Get The Scoop On Fun and Empowering Events in Southeast Queens the Weekend of August 14th

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Fun and Empowering Events in Southeast Queens the Weekend of August 14th

Get The Scoop On Why Blacks Have A Cure for Sickle Cell Anemia But Few Can Access it

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

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Sickle Cell's Quiet Revolution: A Cure Exists - So Why Can't Black America Access It?

By AiSha | Digital Green Book and Kamau Austin for Southeast Queens Scoop

According to Pharmacy Times, "In a historic medical breakthrough, 21-year-old Sebastien Beauzile from Laurelton, Long Island (Queens, NYC) , has become the first New Yorker to be cured of sickle cell anemia. This life-changing transformation was made possible through Lyfgenia (in Spring 2025) , a pioneering gene therapy that corrects the genetic defect responsible for the disease. Sebastien's journey offers hope to countless others battling this debilitating condition."

Pharmacy Times also added "Sebastien's battle with sickle cell anemia began at just four months old, leading to years of excruciating pain and frequent hospitalizations. Traditional treatments provided little relief, making daily life a constant struggle. However, with the advent of Lyfgenia, a therapy that introduces healthy genes into stem cells, Sebastien's life has been transformed. He now enjoys activities previously hindered by his condition, such as working out, traveling, and pursuing his education. ​

The success of this treatment not only marks a personal victory for Sebastien but also signifies a monumental advancement in medical science. By effectively curing sickle cell anemia without the need for bone marrow transplants, Lyfgenia paves the way for new therapeutic approaches to genetic disorders. This breakthrough offers renewed hope to millions affected by similar conditions worldwide."

Sebastien and Cohen Children's Medical Center weighed in "A new birthday, a new beginning!  After living with sickle cell anemia for over two decades, Sebastien is now disease-free thanks to Lyfgenia — a groundbreaking genetic treatment.

“Growing up with sickle cell, it’s kind of been over all my life,” Sebastien said. “So now that I’m cured, I’d say it’s my new birthday because now nothing’s going to stop me.”

Sebastien was the first patient in New York to receive this life-changing therapy, and with the generous $100,000 donation from civil rights attorney Ben Crump, we will continue advancing sickle cell care for more patients. We are so happy to celebrate Sebastien’s incredible journey and the future of sickle cell treatment!

Get The Scoop On Fun and Empowering Events in Southeast Queens the Weekend of August 7th

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Fun and Empowering Events in Southeast Queens the Weekend of August 7th

Renowned Jamaican Chef
Charlotte Billings Brings
Authenic Island Cuisine to
Queens Village for 3rd Year on

August 8th 2026

 Tap Here for More Info

Tap Here To Enjoy Jamaican Food & Culture

Get The Scoop On The Renowned Jamaican Chef Bringing Authenic Island Cuisine to Queens Village

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

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Renowned Jamaican Chef
Charlotte Billings Brings
Authenic Island Cuisine to
Queens Village for 3rd Year

By The Southeast Queens Scoop

The irresistible aromas of authentic Jamaican cooking will once again fill the air in Queens Village, as renowned Jamaican chef Charlotte Billings brings her passion for traditional island cuisine to the Third Annual Nadz Bring Old Time Sinting Jamaican Nyamings on Saturday, August 8, in Queens Village.

For Billings, cooking is far more than preparing delicious meals. It is a ministry of love, resilience, and cultural pride that has taken her from the hills of Jamaica to communities across the United States, where she continues sharing the rich culinary traditions of her homeland one plate at a time.

A Journey of Faith, Perseverance, and Purpose

Charlotte Billings' story is one of determination in the face of adversity.

Growing up in Jamaica, Billings endured discouragement from those who repeatedly told her she would never succeed. Rather than allowing those voices to define her future, she chose to chart her own path. During a difficult period in her life, she discovered a passion that would transform everything—cooking.

