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Senator Sanders Announces NYS Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Awardees
Senator Sanders (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) is proud to announce that three young people from his district have been awarded New York State Senate Leadership Recognition Awards. This honor is bestowed upon juniors and seniors in high school for their achievements in academics, athletics, arts and community service and the great work they do to benefit their communities.
"The applications we received are from a young generation of New York's future entrepreneurs and leaders, who possess exceptional leadership qualities and the determination to make a difference in the future success of our communities," Sanders said. "I am extremely proud of their hard work and encourage them to continue to find ways that they can positively influence the lives of those living in their community and throughout the state."
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Jamaica Avenue DBA "Downtown Jamaica" Gets Major Overhaul
If you want to see the overall massive development slated for Jamaica Avenue now being called "Downtown Jamaica" you have to checkout this short video to get the sense of the full impact. Reportedly the following is a breakdown of proposed development or a synopsis:
HOTELS: 2,189 rooms in 15 properties RESIDENTIAL: 3,933 units in the pipeline RETAIL: 500,000+ SF in the pipeline
Checkout Video Of The Virtual Tour Of Downtown Jamaica Development
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The B.E.S.T. Taste & Shop Showcases Emerging Southeast Queens Businesses
Marsha Duke Awarded For
Community Work Helping Women
The B.E.S.T. Networking Group, a group dedicated to building viable businesses in Southeast Queens, is having their "Taste & Shop" live event May 12th, 2018. The Taste and Shop will showcase talented food companies and entrepreneurs from various business sectors in our area.
The Group's events are usually very well attended and supported by people in the community and are a "must attend" for businesses looking to gain more visibility in the community. The B.E.S.T. Networking Group, is lead by Marsha Duke, a tireless award winning community business advocate and real estate professional. Ms. Duke was inspired to start B.E.S.T. because she felt her professional network was limited in our area.
This was a process for her. She realized her network was small in Queens, business wise, and she wanted to expand her base of business contacts. Ms. Duke reveals her conceptual development for her networking group simply called B.E.S.T Networking Group. B.E.S.T. stands for Building Business Entrepreneurs Strong Together.
She adds “It was a bit challenging as my circle was small and all the resources I found where not in Queens. So I decided since there was not much of what I was looking for in terms of networking, I would create it.
And so I created the B.E.S.T Networking Group, in February, 2017, to meet and network with other entrepreneurs. However, in doing so I developed a passion for supporting, encouraging and promoting entrepreneurs like myself. The group started growing and benefiting not just myself but other like-minded individuals that have the same passion as I do.”
The passion for working with like-minded entrepreneurs obviously motivated Ms. Duke to really want to develop a networking group that is a win-win for the members involved in the organization. She states “My desire for support turned into my fuel to have all entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs support each other in business and to encourage our community to support each other as African Americans.”
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Dad And Daughter Launch News Blog To Help Empower Southeast Queens
By Kamau & Nzinga Austin
How often do you hear positive news on the major media about Southeast Queens? Probably not nearly enough right? The major media promotes negative, violent, and awful sensational news. Ironically the people of Southeast Queens have always and still today are doing incredible and amazing things and somebody has to showcase our ingenuity.
In mainstream media they have an adage or saying "if it bleeds it leads." They play on the fact bad news travels faster than good news. They in a sense bank off of the bad news that happens in communities (largely of Blacks and people of color) to increase viewership and sell ads.
However, this negative coverage of our communities contributes to negative stereotypes of Black, working class, and people of color. It also contributes to the break down of the sense of community because we only hear about bad things in our areas.
Neighbors aren't as friendly as they used to be. People don't know each other the way they did back in the day when I was growing up. Residents in places like Harlem, East New York, and Southeast Queens are treated too often like suspects by law enforcement. Before the controversy with Netflix, Starbucks, and Waffle House my
daughter and I saw the need to promote our community businesses for
economic development and empowerment. It just seemed obvious that when
we supported organic businesses in our community we were also investing
in our community.
This can help recycle dollars, create local
jobs, and also enhance property values because our neighborhoods would
have vibrant business sectors making them more viable and not be mired
with blighted business strips. We also believed cultural enrichment
was vital to enhancing the quality of life of our communities.
We posted over 1,000 events and articles about cultural events,
business profiles, and provocative editorial about economic development
within a year's time. Many of these postings were for free to promote
the community.
Many times we didn't even get a thank you. But we
didn't feel bad we were helping showcase the best in our community.
We'd do it for free if we could. Obviously, we can't do it forever that
way.
We're looking to grow from our 30,000 to 45,000 site visits
a month to much larger. We are quickly approaching closer to 60,000
site visits a month soon. And that is only 5% of our potential.
We are planning to get professional broadcast video equipment and branch
into doing community themed documentaries, webisodes, and video
interviews and so much more. We'll keep you posted. Thanks for your
support we could not have accomplished this without you our viewers.
