Our Time Press

08/09/2025

By Nayaba ArindeEditor-at-LargeThere are three testy months before the NYC mayoral election day, with likely voters demanding policy ideas, not platitudes, real fleshed-out agendas, not pandering affirmations.Lead candidates, such as Democratic-line Zohran Mamdani, former Democrats-turned-Independents, current Mayor Eric Adams, and former governor Andrew Cuomo, are the main focus.

With the public considering the legal issues that pursued both candidates–leading to a Cuomo conundrum and Adams’ adversity—voters are being asked to forget or forgive past not-made-it-to-trial tribulations and vote their informed choice. Curtis Sliwa supporters remind the undecided not to discount their Republican candidate, while the Mamdani-decided want to coast to November 4th, 2025, as if it were an election won.

“This NYC mayoral election is six of one, and half a dozen of the other,” a veteran Black journalist told Our Time Press. “People feel disappointed by Eric. That is the talk in the streets.

By Nayaba ArindeEditor-at-LargeThere are three testy months before the NYC mayoral election day, with likely voters demanding policy ideas, not platitudes, real

08/09/2025

“It is with profound sadness that The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and the family of Lloyd Williams, President and CEO of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Co-Founder of HARLEM WEEK, passed away peacefully overnight, surrounded by loved ones, following a private and courageous battle with cancer. He was 80 years old.

"For more than 50 years, Lloyd has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life and shape both the cultural and economic identity of not just Harlem but the city as whole."While we mourn his loss, HARLEM WEEK will continue as planned. Our theme this year is “Celebrate Our Magic,” which is fitting because Lloyd always celebrated the magic of his beloved community.

"Funeral service details will be forthcoming. Kindly keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.”-Winston Majette, Executive Director of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce

“It is with profound sadness that The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and the family of Lloyd Williams, President and CEO of The Greater Harlem Chamber of

08/09/2025

“Families, as my suddenly silenced uncle used to say, expand like ripples in a pond… Family is not only made up of your living relatives. It is elders long buried and generations yet unborn, with stories as bridges and potential portals.”

Edwidge Danticat, We’re AloneEdwidge Danticat’s book We’re Alone (Graywolf Press, 2024) is a collection of compelling stories that connect readers to the lives of those whose stories do not get told because of circumstances beyond their control. Literary inspired chapter titles such as: “Children of the Sea,” “A Rainbow in the Sky,” “By the Time You Read This,” “This is My Body,” and “Chronicles of a Death Foretold” attest to Danticat’s powerfully rendered experiences depicting the lives and struggles of people in Haiti, Maimi, and New York.

“Families, as my suddenly silenced uncle used to say, expand like ripples in a pond… Family is not only made up of your living relatives. It is elders long

08/09/2025

By Fern GillespieHarlem is always on Voza Rivers’ mind. Born and raised in the heart of Harlem, Rivers has blended his love of the arts and his managerial skill to showcase Uptown as a leader in Black culture. Whether it’s his leadership at Harlem Week, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, New Heritage Theatre or the Apollo Theatre, Rivers is acclaimed as a creative innovator.“Wherever I travel, people are asking me about Harlem,” Rivers, 82, told Our Time Press. “We inherited the reputation for being the cultural capital of Black America.” Rivers has presented Harlem productions across the United States and worldwide in Japan, South Africa, Togo, Nigeria, Cuba, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

By Fern GillespieHarlem is always on Voza Rivers’ mind. Born and raised in the heart of Harlem, Rivers has blended his love of the arts and his managerial ski

08/09/2025

African Voices’ LINEAGE features artworks of Watson Mere

Last week, African Voices magazine hosted an opening exhibition for Brooklyn artist Watson Mere and launched AV’s Summer/Fall 2025 special issue honoring the art and activism of Harry Belafonte, with Mere’s art gracing the front cover. During the afternoon of celebration, contributors including visual artist and gallery curator Gia Anansi-Shakur, shared poems and personal stories.

“We’re proud to showcase Watson Mere’s art and celebrate the legacy of actor and activist Harry Belafonte whose film Beat Street helped defined New York City as the capital of Hip Hop culture and art, said African Voices publisher Carolyn Butts.

African Voices’ LINEAGE features artworks of Watson Mere Last week, African Voices magazine hosted an opening exhibition for Brooklyn artist Watson Mere an

08/09/2025

Left-of-Center Millennial Mamdani, Conservative Gen X Adams, and Moderate Boomer Cuomo: The Generational and Policy Divide

08/09/2025

NEW YORK, NY (August 5, 2025) – Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement on the eve of the 60th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act into law.

