The Bronx’s Andrew Freedman Home Builds Community Through an Appreciation for the Arts
“Weekend at Auntie’s” by Jessica Spence, on display as part of “The Living Room Kitchen” (Photo Credit: Natalie Nunez)
By Natalie Nunez
Nestled on the west side of the Grand Concourse between 166th St. and McClellan Street in the Bronx, the Andrew Freedman Home is a mansion-styled community center for art and free-of-cost resources in a space that once served as a retirement home. An official landmark since 1992, the building was erected in the 1920s, modeling the Italian Renaissance Palazzo fashion by a self-made millionaire, the home’s namesake.
The Andrew Freedman Home originally served as a place of retirement for the formerly wealthy, where residents could live out the twilight of their lives lavishly from 1924 to the 1970s. The rising costs eventually forced the home to close, but in 1984 the Mid-Bronx Senior Citizens Council took ownership of the property and revamped it to what it is today: a culture and community hub that benefits the community in many ways.
The Family Preservation Center was the first community initiative placed in the Andrew Freedman Home in 1995 and still serves as a community center for various resources for people of all ages. Free daycare is offered there, as well as High School Equivalency classes and testing, immigrant education programs, and after-school and summer programs for children.
“Ma y Pa” by Raelis Vasquez, on display as part of “The Living Room Kitchen” (Photo Credit: Natalie Nunez)
Aside from many other available services including a food pantry, benefits assistance, workforce development, and case management, the Andrew Freedman Home also showcases art through exhibits like “The Living Room Kitchen,” a body of work by various local artists that focuses on home life, currently on display until April 4.
Curated by Kiara Ventura, a Dominican-American Bronx native, “The Living Room Kitchen,” depicts artwork of home and family life, aptly and thoughtfully placed around what was once the living room of the Andrew Freedman Home. The exhibit welcomes viewers to a unique New York City lifestyle experience.
Navigating the artists’ psyches involves an immersive walk through the gallery. The works include paintings, photographs, and installations: intimate glimpses of living areas and the inner workings of the creators, all of whom are local artists of color. The art ties together concepts that include culture, identity, family, and spirituality in a very poignant and uplifting way, offering a sense of empowerment and recognition of the community through art.
Installation on display as part of “The Living Room Kitchen” (Photo Credit: Natalie Nunez)
One of the first exhibits was appropriately named “No Longer Empty,” for which 20 of the former bedrooms were transformed by painters, sculptors, and graffiti artists in 2012. Since then, countless artists have exhibited their work at the home and numerous pop-ups have held space as well, including the very first Bronx Fashion Week in 2014. Since then, artwork is found around every corner of the mansion.
The Andrew Freedman Home is not just a showcasing art-space, but also a place to create. There are 14 private studios reserved for an artist residency program that offers workspace in exchange for community service.
The Andrew Freedman Home. (Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org)
The “The Living Room Kitchen,” exhibit will host an interactive open conversation event on March 7, in which artists talk about their upbringing, and a closing reception called “The House Party” on April 4. These events welcome the audience to socialize with the artists and have a personal experience with the community, aside from enjoying the exhibit.
CUNY Students Protest Against Privatization of Campus and Tuition Hike
(Photo Credit: Melissa Tejada)
By Melissa Tejada
Since Dec. 2019, students from Hunter, Baruch and Brooklyn colleges have participated in a series of protests led by the Free CUNY movement denouncing the fact that campus administrators have granted campus access to outside industries, increased students' tuition and cut program budgets.
During the Starbucks at Hunter hearing on Jan. 27, 2020, CUNY students shouted: "What do we want? Freedom! When do we want it? Now! If we don't get it? Shut it down!" The demonstrations ended on Feb. 4, 2020, when campus officials outvoted Hunter fine arts students attempting to keep a space for galleries and a possible food pantry.
The protests regarding the addition of Starbucks began on Jan. 13, 2020 with a public hearing at Lehman's Center for the Performing Arts, where Hunter students gathered to condemn the addition of the Starbucks on the Hunter campus and what they characterized as the officials' abuse of power. They were followed by protests on Jan. 27 and Feb. 3.
Hailey Lam giving her testimony at the Starbucks Hearing. (Photo Credit: Melissa Tejada)
At the Starbucks hearing on Jan. 27, Hunter sociology junior Kana Tateishi directly targeted Hunter's President, Jennifer Raab, who was not present. She called Raab “a coward for hiding this from your own students…The decisions you make behind closed doors have tangible effects on our lives; your shameless apathy is revolting."
According to President Jennifer Raab, at the Jan. 13 meeting on facilities planning, Starbucks will provide a space “to be able to sit on the campus,” and the revenue from Starbucks could be used for renovations on campus as needed.
While it stood vacant from January – May of 2019, students used the Starbucks space as a pop-up community art gallery that attracted local gallery owners and collectors who attended their events in support of the Hunter community.
According to a video posted by CUNYMedia’s YouTube page, proposals for a lease with Starbucks included 1,959-square-feet on the ground floor, as well as 1,000-square-feet at Hunter’s west building on the lower level at 904 Lexington Ave. There is an initial term of 10 years and eight months, with two five-year renewal options.
The video claims the annual rent for the facilities is $411,290 for the first five years, $452,529 for the remaining time in the 10-year 8-month term. First renewal rent would be $497,781; second renewal is 95 percent of fair market value. The rent is included for the 1,959-square-foot space on the ground floor; rent for the west building location on Lexington Avenue has not yet been disclosed.
Students also opposed actions they saw as exclusionary or lacking transparency. Briana Calderón Navarro, Hunter College studio- art senior, complained: "They approve tuition increases during finals week.” Students claim that the dates were chosen strategically to decrease students' input activity while the administration made the decision for the tuition hike.
This tuition increase, which will be in effect for the academic year of 2020-2021 for all campuses, comes to $320 annually, $200 for general tuition and $120 for "health and wellness."
Despite tuition increases, Tateishi described how the campus is falling apart. "Hunter ceilings were leaking just this weekend,” she explained. “Buckets were laid out around the school to catch the leaks, entire library floors were closed off without any plans for repair. There are holes and openings in the ceilings, and open electrical wires are displayed on multiple walls around the school.” Whether or not the revenue will give priority to these renovations has not been decided.
Professor Vani Kannan at the Starbucks Hearing. (Photo Credit: Melissa Tejada)
Navarro also pointed out the lack of transparency from Hunter administrators regarding third-party companies using the CUNY campus with a YouTube video showing Hunter's gym used by Gucci for the 2019 Met Gala Afterparty. Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Emma Stone, Shawn Mendes, Tiffany Haddish, Emma Roberts, Dua Lipa and Trevor Noah were among the celebrity attendees. While students were studying for finals, preparations were being made for the party without informing the students.
A Hunter student on the video said, "I don’t think it’s cool to be hosting celebrities in our gym when we can't host students."
The meeting also addressed problems students encounter on campus when they speak up.
At a tuition hike protest on Dec. 17, 2019, Brooklyn College English and political science double-major senior Hailey Lam said, "They taunted me and handcuffed me.”
Hunter students plan to raise awareness against campus privatization through an online petition on change.org named "NO STARBUCKS AT HUNTER COLLEGE! PETITION FOR COMMUNAL SPACE FOR STUDENTS," it now has more than 900 signatures and remains active.
Lehmanites Condemn Racist Responses to Coronavirus Fears
(Photo Credit: Pixabay)
By Sally Barrilla
“Personally, I haven’t encountered any prejudice, but I have heard of some cases going around in New York City, like a taxi driver wouldn’t let an Asian lady in,” said Jayke Lim, an Asian-American Lehman computer science sophomore. “I understand the fear, but it’s not right to deny services to Asians thinking that they might have the virus.”
Increased fear of the coronavirus has sparked a number of xenophobic attacks. The New York Post reported that on Feb. 4, 2020, an Asian woman claimed she was attacked while wearing a protective mask in a subway station in Chinatown by a stranger who hit her on the head, pushed her into a wall and shouted insults.
Other Lehman students agreed that such behavior is unacceptable.
“I was in a CVS pharmacy when I overheard some people saying Chinese people are disgusting because they eat rare or strange foods. It's scary, but it doesn't have to make people hate an entire race,” said Lehman junior and English major, Marissa Morales.
