BRAC - April 2025 Newsletter

 

BRONX RIVER ART CENTER

Celebrating 37 Years of Bringing Arts & Cultural Programs to the Bronx

April 2025 at BRAC

Art Education

Registration for Spring Classes

Registration is open now!

Classes run from April 22 - June 21

Registration for our spring classes is now open! Sign up for youth, teen, and adult art classes in subjects ranging from painting, to drawing, to ceramics, and much more!

Prices start at $75 for five sessions and $115 for nine sessions. Discounts are available for residents of select Bronx zip codes. Classes begin on April 22 and will run until June 21.

Check our website for more detailed pricing information and class descriptions, and stay tuned for information about Friday art workshops, open studios, and other events!

Register for Spring Classes

Teen Project Studio

Registration is open now!

Classes run from April 20 - June 21

After a short hiatus, Teen Project Studio is back for an electrifying 9-week program diving into the world of graffiti and mural painting, taught by artist Karen Pedrosa!

Meeting on Tuesdays and Fridays at 4:30pm beginning on April 20, this FREE intensive art experience is designed for teens ages 15-to-19 who are passionate about visual arts. Participants also receive a stipend at the end of the program: get paid to create! TPS is limited to just 15 students and admission is by application only — so don’t miss your chance!

Apply for Teen Project Studio

MSCreate featuring JJGrant Registration is open now! Classes run from April 21 - June 23 Get paid to create! MSCreate is a FREE after-school arts program for middle school students (Grades 6 - 8). Students will explore creative expression, build confidence, and develop new artistic skills under the tutelage of BRAC's teaching artists, as well as through fashion designer JJGRANT's I SEE ME program on Mondays and Thursdays. Apply for MSCreate Ft. JJGRANT Drink & Draw Workshops April 11th at 6pm Join us for a monthly open drawing session for adults, with a model and live music. We will provide the snacks, paper and charcoal. Register for Evening Workshops Bronx River Film Diaries April 19th, 23rd, and 25th Join us for a FREE workshop and film challenge exploring the Bronx River through personal storytelling! Learn about film diaries, get inspired by experimental and nature-focused films, and create your own short piece. No experience needed—just your creativity and a recording device   Key Dates: Saturday, April 19 | 10:30 AM — Kick-Off Workshop Wednesday, April 23 | All Day — Film Diary Deadline Saturday, April 25 | 7:00 PM — Public Screening & Celebration Register for Film Workshops Gallery

Panel with the Artists:

Resilient Roots: Ecofeminism in Video Performance

April 15th, 2025 at 6pm

Join us for Resilient Roots, an online panel hosted by the Bronx River Art Center, on April 15 at 6 PM (EST). This conversation brings together artists and curators whose work engages with ecofeminism through critical and experimental perspectives. Natacha Voliakovsky, Argentine queer Performance Artist and activist, will also join the panel.

Exploring themes of sustainability, interspecies relationships, and curatorial models that challenge extractivist structures, the panel will examine how roots—both literal and symbolic—serve as metaphors for resistance, community, and regeneration in the face of environmental crises.

Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the intersection of art, ecology, and social justice. Register here.

Curated by Alexandra Trujillo Tamayo

Resilient Roots will be on view through April 18, 2025

Featured Artists: Maya Ponce, Regina José Galindo, Alexia Miranda, Rocío Soria, Alexandra Moshenek, Tzitzi Barrantes 

Sign Up to Attend the Artists' Panel

Events

BRAC Open House

Saturday, April 26th at 12:30pm

FREE EVENT!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Join us on Saturday, April 26 for an Open House event at the Bronx River Art Center, as part of a community-wide Earth Day celebration. Starting at 12:30pm, take part in some free community art-making, portraits, storytelling, and live music by BombaYO!

RSVP for Open House

Toomai String Quintet

Saturday, April 26th at 4pm

FREE EVENT!

Toomai String Quintet, an ensemble dedicated to expanding the Latin American chamber music repertoire, will perform music from their new album, Passos Brasileiros (Brazilian Steps) in BRAC's Event Space on Saturday, April 26th at 4pm.

Celebrating Brazil’s vibrant musical legacy, Passos Brasileiros embraces works from several beloved traditions — choro, samba, Brazilian jazz, classical music, and Música Popular Brasileira (MPB) — and reimagines them for string instruments.

RSVP for Musical Performance

And More...

