NYPD Q-Teams (Quality of Life Teams) operate daily across both day and night shifts, rather than on a set 9-to-5 schedule. Their hours are fluid to directly address 311 complaints and community concerns like illegal e-bikes, noise, loitering, abandoned vehicles, and report outdoor drug use. However, for active drug dealing or distribution, you should contact local police precincts directly or the Special Narcotics Prosecutor

While Q-Teams handle non-emergency and quality-of-life concerns such as public drug use, encampments, and noise complaints, serious drug crimes require a specialized police response. You can report drug dealing through the following channels:

· In an Emergency: If you see an active crime in progress or violence, call 911 immediately.

· Crime Stoppers: To submit an anonymous tip about drug activity, call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS or report it via the NYC Crime Stoppers page.

· Local Precinct: Call your local police precinct directly with details about the location, individuals, and vehicles involved.

25^th Precinct
Address: 120 E 119th St, New York, NY 10035
Front Desk: (212) 860-6511
Detective Squad: (212) 860-6536

To report non-emergency quality of life issues, call 311 or use the app. To connect with a Q-Team member, call any of the numbers listed below.

- Q-Team C (Charlie)

Officer Frank Henenlotter – Frank.henenlotter@nypd.org, 917-274-9098

Officer Afdhal Azmeer – afdhal.azmeer@nypd.org , 917-513-4954

- Q-Team D (David)

Officer Nicholas Lamere – Nicholas.Lamere@nypd.org , 917-678-5217

Officer Roj Ngyangjo – roj.ngyangjo@nypd.org ,917-446-2139

Hours on duty: 10:00am – 6:30pm and 5:30pm – 2:00am

These two sectors service our blocks: C (Charlie) & D (David)

If you reside within any other sector (A or B), reach out directly to your closest stationhouse to obtain contact information of your assigned team members.

Dear Community Partners,

NYC Parks will be starting the design process for important capital projects in Marcus Garvey Park, including the reconstruction of the two playgrounds on the north side of the park along 124th Street and improvements in the vicinity of the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater. Come join us to share your ideas for these projects at our virtual Community Input Meeting on Tuesday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will take place on Microsoft Teams.

Registration is required via nyc.gov/parks/input. The link will be emailed the afternoon of the meeting to those who register in advance.

Please help us spread the word in your community so that we can have as many voices as possible.

Tuesday, June 30

6:30-8:00 p.m.

Marcus Garvey Park, Two playgrounds on 124th Street and the vicinity of the amphitheater

 Thank you,

Tapashi
Tapashi Narine
Administrator of Historic Harlem Parks
NYC Parks

Celebrate Juneteenth Across Harlem Parks

Harlem is once again coming together to celebrate Juneteenth with a week of free music, culture, family activities, films, dance, and community gatherings throughout our neighborhood.

Historic Harlem Parks invites residents and visitors to the Sixth Annual Juneteenth Festival, taking place June 13–20 in Marcus Garvey Park, Morningside Park, St. Nicholas Park, and Jackie Robinson Park. This year's celebration features gospel, jazz, soul, dance, family-friendly activities, outdoor film screenings, and performances by acclaimed artists including Mumu Fresh.

Whether you're bringing the family for children's activities, enjoying live music under the summer sky, or gathering with neighbors to celebrate freedom and resilience, there is something for everyone.

All events are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket, invite a friend, and join Harlem in honoring the history, culture, and enduring spirit of Juneteenth. For a complete schedule of events, visit NYC Parks.

Provided by:
Tapashi Narine
Administrator of Historic Harlem Parks
NYC Parks

REVISED LINK 2! “Please accept our apologies, again- the second article posted did not correct the skeptical link. Instead, we ask that you search for “Harlem One Stop” on your personal browser to find the full details regarding upcoming events.

Looking for something to do in Harlem this summer? From festivals and live music to dance performances, community celebrations, cultural experiences, family activities, and Juneteenth commemorations, Harlem continues to offer something for everyone.