“There’s no need for people attacking innocent people over the coronavirus,” said Jonathan Cruz, a Lehman biochemistry major.
(Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
The Bronx is home to less than 5 percent of New York City’s Chinese-American residents, according to the Asian American Federation. Queens houses 40 percent, Brooklyn-37 percent, and Manhattan-19.
Since its outbreak in December last year, most of those infected by the virus are in mainland China. As of Feb. 23, 2,470 people have died; 2,444 in China and 78,993 have been infected, according to CNN.
Currently, the United States has a total of 35 confirmed cases, according to National Public Radio, with seven people undergoing testing for it in New York. USA Today reported that the Center for Disease Control says the virus is “likely” to spread to the U.S. In the meantime, fears have spread much faster than the virus itself.
“I think when people hear the words ‘virus’ and ‘death toll’ they get freaked out,” said Jasmine Barber, an undeclared freshman at Lehman. “It is alarming that a lot of people are getting infected and killed within less than a month. Everyone’s best bet is to stay healthy and continuously wash their hands.”
“People have a tendency to freak out about things,” said Lehman English Professor Crystal Curry. “More people die of the flu, but perhaps it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.”
Lehman’s Director of Public Safety, Fausto Ramirez, said via email: “CUNY asks its faculty and staff to be prepared to accommodate, to the reasonable extent possible, students and employees who are affected by this outbreak. If a student feels anxious or is worried about friends and family because of the news about coronavirus, CUNY encourages them to contact Counseling and Health Services or campus Student Services.”
“There’s no need for people attacking innocent people over the coronavirus.”
NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio also warned residents to take precautions, including to immediately go to the nearest emergency room if flu-like symptoms arise and wash hands frequently.
Lim said he does not feel threatened on campus, and praised its inclusivity. “Lehman has always been supportive of all races, medical, personal, and other issues,” he said. “I’ve had friends and relatives ask me to send flu masks because there’s actually a huge shortage of flu masks in Asia right now. The fear in Asian countries is a lot higher than it is here, though.”
Lehman Library’s Design Fast-Forwards From 1980 to 2020
Lehman student receiving help at updated reference desk. (Photo Credit: Jaquira Truesdale)
By Deanna Garcia
With redesigned floors, a modernized circulation, question mark-shaped reference desks, contemporary study-group rooms, accent-furnished seating areas and everywhere outlets, the first floor of Lehman’s Leonard Lief Library officially left the ’80s after a year of rigorous renovations.
The library’s old design consisted of computers for printing and tons of towering bookshelves with the same look it had since 1980; now the study environment across the rooms has been reinforced with new equipment such as monitors for students to prepare for presentations. Changes also include a revamp of the two teaching labs in the library’s basement, Concourse Level.
“We’re very much interested in working with students in order to train them on how to navigate information,” said chief librarian Kenneth Schlesinger.
One of the new study-group rooms. (Photo Credit: Deanna Garcia)
Approximately 300 students participated in a survey conducted by the library’s Public Service Group in 2018, to help improve the premise’s environment; all inputs were used in the construction’s planning.
“Students were looking for a variety of study configurations, and I think we addressed that in a more proactive way by having the individual terminals and seats, but also having the group settings,” said Schlesinger. “We built this space for students and had them in mind primarily; we wanted to respond to their needs and support their success and research.”
The library partnered up with H2M Architects and Engineers, a professional consulting and design firm, to make this renovation possible.
“A design process and concept was needed in order to create a more vibrant environment for students which was proposed by the library staff in multiple meetings. We wanted to brighten up the space a little bit,” H2M project architect Erik Heuler told the Meridian.
Students in the gallery area taking a break from studying with snacks. (Photo Credit: Jaquira Truesdale)
This entailed replacing tall dull-looking bookshelves with shorter stands to allow more sunlight into the room, and brown-gray furniture with bright-colored models for a more lively and welcoming appearance.
The new 3-foot-tall reference desk, shaped like an iconic question mark, is now located towards the front of the library instead of the back like before. Schlesinger called the old model a “4-foot barrier” between students and service.
“We wanted to be friendly, accessible and where students would feel comfortable approaching and to make sure the encounter is equally matched,” he said about the reference desk.
“The renovation makes me excited to study in such an aesthetic area.”
Lehmanites now have plenty of space and can even enjoy individual chair pods for a more private and focused study experience. Some students, excited for the library’s new structure, expressed a higher motivation to study.
“I am a very visual person and my environment can dictate a lot for me. The renovation makes me excited to study in such an aesthetic area,” said Jenifer Calix Marin, a senior nursing major, who spends about 26 hours or more weekly at the library.
“Rather than trying to hunt for an open outlet in the library, like I used to, and trying to snack discreetly, I now enjoy having more tables and outlets in an area where I can snack simultaneously. [It] allows me to work for longer periods of time,” said biology graduate, Lamisha Shia.
Another area where groups can gather around and look at presentations on the monitors. (Photo Credit: Deanna Garcia)
New looks and comforts aside, the renovation came at some cost to student focus. Schlesinger said that students did complain about the noise as well during finals week.
“Unfortunately, it was unavoidable just in terms of the construction calendar,” he said. “We tried to schedule it early in the day for it to be less disruptive for students to work.”
This is not the end for updating the other floors of the library.
“What we’re really hoping is that we can show people the first floor and what we’ve done with it to use it as leverage to get renovation for the second and third floor so that the library is new and state-of-the-art,” said Schlesinger.
Lehman’s library will have an official grand opening on March 19.
Bronx Museum’s Alvin Baltrop Exhibit Pays Powerful Tribute to LGBT Community
Portrait of Marsha P. Johnson. (Photo: Alvin Baltrop)
By July Torres
A new exhibit at the Bronx Museum featuring photos by Alvin Baltrop captures the strength and beauty of the LGBT community in the 70’s and 80’s. Overlooked and under-appreciated until recently, Baltrop’s rare photography sheds light on gay culture, and shows his admiration for a community that was often overlooked during this time period.
Born on Dec. 11, 1948, Baltrop worked a series of jobs to make ends meet. When he joined the U.S. Navy as a medic in 1969, he began photographing sailors at leisure and managed to capture a sense of authenticity, as well as spontaneous moments at the New York City piers.
Baltrop’s exhibit is housed in a warm, spacious gallery where his photographs hang neatly against a bland, gray wall.
In his description of the exhibit, the museum’s Director of Curatorial and Education Programs, Antonio Sergio Bessa, wrote, “[Baltrop’s] photographs might strike the viewer as innocuous scenes of male bonding, but soon they reveal, by accrual, Baltrop’s erotic pursue.”
A number of pictures of nude men hang amongst pictures of vacant places and random scenery. His photographs hold a smidge of innocence, but deeper into the room, the rawness gives viewers insight into the photographer’s own desires.
Candid pictures of man sunbathing. (Photo: Alvin Baltrop)
These images make viewers experience feelings of curiosity Baltrop must have felt when taking them. It is clear when stopping to admire his photographs that he was displaying his appreciation for sexuality in the hectic environment of the 80’s.
Baltrop’s work is personal, yet he seemed like an outsider that archived his experiences with his camera as if in a diary. Whether done consciously or not, Baltrop’s photography is a form of documenting; through his lens, he recorded both his time in the Navy and at the piers in an unrehearsed way.
In spite of the nudity and innuendos, Baltrop’s photography does not come across as vulgar. The photographs are intimate and full of freedom, mostly depicting naked men who sunbathe comfortably around each other conveying peace. Nearly all of Baltrop’s photographs at the exhibit reveal skin. He seemed to appreciate the beauty of the male body, as it is a major focus in his art at the exhibition.
A photograph that stands out is the portrait of transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson, a pioneer who was at the forefront of the Stonewall Riots and gay rights movement. In the photograph, Johnson gently places her head on her hand and smiles subtly while Baltrop’s lens admires and captures her beauty. Johnson’s presence is so illustrious that it is difficult to miss this work of art in a sea of photographs.
Men sleeping. (Photo: Alvin Baltrop)
In the 1960’s, bars in NYC were not granted licenses if they served gay people; police were able to get a warrant to raid Stonewall, where they arrested 13 people. Bar patrons fought back and supporters also joined, inciting the Stonewall Riots that lasted nearly six days. Johnson and her friend, Sylvia Rivera, helped find the organization Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), which sheltered homeless and transgender youth.