Get The Scoop On Fun and Empowering Events in Southeast Queens July 31st - August 2nd Weekend

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Fun and Empowering Events in Southeast Queens July 31st - August 2nd Weekend

Tap In Here To Visit The Jamaica Jams Website

Get The Scoop Update From Deadly Family Shooting Tragedy That Rocked Far Rockaway

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

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Family Tragedy Ends in
Deadly Police Standoff and
House Fire in Far Rockaway

FAR ROCKAWAY, QUEENS — A heartbreaking act of family violence has left two women dead, a home destroyed by fire, and an entire Far Rockaway neighborhood searching for answers after a chaotic police standoff Saturday afternoon.

According to the NYPD, officers responded just before noon to a home on Ocean Crest Boulevard near Beach 25th Street after receiving a frantic 911 call from the suspect's wife. She reportedly told dispatchers that her husband, 33-year-old Kegan Thomas, was armed, had a history of mental illness, and repeatedly said he had "killed them."

When officers arrived, the woman told them she had heard gunshots, entered a bedroom, and saw a body lying on a bed before fleeing the house and warning police that her husband was armed with a shotgun.

"The caller states that her husband is armed and had a history of mental illness and he 'killed them, killed them,'" NYPD Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh said during a news briefing.

Police established a perimeter and requested the Emergency Service Unit (ESU), while attempting unsuccessfully to contact Thomas inside the home. As ESU officers prepared to enter the residence, a powerful explosion erupted from inside the house.

Within seconds, investigators said Thomas emerged wearing a tactical vest and carrying a shotgun.

According to police, officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon.

"Officers issued numerous verbal commands... After failing to comply with repeated commands... officers discharged their weapons," Assistant Chief McIntosh said.

Thomas was struck by police gunfire and transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition, according to authorities.

Queens Mourns a Hometown Hero: Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad Remembered for a Life of Service and Sacrifice

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Queens Mourns a Hometown Hero:
Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad Remembered
for a Life of Service and Sacrifice

By Kamau Austin | Southeast Queens Scoop

The Southeast Queens community is mourning the loss of one of its own.

According to the U.S. Army and Pentagon officials, Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, Queens, was killed during an Iranian missile and drone attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17 while serving overseas with the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, based in Germany. Military officials later confirmed her death after she was initially listed as missing following the attack.

Her death has left a profound impact not only on her family but throughout Queens, where neighbors, elected officials, veterans, and fellow service members have come together to honor the young soldier whose life was defined by courage, compassion, and service.

A Queens Daughter Who Chose to Serve

ABC7 New York reported that Rampersad was born in Trinidad and moved to the United States with her mother and sister when she was just two years old. She grew up in Ozone Park, attended P.S. 108 and Forest Hills High School, and later earned a degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College before pursuing the career she had dreamed about for years—joining the United States Army.

According to NY1, she enlisted in the Army in 2019 at age 21 after completing college, later serving assignments in Hawaii before being stationed in Germany. She re-enlisted last year, reflecting her continued commitment to military service.

Remembered as a Gentle Giant

Those who knew Sgt. Rampersad describe someone whose strength was matched only by her kindness.

NY1 reported that her mother, Carol Acevedo, described her daughter as a "gentle giant" who "stood up for those who couldn't fight for themselves" and "loved her family fiercely." Family members said she was active in church as a young girl, played the drums, excelled in track and field, and touched countless lives with her generosity and unwavering spirit.

The Guardian, citing friends and members of the military, reported that fellow soldiers remembered Rampersad as humble, selfless, and someone who always put others before herself. One friend recalled that she never sought recognition but simply wanted "to serve, protect others, and do her duty with courage and humility."

Queens Comes Together

In the days following confirmation of her death, the Ozone Park community rallied around the Rampersad family.

ABC7 New York reported that neighbors displayed American flags outside their homes and left porch lights on each evening as a tribute until Sgt. Rampersad's remains returned home. Community leaders also organized a public vigil to honor her memory and ensure her sacrifice would never be forgotten.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said the community should remember Angel not only for the way she died but for the remarkable life she lived—as a talented drummer, athlete, daughter, sister, wife, and proud American who volunteered to defend her adopted country. ABC7 also reported that Richards announced plans to pursue a permanent memorial in her honor, including the possible renaming of the street where her family lives.