A great resource for discovering what's happening throughout the community is Harlem One Stop, which features a wide variety of events taking place across Harlem and beyond.

Event information can be found at:

Special Events & Festivals – Harlem One Stop Website (search for it via any browser) - click - Special Events & Festivals.

Featured Upcoming Events

🎭 June 12–14

• KidsFest: Music, Dance & Poetry Celebration

• Community Youth Showcase

• Workshops & Creative Play

😂 June 12

• Healing Through Laughter: A Comedy Show for a Cause

  • Comedy in Harlem

💃 June 12–13

• Along the Way Dance Performance

  • Riverside Theatre

🌿 Through June 26

• East Harlem Nights

  • El Sitio Feliz Community Garden

⛪ June 13

• Vision Conference – Fall Revival Gathering

  • Abyssinian Baptist Church

📚 June 13

• Schomburg Centennial Festival 2026

  • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

🎉 June 13

• 116th Street Festival – El Barrio Cultural Celebration

🎶 June 13

• 6th Annual Juneteenth Black Music & Dance Celebration

  • Marcus Garvey Park

🎭 June 14

• PANDA Harlem Pop-Up – Après la Mort

🎤 June 15

• Sip & Bingo R&B Sing-Along

  • Native Harlem

🏳️‍🌈 June 16

• Celebrate PRIDE in Harlem

  • Ginny's Supper Club at Red Rooster

✊🏾 June 18–20

• 3rd Annual Blue, White & Juneteenth Celebration

• Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom, Culture, Community & Legacy

• Celebrate Juneteenth in Historic Seneca Village

• Juneteenth Social Bar Crawl

• 2026 Juneteenth Jubilee: West Harlem

🎾 June 21

• Sip N Serve Social Club

  • Harlem Racquet League

🎬 June 23

• Dinner & Movie Social

  • Ginjan Café

🍽️ June 24

• 2026 Taste of Harlem

  • Columbia University Manhattanville Forum

🌈 June 27

• Harlem Pride 2026

✨ July 10 – August 21

• Harlem Summer Nights Under the Arches

🌎 July 20–21

• International Conference on Diabetes and Endocrinology 2026

Harlem Continues to Shine

Whether you're a longtime resident, a newcomer, or a visitor looking to experience one of New York City's most historic and culturally rich communities, Harlem offers countless opportunities for enrichment, entertainment, education, and celebration.

From music and food to culture, history, wellness, and community engagement, Harlem continues to evolve while honoring the traditions and legacies that have made it one of the most influential neighborhoods in the world.

Stay connected with HNBA for upcoming events, community news, Harlem history, and stories that celebrate the people, places, and institutions that make Harlem extraordinary.

Harlem — a beacon of culture, inspiration, resilience, and history — continues to shine as one of New York City's greatest treasures.

Written by: Danyal Sorel
Edited by: Hallia Baker

REVISED LINK! “Please accept our apologies- the first article posted had a skeptical link. The correct link to the full list of events is listed below.”

Looking for something to do in Harlem this summer? From festivals and live music to dance performances, community celebrations, cultural experiences, family activities, and Juneteenth commemorations, Harlem continues to offer something for everyone.

A great resource for discovering what's happening throughout the community is Harlem One Stop, which features a wide variety of events taking place across Harlem and beyond.