Welcome to our new Gallery Associate !
Meet Jhanique Lovejoy, a born and raised Queens native! A Jamaican visual artist whose practice explores themes of familial connections and Afrofuturism, she has spent the last couple of years pivoting to exhibition planning, curatorial, and archival work. She received her Bachelor’s in Fine Art and Ethnomusicology from Swarthmore College in 2023. She has worked at contemporary art galleries in the city and as a graphic designer for the Baldwin United Fund—a non-profit promoting James Baldwin’s legacy. Through this work, she has developed a strong commitment to using the arts as a means of cultural preservation and community engagement. With a deep passion for expanding access to the arts, she’s excited to foster creative expression at the Bronx River Art Center!

Pledge Your Support!

Donate to BRAC!

Former Erie County DSS Employee Admits to Stealing HEAP Benefits

 

New York State Welfare Inspector General Lucy Lang announced the guilty plea of Denise Nelson, a former Erie County Department of Social Services employee, who used her trusted position to fraudulently divert public assistance funds for personal gain.

Nelson, 56, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty in Erie County Court before the Honorable Sheila A. DiTullio to one count of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class E felony under New York State Penal Law. Under the terms of her plea agreement, Nelson has made full restitution of $4,917 to the Erie County Department of Social Services, National Grid, and National Fuel Gas.

Following a referral from the Erie County Department of Social Services, an investigation by the Inspector General’s Office revealed that Nelson misused her access as an Erie County Department of Social Services worker to redirect HEAP benefits in the names of other people to properties she owned, without the knowledge or consent of the rightful recipients. Her fraudulent actions resulted in nearly $5,000 worth of unauthorized heating services at the expense of Erie County taxpayers.

“As a public employee, Ms. Nelson was entrusted with administering essential services to those in need,” said New York State Welfare Inspector General Lucy Lang. “Instead, she exploited her position for personal gain, undermining a vital program intended to assist vulnerable New Yorkers. This case underscores our unwavering commitment to holding those who abuse public resources accountable.”

“This program is reserved for low-income individuals and families who truly need help paying for their home utilities,” said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane. “I want to thank the Offices of the New York State Inspector General and Erie County Department of Social Services HEAP Office for their partnership in this investigation. Together, we will continue to hold those who fraudulently obtain these benefits accountable.”

Nelson’s employment with the Erie County DSS was terminated as a result of her actions.

Inspector General Lang extended her appreciation to the investigative team, including Investigative Counsel John Philipps, Investigator Erynn Migaj, and Investigator Christopher Martello, under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General Jeffrey Hagen, Chief of Investigations Martin Stanford, and Attorney-in-Charge of Welfare Matters Andrew Weiss. IG Lang also commended the Erie County Department of Social Services for their prompt referral and cooperation, as well as Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane and his office for their diligent prosecution of the case.

The Inspector General is the integrity watchdog that investigates corruption, fraud, and abuse in New York State government and the Workers’ Compensation and Welfare systems. To report wrongdoing, call 1-800-DO-RIGHT (367-4448) or visit ig.ny.gov. Follow the office’s work on social media at @NewYorkStateIG.

Governor Hochul, MTA, NYC Economic Development Corporation, and Delancey Street Associates Unveil Subway Accessibility and Housing Projects to Proceed at Essex Crossing

Revenue From Congestion Relief Zone Will Be Used To Fund Accessibility Project; Delancey St-Essex St. Station Complex To Be Fully ADA Compliant and Accessible

Estimated 99-Unit Mixed-Income Housing Development Proceeding; Will Boost Essex Crossing Redevelopment to 1,100 Units and 550 Affordable Homes

Governor Kathy Hochul, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York City Economic Development Corporation and Delancey Street Associates today announced the commencement of projects to make the Delancey St–Essex St Station complex accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and to develop mixed-income housing on the former site of the Essex Market.

“Making the Delancey-Essex station complex fully accessible with an affordable housing development at Essex Crossing is possible with the revenue from congestion pricing — a program that will put the proceeds toward New Yorkers’ needs,” Governor Hochul said. “We are committed to creating a more accessible and more affordable New York with improvement plans that are focused on bettering opportunities and the transit customer experience for riders.”

Delancey Street Associates will construct a 99 unit mixed-income housing complex and provide an easement to the MTA to allow the construction of an elevator connecting the northeast corner of Delancey and Essex Streets to the Delancey–Essex F M J Z station complex. The MTA announced that it is commencing design on that elevator and a comprehensive set of accessibility upgrades needed to make the station complex fully ADA-accessible. This will include three elevators to ensure that all connections and transfers within the station can be made step-free.

