UNSRC Chamber Music Society | Concert in Celebration of World Day for
Social Justice - in support of (In)visible Women NYC Organization at the
United Nations International School
UNSRC
Chamber Music Society Concert
in Celebration of
World Day for Social Justice in
support of (In)visible Women Organization at the
United Nations International School (UNIS)
VIRTUAL
GLOBAL LAUNCH: UNITED
NATIONS
Saturday, 20 February 2021
12pm Eastern Standard Time (New York)
Sending support to homeless women in the New York community, on World
Day for Social Justice, Saturday 20 February 2021 at 12:00pm EST, the
UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
(UNCMS) will launch a virtual concert dedicated
to helping thousand of women suffering from homelessness – through (In)visible
Women,
a non-profit organization based at the United Nations International School (UNIS).
From
job discrimination, to lack of affordable housing, for them and their
children, homeless women in unstable living conditions face many
challenges. These issues make the daily lives of homeless women in need,
immensely difficult. (In)visible women is a nonprofit,
student-led organization, committed to help in making our community a
safer, happier and healthier place for women on the streets and
transitional shelters in New York City.
Founded
in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the
United Nations’ goals and values at large - through the universal
language of music.
Opening
Messages
Bill
de Blasio, Mayor of New York City
to be delivered by
Penny
Abeywardena, New York City's Commissioner for International Affairs
Remarks
Dr. Dan Brenner
Executive Director of the United Nations International School
UN
Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Brenda
Vongova, Artistic Director
Special Guest Artist Patrick
Jee, NY Philharmonic Cellist
Music
Programme
VADIM
PETROV (1932 - 2020) Mám Tě Rád ("I Love You"), Op.76
Brenda Vongova (Piano), Amy Baskurt (Violin I), Marien Chatard (Violin
II), Abigail Elder (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass),
Sooah Jeon (Flute), Saerom Kim (Clarinet), Ben Goldscheider (Horn)
UN Department of Global Communications Recording of
Handel:
High Line Nine
Christina Maxwell, Manager
Artist Kyle Meyer, represented by Yossi Milo Gallery
Well it looks as though Mayor Bill de Blasio has finally gotten an affordable housing act through City Council - or at least according to the New York times article. And it appears to have something for everyone - and perhaps even some teeth as well, for a change. A major departure from the weak to no efforts on the part of his predecessors.
Kudos to him and the City Council for staying the course and working in behalf of all New Yorkers, not just the privileged few, or the avaricious and the greedy. It must feel strange to have a real Mayor who actually cares about his city - Prior to de Blasio that hadn't happened for more than 2 decades under the two previous incumbents - Giuliani and Bloomberg. In fact, it was the exact opposite.
Hope New Yorkers can get accustomed to the change, and appreciate it. Some people prefer abuse over respect; take kindness for weakness - others like to play dumb political rivalry games, instead of focusing on the greater good of the people of New York as a whole, whether they reside upstate or down, thus diminishing the growth and benefits across the board.
Below is a copy of the article that appeared in the March 22nd edition of the New York Times:
New York Passes Rent Rules to Blunt Gentrification
The New York City Council passed sweeping changes to the zoning code on Tuesday, compelling private developers to build low-cost rental units and handing Mayor Bill de Blasio a victory on the centerpiece of his efforts to blunt neighborhood gentrification.
The passage of the proposals capped more than two years of behind-the-scenes planning and organizing by the de Blasio administration, which developed a coalition of unions, business organizations, developers and groups representing older residents while wooing skeptical members of the Council.
In the end, the mayor’s plan, which changes zoning requirements across the city, survived opposition from community boards and building trades unions, as well as from New Yorkers concerned that the changes would encourage the very transformation of low-income areas they were meant to head off.
The vote was halted soon after it began, by a group of protesters on the balcony of the Council Chambers.
“City Council, vote no; M.I.H. has got to go,” they chanted, referring to one of the two proposals, known as mandatory inclusionary housing. As a few were guided out, others joined hands — possibly stuck together with Super Glue, Council officials said — and remained seated before being removed by police. At least two were carried away; the police said there were no arrests.
One man who was suffering from “back spasms,” according to Council officials, was taken to a nearby hospital.
The roughly 20-minute interruption did nothing to derail the voting. Each passed with at least 40 votes of the 51-member body.