Event information can be found at:

Special Events & Festivals – Harlem One Stop https://share.google/4vqHKPLfxC9AdJhr7

Featured Upcoming Events

🎭 June 12–14

• KidsFest: Music, Dance & Poetry Celebration

• Community Youth Showcase

• Workshops & Creative Play

😂 June 12

• Healing Through Laughter: A Comedy Show for a Cause

  • Comedy in Harlem

💃 June 12–13

• Along the Way Dance Performance

  • Riverside Theatre

🌿 Through June 26

• East Harlem Nights

  • El Sitio Feliz Community Garden

⛪ June 13

• Vision Conference – Fall Revival Gathering

  • Abyssinian Baptist Church

📚 June 13

• Schomburg Centennial Festival 2026

  • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

🎉 June 13

• 116th Street Festival – El Barrio Cultural Celebration

🎶 June 13

• 6th Annual Juneteenth Black Music & Dance Celebration

  • Marcus Garvey Park

🎭 June 14

• PANDA Harlem Pop-Up – Après la Mort

🎤 June 15

• Sip & Bingo R&B Sing-Along

  • Native Harlem

🏳️‍🌈 June 16

• Celebrate PRIDE in Harlem

  • Ginny's Supper Club at Red Rooster

✊🏾 June 18–20

• 3rd Annual Blue, White & Juneteenth Celebration

• Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom, Culture, Community & Legacy

• Celebrate Juneteenth in Historic Seneca Village

• Juneteenth Social Bar Crawl

• 2026 Juneteenth Jubilee: West Harlem

🎾 June 21

• Sip N Serve Social Club

  • Harlem Racquet League

🎬 June 23

• Dinner & Movie Social

  • Ginjan Café

🍽️ June 24

• 2026 Taste of Harlem

  • Columbia University Manhattanville Forum

🌈 June 27

• Harlem Pride 2026

✨ July 10 – August 21

• Harlem Summer Nights Under the Arches

🌎 July 20–21

• International Conference on Diabetes and Endocrinology 2026

Harlem Continues to Shine

Whether you're a longtime resident, a newcomer, or a visitor looking to experience one of New York City's most historic and culturally rich communities, Harlem offers countless opportunities for enrichment, entertainment, education, and celebration.

From music and food to culture, history, wellness, and community engagement, Harlem continues to evolve while honoring the traditions and legacies that have made it one of the most influential neighborhoods in the world.

Stay connected with HNBA for upcoming events, community news, Harlem history, and stories that celebrate the people, places, and institutions that make Harlem extraordinary.

Harlem — a beacon of culture, inspiration, resilience, and history — continues to shine as one of New York City's greatest treasures.

Written by: Danyal Sorel
Edited by: Hallia Baker

REVISED LINK! “Please accept our apologies- the first article posted had a skeptical link. The correct link to the full list of events is listed below.”

Looking for something to do in Harlem this summer? From festivals and live music to dance performances, community celebrations, cultural experiences, family activities, and Juneteenth commemorations, Harlem continues to offer something for everyone.

A great resource for discovering what's happening throughout the community is Harlem One Stop, which features a wide variety of events taking place across Harlem and beyond.

Event information can be found at:

Special Events & Festivals – Harlem One Stop https://share.google/4vqHKPLfxC9AdJhr7

Featured Upcoming Events

🎭 June 12–14

• KidsFest: Music, Dance & Poetry Celebration

• Community Youth Showcase

• Workshops & Creative Play

😂 June 12

• Healing Through Laughter: A Comedy Show for a Cause

  • Comedy in Harlem

💃 June 12–13

• Along the Way Dance Performance

  • Riverside Theatre

🌿 Through June 26

• East Harlem Nights

  • El Sitio Feliz Community Garden

⛪ June 13

• Vision Conference – Fall Revival Gathering

  • Abyssinian Baptist Church

📚 June 13

• Schomburg Centennial Festival 2026

  • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

🎉 June 13

• 116th Street Festival – El Barrio Cultural Celebration

🎶 June 13

• 6th Annual Juneteenth Black Music & Dance Celebration

  • Marcus Garvey Park

🎭 June 14

• PANDA Harlem Pop-Up – Après la Mort

🎤 June 15

• Sip & Bingo R&B Sing-Along

  • Native Harlem

🏳️‍🌈 June 16

• Celebrate PRIDE in Harlem

  • Ginny's Supper Club at Red Rooster

✊🏾 June 18–20

• 3rd Annual Blue, White & Juneteenth Celebration

• Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom, Culture, Community & Legacy