These accessibility improvements will be supported by proceeds from the Congestion Relief Zone. The project is included in the MTA’s 2020-24 Capital Plan. Delancey St–Essex St F M J Z Station serves 68,000 riders per day.

With the project proceeding, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and Delancey Street Associates will enter into a binding agreement and advance the new station entrance design. Delancey Street Associates expects to start construction in 2026 on 99 mixed income units of housing.

Delancey Street Associates’ proposed building will rise at the site of the former Essex Street Market building, also known as Essex Crossing’s Site 9. Essex Crossing is the result of a successful collaboration between the local community, the City – through NYCEDC and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development — Manhattan Community Board 3, and Delancey Street Associates. The project, which originally received ULURP approval in 2012, has delivered a new home for Essex Street Market, 175,000 square feet of retail space, 64,000 square feet of community space, and with Site 9, will deliver approximately 1,100 units of housing overall, 50 percent of which will be affordable.

Attorney General James Condemns Federal Funding Cuts to Reproductive Health Care

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after the Trump administration notified health care providers that offer reproductive health care that they will no longer receive Title X funding:

“Cutting funding for health care providers that offer reproductive care to millions of people across the country is cruel and shameful. 

Americans from low-income, rural, and minority communities rely on health care facilities that receive Title X funding for cancer screenings, affordable birth control, and so much more. 

Reproductive health care is a right. Every individual should be able to access this care without obstacles.”

On Tuesday, President Trump announced that his administration would be suspending Title X funding to health care providers across the country. Title X was established in 1970 and is a federal program dedicated to providing funding for family planning and sexual and reproductive health care to low-income Americans. Health care providers that receive Title X funding offer breast and cervical cancer screening, pregnancy testing, affordable birth control, and more.

Attorney General James has been a national leader in fighting to protect access to reproductive health care for New Yorkers and all Americans. In March 2025, Attorney General James won a lawsuit against an anti-abortion group, Red Rose Rescue, for invading reproductive health care clinics and interfering with access to care. Also in March, Attorney General James filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to defend Medicaid recipients’ right to choose their own health care providers, including reproductive health care clinics like Planned Parenthood. In October 2024, Attorney General James filed an amicus brief urging a federal court to maintain access to emergency abortion care. Also in October, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general filed an amicus brief in support of access to mifepristone. In May 2024, Attorney General James sued an anti-abortion group and 11 crisis pregnancy centers for promoting unproven abortion reversal treatment. In April 2024, Attorney General James led a coalition of attorneys general in urging Congress to expand access to reproductive health services and pass the Access to Family Building Act. In January 2024, Attorney General James led a coalition of 24 attorneys general urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect access to mifepristone. 

Arizona Man Convicted of Crimes Arising Out of Plot Targeting Christian Churches

After an 11-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday against Zimnako Salah, 45, of Phoenix, Arizona, convicting him of strapping a backpack around the toilet of a Christian church in Roseville, California, with the intent to convey a hoax bomb threat and to obstruct the free exercise of religion of the congregants who worshipped there.  The jury’s verdict included a special finding Salah targeted the church because of the religion of the people who worshipped there, making the offense a hate crime.

According to the evidence at trial, from September to November of 2023, Salah traveled to four Christian churches in Arizona, California, and Colorado, wearing black backpacks. At two of those churches, Salah planted those backpacks, placing congregants in fear that they contained bombs. At the other two churches, Salah was confronted by security before he got the chance to plant those backpacks.

While Salah had been making bomb threats by planting backpacks in Christian churches, he had been building a bomb capable of fitting in a backpack. During a search of his storage unit, an FBI Bomb Technician seized items that an FBI Bomb Expert testified at trial served as component parts of an improvised explosive device (IED).

A search of Salah’s social media records revealed that he had consumed extremist propaganda online. Specifically, those records showed that Salah had searched for videos of “Infidels dying,” and he had watched videos depicting ISIS terrorists murdering people.

“This Department of Justice has no tolerance for anyone who targets religious Americans for their faith,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The perpetrator of this abhorrent hate crime against Christians will face severe punishment.”

“Planting a hoax bomb at the Roseville church was not an isolated incident or a prank for this defendant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “His actions were designed to threaten and intimidate the congregation because he disagreed with their religious beliefs. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement and the attorneys from my office and our DOJ partners in Washington D.C., our communities are safer with yesterday’s verdict. People of all religions should be able to worship freely and exercise their First Amendment rights in this country without fear of violence.”