Manhattan’s West Side piers became a stint for the community in the 70’s and 80’s where gay men would sunbathe, cruise, and hook up. Later, the place was riddled with drugs, prostitution, and violent crimes, but even so, Baltrop was drawn to the piers and spent a significant amount of time there with his camera.
Through his lens, Baltrop saw and captured genuine moments of vulnerability and liberation. As soon as you enter the exhibit, you feel that his photographs are a primary source for the gay culture which existed at the time. The exhibit will run from Aug. 7 to Feb. 9, 2020.
40 Years Later, Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’ Sequel is a Chilling Scare
By Kadija Doumbia
Nearly 40 years after the release of the cult classic 1980 horror film, “The Shining” (directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Jack Nicholson), its sequel, “Doctor Sleep,” does a fantastic job of balancing the “original book” story while maintaining the same eerie tone, horror sensibility and creative liberties that helped “The Shining” reach its notoriety 39 years ago.
The original film is based on the 1977 book by critically acclaimed horror fiction author, Stephen King, and has been distributed worldwide since its U.S. release; it was registered to the National Film Registry last year for its cultural influence.
In “The Shining,” Jack Torrance is a writer recovering from alcoholism, who applies for a job at the isolated Overlook Hotel and moves in with his family. At the hotel, strange occurrences cause Jack to slowly lose his sanity.
Doctor Sleep movie poster. (Photo Credit: IMDb)
“Doctor Sleep” takes place 31 years after the original movie’s premiere. The new film also adds some of its own flare, which results in an easy to watch stand-alone movie. It follows the story of Dan Torrance, Jack’s son. Dan (played by Ewan McGregor) has returned to the Overlook Hotel after surviving his father’s attempted murder in the previous film. Scarred by the incident, in adulthood, he has turned to alcohol to cope.
But his life turns around because of his friend Billy Freeman, who helps him find an apartment.
Dan later lands a job at a hospital as a hospice worker who puts people at ease when they are dying.
Dan’s alcoholism adds a relatability to the character, in the sense that facing a traumatic event, can cause an individual to turn to drugs and alcohol in order to numb the pain of living through that event. It also extends to other self-harming activities as well. The job at the hospital and getting an apartment set up the building blocks to his redemption.
The audience learns that Dan has spent years suppressing supernatural abilities called the shining, which allows him to read people’s minds and emotions. Upon meeting Abra, a young woman with similar powers, the two form a friendship over their shared abilities.
One of the most gut-punching movie scenes is the introduction of the film’s antagonists led by Rose the Hat and her subordinates, Crow Daddy and Snakebite Andi. A cult that feeds on the mysterious life force of “steam” from children, the “True Knot” seeks to extend their natural lifespan. In a shocking twist, a young boy named Bradley falls victim to the group.
Audiences could only watch in terror as his “steam” was sucked from his body by the group. The visceral depiction of the child’s on-screen death is a testament to the film’s commitment to instilling fear in its viewers.
A similar scene can be recalled in “The Shining,” when Jack’s wife, Wendy, is almost strangled by the ghost of a woman haunting the Overlook. Jack refuses to believe her and accuses her of making the story up as a product of her neurosis, a consequence of living uneasily in the abandoned property. In general, being forced to live in a neglected building with daily supernatural occurrences can make anyone feel uneasy.
In both films, Room 237 is a source of misery for the main characters. The room is also an important plot device that propels Dan and Abra forward as they try to solve the mystery behind the source of their family’s pain.
Danny Torrance looking at the infamous "REDRUM" through a mirror. (Photo Credit: IMDb
King’s uncanny ability to incorporate supernatural elements into the lives of ordinary people is why he has remained the undisputed king of horror novels. Both “Doctor Sleep” and “The
Shining” display the psychological breakdown of a parent and child who are confronted with powers and situations that they can’t hope to understand.
The introduction of Abra into the story’s mythos was also a smart choice by the filmmakers.
Audiences find themselves fully invested in her journey, as she works to uncover her roots, discovers the potential of her psychic abilities, and learns the details of her family’s history. Overall, the film more than lives up to the high expectations of book and movie fans alike, and is worth seeing by anyone who pursues a good scare.
“Netflix Killer” Has Lehmanites Excited
Disney+ includes the streaming services ESPN+ and Hulu. (Photo Credit: Business Insider)
By Nelson Fernandez
A new streaming service that’s being called the “Netflix killer” has been eagerly anticipated by a huge number of fans. A survey found that 70 percent of people were “likely” or “very likely” to drop their current streaming service in favor of Disney Plus, released nationwide on Nov. 12, 2019, according to Variety. Many Lehman students are also enthusiastic.
"Disney is making so much money out of nostalgia. I was a big Disney kid, so it's so valuable to me, being able to see the shows I grew up with," said Sharaah Aquinos, a studio art major and sophomore at Lehman who utilizes the streaming services of Disney Plus.
Danaye Branch, a Lehman junior and psychology major said, “Disney Plus seems like the best service to stream Disney classic movies and shows, along with new franchises and series.”
The new streaming service, Disney+, launched for viewers to enjoy Disney classics on Nov. 12. (Photo Credit: Digital Trends)
Accessible on a wide range of devices, Disney Plus launched on Nov. 12, 2019, with a free seven-day trial while officially billing subscribers on Nov. 19 with three subscription options; $7 for a month, $70 annually and bundle for $12.99 a month that includes Hulu and ESPN Plus.
The streaming-service television network includes every classic show known to older fans such as “Even Stevens,” “That’s So Raven,” “The Proud Family,” and even older Disney movies that aired before the Channel’s first launched on April 18, 1983, including “Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs” (1937), and “Miracle on 34 Street” (1947). All Pixar movies to date, from “Toy Story” (1995) to “Cars 3” (2017) are available as well.
Disney Plus’ interface offers a smooth content-browsing experience; films and series are sorted by categories Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.
Marvel fans will find not only some of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films like “Captain Marvel” (2019) but also classic animations, such as “X-Men” (1992) and “Spider-Woman” (1979). “Star Wars” sequels, in addition to “The Clone Wars,” and the brand-new series exclusive to Disney Plus, “The Mandalorian” (2019), are currently available. Other streaming-shows exclusive to Disney Plus include: “James Cameron’s Avatar” (2009) and 30 seasons of “The Simpsons.”
Marvel Studios announced some TV programs under development for Disney Plus as well; “The Falcon” and “The Winter Soldier” planned for 2020, and “What If…?” for 2021. These will retell part of the biggest events from the cinematic universe. Since the launch of Disney Plus, there is also a live-action remake of Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” (2019), starring Tessa Thompson as Lady, and Justin Theroux as the Tramp.
According to the Verge, Disney’s goal heading into the direct-to-consumer space is to provide general entertainment, family and sports content.
“Anyone young or old could find a timeless classic or a new show to fall in love with,” Branch said.
A few of the shows available with Disney+. (Photo Credit: ABC7 LA)
Lehman Students Call for Eco-Friendlier Campus
Lehman students designing their own eco-friendly bags in Carman Hall. (Photo Credit: Yadira Gomez)
By Yadira Gomez
About two million plastic bags are used per minute worldwide, according to “29 Plastic Pollution Facts You Must Know.” New York State, where single-use plastic bags will be banned as of March 1, 2020, currently uses 23 billion of them per year; New York City alone uses 10 billion annually, National Geographic reports. Every year, the same magazine states, nearly 700 species including birds, fish, and many other animals are killed by plastics, which also impact human health.
“When animals eat it, eventually, we eat plastic as well,” said Kimberly Gonzalez, 27, University Volunteer Student of the Church Mission of God, located in the Bronx, NY. “Plastic… is very harmful because it can’t be discomposed. Both animals and human beings consume the plastic-remains that are falling into the ocean.” Members of her church and Lehman students advocate for a more eco-friendly approach to help the environment by reducing plastic usage.
Plastic’s durability means that instead of fully discomposing, it breaks down into small particles that remain on the planet for a long time. Because of their microscopic size, these pieces are difficult to see. They not only enter animals’ digestive systems, but also go into the soil, crops and the air.
A recent study in the journal, Environmental Science and Technology, says that humans “may be consuming anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year. With added estimates of how much microplastic might be inhaled, that number is more than 74,000."
