Making It Here

Reporter Sam Zachar has been living with chronic pain following a back injury in 2022. The chronic pain and limited mobility have made her see New York City in a  new light. Sam spoke with disability rights activists from across NYC to learn about their own experiences with having limited mobility. In this episode we'll be sharing some of those conversations.

Disabled In Action

Elevator Action Group

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Earlier this month, at an event at the Queens Museum, we unveiled the findings of a first-of-its-kind study titled “NYC’s New Small Business Incubators”. The study was commissioned by our partners, Citizens Bank, and was conducted by Epicenter-NYC. We also brought together a group of small business owners who shared stories of how the Queens Night Market played a pivotal role in their success. 

In this episode we'll share highlights from this discussion. The voices you’ll hear include Hana Saber Tehra of Persian Eats NYC, Wanda Chiu of Hong Kong Street Food, Rosangela Arnold of Brazilicious, Joey Batista of Joey Bats Cafe, and finally Lenin Costas of Don Ceviche. The conversation was moderated by on-air correspondent, Dahiana Perez.

Read the full report

A family business aided by the Queens Night Market

The new ‘nights’ in shining armor for small business

Queens Night Market

Think!Chinatown

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Over the past few weeks we’ve seen a spike in reports of harassment and hate crimes across New York City. We’re hearing stories of assault from our friends and our family – from Jews, Muslims, turbaned men and East Asians. So, at a time when many of our neighbors fear for their safety in public places, what are the best ways to stay safe?

Epicenter’s S. Mitra Kalita talks to Kalaya’an Mendoza to answer those questions. Kalaya’an is the director of mutual protection for Nonviolent Peaceforce, a global civil society organization. Kalaya’an also hosts bystander training and community safety workshops across New York City.

Follow Kalaya’an Mendoza

Learn more about Nonviolent Peaceforce

A practical guide to dealing with people who hate us

How to be a more responsible bystander

Epicenter explains: Are Islamophobia and antisemitism on the rise?

Everyday advice to stop Islamophobia and antisemitism in their tracks

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In author and corporate diversity expert Doug Melville’s latest book, "Invisible Generals," he shares the story of his great-uncle and great-great-uncle – America’s first Black generals, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. and Jr.. The two men created the Tuskegee Airmen and were instrumental in integrating the American military. But despite their contributions, they haven’t gotten the credit they deserve.

In this episode, Epicenter’s S. Mitra Kalita sits down with Meville to discuss his experience putting together the  mosaic of his family’s history and the leadership lessons learned along the way.

Leadership lessons from the first Black US generals: https://www.charterworks.com/doug-melville-invisible-generals-leadership-lessons/

Buy “Invisible Generals”: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Generals-Rediscovering-Family-Americas/dp/1668005131?ref=charterworks.com

Ground Game Exhibition: https://epicenter-nyc.com/ground-game-exhibition/

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In this episode we talk to Karen McMullen, the Urbanworld Film Festival's director and the head of programming. We explore the origins, evolution, and the future vision of the festival. From its humble beginnings in 1997, created by visionary Stacy Spikes, to its current expansive embrace of all people of color, the event stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of representation.

Get tickets to Urbanworld Film Festival: https://urbanworld.org/passes-2023/

Urbanworld Film Festival Schedule: https://urbanworld.org/film-schedule/

BIPOC-focused film fest heads to town: https://epicenter-nyc.com/bipoc-focused-film-fest-heads-to-town/

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In 2004, as a freshman in college, Kevin Benoit created Parlé Magazine. The goal? To empower, entertain, educate, motivate, and engage Black and Brown lives within the media industry. A first generation Haitian American living in New York City, Kevin has always had a passion for helping people. Especially young people who remind him of himself. That’s why he’s recently branched out to found Parlé Endeavors – all while continuing to run Parlé Magazine. The new venture makes youth-centered investments.

Become a mentor with Parlé Endeavors: https://parleendeavors.org/

Read/follow Parlé Magazine: https://parlemag.com/ 

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

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Today, we’ll unravel the inspiring journey of Cindy Castro, the woman behind the fashion brand "Cindy Castro New York". Born and raised in Ecuador, Cindy was often overlooked – not fitting into the conventional beauty standards. She found solace in the world of fashion. Today, her brand is synonymous with activism, sustainability, and community.

In this episode Epicenter’s Community Reporter, Ambar Castillo, talks with Cindy about the challenges and triumphs of starting her business, and breaking barriers for immigrant women and sustainable fashion advocates alike.

Shop Cindy Castro New York: https://cindycastro.com/ 

Giving back: https://cindycastro.com/pages/giving-back 

Follow Cindy Castro New York on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindycastro_nyc/ 

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

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For migrants arriving in New York city, there’s a stark contrast between the anticipated American dream and the reality. This gap is exacerbated by misinformation often spread through social media. 

In this episode Epicenter’s Community Manager, Daniel Laplaza talks with Adriana Proano and Rommel Ojeda about the complex reality of migrants arriving In New York City. Adriana, originally from Ecuador, is a Community Coordinator at Epicenter. Rommel, also from Ecuador, is a Community Correspondent at Documented New York.

https://epicenter-nyc.com/heres-what-needs-to-happen-for-migrants-in-nyc-to-be-able-to-effectively-join-the-workforce/

https://epicenter-nyc.com/category/immigration/

https://documentedny.com/category/immigration/

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“Feel Good, Look Good, Do Better”. That’s Alex Toussaint’s mantra. Alex is a Senior Instructor at Peloton, a PUMA partner, a founder, and most recently, an author. His new book, “Activate Your Greatness” is set to be released on October 10th. It’s part self-help/part memoir and explores his journey to becoming one of the most iconic cycling instructors. In this episode Epicenter’s Co-Founder and Publisher, S. Mitra Kalita talks with Alex about Peloton, his family and Haitian roots, and what’s next.

Pre-order "Activate Your Greatness": https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250852038/ 
Tickets for the "Activate Your Greatness" Book Tour in NYC: https://concerts.livenation.com/alex-toussaint-activate-your-greatness-book-new-york-new-york-10-11-2023/event/00005F1DC83A39CA
PWRSPIN x ALEX TOUSSAINT Indoor Cycling Shoes:
https://us.puma.com/us/en/collaborations/partnerships/puma-x-alex-toussaint

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This summer, AJ Pacheco and his partner Tanya Gorbunova opened Pancakes Records. It’s a record store in North Astoria, Queens that doubles as a performance space. They’re bringing the community together with events featuring local musicians, comedians, and other performers. 

In this episode AJ talks to Epicenter reporter Hari Adivarekar about his journey in starting the business and mission to build a community around it. 

Stacking talent under one roof: https://epicenter-nyc.com/stacking-talent-under-one-roof/

Pancakes Records: https://pancakes-records.com/ Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pancakes.records/ 

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

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