“The Sacramento Division of the FBI is proud of our collaboration with local partners in bringing Mr. Salah to justice. His deliberate targeting of multiple places of worship and calculated efforts to spread panic were intended to terrorize people of faith and disrupt the peace of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to protecting the American people and will continue to work within the confines of the law to hold individuals accountable for acts of terrorism whether those acts are true threats or intended as hoaxes.”

Salah faces a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Salah is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18 by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Roseville (CA) Police Department, the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego Harbor Police Department, and the Arapahoe County (CO) Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Christopher Perras and Trial Attorney Sarah Howard of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Assistant United States Attorney Shea Kenny for the Eastern District of California. 

MAYOR ADAMS AND NYPD COMMISSIONER TISCH OPEN NEW FACILITY FOR NYPD WORLD TRADE CENTER COMMAND

 

126 Highly Trained Counterterrorism Officers to Call New Facility Home

Located at 27 Cliff Street, Building is Minutes from World Trade Center

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced the grand opening of the new World Trade Center (WTC) Command at 27 Cliff Street, a short distance from the sprawling 16-acre WTC Campus that the command safeguards. The WTC Command — which falls under the NYPD’s Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau — was previously located within the 1^st Precinct, at 16 Ericsson Place.

“The safety of our city is not an accident. Counterterrorism is a discipline that requires constant efforts and eternal vigilance — and this new command is a facility worthy of the team tasked with this important work,” said Mayor Adams. “None of us will ever forget the attacks of September 11, 2001. But ‘never forget’ means more than remembrance; it means that we must always stand on guard against the forces of evil and destruction, and that we will do whatever it takes to ensure that New York remains the safest big city in America.”

“This facility reflects the significance of the mission, and the unit entrusted with it,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The World Trade Center is more than a transit hub or a commercial center – it’s a symbol of resilience, and protecting it is one of the NYPD’s most critical responsibilities. This command plays a central role in that effort – and now has the space and resources to carry it out. We’re grateful to Mayor Adams and our partners at DCAS for ensuring our officers have the space and support they need to safeguard this vital site.”

As the command expanded, the NYPD’s Facility Management Division was charged with finding a new site that would meet the counterterrorism command’s programmatic needs. Working with city real estate companies, the Facility Management Division identified the vacant five-story building on Cliff Street. The NYPD’s Asset Management Team — working closely with architects and designers from the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) — managed the renovation.

The command comprises 126 members of the service, led by commanding officer, Deputy Inspector Daniel Magee, along with nine lieutenants, 16 sergeants, 100 police officers, and three civilian administrators. The officers possess a range of specialized training, including active shooter response, radiation detection, and bio-weapons awareness. While high visibility posts are a priority, plainclothes officers who blend in with crowds are also routinely dispatched.

The modern police facility features a muster room, teaming spaces, private offices, executive conference rooms, and numerous workstations, as well as locker rooms, showers, and kitchenettes. Given the command’s unique responsibilities, there is also an armory for heavy weapons and a gun-cleaning area.

Although the facilities have changed, the officers’ counterterrorism responsibilities remain the same. Day-to-day operations include high-visibility foot-posts at Memorial Plaza, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, One World Trade Center, the Oculus, Liberty Park, and the Perelman Performing Arts Center. NYPD Raptor Booth Posts — mobile elevated surveillance units — are used to screen vehicles at entry and exit points.

The command will also deploy officers throughout the five boroughs for large-scale events. The command’s responsibilities are extensive — safeguarding a campus that welcomes 2.2 million annual visitors to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, along with 300,000 daily visitors to the Oculus. The Westfield WTC boasts 365,000 square feet of retail space and the Perelman Performing Arts Center has a 1,200-seating capacity. The campus is home to 50,000 workers and countless commuters who use the 12 subway lines and the PATH train that connect underground.

The campus also hosts several annual events, including the 9/11 anniversary, the 1993 WTC bombing anniversary, the rescue and recovery effort at Ground Zero commemoration, the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk, the NYPD Memorial 5K Run, the 9/11 Memorial 5K Run/Walk, and the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb.

As it has done in the past, the NYPD’s WTC Command will continue to work in partnership with other government agencies and private entities, including the Port Authority Police Department, the New York State Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Brookfield Properties, Westfield WTC, the Durst Organization, the Downtown Alliance, and Silverstein Properties.

The project also includes an enclosed parking garage at 80 John Street that will accommodate 10 parking spaces with available electric vehicle charging.