Humans are of course the ones producing plastic too. Some Lehman students suggest that biodegradable alternatives can substitute for plastic materials, as these decompose through bacteria, without harming the environment.
Students were supplied with markers and paint to create their own designs for their new bags. (Photo Credit: Yadira Gomez)
“Instead of buying plastic cups, people should substitute them with paper cups,” said Paola Rendon, 29, Lehman senior and social work major. “Plastic is good in some ways, but people are over-using it. People are not aware of how bad plastic is to the environment to the animals. Even though we use it so much, it causes harm to ourselves.”
“Reusable bags help the ecosystem; also, instead of using plastic cups, we can use thermal cups,” said Gonzalez.
The most common way for people to carry their grocery shopping is with the plastic bags they are offered at the store. Using eco-friendly reusable bags instead reduces the risk of contaminating the ocean and therefore killing the wildlife. “Reusable bags help us reduce plastic littering because they become a personal item to us,” said Jasmin Vassallo, 28, Lehman junior.
Many stores, from Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s to Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and Home Goods are now encouraging costumers to use recyclable bags instead of plastic bags by selling them for just .99 cents. Next year that shift will be imposed more broadly. According to the New York Department of Conservation, the upcoming ban on single-use plastic bags will apply to all stores in the state required to collect sales tax.
Starting in March, plastic bags will be banned throughout all of New York State. (Photo Credit: Yadira Gomez)
“When you are spending your money on a bag, it’s harder to throw it out as garbage,” said Vassallo. “It’s also fun to buy reusable bags that are cute and stylish.”
Lehman students say the campus should follow these stores’ lead with more than just bags. “There are ways our campus could reduce plastic waste, like decreasing the usage of single-use plastic containers, utensils, cups, wrappers, straws, and other items in the cafeteria,” said Samantha Di Donato, anthropology, biology, and chemistry triple major at Lehman. “It wouldn’t be too difficult or disruptive because it would just be replacing the current items with more environmentally-friendly ones.”
Adjuncts Demanded $7K or Strike… They Get $6,875 Instead
Professional Staff Congress posters at Lehman's Carman Hall faculty room doors. (Photo Credit: Deanna Garcia)
By Deanna Garcia
Two months after the Professional Staff Congress (PSC) and City University of New York (CUNY) agreed to a new contract that they promise will fulfill 30,000 full and part-time faculty and professional staff, staff and students are still asking whether the contract meets their hopes.
Some CUNY staff claim the contract is not enough.
“I think that it is about time that CUNY recognized this unpaid work and now will begin to compensate all adjuncts for it,” said Ayanna Alexander-Street, a biology professor and secretary of Lehman Chapter’s PSC. “I think we are still far from a desirable place, as far as wages go.”
Alexander-Street, who formerly worked as an adjunct at Hunter College and the Borough of Manhattan Community College for five years, continued: “We are energized by this contract and will keep working toward these goals, as well as fighting in other ways to keep CUNY affordable, ensuring that we offer enough courses each semester, improving conditions on campus and addressing the needs of students, such as housing and food insecurity.”
Lehman students also questioned the contract.
Chantel White, 18, a Lehman fine arts freshman, thought the wages were outrageous to begin with. “Why can’t they just give the professors what they deserve?” she asked. “They work hard to make sure their students are educated throughout a semester. A professor doesn’t only work during class hours, but also off-campus.”
“I hope they keep fighting for a higher pay,” said David Ortiz, 24, Spanish senior. “Adjuncts, like anyone, have every right to. They should be getting more than what they’re offered.”
Unlike other students, Kendall Jackson, 20, chemistry junior, was unaware of the unequal pay of adjuncts. “It’s upsetting to even think that some professors aren’t getting recognized for the work they do in classrooms,” he said. “These low wages hold professors from helping their students succeed in life and in their future careers.”
CUNY adjunct professors standing in front of Governor Andrew Cuomo's office building while chanting, "What's outrageous? Adjunct wages!" back in March. (Photo Credit: Deanna Garcia)
Under the old contract, part-time professors, also known as adjuncts, were only paid $3,222 per course. The new contract promises to increase these wages by more than 70 percent. The minimum for a three-credit course would be $5,500 and the maximum would equal $6,875 for a four-credit course, instead of the $7,000 that was originally demanded by PCS’s Committee of Adjuncts and Part-timers with the slogan “$7K or Strike.”
“I hope they keep fighting for a higher pay.”
According to PSC, 15,976 of 21,416 members eligible to vote participated. 2,316 of which were not in favor of the contract a few weeks later- the biggest contract ratification union-voting ever recorded.
Union leadership praised the contract. PSC President Barbara Bowen stated, “The 2017-2023 contract prioritized equity and is a testament to the unity of our membership. Everyone gains when the salary floor for the lowest paid is lifted.”
Robert Farrell, PSC Chair of the Lehman Chapter, refers to the contract as “a major breakthrough in the union’s fight for equitable adjunct wages.”
The PSC website claims the new wage will also create equity between staff and grant adjuncts more individual time with students, office hours and professional development, as well as giving department chairs research funds to support their staff.
It will create a paid family leave program modeled New York State and City programs, financially supporting graduate students who teach, expanding funds to allow access to healthcare for graduate employees.
And it includes equity raises for full-time College Laboratory Technicians, entry-level Higher Education Officer employees, Lecturers, and full-time CUNY Start and CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP) staff.
The contract between PSC and CUNY promises to increase adjunct wages by 70 percent. (Photo Credit: Deanna Garcia)
“To achieve these gains, the union was able to secure funding from the City and State to pay adjuncts for some of the currently uncompensated labor they are doing as part of their work at CUNY,” said Farrell.
While the contract now awaits approval by the CUNY Board of Trustees, Bowen wrote on the PSC website that just because there was a contract agreement does not mean that every problem was solved and the union would not stop fighting for adjuncts’ rights.
She added that the PSC has support from the CUNY Board, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio to improve CUNY’s employees and students.
“We have more work to do to ensure that our students have adequately paid faculty in the classroom who have time to devote to them,” said Farrell.
Lehmanities' Jaded in Aftermath of College Bribery Scandal
Lori Loughlin, Mossimo Giannulli and Felicity Huffman, parents involved in the infamous college admission scandal. (Photo Credit: CNN)
By Sally Barrilla
Nine months after the college admissions scandal broke, 50 parents have been charged with bribery. This includes notorious actresses, Lori Loughlin, known as the iconic Aunt Becky of “Full House” and “Fuller House,” and Felicity Huffman from “Christmas with the Kranks” and “Cake.” But while Ivy League schools Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown and Dartmouth have weathered their bad press, Lehman students remain skeptical of the system it has exposed.
“The revelation was necessary and these celebrities should certainly pay the price, but it shouldn’t be much of a surprise since poor people usually get the short end of the stick,” said 56-year-old English major Thomas Behnke. “Even though the percentage of rich people has increased with more people of color from 20 years ago, it’s completely unfair.”
“It's pathetic how Lori Loughlin [is] basically letting the world know her daughter is incapable of getting into college on her own and she’s proving that money can speak volumes more than hard work,” said Lehman senior English major, Davidia Boykins. “Other students work hard, and just because she's rich doesn't give her the right to try to make her daughter be above other students. There are parents working three jobs or more trying to put their children through school all the way to college, and she's trying to financially bombard her daughter into a college.”
The sums of the bribes reveal the steepness of U.S. income inequality. Former chief executive of PIMCO, Douglas Hodge, recently admitted giving admissions staff $500 million dollars to enroll his children in the University of Southern California, where Loughlin and spouse, fashion designer, Mossimo Giannulli, tried enrolling their daughters and lied about them joining the schools’ athletic team, according to New York Times.
Fox News reported that “Aunt Becky” faces a possible sentence of sixty years due to numerous charges that continue to rise.
Huffman, on the contrary, confessed paying to change her daughter’s Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) answers and was given only fourteen days in jail.
Some Lehman students think this scandal will cause many students of color and low income to be vulnerable to harsher college admission policies.
Some of the colleges where parents paid to admit their children. (Photo Credit: Crisis Magazine)
“Potential students can be overlooked for not having the same resources the college scandal parents had to support their children,” said English Honors student, Yenick Gonzalez.