Photo
Mayor Bill de Blasio was expected to hold a rally on Wednesday in Lower Manhattan.CreditHiroko Masuike/The New York Times
In the days leading up to the vote, Mr. de Blasio, a Democrat, took to the airwaves to frame the proposals as a robust attempt by city government to counter escalating rents that would leave a lasting, decades-long imprint on the city.
“Our plan mandates the creation of affordable housing,” Mr. de Blasio said on Monday. “It’s what is so powerful about it.” He is expected to hold a rally on Wednesday in Lower Manhattan.
Negotiations with the Council on the major points of the plan, which was made final last week, ensured the inclusion of units affordable to more lower-income residents — including those making 40 percent of the area median income or less — in new developments that benefit from zoning changes, a major concern in poor communities where the mayor’s plan is likely to spur development. The deal, which also includes neighborhood-specific changes to the zoning codes and the creation of housing for older adults, assured the plan’s passage on Tuesday.
City officials compared the adopted proposals to those in other cities, noting that New York’s plan went further by including mandatory creation of below-market rental units that are permanent and reach residents making well under the area median income of $86,300 for a family of four. The Council speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, called it a “landmark plan.”
Under New York’s plan, developers benefiting from rezonings for either residential growth or greater height and density are, for the first time, required to include units for those with earnings below the median income. The decision about what level of affordability to apply to a given development — between 40 percent and 80 percent of the median income — is to be determined by the local council member. The plan also provides for the creation of unitsfor those making 115 percent of the median income, provided a portion be for those earning much less. The set-asides range from 20 percent to 30 percent of all of the new units.
Though the ultimate effect on the city will most likely not be seen for years, the de Blasio administration has already identified seven areas planned for rezonings that would fall under the new rules, including East New York, Brooklyn; Bay Street on Staten Island; parts of Flushing and Long Island City in Queens; Jerome Avenue in the Bronx; and East Harlem and Inwood in Manhattan.
It may be hampered by a lack of a property tax abatement, known as 421-a, that lapsed this year and can be replaced only by the State Legislature. Mr. de Blasio’s broader housing plan, aimed at creating 80,000 new rental units below the market rate, was conceived based on the existence of the exemption. Roughly 12,000 units are expected to directly come from the new zoning mandates approved by the Council through 2024, City Hall officials have said.
“While in the absence of an overall tax abatement program its effectiveness is diminished, it’s still a valuable tool in the belt of the mayor,” John Banks, president of the Real Estate Board of New York, said.
Now that you know, what are you going to do about it? Make sure you contact your city council representative and become involved in the process in your district. Don't continue to mumble and grumble about what's not happening; get up, get out, get involved!!!
One thing about it, when they come together to celebrate you in New York City, they leave nothing to half meastures. And this was certainly the case at the 50th Anniversary of the famed Rucker Games of Harlem.
The Celebration of Rucker Pro Legends Fiftieth Anniversary was awesome. New Yorkers, and former New Yorkers, came together from all over the globe to celebrate the efforts of one lone Black man, who, in the 1940's, after returning from World War II, saw a need for Black youth to have something of meaning to be involved in, and made it happen. It eventually became known as the Rucker Tournament, or the Rucker Games, or just "the Rucker." But, whether you lived in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester - or DC, or Philly, you knew about the Rucker games.
Holcombe and Mary Rucker
The Rucker Leagues was founded, Black in the day, in the 40's by a young Black man who saw a need to help the youth in his community stay out of the streets, and began putting together basketball teams and tournaments as a means of giving them something positive to do. Than was over 70 years ago. The Rucker Tournament, and Each One Teach One evolved from his dedicated efforts. There are very few photos of Holcombe Rucker. The one below is of him and his lovely wife, Mary - taken in the early 40's. Harlem youth and adults owe him a lifetime of gratitude for his efforts.
Whether you played basketball, or just sat on the sidelines and cheered, you felt the energy and benefited from the camaraderie of being in the vicinity when the games were being played at 148th Street and Eighth Ave (also known as Frederick Douglass Boulevard).