• Celebrate Juneteenth in Historic Seneca Village

• Juneteenth Social Bar Crawl

• 2026 Juneteenth Jubilee: West Harlem

🎾 June 21

• Sip N Serve Social Club

  • Harlem Racquet League

🎬 June 23

• Dinner & Movie Social

  • Ginjan Café

🍽️ June 24

• 2026 Taste of Harlem

  • Columbia University Manhattanville Forum

🌈 June 27

• Harlem Pride 2026

✨ July 10 – August 21

• Harlem Summer Nights Under the Arches

🌎 July 20–21

• International Conference on Diabetes and Endocrinology 2026

Harlem Continues to Shine

Whether you're a longtime resident, a newcomer, or a visitor looking to experience one of New York City's most historic and culturally rich communities, Harlem offers countless opportunities for enrichment, entertainment, education, and celebration.

From music and food to culture, history, wellness, and community engagement, Harlem continues to evolve while honoring the traditions and legacies that have made it one of the most influential neighborhoods in the world.

Stay connected with HNBA for upcoming events, community news, Harlem history, and stories that celebrate the people, places, and institutions that make Harlem extraordinary.

Harlem — a beacon of culture, inspiration, resilience, and history — continues to shine as one of New York City's greatest treasures.

Written by: Danyal Sorel
Edited by: Hallia Baker

Celebrating 45 Years of Stewardship Since 1981

Community Conversation:

Assembly District 68 Candidate - William Smith

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Please join MMPCIA on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom for an informal community conversation with William Smith, a candidate for the New York State Assembly's 68th District. {See Note Re: Redistricting Below}.

This conversation will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about Mr. Smith's background, experience, priorities, and vision for the district, and to ask questions about issues affecting our neighborhood.

MMPCIA is a nonpartisan community organization and does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. We encourage community members to attend, ask questions, and participate in this civic conversation. This event is being offered for educational and informational purposes to help residents become informed voters. MMPCIA welcomes engagement opportunities with all candidates seeking to represent our community.

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88342096502?pwd=lOcHIJRDLryR8Cfg3jnbJ07fUaQQNK.1

 Meeting ID: 883 4209 6502

Passcode: 474765

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,88342096502#,,,,*474765# US (New York)

+16469313860,,88342096502#,,,,*474765# US

Redistricting Note:

Following recent redistricting, a portion of the Mount Morris Park Historic District is now included in the 68th Assembly District, including the area generally bounded by the south side of West 124th Street, the north side of West 120th Street, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Mount Morris Park West, as well as portions of East Harlem. While this represents a small section of the MMPCIA catchment area, it is an important part of our community.

Sincerely,

MMPCIA Executive Committee

Harlem continues to show the world that when it comes to food, culture, and community, it brings a flavor all its own.

Recently, The New York Times recognized Harlem as one of the “standout neighborhoods for the best restaurants in New York City,” placing it alongside well-known food destinations including Chinatown, Elmhurst, the East Village, and South Brooklyn. The Times also described Harlem as a place that “contains multitudes,” highlighting the richness, diversity, and depth that continues to define the neighborhood’s food scene.
(https://www.harlemworldmagazine.com/harlem-lands-on-new-york-times-list-of-nycs-best-food-neighborhoods/)

And honestly, anybody who knows Harlem already knows the food here is serious.

From Hamilton Heights to East Harlem, the community continues serving up dishes rooted in culture, tradition, creativity, and straight-up comfort.

Cocina Consuelo, led by Dominican-born Chef Karina Garcia, has been drawing attention for its cozy atmosphere and flavorful Mexican cuisine infused with Black Latina influence and perspective. The spot carries warmth, personality, and food made with heart.

Over in East Harlem, Accra Express continues bringing bold West African flavor to the neighborhood with rich Ghanaian soups, stews, and vibrant jollof rice that keeps people coming back.