Others disagreed. “I don’t think it creates much of an impact on students of color unless they went to those schools where that whole incident occurred,” said 28-year-old English major, Marissa Morales.
“I want to say this whole mess is outrageous, but I do believe this is an issue that has been known to people for a long time, and people just sealed their lips and turned the other cheek,” said junior, Kathryn Fornier, a studio art major with a minor in psychology. “I would like to think that this blatant exposure and public shaming of illegal and unjust activity will make waves and positively affect the lives of potential, hardworking, young students, especially those from families of color who are just trying their best to get an education and support themselves and their families.”
“Immigrant Daughter” is a Moving Tale of Family Healing and Hope
By Melissa Tejada
Book cover of Immigrant Daughter by Catherine Kapphahn. (Photo Credit: Amazon)
Published on Aug. 21, 2019, Catherine Kapphahn’s, “Immigrant Daughter: Stories You Never Told Me,” documents her powerful journey as a daughter uncovering the unknown life of her late mother, Marijana Kanjer, before the author’s birth.
Kapphahn, an English professor at Lehman, immerses readers in a cinematic experience full of emotions and intimacy by revealing and slowly assembling Marijana’s life-puzzle.
Throughout the story, Marijana strategically uses suppression to build layers of self-protection and strength that keep her traumas fresh wounds. This leaves holes in Kapphahn’s understanding of her genealogy, but eventually, she peels back the layers of her mother’s life with raw authenticity.
The memoir at first transports readers to a hunt in Oriovac, in the countryside of Croatia, where Marijana’s childhood memories lie. The engaging details and descriptions allow readers to practically bask in the landscape, while experiencing the author’s desperate hunger for truth.
The story then progresses from Marijana’s peaceful country life to wartime hardships and illness during her time dwelling in Zagreb. Kapphahn’s ability to capture this uncertain and disturbing time vividly depicts Marijana’s resilience. This part of the narrative powerfully connects with scenarios of current wars driven by extremist leaders and highlights the need to avoid repeating previous mistakes that contribute to inhumane consequences. In this context, the theme of loss stands out repeatedly throughout the memoir.
These events both show Marijana’s own struggles and represent the efforts of refugees to escape conflict in an attempt to secure their future generations. In Marijana’s case, she moves from Europe to different parts of Latin America, where she meets, falls in love with and marries Dave, the author’s father. Marijana’s personality grows stronger as she travels with Dave. The couple struggles with physical stability, but regardless of momentary distance, their love and familial devotion maintain their unity and keeps their hearts beating as one.
Through her narrative, Kapphahn also navigates her ancestral roots by connecting with family members she couldn’t meet before, which teaches the importance of lineage and how it ripples through generations and individuals’ identities. The different people Kapphahn encountered reveal how Marijana hopes for new life and the fear or excitement she felt about the future, all of which form part of immigration experiences. Through their accounts, Marijana’s character takes on multiple identities in a figurative sense.
Despite sacrifices taken to complete this memoir, Kapphahn details her own transformation through grief, and what began as a journey through loss becomes a journey to self-discovery.
Lehman Women’s Tennis Team Won More This Season
Lehman College Women's Tennis team for the 2019-2020 Season. (Photo Credit: Lehman Lightning Photo Gallery)
By Esgardo Castelan
“I’ve seen the changes by looking at my stats; I won three games last year, but this year I won eight,” said Celine Figueroa, a Lehman junior majoring in exercise science. Figueroa is one of three Lehman women’s tennis team athletes who received recognition at the close of this season for their hardworking performances.
Students Cien Estuye, a senior also majoring in exercise science, and Figueroa won the City University of New York Athlete Conference All-Star honors. Diwa Rana, a sophomore nursing major, received the Sportsmanship Team player.
Lizaveta Markouskaya and Diwa Figeroua partnering up for a Double versus Double. (Photo Credit: Lehman Lightning Photo Gallery)
Led by their efforts, the team continues to improve. This year’s season started on Aug. 30 against Yeshiva College and ended with a game against Hunter College in the CUNY Championship semi-finals on Oct. 22. The team normally faces 19 colleges in a season, five of which are CUNY. While they lost to Baruch, John Jay and Hunter College, they won against Brooklyn and York College.
Overall, the Lehman team won more games this year compared to 2018-2019’s 4-7 record. They reached a 9-7 score in the semifinals, with Estuye scoring 11-3 playing singles, and 6-5 in doubles. Figueroa for her part scored 9-7 in singles, while Rana scored 9-6 in both singles and doubles. Estuye, Figueroa, and fellow player, Lizaveta Markouskaya, all said the team's current focus lies in improving players’ mental and psychological preparation. The coach’s responsibility is to ensure team members can count on strong self-esteem to see that games are well-played and victorious.
“Our team has a sisterhood type of bond that makes me want to improve even more,” said Estuye.
Senior athletes and team leaders, Lizaveta Markouskaya and Leslie Juanico, encourage the team by teaching newcomers the basics of the game.
Coach Michal Bareket-Bloom speaking with Lizaveta Markouskaya on game strategy. (Photo Credit: Lehman Lightning Photo Gallery)
“We have a new coach this year, Michal Bareket-Bloom, who will work on bringing in more people for the team,” said Markouskaya, a 21-year-old senior biology and chemistry major. “The returning players will be in the loop so there are no surprises, which means everyone will be comfortable to move forward.”
“Coach Michal is very encouraging with each member of the team, which in return makes the players perform better; with her, it’s really about your mindset,” said Figueroa.
Baraket-Bloom praised her team’s progress. “I absolutely believe the team has improved so much more; without sounding conceited, it was the same team as last year with better records this year,” she explained.
Since the team is losing three seniors at the end of this season, Bareket-Bloom’s main task as a coach is to recruit more players for the next one. As she decides on each player’s skill level for future games and observes who works better together, she couples certain players for doubles based on their compatibility and skill level. It’s to see if a novice can play with an intermediate player, even with the lack of experience and not knowing how to use the fundamentals.
“Once the pre-season starts it’s all about seeing who will play in what position on the team and what strategy is better for the team. Players take positions ranging from one through six to know who is playing in what level; the best player will be number one and so forth,” Markouskaya told the Meridian.
“Our team has a sisterhood type of bond that makes me want to improve even more.”
Estuye explained that during practices the team will be divided in two parts. One coach will take up to two players and focus on drills, while the other half of the team works as a group to develop a bond with one another, improving the team’s overall compatibility.
“It’s the little details that count,” Estuye said. “We will execute better during games to cover each other’s weaknesses while adding more to each other’s strengths.”
Central Park Five Exoneree Preaches Reframing the System at Lehman
Yusuf Salaam poses for Media Communications student before the panel discussion. (Photo Credit: Jaquira Truesdale)
By: Jaquira Truesdale
On Nov. 21, Lehman College’s Recital Hall overflowed with Lehman students and staff eager to hear Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park Five exonerees falsely accused of raping and injuring Trishia Meili in 1989.
Sponsored by the monthly Social Justice Speaker Series, the discussion also featured New York Times columnist Jim Dwyer, but it was Salaam’s presence that caused major euphoria, especially when he invited attendees who did not find seats to sit on stage with him.
Brianna Duvivier, 19, sophomore, computer science major, was brought to tears when the floor was opened to talk to Salaam and Dwyer, and was especially appreciative of the opportunity of sitting on stage with them.
“I hear too much about issues with unity in the black community,” Duvivier explained to the Meridian. “And I’m sick and tired of the black community not really coming together until someone dies or someone gets shot.”
“It’s very surreal to meet somebody that you revere and respect so much and see them in person, it’s a humbling experience,” said Chanta Palmer, 22, senior, African American studies and political science major. She believes that there is a greater issue in the criminal justice system and there needs to be reform in reference to Netflix series, “When They See Us.”
“Just thinking about how eloquent he is and how poise, people might say ‘that is a redefinition of what a black man is’, but I really don’t believe that because black men have always been like this way. The images portrayed in the media have paint them to be something that they are not,” Palmer said.
The role of the media was a central topic of the discussion. Salaam recalled how approximately 400 articles were written about the Central Park Five that raised assumptions and stereotypes of the then teenagers.
