On July 24, Easy Living Shelter Inc., had its annual Youth Suicide Awareness event in Soundview
Park. The event included a basketball tournament, games, arts and crafts, and performances.
Members of Hip Hop Blvd –Al Pizarro and Renee Mickens — were present in support
of the event. The organizers of the Easy Living event utilized hip-hop music to better relate
their message to kids. Many in attendancewere moved to tears by Sharon Deas, who told
her story of her daughter’s suicide. Deas spoke about making our children know that they
are beautiful inside and out. She also encouraged parents to question everything: “Why?
Why did you say this?” “What did you mean?” “What’s going on?” Musical artist Playgirl Ari
performed but also talked about her own experiences being teased and bullied.“I didn’t
understand why … I couldn’t picture a light at the end of the tunnel at all,” she said. “All I saw
was darkness and a dark hole that I couldn’t get out of … Don’t let these dark storms and
thoughts be the end of your journey. You deserve peace, happiness and love.”Gospel Gabe
performed “You’rea superstar” and “Hold On” encouraging young adults in the audience.
Other performers included MC Heavyn, RachellBaller Brown and Piccasomusik. This was an
open space to share truths and let young adults know and understand that they have support,
if needed. -reporting by Jewel Webber
Tynecca Velez, COO of Easy Living Shelter Inc., holds the hand of Sharon Deas, righteous,
who talks to the audience about her daughter’s suicide.
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, J 40 ULY 30-AUG. 5, 2021 BTR
On July 22, Baychester Library held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for thegrand opening of its
outdoor terrace. Attendees included city Councilman Kevin Riley, state Sen. Jamaal Bailey,
Noel Ellison, Riverbay Corporation general manager, Alexandra’e Wint, community relations
director for state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Nikolas Vasquez, fi eld representative for
U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman), Baychester Library staff amongst others. There were giveaways
for children as well as young adults. Bags were fi lled with books, folders, bubbles, activity
guides by age range and more. There was also a station for children to enjoy fi nger
painting, drawing, coloring and other activities. This outdoor terrace was fostered in an
agreement between Riverbay Corporation and the library, and it will be used for tabling and
programming opportunities.-reporting by Jewel Webber
Ariana Gonzalez, children services representative at the Baychester Library, with her
daughters Amanie and Amiyah Williams. Photo Jewel Webber
It’s summer and the pandemic is beginning to wane. It’s time to get out of the house and attend
an old-fashioned street fair, like the one held on Castle Hill Avenue this past Saturday,
July 24. Sponsored by St. Helena’s Church, the fair had more than 60 vendors as well as free
face painting and bouncy houses for the kids. Contributed photo
Dana, left, Townsend and Al Pizarro, co-founder of Hip Hop Blvd NYC.
Photos Jewel Webber
BAYCHESTER LIBRARY OPENS
NEW OUTDOOR TERRACE
ST. HELENA’S STREET FAIR
DRAWS A CROWD
EASY LIVING HOLDS 3RD ANNUAL YOUTH
SUICIDE AWARENESS EVENT