Making It Here

On Sunday, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Manhattan with one demand. End Fossil Fuels. From indigenous climate activists to celebrities – protestors from across the world walked side by side. In this episode, we’ll share their voices.

Tens of thousands of people march to bring attention to climate crisis:
https://epicenter-nyc.com/end-fossil-fuels-march-takes-over-midtown-manhattan/

Tell President Biden: #EndFossilFuels Now:
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-president-biden-endfossilfuels-now

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

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Erica Loewe has been the Director of African American Media at the White House since May of 2021. In her role she’s been a beacon of change and a vital voice. Now, she's transitioning into a new senior position in the Office of Public Engagement. 
Today, Erica joins Epicenter Publisher S. Mitra Kalita in a discussion on why community media has become a focal point in the Biden administration, and how this shift is facilitating a richer, more nuanced, and grounded conversation.

Follow Erica Loewe: https://twitter.com/EricaLoewe46

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month, Tara Bhuyan's work is front and center at New York Fashion week. Originally from Assam, a state in northeastern India, Tara’s designs embrace her home’s traditional weavers and sustainable production. 

In this episode Epicenter’s Founder and Publisher S. Mitra Kalita talks to Tara about her pivot to fashion following a long career in investment banking. They’ll also discuss the inspiration behind “Tara Bhuyan Couture” and how her collection captures the essence of the Assamese tapestry.

Glossary:

Assam: A state in northeastern India.

Bihu: A set of important cultural festivals unique to Assam

Mekhela Chador: Traditional two piece dress worn by women of Assam.

Assam silk: Assam is a hub of traditional, rich silk in the form of Muga, Paat and Eri. 

Tickets to fashion showcase: https://tickets.runway7fashion.com/product/new-york-fashion-september-09th-11am/?r7f=157 (discount code TARA20 for 20% off)

Tara's NYFW debut is partly sponsored by Epicenter-NYC, along with Wove Therapy and Resonance Acupuncture.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode is hosted by Nicole Perrino, the founder of Bronxmama blog and writer of The Unmuted, a newsletter about New York City schools. She’s joined by Alexandra Bayas Nakanishi, an early childhood intervention expert, educator and mom. The two discuss what parents can do to help kids prepare for the upcoming school year.

Sign up for the Unmuted newsletter:
https://epicenter-nyc.com/subscribe-to-the-unmuted/

Read our back-to-school countdown:
https://epicenter-nyc.com/the-unmuteds-back-to-school-countdown/

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1941 Brooklyn’s Empire Rollerdrome opened its doors for the first time. Soon, it became the epicenter of the city’s roller disco scene. Today, even though the space has been closed since 2007, it’s clear that the spirit of the Empire Roller Disco lives on. Like in The City Reliquary, a community museum in Williamsburg, where a used rental skate hangs from the ceiling. 

In this episode we'll share an excerpt of a conversation that originally took place on The City Reliquary's podcast between host Tania Mohammad and rollerskating pioneer Eric Alston about this skate and the significance of The Empire Rollerdrome.

Undiscarded Podcast: https://undiscarded.org/ 

The City Reliquary: https://www.cityreliquary.org/ 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Henry Akinbamijo has been an ice cream man for the past 20 years. During the warmer months he spends up to 16 hours a day / seven days a week, in his truck selling cold sweet treats to kids in Brooklyn. But Henry’s story is not just about ice cream. It’s about dreams, determination, and the intricacies of running a seasonal business in one of the world's most vibrant cities. Originally from Nigeria, he’s become a staple on the streets of Brooklyn. 

In this episode Henry speaks to Epicenter-NYC’s Hari Adivarekar about his experience in the industry, and what he loves about the job. 

 

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

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Ninety minutes from New York City, in Ridgefield, Connecticut, Raven Halfmoon’s massive sculptures dominate the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum. On display until January 2024, it’s well worth the trip. As a descendant of the Caddo people, Halfmoon’s exhibition gives visitors opportunities to learn more about the Native tribes who lived along the Red River in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.
In this episode we share a conversation between Epicenter’s publisher S. Mitra Kalita and Raven Halfmoon about her process, identity, the exhibition and what’s next

This Indigenous artist gives new meaning to scale: https://epicenter-nyc.com/this-indigenous-artist-gives-new-meaning-to-scale/

Raven Halfmoon: https://www.ravenhalfmoon.com/ 

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum: https://thealdrich.org/

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Any woman who travels understands the appeal of the Renzoe Box. A fully personalized palette of your favorite brands & products, it eliminates the need for a messy makeup bag. An architect by training, Founder René Graham views problems and their solutions spatially. So one day when the contents of her makeup bag spilled out on a moving train, she got to thinking—and to work. In this episode René shares the inspiration behind Renzoe Box and the challenges she faces as a BIPOC and female entrepreneur. 

Read our full story: https://epicenter-nyc.com/this-architect-is-rebuilding-your-beauty-routine/

Build your own Renzoe Box: https://www.renzoebox.com/

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Popular Indian journalist, Ravish Kumar, is fighting against an environment of fake news and divisive communal agendas. His courage caught the attention of many, including director Vinay Shukla who has spent two years creating “While We Watched,” a documentary that follows Kumar’s personal and professional life. Recently, Epicenter-NYC’s Hari Adivarekar met with Ravish and Vinay while they were in New York City for a series of screenings. 

https://www.ifccenter.com/films/while-we-watched/https://www.whilewewatched.com/https://epicenter-nyc.com/defend-india-dont-defend-indian-media/

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On the morning of June 20th, four people were killed in a Lower Manhattan fire caused by a lithium-ion battery used to charge an electric bike. It wasn’t an isolated incident. Since 2022 there have been over 220 battery-related fires. Among the most vulnerable to these tragedies are delivery workers.

In this episode Epicenter-NYC contributor Hari Adivarekar speaks to Damon Victor, who owns Greenpath, an electric-bike distributor and repair shop that’s been around for almost 15 years. You’ll also hear from K.B., an Electric bike technician. The three discuss how e-bike riders can stay safe.

FDNY Safety Tips for Devices with Lithium-Ion Batteries: https://www.fdnysmart.org/be-fdnysmart-when-using-any-devices-powered-by-lithium-ion-batteries/

“You are buying a potential bomb”: https://epicenter-nyc.com/you-are-buying-a-potential-bomb/ 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.