Then there’s Tamales Lupita, carrying the spirit of the classic New York food cart experience with flavorful tamales that are simple, authentic, and full of flavor.

And of course, Taco Mix continues to satisfy Harlem appetites with spicy marinated pork, sweet pineapple, and the kind of tacos that speak for themselves.

What makes Harlem special is that eating here never feels like just eating. The restaurants, the people, the music, the conversations, the culture — it all blends together into an experience. Harlem’s food scene reflects the many communities, histories, and influences that continue to shape the neighborhood every single day.

Harlem doesn’t just serve food. Harlem serves energy, creativity, history, and connection.

Further reading can be found at:

• https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/10/dining/best-nyc-restaurant-neighborhoods.html

• https://www.thecuriousuptowner.com/post/harlem-is-named-as-one-of-the-standout-neighborhoods-for-the-best-restaurants-by-the-new-york-time

• https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/dining/best-nyc-restaurants.html

Written by: Danyal Sorel
Edited by: HNBA

Our neighborhood is facing ongoing challenges with drug activity, public drug use, and quality-of-life concerns affecting our blocks, families, seniors, and businesses. The NYPD 25th Precinct needs to hear directly from the community about what is happening in East Harlem.

This is our opportunity to speak up, be heard, and demand action.

📍 Attend the 25th Precinct Community Meeting
🗓 Wednesday, May 20, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 120 East 119th Street
(Between Park & Lexington Avenue)

Let’s make it loud and clear:
What is happening in our community is NOT acceptable.

Even if you cannot attend, your voice still matters:

📞 NYPD Drug Sales Hotline (Anonymous): 646-610-6610
📞 Call 311 Anonymously
📞 25th Precinct Community Affairs: 212-860-8511
📞 Crime Prevention Unit: 212-860-6519

Change starts when the community shows up together. East Harlem deserves safe, clean, and respected streets.

If you live in this historic location, Mount Morris Park, Harlem, NY, sign up to sell from your stoop! If not, plan to attend the May 17th Stoop sale and enjoy browsing and purchasing wonderful items. See the flyer for details about participating.

Please join us Wednesday, May 13^th, 7:00pm at The Salvation Army, 2306 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, NYC.

Guest speakers will be:

Theo Harris, NY Democratic Lawyers Council

_{Considering the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the Voting Rights Act and the potential for increased voter suppression this election cycle, it is imperative that we achieve a historic voter turnout this Fall.  Theo will share insights and also speak about voter protection workshops to educate and encourage voters to create a concrete plan to vote.}

Marco Shalma, Founder & CEO, We Are Here, Harlem Summer Nights 2026

Marco will share with us the long-term focus for this year’s Harlem Summer Nights - a seven-week Friday night cultural residency built by the team behind the Uptown Night Market. From July 10 through August 21. This is an opportunity to learn about the residency model, economic impact, and community framework and explore how we can work together.

We anticipate an engaging meeting and hope to see you there!

Harlem continues to be a place where culture, music, and community converge. From April 25 through May 2, 2026, the New York Philharmonic is presenting a Music and Wellness Series, available to the public free of charge, offering an experience that blends artistic expression with community well-being.

https://www.harlemonestop.com/event/34604/new-york-philharmonic-partners-with-harlem-to-host-free-music-and-wellness-series-at-abyssinian-baptist-church

Abyssinian Baptist Church (123 West 138th Street, New York, NY) will host two featured installations as part of the series:

• Love and Kindness – April 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM

• Deep Listening – May 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM

These experiences are designed to bring together music and mindfulness, creating space for reflection, connection, and intentional wellness within the community.

Events such as these go beyond entertainment — they serve to uplift and unify communities, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing wellness in everyday life. Harlem, rich in cultural legacy, continues to provide opportunities where residents and visitors alike can gather with purpose and experience the transformative power of music.