The falsely accused teenagers received written death threats. Salaam read aloud a letter note that explicitly described how hanging Korey Wise in front of a Central Park tree while the other boys suffer naked, would make the parks safer.
Along with Korey Wise, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana and Antron McCray, Salaam served from adolescence to adulthood, until the actual offender, Matias Reyes, plead guilty in 2002. While in prison, Salaam coped by keeping his faith alive by praying and meditating. “The challenge is that how do you make sure you don’t turn into a monster, which is what they want you to turn into. How do you make sure you can keep yourself refusing to be a part of this process that turns you into a slave?” he said.
Salaam called his case “a love story between God and his people,” and thinks the criminal system of injustice is put on trial to make a miracle into reality. He also identified America’s bigger issue is having two unequal societies, and said this case is not the first nor will be the last.
Yusef welcomes Lehman students to all join him on stage and be united. (Photo Credit: Jaquira Truesdale)
“It’s a story about how people can be brought low only to rise, because the truth can never stay buried,” he said. “Once you have been run over by the spike wheels of justice, anything that comes after is wanted, needed, and accepted. But at the same time, we should’ve never had to go through that.”
Dwyer spoke about his shock in the courtroom hearing the teens’ fabricated testimonies, especially from Raymond Santana. At one point, a detective read aloud Santana’s statement, “We did altogether jointly the 40 of us or the 34 of us proceed North into the park and then turned Southwest.” Dwyer said he believed that the statement did not come from a 14-year-old boy, but had been invented by investigators.
According to CNN, there has been more than 2,000 exonerations in the United States since 1989 when DNA testing began.However it was not the same circumstance for the Central Park Five case until later on.
When the scientists came in to discuss the injuries of the victim, Dwyer was also baffled as there was no evidence of DNA or clothing at the crime scene that connected to the five teenagers. Yet even after Matias Reyes’ confession, Linda Fairstein, the lead prosecutor, stated that Reyes was the sixth man involved in the case.
Salaam told the Meridian, “I want folks to understand Linda Fairstein in her vilification of us, in her career building off our backs, she knows what she did and is trying to clean up her dirty work. The problem is, how do you consciously try to continue moving forward once you’ve been caught?”
Dwyer affirmed the potential of the media to be a force for justice. He said, “Taking the truth…and making us see a much bigger world is, I think, a way to be a force for good.”
NYC Women Break Barriers in Local Business
By Brittany Aufiero
Co-Op City resident and shareholder, Britney Moss, had dreamed of baking professionally for as long as she could remember. Her dream became a reality on March 2, 2018, when she held a grand opening for Cupcake Me!, a pop-up kiosk stand, to sell her sugary treats. Over a year later, on June 6, she celebrated the grand opening of her very own storefront location in Einstein Mall.
Once a hospitality worker, Moss took a leap of faith and began marketing her cupcakes after one of her cakes received overwhelming praise at her daughter’s first birthday party. On her website, she attributes her decision to get back in touch with her love for baking to her southern roots and her great aunt, who lived until the age of 102 and who always pushed her to pursue her passion.
With flavors ranging from standard chocolate and vanilla to orange creamsicle, lemon drop, and Oreo surprise, Moss consistently hits the mark in delivering fresh, delectable cakes and cupcakes. Customers have the option of buying baked goods in-store, or commissioning special orders in advance for pickup or delivery.
Cupcake Me! strawberry-topped cake. Photo Credit: of Britney Moss.
“Britney’s cupcakes are an original masterpiece just for your mouth,” said Lehman alumna Rhue Alice Ivy, 22, who graduated with a degree in English and philosophy. “I’ve commissioned her twice now and honestly, I won’t be going anywhere else for my birthday parties and anniversaries. Her prices are fair and her quality is worth it.”
Ivy first heard of Cupcake Me! while living in Co-Op City and continues to frequent the cupcake shop even though she no longer lives in the neighborhood.
The shop is one of a rising number of small businesses owned by women. New York state law defines a small independently-owned business as one which employs no more than 100 people. Forty-two percent of businesses nationwide are owned by women, more than there have been at any other time in history. However, the 2012 U.S. Census Bureau shows that less than a quarter of these businesses are owned by women of color.
Black-owned small businesses often struggle to compete with larger chain stores, but Moss, a black woman, has seen rare success with Cupcake Me! due to community recognition of and support for her prized recipes. Like Ivy, other long-time fans of Moss’ baked treats have become regulars. The business has five stars on Yelp, with positive reviews. Bronx residents are eager to contribute to the growth of a small business owned by a woman of color. One Yelp reviewer, Dan H. says that in addition to the great cupcakes, one of the reasons he keeps returning to Cupcake Me! Is because he wants to show his support. Many days, Moss finds herself closing shop early because she’s sold everything in stock.
Nathaly Ramos, 22, is a young Dominican American entrepreneur in Uptown Manhattan who has her own dreams of managing a small business. On Sept. 5, she launched Nat NYC, an online shop she uses to sell her personally-designed and packaged fine jewelry.
Like Moss, Ramos attributes the inspiration and drive for her business to the strong women around her. She describes, “At just seven, I would observe my mom as she would sketch out beautiful detailed drawings of apparel alongside with jewelry. The view and the finished product were so intriguing that I was determined to learn how to handcraft.”
Nat NYC faux leather-backed rhinestone Warmth earrings. (Photo Credit: Nathaly Ramos)
On average, Ramos receives two to three orders a day. While her most common orders are the core pieces available on the website, she also takes special orders and works with clients to meet their specific needs. Each and every order comes with a satin pouch and acrylic box that is laser monogrammed by hand, then gift-wrapped.
Building Nat NYC from the ground up has been no small feat. In addition to juggling the demands of a fast-growing business and working a part-time job, Ramos is continuing her studies as a first-generation college student: “I’ve been quite lucky with amazing marketing and business professors who continue to root for me,” she said.
In the future, Ramos hopes to transition from taking orders through her website to owning a chic storefront boutique.
From cupcakes to earrings, women of color throughout the city seem ready and willing to take the business world by storm. Cupcake Me!’s website captures the spirit of New York City’ssmall businesses on its Meet the Baker page, where Moss describes herself in the simplest of terms: “Britney - baker, cake artist, mother, wife, daughter and CEO.” Ramos and Moss are prime examples of how small businesses can continue to expand and gain recognition through community support.
Latin American Art Triennial Shows How Bonds Transgress Borders
An oil painting on canvas by Martin Riwnyj of Argentina, titled “EXODO.” (Photo Credit: Brittany Aufiero)
By Brittany Aufiero
The Lehman Art Gallery premiered “Progressive Transition,” a new art show that raises awareness about geographical and emotional transitions Hispanics and Latin Americans have experienced worldwide, recognizing their contributions to the history, heritage and culture of the U.S.
The exhibition brings together art by 21 artists from eight different Latin American countries, and was organized by the Bronx Hispanic Festival, Inc. as a part of New York’s Latin American Art Triennial, a series of exhibits that will be showcased in 10 galleries across New York City, including BronxArt Space, Queens College Art Center and Boricua College Art Gallery.
Each unique piece is representative of a different Latin American artist, all with their own perspectives on the transitions they and those they care about have faced. Vividly colorful, the pieces appear to come alive as one makes their way deeper through the gallery.
Gracing the entrance is “Roots and Rises,'' an installation by Dominican Republic-born artist Iliana Emilia Garcia. Traditional wood-and-wicker chairs from the Caribbean wrap elegantly around the base of the gallery’s iconic rotunda, suspended from the ceiling and interconnected by thin wire. The display is a vision of history and transcendence that acknowledges ordinary objects as powerful symbols of a shared human experience.
The use of chairs, common tools of physical support, also suggest networks of emotional support between individuals that can be crucial to anyone undergoing a major transition. “Roots and Rises” perfectly captures the sense of how, through the sacrifices of those who came before us, we can rise to even greater heights, just as the chairs rise up to the ceiling.
Garcia has also used chairs in her earlier work, such as in her installation “The Sage and the Dreamer,” featured in the 2018 exhibition “Bordering the Imaginary: Art from the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Their Diasporas,” curated by Abigail Lapin Darshati. Like “Roots and Rises,” it was site-specific and depicted chairs as a treasured cultural heirloom and source of commonality.