“It has never been more crucial than now that we remain fiercely committed to defending the right to vote. Dr. King knew that the right to vote is the fundamental right from which all others flow. That truth is exactly why the VRA was the most significant civil rights legislation of the 20th Century. Sixty years after its signing, the VRA stands as one of America’s most hard-won achievements, secured through protest, sacrifice, and a movement that refused to yield.

Republican governors and legislatures like those in Texas are specifically targeting VRA-protected districts, rigging maps to lock in GOP advantage ahead of the Midterms. They fear it will be the only way that they can protect their razor-thin margin in the House.

NEW YORK, NY (August 5, 2025) – Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement on the eve of the

08/09/2025

By Pojanee FleuryOne of Brooklyn's treasures has returned. Queen Afua hosted a lavish homecoming event at Restoration Plaza, August 1-3, 2025. After years of working with celebrities, namely Laura London, in Los Angeles then expanding her health ministry in Atlanta, the Queen has returned to Brooklyn, the place where her journey began 55 years ago.

As a teenager, Queen Afua faced many health challenges. Thankfully, in her early 20s, she discovered the healing power of herbs and healthy eating, which helped her naturally strengthen her body and completely transform her life. Realizing how important this information was, she wrote her first book, Heal Thyself, to educate the community and share her story.

As she grew spiritually and became a mother, Queen Afua recognized the vital role women play in the health of their families and communities.

08/09/2025

By Pojanee FleuryEvery summer, Quincy Street between Throop and Tompkins Avenues transforms into the vibrant and much-loved Quincy Street Block Party. The event brings together neighbors, friends, and visitors for a day filled with music, food, and fun activities for all ages.

Kids enjoyed fun and games, while adults can relax and connect with neighbors on the block. The Quincy Street Block Party, a beloved summer tradition since the 1950s, brings the neighborhood together to celebrate community and unity.

Longtime resident Rismia Johnson, and current president of the First Quincy Street Block Association, spoke about carrying on the legacy of Herbert Von King, who made a lasting impact on Quincy Street and the wider Bed-Stuy community.

Thompkins Park was renamed Herbert Von King Park in 1985 to honor his remarkable contributions.

08/09/2025

By Jeffery Kazembe BattsIG: “Haitians are eating the pets, cats, and dogs,” he claimed while campaigning for a return to the White House, having previously declared Haiti to be a “sh*thole country” along with the continent of Africa. With such undeniably negative comments from the American president, many were not surprised when the Trump administration reduced the Temporary Protective Status extension to 12 months, with an expiration date of August 3, 2025.

That date has passed. Mercifully, a District Court ruling blocked his TPS termination date, extending it back to February 3, 2026. With this six-month reprieve, Haitians and all Black people, since we look alike, must prepare for what is being planned regarding people born on or descended from the first truly free republic in the Western Hemisphere.

By Jeffery Kazembe BattsIG: “Haitians are eating the pets, cats, and dogs,” he claimed while campaigning for a return to the White House, having pr

08/09/2025

By Eddie CastroFor the most part, it is safe to say the New York Yankees were one of the teams that came out as winners during last week's trade deadline. General Manager Brian Cashman has the huge task of upgrading a roster that has three major needs. One being bringing in depth and right-handed hitters to match up against opposing left-handed pitchers, acquiring relief pitchers, and possibly a starting pitcher. Before the July 31st deadline, Cashman was able to check two out of three.

The team acquired relief pitchers David Bednar, Jake Bird, and Camilo Duval. The Yankees also added some much-needed bench depth in Amed Rosario, Austin Slater, and Jose Caballero. Slater and Rosario have good numbers against left-handed pitching, and the acquisition of Caballero not only provides speed (leads the league in stolen bases with 35) but can give a rest here and there for shortstop Anthony Volpe.

With a revamped bullpen and a deeper bench, the Yankees are set up for another playoff run.

By Eddie CastroFor the most part, it is safe to say the New York Yankees were one of the teams that came out as winners during last week's trade deadline. Gener

08/01/2025

By Eddie CastroAs we go to press, the Major League Baseball trading deadline is 6 PM tonight, and with no question, the Yankees and Mets are teams to watch as far as what moves they are able to make to upgrade their respective rosters.

Both teams have dealt with issues with their respective starting rotation and bullpen, so it should be a priority for both teams to explore what players make the best fit for a strong October playoff run.

The New York Mets just got a little healthier when it comes to their pitching rotation with the returns of Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga. Although the rumors have been heating up more for them acquiring a Center Fielder, it will not be surprising for the team to add another arm.

Two names that have been linked to the Mets as far as starting pitching are Trevor Rogers (Orioles), Dylan Cease (Padres), and former National League CY Young winner Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins.

By Eddie CastroAs we go to press, the Major League Baseball trading deadline is 6 PM tonight, and with no question, the Yankees and Mets are teams to watch as f