Mindfulness and wellness remain essential components of a thriving society, and through initiatives like this, the Harlem community is offered a meaningful space to pause, reflect, and engage.

Seating for the series is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in instrument “try-out” sessions led by New York Philharmonic Teaching Artists — further enhancing engagement and accessibility.

Additional programming will include the New York Philharmonic at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY), scheduled for May 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM, extending this unique cultural experience beyond Harlem while remaining deeply connected to the surrounding community.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXFQYhiEvoP/?igsh=MWloejdiZWIyOHdleQ==

Written by:

 Danyal Sorel 

The 2026 Spring Job and Internship Fair, hosted by The City College of New York (CCNY) on March 12, welcomed 761 students who engaged with 56 organizations, according to CCNY’s Career and Professional Development Institute (CPDI).

Harlem continues to bring excellent employment resources to the community, particularly during a time when economic shifts are impacting individuals in different ways — creating both challenges and opportunities across today’s job market. Events such as CCNY’s Job and Internship Fair provide those in attendance with access to meaningful resources that support advancement in both career and academia.

In reflecting on the current employment landscape, CPDI Senior Associate Director Rhea Faniel noted, “AI and the economy have changed employer recruiting practices, affecting the attendance of businesses this year.”(https://harlemview.com/city-college/2026/04/job-fair-gives-insight-into-tough-job-market/)

The event was promoted through CPDI via electronic communication, social media, and the Career Connections portal — ensuring students were informed and prepared to engage. Attendees were provided with company insights and encouraged to apply for opportunities through online portals, reinforcing the importance of preparation and follow-through in today’s evolving hiring process.

A representative from the Connecticut Department of Transportation emphasized the importance of alignment between skills and roles, stating, “We look to hire a number of people. If you say you specialize in the communication department, we won’t place you in the accounting department.” The statement underscored the growing need for clarity, specialization, and intentional career direction.

With room for continued growth and enhancement, the Fair also highlighted the importance of developing job skills within a rapidly evolving workforce — particularly as it relates to Artificial Intelligence (AI), its practical application, and the ongoing conversation around its regulation.

Harlem benefits from continued engagement of this kind — events that center career advancement, youth opportunity, and access to information that prepares individuals for a changing economic landscape. CCNY further supports this mission by ensuring that all students can access career advisors for resume preparation and cover letter development through CPDI by scheduling an appointment.
(https://harlemview.com/city-college/2026/04/job-fair-gives-insight-into-tough-job-market/)

Additional information regarding the Spring Job and Internship Fair can be found at:

• https://ccny-csm.symplicity.com/events/156af84b2116c1a60fa101d780cc964c/employers

• https://www.instagram.com/p/DVwtiB1ERhV/

Written by: Danyal Sorel

If you live in this historic location, Mount Morris Park, Harlem, NY, sign up to sell from your stoop! If not, plan to attend the May 17th Stoop sale and enjoy browsing and purchasing wonderful items. See the flyer for details about participating.

Don’t miss out on this interactive educational experience! - Secure your seat today!

Sign up using the QR code for an interactive educational seminar designed to help young people explore their future options with clarity and confidence.

Lt. Álvaro Velásquez (He/Him)
Assistant Corps Officer | The Salvation Army │Manhattan Citadel
175 E 125th Street, New York, NY 10035
Phone: (212) 860-3200 (ext. 205)

The Community Initiatives of New York (TCIONY) (https://www.tciony.org/) hosted Weather or Not 2.0 on March 31, 2026, at The Forum at Columbia University (605 W 125th St., Harlem). Featuring a panel of female meteorologists and STEM professionals, the event delivered a truly inspirational experience focused on career pathways, climate awareness, and community impact — welcoming over 100 participants in attendance.

The coordinated event, held in partnership with NASA and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, was intentionally scheduled during March in honor of Women’s History Month. The Weather the Storm Panel, organized by TCIONY, served as an empowering and interactive forum centered on careers in STEM and meteorology.