{Now, I want you to just imagine for a moment, what it was like during this reunion, me - being a mere 5'4" tall, around guys who were 6'4" and up - some as tall as 7'1" - it was like being around a bunch of giant walking trees - the most you see are waistlines - you can actually get neck strain trying to interview these guys, let alone take pictures of them. There's a lot to take in - that's for sure - especially when they're standing, towering over you. Well, that was me for the entire week. A couple of times I felt the need to wave a flag and say "yoohoo, I'm down here - can I ask you a question?"}
But seriously, it was a pleasure and a joy to see these brothers come together and relive a major portion of their youth - talk about the legends among them, some of whom are no longer with us; some who have suffered illnesses; and some who just could not be able to return because of prior commitments, but who were as sentimental and supportive as the ones who did return.
Bob McCullough is to be commended for bringing this whole thing together. As a youth, he was part of the Rucker League. He left to play professional basketball, and then returned shortly after Rucker's untimely death at age 39 from cancer, to keep the whole thing going. He has done a fantastic job. His work must have been inspiring and contagious, because his son and a partner put together one of the most fantastic documents on the Rucker League ever - suitable for PBS, definitely award worthy, riveting, informative, inspiring, and heartwarming. You can't see that and have a dry eye; or a feel of awe, respect and gratitude for Holcombe Rucker and what he did to change so many lives of so many youth.
L-R Bob McCullough, Sr., Dr. Dick Barnett, Bobby Hunter
Highlights of the week long celebration included
Dr. Dick Barnett, formerly of the New York Knicks giving a talk and signing his book, Athlete Negro: The Awakening at the Neiman Art Gallery; he spoke of the fact that when they retired his jersey, Neiman had done a portrait of him. Barnett used to travel up to Harlem for pick up games at Rucker part, or to watch the other locals play. His philosophy, now that he is champion emeritus of the famed NY Knicks - Jersey #12 - is that it is wonderful to find that so many of the Rucker team are still active; it would be great going forward to come up with means of ensuring their financial viability once their career on the basketball courts have come to an end. This is the premise of his book, which uses a combination of allegory and constructive instructions, and a lot of humor and intrigue, to get the point across.
Dr. Richard "Dick" Barnett at the Press Conference/Reception at Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine
Though he was absent for the festivities, Walt Clyde Frazier lent the site of Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine for the kick off gathering of the Rucker League - and what a gathering that was!!
Bobby Hunter who played in the Rucker Pro Tournaments getting ready to celebrate Harlem Globetrotters 90th Anniversary in 2016
Bob McCullough, who served as host, tried to keep the decorum to one of
professionalism, but they were so overjoyed at being together, most of the
announcements went over everyone's heads.
Bob "Mack" McCullough who kept the Rucker Tournament alive (with mic) at Press Conference at Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine
Zach Husser at Press Conference and Reception at Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine
Cal Ramsay, Walter Scerbiak, Pee Wee Kirkland, Bill Willoughby, Bobby
Hunter, Sleepy Floyd, Bill Purcels, Joe Hammond, Bernard Harding,
Elnardo Webster, Santos Negron, Bob McCullough, Jr., Fred Crawford, Jr.,
Bob McCullough, Sr., Fred Crawford, Sr., Hawthorne Wingo, Kenny
Charles, Steve Burt, Artie Green, Rod Ivey, Jennifer Ivey, Carl
Campbell, Hosea Givan, Reggie Gardner,George Ball, Carl Petties, Emmett
Bryant, Bonnie Bryant, Sam Stith, Ivan Donovan, Tony Romain,Tony
Greer, Dr. Dick Barnett, Zach Husser, Darryl T. Downing, Dean Memminger, Jr. - among so many others. Those who were not physically there, but definitely not forgotten included Sonny Hill, Julius "Dr. Jay" Irving, Nate "Tiny" Archibald; and the late Dean "The Dream" Memminger, Sr.
Reception at the Harlem Hospital Pavilion
The following evening a reception was held at Harlem Hospital's auditorium, with Signature Rucker and Each One Teach One Tees being sold, along with Dick Barnett signing books, musical entertainment and great refreshments.
