home, high-speed internet connection, including a modem and router; basic cable TV service, including a cable box and remote control; and common area Wi-Fi hotspots, selected in consultation with NYCHA.

 

The city has entered into three-year agreements with Altice (Optimum) and Charter (Spectrum), which will collectively cover most developments owned and managed by NYCHA. OTI is billed directly for all residents enrolled in Big Apple Connect.

 

Existing customers of Optimum and Spectrum living in NYCHA developments where Big Apple Connect is active are automatically enrolled in the program and are only billed for additional services they choose to purchase directly. Residents receive email notifications and mailers explaining why their bills were lowered, as well as information on Big Apple Connect. Residents without existing service can sign up directly though Optimum or Spectrum or may attend on-site enrollment events conducted by the companies in partnership with OTI.

 

This effort builds on the city’s suite of digital equity initiatives, aimed at making sure every New Yorker has the connectivity they need to participate in an increasingly digital society. Efforts include the Link5G program, which is aimed at delivering high-speed wireless service and free Wi-Fi to every corner of New York City; the city’s Gigabit Centers, which provide free connectivity and digital literacy training to community centers; and OTI’s ‘Connected Communities’ program, a large-scale digital inclusion initiative that delivers digital literacy and employment resources in historically underserved areas for thousands of New Yorkers every year.