In another room, the wall installation “Borders” by Ezekiel Taveras makes a powerful statement about the complex relationship between Dominican Republic and Haiti. Despite sharing the former Hispaniola island, the countries have vastly different beliefs and cultures, which often clash. Taveras’ piece utilizes rope held in place by pegs to signify the contrasting worlds of the two countries, which are divided by a black painted gash.
Even as they remain separate, Taveras connects them through a metal, umbilical cord-like link between the hearts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. “Borders” is a moving installation that conveys how the strength of heart that underlies the people’s convictions in both countries is ultimately a unifying force.
The gallery’s curatorial assistant, Laura J.A. De Riggi, served as the project’s venue coordinator, working closely with Director Luis Stephenberg and Chief Curator Alexis Mendoza to curate the featured installations in Lehman’s unique art space.
De Riggi emphasized the fact that the artists’ countries of origin are explicitly printed beside their names on the wall plaques describing their pieces. “Immigrants who leave their homes and settle elsewhere experience a great shift in their lives, not unlike the shift freshman students experience when they make the transition from high school to college. It’s important for these students, especially, to see their heritage represented when they walk through the gallery,” she said.
Open to the public until Jan. 25, 2020, “Progressive Transition” is an engaging portrayal of Latin American life and cultural significance. The powerful art it showcases testifies how influential an individual’s origin can be to their future growth.
Homeland Security Might be Browsing Your Instagram
By Sumana Ali
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is creating surveillance programs that can monitor social media activity to rule out foreign threats, and the possibility has Lehman students alarmed.
“I don’t want my DMs in Homeland Security’s database. Even if they collected my information by mistake, it’s just plain invasion of privacy. We can find a better way to protect the national security,” said Alicia Rodriguez, a political science junior.
According to the Brennen Center for Justice, the DHS continues to take advantage of these platforms by rapidly collecting personal information from social media users’ profiles, which can be used to target religious and ethnic minorities with enhanced vetting and surveillance.
Though these forms of surveillance programs are not new, they are rapidly growing because of Homeland Security’s interest in social media surveillance. Since 2009 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has had an operating policy stating, “This directive applies to searches of electronic devices of all persons arriving in, departing from, or transiting through the United States.”
These programs perform mass surveillance on non-foreign nationals or frequent travelers and people living on visas.
This new initiative to ramp up surveillance could have serious consequences for the citizens being surveilled. ICE has also faced accusations of monitoring social media platforms undocumented immigrants. These surveillance programs in Homeland Security’s hands could mean unpredictable policy and operational changes that could incite more anti-immigrant practices.
ICE has also faced accusations of monitoring social media platforms undocumented immigrants. These surveillance programs in certain agencies’ hand could mean unpredictable policy and operational changes that could incite more anti-immigrant practices.
“What if Homeland Security uses this technology with bias, and people of color and minorities are targeted because of who they are?” said Quamisha Murano, a third-year theatre major at Lehman.
This appears to be happening already with regard to certain groups. Under the Trump Administration, security screenings have been stricter than any other administration. A draft report produced at the request of the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), concluded that these characteristics provided a “baseline to identify at-risk persons.” The CBP even suggested that in addition to initial screenings, these groups of people (young Muslim men) should be “continuously evaluated.”
This technology is also harmful when used out of context. An algorithm targeting people for their social media posts can be the reason why refugee status is denied to a person in need.
“Homeland security monitoring my social media is a problem unless they are getting me more modeling gigs.”
A report by the Department of State stated that DHS is surveilling and using the data to evaluate the security risks posed by foreigners and travelers. DHS and other government agencies currently working on social media surveillance justify it by saying it is in the interest of national security to surveil foreigners. However, many statically supported studies oppose this notion.
The Cato Institute stated, “The chance of an American being murdered in a terrorist attack by a refugee is about 1 in 3.86 billion per year, while the annual chance of being murdered in an attack committed by an illegal immigrant is zero.”
Khedivial Ka, a Lehman graduate student, said, “Thegovernment should asses the needs of the population, not their own interests. If it is strictly for national security, they should surveil everyone without discrimination.”
DHS collecting social media information is not only concerning because of the anti-Islamic sentiment of the administration, but the information collected at this caliber could open a door to invading the privacy of any American citizen.
Though some Americans perceive this technology as harmless because it mainly targets immigrants and foreign visa-holders, experts suggest a very high chance exists of these types of surveillance programs picking up information on unintended subjects. Most of the time this is deliberately done.
Murano said, “Social media is often how I express myself. Even though I am not posting anything wrong, I am still uneasy with someone monitoring me.”
‘The Addams Family’ Makes a Fun and Spooky Return to Theaters
‘The Addams Family’ (Photo Credit: Universal Pictures)
By Nelson Fernandez
They're creepy and they're kooky, and they’re back on the big screen. More than two decades since its last appearance in 1998, the new ‘Addams Family’ film was released on Oct. 11 that features the scary-yet-lovable gang, rendered in 3D computer animation. The animators at MGM Studios did a splendid job recreating the famous fictional family using modern animation tools, and the transitions from dark and gritty scenes to bright and colorful settings capture the comical tone of the characters as well as the film’s story.
Directed by Conrad Vernon, known for the film series ‘Shrek’ (2001-2010), and Gregory Tiernan, whose 2016 debut was ‘Sausage Party’, “The Addams Family” grossed $59.6 million in just one week. It has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Originally a comic created by cartoonist Charles Addams in 1938, it was later adapted into a black-and-white sitcom that lasted four seasons from 1964 to1999. The humorously dark family had been a nostalgic childhood memory before the announcement that a computer-animated reboot was in the works.
This history means that most of the audience who grew up with the live-action films and shows were displeased with the CG character style, as they ignore current designs resembling Charles Addams’ original vision for the family back in the 1930s. While it is understandable for older fans to criticize the animation based on previous adaptations, the comic reboot turned out surprisingly well.
Morticia and Gomez in ‘The Addams Family’ (Photo Credit: Universal Pictures)
The screenplay, written by Matt Lieberman and Pamela Pettler, tells a simple story about the family’s desire to be their creepy selves in peace. As seen in the film’s opening sequence, Gomez, voiced by Oscar Isaac and Morticia, by Charlize Theron, are attacked by pitchfork-wielding villagers during their wedding, simply for being perceived as too scary.
In search of a new life, the newlyweds drive off to live in an old haunted asylum they love. Soon after, audiences are introduced to new additions to the family: the lovable and violent children. Their daughter Wednesday is played by Chloe Grace Moretz, and son Pugsley, by Finn Wolfhard. The rest of the film makes the topic of character differences throughout the narrative, showing how people can be brought together, as opposed to torn apart.
At one point, the Addams’ prepare for “Mazurka,” a coming-of-age ceremony for young men in the family, whose traditions include performing a dance with a sword passed down to each male member in recognition of their ascension to manhood. However, Pugsley prefers explosive artillery over swords and struggles to express his true self during his turn.
Wednesday, on the other hand, finds conflict when she meets Parker (Elsie Fisher), a classmate who prompts her to begin attending junior high school. While spending time together, the new friends switch clothing styles; Wednesday decides to wear pink and a unicorn hairpin while Parker shaves her hair and dons all black, “going goth.”
Furious at her daughter’s transformation, Parker’s mother Margaux Needler, voiced by Allison Janney, commits herself to make the Addams family’s home brighter, more colorful, and “normal.”
‘The Addams Family’ (2019) may have a simple story to tell, but it teaches the moral of dealing with and accepting differences in people and their cultures, which is always an important topic to discuss. This dark comedy is entertaining, and any family would enjoy watching it together.
Lehman’s Small Business Association Helps the Bronx Grow
Clarence Stanley, Director of the Small Business Development Center’s Bronx Office at Lehman. (Photo Credit: Nyssbdc.org)
By Esgardo Castelan
“We have been operating since 2000 helping students from the ground up,” said Executive Clarence Stanley, a former veteran and Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Bronx’s office at Lehman. Through its work, 18,025 businesses have received assistance; investment records sum $167,513,506, and at least 6,066 jobs have been created. “Not many people know about us, and we have been here for almost 20 years,” Stanley said.
The SBDC assists students at about 22 campus-based centers and outreach offices across New York state, including CUNY colleges Baruch, LaGuardia, York, Staten Island and Lehman, with the main goal of teaching the fundamentals of owning and maintaining a business.