Darryl T. Downing Former Rucker Pro Tournament player
It was made even more memorable by the Documentary written, produced and directed by Robert McCullough, Jr. - it was a documentary worthy of an Emmy, Golden Globe and all other awards that can be attributed to the quality and volume of work he put into it. It was clearly a labor of love - and it definitely showed in the production values, intercuts between the various interviewees, the scenes - there is no way to adequately convey the magnitude of his work except to say if you haven't seen it, or if you, like myself, have seen it and want to see it again, get in touch with this brother and purchase a copy: Rucker 50th Anniversary Documentary, contact Mr. Bob McCullough, Jr. at Mccullough40@yahoo.com
Image from documentary on Rucker Tournament
I can't say enough about how fantastic this documentary was; it should be aired on BET, PBS, and shown in the schools throughout the US. In fact, I definitely think, if this is an example of Bob McCullough, Jr.'s work, this brother has a great future in film, TV, and media - hopefully he will continue to tell our story - we need so many more like him to catch the adults and our misguided youth up on our history and the contributions of those who have gone before us, as well as our contemporaries. On Saturday, August 15, a gala luncheon was held in their honor at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., State Office Building, at 125th and Malcolm X Boulevard (125th Street and 7th Ave for outsiders). Hosted by Bob McCullough, Sr., the catered event was attended by five generations of Rucker Tournament players, their spouses, children, grand children, and even great grand children! All had come together to share in the festivities and honor bestowed upon those key pro players who had become legends in their lifetimes, thus carrying forth and far exceeding the dreams Holcombe Rucker had for them. Rucker's grandson, now the principle of the school named in his grandfather's honor, was awarded a Gold Watch and a plaque - with one also being dedicated and designated for Holcombe Rucker's widow, Mary, now aged 83. Each pro ball awardee received a gold watch as well.
PEEWEE KIRKLAND WITH WIFE AND DAUGHTER
Peewee Kirkland, one of the recipients of the gold watch, brought his lovely wife of 27 years, and daughter, Princess, up to the podium. He declared that he would marry his wife all over again; and dedicated his Gold Watch to his daughter.
The Great Cal Ramsey, who received a Gold Watch for playing in the Rucker League
Former NY Knick, Cal Ramsey, after receiving his Gold Watch at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, spoke briefly:
Cal Ramsey stated, upon receiving his Gold Watch, "I'm so old now that y'all forgot that my team from the Harlem Y won the championship and I won the MVP. The team from Mt. Morris Park - me and Sach Sanders - won the championship and I won the MVP. My team in the Pro Tournament - I didn't win MVP or I don't remember it - but I do recall we had a great team: Walter ______, Freddy Crawford, Sach Sanders, Al Barton, Myself and Wilt Chamberlin. The Brooklyn team was our nemesis - they had Jackie Jackson, Connie Hawkins, The Tzar, Walt Bellamy, Bruce Brandeis. Let me tell you how durable Wilt Chamberlin was - besides being a great player, and holding all the records; did you know that he liked New York and Harlem so much that when he played with the 76'ers, he lived in Park West Village, he got up and drove every morning to practice in Philadelphia from Park West Village for a whole year, because he wanted to be in New York. He played with my team because we were both All Americans, so I got him to play in the Rucker Tournament. Then he bought a restaurant called Big Wilt's Small Paradise - y'all remember that, right? So I got Wilt to have jerseys made up; he wanted to play for us, play in Harlem and play in New York. And he did just that, and he just absolutely loved it! I want to thank these guys here - the legends - great basketball players, all! I watched all of them play - I guess I am that old (LOL) You guys did a great job, man."
Dean Memminger, who spoke in behalf of his late father, shared how he was always about the youth, education and scholarship. He related how proud he was to have played in the Rucker Tournaments.
Many of the recipients spoke of having moved as children to Harlem with their families, and having never played basketball in their lives, but were recruited by Bob McCullough, who was keeping the spirit and energy of the Rucker Tournament alive.
Sunday, August 16, Mayor Bill DiBlasio dedicated Rucker Park in Harlem at 148th and Frederick
Douglass Boulevard (8th Ave for outsiders), culminating a week-long celebration of the 50 plus years of the Rucker Tournament.
As Wingo Hawkins stated, everybody has a favorite story about playing in the Rucker Tournament; everybody has fond memories of their youthful days on the basketball court, where the parents always knew where they were and what they were doing. Rucker himself made it possible for 700 youth to get scholarships before he died of cancer at the age of 39.
Bob McCullough Sr., picked up the mantel and has continued the legend and the legacy - even starting a women's league, which likewise set sterling records, on and off the courts. Parents you have youngsters coming up would do well to get them involved in the Tournaments, as well as becoming supporters themselves. It has more than proven its value and will continue to do so for the next fifty year.
Congratulations to all the members of the Rucker League - this is truly a gift that keeps on giving, benefiting not only the players, but the communities, the families, and People of African Heritage across the Globe.
T