Making It Here

In this episode we dive into the world of osteology with Jon Pichaya Ferry, the founder of New York City’s first and only Bone Museum. From the origins of human bone trade to the ethical implications of sourcing and displaying these remains, Jon shares his journey from a curious teenager to a pioneering museum curator.

https://epicenter-nyc.com/bringing-bones-to-the-mainstream/ 
https://www.jonsbones.com/book-a-tour
https://www.tiktok.com/@jonsbones

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The Adams’ administration, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, recently announced the launch of a new three-year initiative aimed at helping teens get access to free therapy. Talkspace, a New York based digital mental health company, is set to operate the program, called TeenSpace, to offer tele-mental health services to kids between the ages of 13 and 17 years old.

In this episode The Unmuted’s Nicole Perrino sits down with Talkspace therapist Erica Patton Simpson to unravel the details. Erica sheds light on how the pandemic has reshaped our approach to mental health and also touches on startling statistics surrounding the crisis among high school students and the crucial role of therapy.

Learn more:
https://www.talkspace.com/coverage/nyc

Talkspace launches free therapy program for NYC teens:
https://epicenter-nyc.com/talkspace-launches-free-therapy-program-for-nyc-teens/

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The exhibition "Heat Maps: Queens", now on view through January at the Local NY, takes a unique approach to highlight the effects of the climate crisis. Using a technique known as durational painting, Queens-based artist and Epicenter-NYC co-founder, Nitin Mukul, has captured the struggles of neighborhoods like East Elmhurst, Corona, Jamaica, and Hollis, which are high-risk areas on the Heat Vulnerability Index. His work shows the ongoing battle these communities face due to insufficient green spaces and systemic issues in urban planning. In this episode Nitin shares how his work is more than just art. It's a catalyst for change, shedding light on inequities faced by New Yorkers.

This project was supported by a grant for Queens-based artists from the New York Foundation for the Arts.

Read more:
https://epicenter-nyc.com/epicenter-nyc-co-founder-nitin-mukul-sheds-light-on-the-climate-crisis-with-heat-maps-queens-exhibit/ 
The full project overview:
https://img-cache.oppcdn.com/fixed/55066/assets/0RxcFFo0E4kUcoLN.pdf
Nitin Mukul:
https://nitinmukul.com/home.html
https://www.instagram.com/nitin_mukul_studio/

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Black Lives Matter protesters who participated in demonstrations in New York City in the summer of 2020 are now at the center of what is considered the largest protest settlement in history. But a critical deadline looms. Protesters have until January 22nd to file their claim. In this episode Eliana Perozo talks to Epicenter-NYC’s Danielle Hyams to explore the nuances of the SOW versus the City of New York lawsuit, understanding the intricacies and the stakes involved. Eliana was arrested on June 2nd, 2020 during a protest and filed her own claim in under 60 seconds. Now, she wants more people to do the same.

Email Eliana: [email protected]

Email Meyers and Cohen: [email protected]

Black Lives Matter protesters have until Jan. 22 to file for their $13 million

Sow v. City of New York

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This month marks three years since the world watched as rioters violently stormed the capitol with the intent to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Since then, hundreds have been arrested and sentenced for their crimes on January 6th. And a congressional committee was formed to investigate how this could’ve happened.

Last week, URL Media partner, “Our Body Politic”, released a six part podcast series exploring the inner workings of this committee. Today, we’ll share highlights from the series, specifically focusing on the role of white supremacy in the insurrection.

Listen to the full series: https://ourbodypolitic.com/  

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For years, Epicenter-NYC has been a proud member of URL Media - a decentralized, multi-platform network that includes high-performing Black and Brown news media organizations. And this month, URL is celebrating three years of hard work. In this episode we’ll share an excerpt from the Local News Matters podcast where URL co-founders, Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita, discuss the network's mission to support and empower independent media serving Black and Brown communities with host Tim Regan-Porter.

Listen to the full conversation: https://localnewsmatterspodcast.com/

URL Media: https://url-media.com/ 

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For years, parents and kids across New York City have been going to Drag Story Hours. Its goal is to provide a safe space to promote reading, inclusion, and diversity. But as the events have become a target for hate, supporters have another goal… to ensure Drag Story Hours continues to exist. We want to start with the basics. What exactly is a Drag Story Hour? And why are kids and parents across the city packing rooms to participate?

Listen to Part II: https://omny.fm/shows/epicenter-nyc/how-new-york-city-fights-the-proud-boys-by-being-p?in_playlist=podcast 

Drag Story Hour NYC: https://www.dshnyc.org/ 

Epicenter-NYC membership: https://checkout.fundjournalism.org/memberform?org_id=epicenternyc&campaign=7018a000000yJx6AA 

Our intro music: http://karavikamusic.com/

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As we inch closer to 2024, we’re taking a moment to look back at some of our favorite stories and projects from the past year. These aren't just headlines; they're the heartbeats of our city, narratives that have brought us together, challenged our perceptions, and celebrated our diversity.

Become a member today!

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Association of Community Employment Programs (ACE) serves more than 650 people each year with workforce development, therapeutic counseling, adult basic education, and job readiness training. They’ve helped over 3,000 New Yorkers overcome homelessness, incarceration and addiction. But in 2020, things took a turn. The team was forced to operate differently — there was a surge in need that they had never seen before. Still today, Elizabeth McNierney, the ACE programs director, says it’s harder than it’s ever been.

In this episode we’ll hear from Elizabeth about the importance of the community they’ve built. We'll also hear from ACE Programs graduates David Stewart and Harry García.
Our original story on ACE Programs is a part of a series of articles exploring health inequities in New York funded by a grant from the Commonwealth Fund.

ACE Toy Drive:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/152HQHRORBQSU/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
How to “ACE” at life on the streets of New York:
https://epicenter-nyc.com/how-to-ace-at-life-on-the-streets-of-new-york/
Get involved/Volunteer with ACE Programs:
https://acenewyork.org/get-involved/volunteering-in-nyc/

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Nestled in Forest Hills and Howard Beach, GallopNYC stands as one of the last equestrian havens in the city. Their work isn’t just about horse riding; it encompasses a holistic approach to therapy, including grooming and connecting with the horses. It’s an approach that’s particularly effective for diverse groups, including veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. 

In this episode Richmond Hill resident Jaipaul Singh, shares his personal journey with GallopNYC. After joining their free veterans program, he discovered the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding in managing anxiety and learning to trust. 

Learn more: https://gallopnyc.org/ 

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