Funded by the federal government, the SBDC has also branched out to private institutions including Pace University and Stony Brook University, whose students plan to start up a business and may not know where to start.
In partnership with The Small Business Administration (SBA) that allows them to have the funding to help students, about 30 percent of Stanley’s clients are Lehman students who are brought into the program through internships. They then can modify these into businesses or companies, starting with just an idea.
“One of the greatest things that you can do if you want to open a small business will be to get comfortable with tech. In a century where the internet is taking over with everything being connected, the best thing that you can do is make sure you know the fundamentals of a computer,” Stanley said.
The Small Business Development Center logo. (Photo Credit: Nyssbdc.org)
Other services programs offered by SBDC include a loan guarantee program, which grants an amount of loan and requires only paying the difference, and the immigrant entrepreneur program that helps immigrants obtain visas to enter the United States.
Stanley shared success stories from Lehman students and others who made their idea a reality with the help of SBDC. Their stories “can inspire and encourage others to find hope in receiving aid and knowing they aren’t alone, keeping in mind that this is happening in The Bronx, which is considered the poorest borough of New York,” Stanley said.
Rafael Alverez, now president and CEO of an accounting, tax and financial services business, was born in the Dominican Republic and has resided in New York for the last 25 years. After graduating from CUNY’s City College he promoted his business through the website www.atax.com, with the goal of helping clients achieve the American dream by owning businesses.
Sandrine Valentine is another SBDC client who owns a beauty line named Sandrine Beauty. “Sandrine worked in the fragrance industry and specialized in aromatherapy as she believed therapeutic virtues of scent can heal and uplift mind, body and spirit,” said Stanley. He pointed out that the borough “has changed for the better. The unemployment in the Bronx has changed from 14 percent to 6.7 percent.”
But while the SBDC can turn business dreams into realities with their services, not many Lehman students are aware of it.
“I didn’t know there was a program like that,” said Anton Kyrylenko, a Macaulay Honors Junior.
“Wow, there is a program that can help us with our businesses?” said Raymond Burier, a Lehman junior and business administration major. “This is really useful to know since I plan on opening a business in the future. Therefore, I do believe colleges should offer business consulting.”
“The Testaments” Proves Margaret Atwood Still Has What it Takes to Enthrall Readers
“The Testaments” (Photo Credit: Penguin Books)
By Kadija Doumbia
While Margaret Atwood’s, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” remains successful both in bookstores and on screen, its sequel, “The Testaments,” also continues to gain mass critical acclaim, selling over 120,000 copies since its release two months ago. Fans of dystopias and realistic horror novels, or even casual readers will likely find this book a worthwhile read, and those who waited anxiously with high expectations of the book will not be disappointed.
In both, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “The Testaments,” handmaids and other women are second-class citizens in the Republic of Gilead, expected to bear children for the infertile wives of powerful men, in a world ravaged by toxic wastes from nuclear fallout.
Conventional styles suggest reading “The Handmaid’s Tale” first works best, but reading “The Testaments” as a stand-alone novel promises fun as well. The sequel conveys the hopelessness its protagonist Offred feels about her new world and carries a more positive tone, focusing on the promising future Agnes and Daisy represent.
“The Testaments” continues from the ending scene of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” where Offred escaped Gilead with Nick alongside a group of men posing as “The Eyes,” the states’ secret police. The plot picks up 15 years after and follows the story of two half-sisters named Daisy and Agnes who were raised in completely different worlds.
Atwood gives the sisters an agency that Offred did not have as a Handmaid; their personalities and environment gives life to the story and reveals the characters’ differing attitudes and actions. While Daisy grew up in Canada with her adoptive parents among women who benefit from human rights and privileges, such as reproductive freedom, Agnes knows no liberty living in Gilead, the same society as her birth mother.
One of the most surprising moments of the book takes place in chapter three, where readers are given an inside glimpse into the life of the mysterious Aunt Lydia.
Throughout the series, Aunt Lydia, who is responsible for disciplining and training the handmaids on childbearing duties, served as a source of terror more than an instructive figure. Her character exists to prove that women, too, are complicit in their own oppression within Gilead.
In “The Testaments,” she describes herself, “I’m a bugaboo used by the Marthas to frighten small children - if you don’t behave yourself Aunt Lydia will come and get you! I’m also a model of moral perfection to be emulated.”
Aunt Lydia is one of the most powerful women in her society, and seeing the world through her image within the novel is a fascinating experience. Her legendary status is addressed when a statue is erected in her honor, which both terrifies and flatters her.
At almost 80 years old, Margaret Atwood has demonstrated through “The Testaments” that she still has what it takes to turn fictional accounts into hot topics of the 2010s. Indeed, Atwood won her second $50,000 British pound Booker Prize for Fiction in London on Oct. 14 this year, sharing the award with Bernardine Evaristo, who released her novel “Girl, Woman, Other.”
Margaret Atwood (Photo Credit: Wikipedia )
With her latest fantasy of a dystopian world with a realistic twist on our present-day world, it’s no wonder the book has gained such traction in such a short time. “The Testaments” is an emotional rollercoaster readers won't want to miss.
Bronx Female Celebs Shine in Feminist “Goodfellas”
‘Hustlers’ Movie Poster (Photo Credit: STX Entertainment)
By: Sally Barrilla
Audiences flooded theaters to see stars Constance Wu, Keke Palmer, and well-known Bronxites Cardi B and Jennifer Lopez in “Hustlers.” The film tells the story of Ramona (Jennifer Lopez), Diamond (Cardi B), and Destiny (Constance Wu), who desire success despite being extremely poor women of color.
Though there’s a heavy stigma surrounding stripping, “Hustlers” excels at humanizing its characters and shows stripping as a good way of earning money, especially for a diverse group of responsible and driven women of color. It rapidly became a hit, earning $121 million dollars at box offices worldwide as of Oct. 11.
This plot reverses the trope of the usual male cast, portraying a bunch of workers-turned-criminals. Instead, director Lorena Scafaria’s all-female cast emphasizes that women are as capable as men.
Their rise starts amidst the 2008 recession when they decide to work together to take their money-making struggles to the next level. These women’s decision to include rich white men in their scheme to earn some extra cash through the use of drugs classifies them as modern-day “Goodfellas.”
In one powerful scene, Ramona explains to Destiny her motive behind secretly drugging wealthy men and robbing them. Her views on how the world run includes that the poor are constantly oppressed. With a glare in her eyes, she tries to justify her actions to Destiny.
She argues that the poor end up losing more money than they gain, whereas most Wall Street employees take home more of the bacon. Attempting to prove that even in a capitalist society, money is the key factor that makes the world go round, Ramona tells Destiny that it is their time to shine with more money in their pockets.
Although Destiny is hesitant to participate in the scheme, she remembers her grandmother and young child, Lily, at home. Her house is about to be foreclosed on, due to lack of payments, which will leave her grandmother on the street. Since she cannot afford proper childcare for Lily, and does not have a college degree, Destiny has difficulty getting a job. As she clearly narrates her struggles, Destiny’s desperation along with Ramona’s words justify taking any necessary action to make some money.
“The way those women helped each other is how women, in general, should be building each other up and helping one another.”
Though Diamond, played by Cardi B, does not get much time on the big screen, she takes on a role as a caring, confident, and funny companion from the Bronx who also teaches Destiny how to work the pole and make clients come back for more. As a result of her colorful vocabulary, Diamond comes off as a rude person trying to make money, but the more of Diamond audiences see, the more hilarious she becomes. Her character doesn’t hinder other girls from making money nor from showcasing their skills; rather is she a fun-loving girl who is willing to cash in a few bucks any way she can.
Cardi B and Jennifer Lopez’s roles in the film symbolize how ordinary individuals can rise above their circumstances to make something of themselves, and Lehman students overwhelmingly supported their resilience.
Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez in ‘Hustlers’ (Photo Credit: STX Entertainment)
“I wanted to see the movie since the first time it was announced, and honestly, I think it shows strong women who were trying to make it the best way they could,” said 25-year-old senior English major, Davidia Boykins. “Yes, stripping is frowned upon, but some of the women in that movie have kids, so they're just trying to provide for their kids. The way those women helped each other is how women, in general, should be building each other up and helping one another.”