Since you are here, if you appreciate the positive events, news, business profiles, job postings and coverage of economic empowerment in Southeast Queens why don't you support our efforts and donate? All donations are appreciated ($5, $10, $15, $20, +) Please make your contribution below...
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New Report Details Tourism’s Strong Impact on The Queens Economy
Report by Center for an Urban Future, Association for a Better New York, Times Square Alliance. Comments by Kamau Austin
Photo By Kamau Austin
New York City is experiencing a significant growth in the tourism sector. New York City has 62.7 million visitors a year who spend over 43 billion dollars in annual spending as of 2016.
A lot of growth of tourism is happening in Queens. Tourism is sprouting a lot of job growth and economic development in Queens. But the question remains since JFK Airport is in Southeast Queens and the area is rich in internationally popular artforms like jazz, hip hop, gospel, and the arts will our area reap similar economic rewards for it's residents like Manhattan, Northern Queens, and Brooklyn?
Below is research by the Center for an Urban Future, Association for a Better New York, Times Square Alliance on the significant growth of the tourism trade on the economy in Queens with the very provocative videos on the subject...
Nearly 15,000 Queens Residents Work at Hotels in NYC, More Than Any Other Borough
Tourists Are Responsible for 6% of All Retail Spending in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst
(May 7, 2018) A new report published by the Center for an Urban Future finds that the record increase in tourism to New York City over the past two decades has spurred thousands of jobs in Queens and benefited thousands of additional residents who work in tourism jobs elsewhere in the city. The report reveals that 14,750 Queens residents work at hotels across the city, significantly more than any other borough.
Meanwhile, the borough is now home to 3,272 accommodations jobs, up from 2,396 in 2000— an increase of 876 jobs, or 37 percent. The report, which was funded by the Association for a Better New York and Times Square Alliance, finds that the tourism boom has led to exponential job growth at the city’s cultural attractions, restaurants and bars, and retail shops.
In Queens, the number of people working at restaurants and bars increased 88 percent increase to 45,276 jobs in 2016 from 24,033 jobs in 2000. Queens has also seen a 46 percent increase in jobs at museums, parks and historical sites, from 599 in 2000 to 875 in 2016. In retail, Queens added 12,863 jobs (a 25 percent increase) since 2000.
The study also reveals that the benefits of tourism have spread to many neighborhoods across the borough. For instance, in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst, tourists are responsible for 12 percent of all spending in electronics stores and 10 percent of spending in discount stores. They are responsible for 6 percent of all retail spending in those neighborhoods, totaling more than $23 million annually.
While a growing number of tourists are visiting Queens, the report also shows that the tourism boom is also benefiting locals who work elsewhere in the city. For instance, Queens is home to more hotel workers than any other borough, an important distinction when the average worker in the accommodations sector earns $62,000 per year. Eighty-one percent of NYC residents who are employed at hotels live in the four boroughs outside Manhattan. There are 14,750 Queens residents working in the accommodations sector, significantly more than any other borough, including Brooklyn (which is home to 10,986 hotel workers), Manhattan (8,324), the Bronx (6,881), and Staten Island (1,819).
See Lonely Planet Votes Queens, NY Best Destination For Travel In US For 2015 Video
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Senator Sanders Hosts Sexual Assault Defense Training
In recognition of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) held his third annual Sexual Assault Defense Training on April 26, 2018 at the Knights of Columbus in South Ozone Park.
"Sexual assault is a serious crime that affects the physical and emotional well-being of survivors long after the attack is over,” Sanders said. “We are here today to raise awareness of this type of violence and do our part to educate as many people as we can in an effort to prevent future incidents from occurring and to encourage those who have been victimized to seek help.”
Avi Avramcheyiv, the founder of the NY Self-Defense Academy, taught Krav Maga, a military self-defense system developed in Israel and showed how to disarm an attacker wielding a knife or gun. The main targets in Krav Maga are the throat, the groin, and the knees.
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Representative Meeks’ Statement on Trump’s Withdrawal from Iran Deal
From The Office Of US Congressman Gregory Meeks
Washington, DC— Senior Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, JCOPE, and reinstatement of sanctions:
“President Trump’s reinstatement of sanctions against Iran and his withdrawal from the JCPOA sabotages a deal that is working as designed. In so doing, he has set us on a perilous course forward, endangering Americans, tarnishing the United States’ leadership role, and undermining stability in the Middle East.
“I have followed this process from the JCPOA’s inception; I have gone to great lengths to stay informed on related developments. It is clear to me that President Trump’s decision to pull out of the JCPOA is not based on any facts and is disconnected from expert input. From the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), to our world allies in the P5+1, everyone is in agreement: the JCPOA is working; everyone, now, except for the Trump Administration.
“Like so much this administration does, including reneging on the Paris agreement and the DREAM Act, his unilateral decision to withdraw from the Iran deal is based on nothing but a desire to spite and dismantle the accomplishments of President Barack Obama. This is a good deal, forged over years of multilateral diplomacy and is in the best interests of the United States, of our allies in the region, and those around the world.