The event highlighted key aspects of climate education while also creating meaningful networking opportunities to inspire future leadership and careers in weather and meteorology. Esteemed panelists included Somara Theodore, Brittaney Bell, Dani Beckstrom, Hope Osemwenkhe, and Audrey Puente.
https://www.tciony.org/event-details-1/weather-or-not-your-dreams-matter
https://www.instagram.com/p/DWSS1naDXHh/

TCIONY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black and Brown communities across New York City. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and youth-led initiatives, the organization works to break down barriers, advance equity, and create meaningful opportunities. Their efforts include anti-violence programming and community empowerment initiatives that uplift voices across generations — building stronger, safer, and more vibrant communities.

TCIONY has remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to rise. As expressed by the organization, TCIONY is “Where Community, Justice, and Youth Power Unite.”

“Through powerful partnerships with corporations, schools, and community leaders, TCIONY creates programs and initiatives that become stepping stones to progress for individuals and families across New York City. Our heartbeat is rooted in serving underrepresented Black and Brown communities — fighting for justice, equity, opportunity, and voice in the face of systems designed to hold them back.”
(https://www.tciony.org/)

Additional TCIONY programming includes:

• T.A.G. Nights (#YouthSpeaks): A weekly safe space where youth can speak openly about their lived experiences — from school and home to the pressures they navigate daily.
• Teens Against Guns: A youth-led movement confronting gun violence through rallies, marches, and community action — empowering young people as leaders in the fight for safer streets.
• T.A.G. Initiative: Providing young people not just a seat at the table, but the microphone — shaping conversations, leading movements, and proving that when youth speak, the city listens.

TCIONY exists with purpose — grounded in urgency, resilience, and love for community. The organization continues to dismantle systemic barriers, advocate for equity, and empower high-risk youth to become storytellers, leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers for the future.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tciony
https://www.instagram.com/tciony/

Written by: Danyal Sorel

A powerful new film, Newborn, opens in select AMC theaters on April 10—and it’s more than a movie. It’s a conversation we need to have.

On March 31, a virtual town hall brought audiences into an intimate and thought-provoking discussion with director Nate Parker and actor David Oyelowo, who explored the origins of the film and the real-life issues that inspired it. At its core, Newborn confronts the harsh realities of incarceration—specifically the devastating psychological effects of prolonged solitary confinement—and what it means to return to society after enduring it.

But this wasn’t just a film discussion. It was a space for truth, reflection, and awareness—amplified by voices like Rev. Cece Jones-Davis, who continue to advocate for justice and reform.

About the Film

Written and directed by Nate Parker, Newborn stars David Oyelowo as Chris Newborn—a man attempting to rebuild his life after spending seven years in solitary confinement.

What should feel like freedom quickly becomes something far more complex.

As Chris tries to reconnect with his family and reclaim his identity, he finds himself navigating a psychological battleground shaped by isolation, trauma, and the unseen scars of incarceration. The film offers a raw and human look at reentry—one that challenges us to consider not just punishment, but healing.

Why This Film Matters

Newborn shines a light on a systemic issue that too often remains unseen. It invites us to sit with uncomfortable truths—and to better understand the human impact behind policies and practices within the justice system.

This is storytelling with purpose.

Where to Watch

As a limited theatrical release, Newborn will be shown in select theaters, including:

• AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9

• AMC Empire 25

🎟️ Get tickets:
https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/newborn-83288

Support the Movement

Organizations and community groups are encouraged to host theater buyouts to help amplify this important story and spark dialogue.

If the film resonates with you, share your voice using #NEWBORN.

Group screening request:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd0DV-h7lG6BddOpZ3gl2XsYUEIeaRsHAOs-EeIgzk5omaXg/viewform

Newborn is not just a film—it’s an invitation.
To witness. To reflect. To engage. And ultimately, to see people—not just systems.