Trump’s Discriminatory Comment of the Week: This Time The Republican Hits New Lows After Mocking a Disabled Reporter

Presidential pre-candidate Donald Trump made discriminatory gestures and comments against a New York Times disabled journalist earlier this week in South Carolina. “Now the poor guy, you ought to see the guy,” he said as the Republican moved his hands and arms to imitate arthrogryposis, the reporter’s condition. Such disability limits the movements of the joints.

When the scandal erupted, Trump tried to defend himself by saying that he didn’t know the reporter and his condition, and therefore he could never mock his disability.

When addressing security strategies to fight terrorism, Trump said that he knew that “Thousands of Muslims, in New Jersey, were celebrating after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.” To back up his comments, Trump cited an article written by New York Times journalist, Serge Kovaleski. However, the journalist said he doesn’t remember to have written that “thousands of people” were celebrating.

After harsh criticism, Trump denied his discriminatory attitudes; “I merely mimicked what I thought would be a flustered reporter trying to get out of a statement he made long ago,” he said. As for the reporter, he shared the article he wrote about the 9/11 attacks to show that he never wrote about thousands of Muslims celebrating after the terrorist attacks and said not to be surprised by Trump’s discriminatory comments, judging by his record.

— Gabriela Lira

NYC Pastor Visits Paris to Offer Prayers Following Attacks

Pastor Dimas and Family (courtesy of nycreligion.info)

In the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks that happened last Friday, Bronx Pastor Dimas Salaberrios and his family changed vacation plans and went to France to offer their support by praying and counseling.

The pastor was on a vacation/book tour with his wife and daughters and had planned to visit Paris that same Friday when the attacks occurred.

“We had planned to leave Berlin to visit and dine in Paris on Friday. That could have been our last supper,” Salaberrios wrote.

Instead of heading to Paris, the family went to Milan. But then Salaberrios decided, it was a true measure of discipleship to visit the hurt and wounded and comfort them during this time of tragedy. So they boarded a train and headed to France, choosing to give up sight seeing but rather visit memorial sites where the attacks happened to pray with mourners.

Salaberrios is the pastor and founder of Infinity Bible Church located in the Bronx River Housing projects in South Bronx. He is an ex gang member and dope dealer who said as a youth his dream was to build a street drug empire. He chronicles his journey from “drug boss” to pastor in his book “Street God.” Salaberrios was  also promoting the book in Europe when the attacks happened.

The pastor details his time praying with and comforting Parisians at the different memorial sites in an article titled: Grief, Panic and Love in Paris.

A Jamaican Immigrant Dream of a Restaurant

Believe or not, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill is New York city’s biggest locally owned restaurant chain. This Jamaican-owned cuisine fast food chained has 70 spots in New York city alone and there are at least 120 spots in almost dozen states. The potential of such a great place for Caribbean food started with Ephraim Hawthorne who ran 50-year-old bakery in St. Andrews, Jamaica. Then in 1989, on Gun Hill Road in Bronx, New York his son Lowell Hawthorne decided to go in the family business when he opened the first U.S restaurant. Now 26 years later, that one restaurant has blossomed into numerous restaurants that are symbol of how a Caribbean immigrant’s dream can become a reality. For it is presently the largest producer of Caribbean style baked products in the U.S. and it is deemed the leading Jamaican business in the U.S.

 

Business PREP helps Small Businesses during future Natural Disasters

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this month a new initiative titled Business PREP, a plan to help small businesses in case of future natural disasters. After Hurricane Sandy, many businesses in low-lying areas were left destroyed, taking many months, or a year to rebuild. The program has now invested $7.5 million to provide resources, assessments and micro-grants to establishments in preparation for the next big storm.

According to the New York City Business Solutions website, workshops were held earlier this months in the Rockaways and Coney Island, areas most hit by Sandy, to explain the new initiative and how businesses can benefit from these services. Later in the month and into December, workshops will be held in Red Hook, Staten Island, and Lower Manhattan.

Crain’s New York Business this week showcased a restaurant by the South Street Seaport that was affected by Sandy, and how the preparation plan will help recovery in case of another storm. I thought this was a great example of how the city is really making an effort to be more resilient to these types of disasters. Though I hope that New York City doesn’t face this type of situation any time in the near future, it is good to know that we will be more prepared with a well-organized effort by de Blasio.

`La Musica es Sentimientos’

New York is the central location for performing arts. Many musicians seek the opportunity to have their talents shine with the rest of the city.

Last semester I was honored to be on-stage as assistant camera operator with Arturo O’ Farril–legend, and composer of Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra. BCTV filmed this event in April in Brooklyn College’s very own Whitman Theater.

