New York Amsterdam News

01/02/2026

Shopping in Harlem is more than a seasonal errand. It is an experience woven with culture, creativity, and community. Harlem is a vibrant marketplace where local artisans, iconic institutions, and longtime small businesses shine.

Here are a few profiles of the many Black entrepreneurs around Harlem who are welcoming shoppers and diners into their businesses.

Here are a few profiles of the many Black entrepreneurs around Harlem who are welcoming shoppers and diners into their businesses.

01/02/2026

Save This Harlem Treasure: AmNews historic Harlem HQ into national center for the Black press & AmNews’ irreplaceable Black history archives. Donate here: https://givebutter.com/FaQWa3.

01/02/2026

BEST OF 2025: Freedom fighter Assata Olugbala Shakur (JoAnne Chesimard) died this past Thursday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2025 in Havana, Cuba, where she spent the last four decades of her life in exile. She was 78. The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement in Spanish announcing Shakur’s death from illness and advanced age.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3MXx2Cd

01/02/2026

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre is currently at City Center for its annual celebration of dance that lifts the spirits, stirs the soul and reminds us that life is beautiful, there is a new artistic director at the helm, Alicia Graf Mack.

The fourth artistic director in the history of the internationally acclaimed company, Mack will take the reins once held by Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, and Robert Battle and who, in true Ailey spirit, has co-curated this season with Associate Artistic Director Matthew Rushing.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre sails into City Center for its annual celebration of dance that lifts the spirits.

01/02/2026

Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City on Thursday, taking over one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics with a promise to transform government on behalf of the city’s striving, struggling working class.

Mamdani, a Democrat, was sworn in at a decommissioned subway station below City Hall just after midnight, placing his hand on a Quran as he took his oath as the city’s first Muslim mayor.

After working part of the night in his new office, Mamdani returned to City Hall in a taxi cab around midday Thursday for a grander public inauguration where U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, one of the mayor’s political heroes, administered the oath for a second time.

NEW YORK (AP) — Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City on Thursday, taking over one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics with a promise to transform government on behalf of the city's striving, struggling working class.

01/01/2026

OP-ED: "Disabled people are not only a core part of New York’s workforce and small-business ecosystem — we literally invented much of the modern workplace technology the city depends on."

Disability is not a liability. Disabled New Yorkers are a competitive advantage.

01/01/2026

BEST OF 2025: Last year marked 30 years since the Million Man March. On Monday, Oct. 16, 1995, more than 1 million men converged at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in a powerful demonstration of unity, responsibility, and hope for Black people — and all people. The Million Man March wasn’t just an event; it was a turning point in society; a statement not only to the United States, but to the rest of the world, suggesting that Black and Brown men would and will stand in solidarity, demanding justice, healing, and progress. Four men out of those million spoke to the AmNews, reflecting on the day and how it affected them.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3NoPd3D

01/01/2026

City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams recently sat down with the AmNews to discuss her upbringing, her historic legacy as an elected official, her legendary legislative battles, and her transition after her 2025 mayoral run.

With yher ears in City Hall wrapping up, Adrienne Adams looks back on her accomplishments, but also what's ahead.

01/01/2026

What are your plans for the New Year? Tell us in the comments!

01/01/2026

Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City just after midnight Thursday, taking the oath of office at an historic, decommissioned subway station in Manhattan.

Mamdani, a Democrat, was sworn in as the first Muslim leader of America’s biggest city, placing his hand on a Quran as he took his oath.

“This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said in a brief speech.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3KSNN0M

01/01/2026

(Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

amsterdamnews.com/kwanzaa2025