“Without a back-up plan and absent any clear strategy, tearing up the JCPOA restarts and accelerates Iran’s path to nuclearization. Once again, Trump has made it clear that he does not act based on fact and the best interest of the American people.”
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Los Angeles, CA -- Music producer/songwriter and performer Teddy Riley, acknowledged as "King of New Jack Swing," who's enviable list of platinum-laced credits include Guy, the Winans, Joe (the Riley-produced "Stutter" topped both the R&B/pop charts in early 2001), Johnny Kemp, Blackstreet, Keith Sweat, Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Hi-Five, and Al B. Sure among many others is an innovator credited with creating New Jack Swing, a genre of music whose influence permeated musical categories including, contemporary R&B, Hip-Hop, Gospel, Soul and Pop since the early 80's.
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Houston, TX -- Need a safe space to heal from the daily grind? Being a person of color in corporate America can be draining. Join an intentional luxury four day get-away for professional men and women of color. The inaugural Authenticity Event (www.TheAuthenticityEvent.com) allows you to connect and be surrounded by others who look like you. Join us at the luxurious Eden Roc Resort Hotel in Miami Beach, FL. to rejuvenate, be inspired and network from June 21st through 24th, 2018.
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Nationwide -- Those are some elements that readers will experience as they dive into We Are Our Ancestors' Keepers, a Common Core State Standards (CCSS) curriculum for children K-12. Follow the journey of Melanated African royalty who have made the world a better place. Starting from Africa and spreading worldwide, our leaders range from Imhotep to Oprah.
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Los Angeles, CA -- WACO Theater Center in partnership with Nessab Products and Flybetty Entertainment, present Letters From Zora starring actress Vanessa Bell Calloway. The NAACP Theatre award-winning production explores controversial author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston. Performances will run Friday, May 11th to Sunday, May 20th at WACO Theater Center.
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Enjoy An Adult Night Of Fun At Queens Center Of The Arts
Aaron Bernard Brim, The Drummer And Members Of One Of His Jazz Performances
Enjoy the high energy and funky jazz artistry of Aaron Bernard Brim. Hang out with the koolest ladies and gents in Southeast Queens. Vibe and flow in the area's emerging place for music and culture The Queens Center Of The Arts. For more info on Adult Nights Click Here
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It’s time to start planning for summer fun and learning! York College,
CUNY Continuing and Professional Education Center is offering Summer
Camp for your (ages 7-10) and for youth (ages 11-14).
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Audition At The Highly Regarded York College Summer Jazz Program
York College offers a Summer Jazz Program for NYC public high school students. New York City public high school students are eligible for this free program. The
Summer Jazz Program lasts from July 9 to August 16, 2018, and meets on
Mondays – Thursdays, 9am to 3pm. Five or Six college credits will be
awarded upon successful completion.
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The Epsilon Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Pearls & Ivy Foundation of Queens, Inc.
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Do you have a child between the ages of 6 and 13 who’s looking to
have a ton of fun this summer? Then sign them up for the Black Spectrum
Theatre Company’s Summer Theatre Camp.
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Enjoy Mother's Day In A Great Dinner & Concert
Soul
Generation and Touch of Class are the featured performers for this
year’s Mother’s Day Dinner and Concert at the Black Spectrum Theatre.
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New Seafood Eatery Rises To The Top
By Kamau Austin
There are a number of new successful soul food restaurants opening up in Southeast Queens. You can read about some of them by checking out our restaurant section or doing a search on our site's search engine for soul food restaurants.
A new one we visited that is very good and promising is Sea Level Sea & Soul. It is a well lit seafood eatery with good customer service and fresh seafood. It is owned by Ms. Aamira Moore, a gracious and experienced restaurateur.
This new seafood place has very good reviews on Google. I have enjoyed ordering at the seafood place on two occasions. I had the fried chicken and the fried whiting and both were cooked very well and were tasty. The eatery's side dishes of collard greens and yams (two of my favorite sides) were delicious.
Sea Level Sea & Soul also sells steamed food dishes and fresh fish and vegetables. Sea Level Sea & Soul is located at 114-32 Farmers Blvd, Queens, NY 11412. Their phone number is (347) 263-8300.
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You Don't Have To Be Jamaican To Love The Reggae Taste
I've often seen Reggae Taste restaurant across the street on Merrick Blvd, from one of my favorite eating spots. I usually eat at this particular soul food spot late at night so Reggae Taste isn't usually open.
Since I never got a chance to actually eat at Reggae Taste, I always wondered what was cooking at this Caribbean eatery. The curiosity was killing me.
One day I happened to be in the area of Reggae Taste, located at 129-26 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434. I looked in and loved the ambience of the Jamaica, WI, themed restaurant. It was well lite, airy, and clean. I was pleasantly surprised and went in to take a look at the food. Wow it really was appetizing! I wasn't really hungry but the food got me really looking forward to a meal.