Brooklyn presents another well known musician, Fernando Knopf, who is  Argentinean and Israli. Knopf is a well known composer and educator who will bring his Jazz talent to East Midwood Jewish Center which is located on 1625 Ocean Avenue Brooklyn New York. Saturday November 21st Knopf will present his latest compositions from his newest album titled “La Musica es Sentimientos” translated to “Music are Feelings.”

If you’re close to the Brooklyn area and are a lover of Jazz, why not check out Fernando Knopf work. Tickets are being sold on EventBrite New York Latin Music Events page.

de Blasio Defends his Plans

Photo Courtesy of wnyc.org

Mayor de Blasio’s attempts to deal with the housing issue in the city has been widely criticized. Many communities have actively protested against his proposed rezoning plans.

In an interview on the Brian Lehrer radio show last week the Mayor said, “Gentrification is a complicated issue and a double edged sword. Of course it means something good is happening on one level and it often leads to strengthening of neighborhoods…but it also can lead to the displacement of neighborhood residents.”

Listen to the full interview on the WNYC website.

El Castillo De Jagua

Establishing authentic  Latin cuisines in the city of New York can be a bit overwhelming. Food is also a form of art that literally fills ones stomach with happiness. As they say “barriga llena, corazon contento.” Which means “full tummy, happy heart.”

As a foodie myself, one of the go-to places for good food at a very affordable price is a restaurant located in the heart of the Lower East Side. El Castillo De Jagua, located on 113 Rivington St,  provides Dominican style and common hispanic hearty meals. I am not the only one who agrees. Yelp Reviewers and New York Magazine describe their positive experience at El Castillo De Jagua.

This family owned business has mouth watering specials such as ox tail with rice and plantains, daily soups of the day and well known cuban sandwiches along others. If you are seeking the “Dominican Flag” which Dominicans consider the staple plate of the country (rice, beans, and some style of meat) check out El Castillo De Jagua. With a couple of different locations throughout the LES and Brooklyn it makes it even easier to access a must have experience.

Read more on the menu here.

 

 

El Museo Meets Latino Arts

Seeking to see sensational works of art in your city?

El Museo Del Barrio located on 1230 fifth avenue has exhibited many Latino artist since it was founded in 1970 by educator and artist Raphael Montañez Ortiz. This museums mission is to relay educational and informative exhibitions to the public that displays a history of Latino culture. Living in the melting pot of #NewYork El Museo, holds a valuable  record of many different artist.

As an individual who is strongly intrigued in the arts whether it’s dance, theater, fine arts, or music & being a native New Yorker- checking out El Museo’s latest exhibitions is a must do! One of the exhibitions that strongly stood out to me was the work of Rodriguez Calero. According to El Museo’s description the technique Calero uses is called “acrollage.” Making bright vivid patterns, Calero carefully layers and combines different colors with rice paper along other materials. This creates a unique texture to her meticulous paintings. Rodriguez Calero’s exhibition is called: Urban Martyrs and Latter Day Santos and is currently on display until December 19th.

1995 “Christ of Christians” by Rodriguez Calero 

Another must see exhibition is PRESENTE! The Young Lords in New York. The Young Lords holds a strong legacy within the Latino community. It was founded in Chicago in the year 1968 later developing a New York group in 1969. The essence of The Young Lords is people coming together of all places such as Harlem, The Bronx, and The Lower East side to improve and empower Puerto Rican communities. Interestingly enough, El Museo even includes original copies of The Young Lords own newspapers called Palante, which refers to taking a step forward. The Young Lords exhibition will be on display until December 12.

Food truck saga

Food Trucks are easily the most popular fad going around New York these days. It seems that you can’t go anywhere without finding a food truck, and no one is complaining.

The gourmet food coming from these establishments is well wroth all the hype they receive. I myself have been known to stop at a food truck after partying a little too much in New York City.

But, there is one food truck that stands above the rest, “Halal Guys” is likely the most popular food truck in the country and for good reason. They’ve been around for over 25 years and have gone international, with over 200 trucks all over the world.

Read more about it here!

Giving thanks

The Holidays shouldn’t be the reason we do kind things for those less fortunate, but sometimes it just brings out the philanthropist out in all of us.

While many athletes have their own organizations outside of the game to help give back to the community in one way or another, one NFL team has taken it upon themselves to help the less fortunate in New York City.

The New York Jets and Food Bank for New York have come together to provide a Thanksgiving feast, as Jets players will provide over 100 turkeys to over 600 people that will attend the event.

Read more about it here!