BY JASON COHEN
As the south Bronx is
known for its poor air quality,
high asthma rates and
food deserts, residents are
calling for the passage of the
New York Climate and Community
Investment Act.
The CCIA would generate
$10-$15 billion in revenue
and invest the funds in green
job creation, renewable energy
and investment in communities
hit hardest by the
climate crisis. Low- and moderate
income New Yorkers in
New York City would also automatically
receive a yearly
tax credit of $700.
On May 21, Bronx residents
joined elected officials
Senator Alessandra
Biaggi and Assemblymembers
Amanda Septimo and
Nathalia Fernandez as they
rallied for climate jobs and
justice. The event was organized
by THE POINT CDC,
TREEage, a youth climate
activist organization and the
Jewish Climate Action Network
NYC, a faith based climate
organization.
“For many years we have
accepted the reality that air
quality and climate issues
have to come at the expense
of industry,” said Septimo,
who is a Hunts Point resident.
NYCFC and BronxWorks announce multi-year
partnership to create educational opportunities
for minority youth
BRONX TIMES R 6 EPORTER, JUNE 4-10, 2021 BTR
“We have to begin prioritizing
the south Bronx
over the dollars made on its
back.”
Septimo explained she
has seen the effects of the
poor air quality and pollutants
on family and friends.
No one should have to struggle
because of where they
live, she stressed.
In the Bronx, these laws, if
enacted, would mean significant,
community-led investment
in infrastructure to reduce
emissions and reverse
high asthma rates, through
such measures as reducing
harmful truck exhaust
and retrofitting homes,
schools and other community
institutions.’
The CCIA would also
fund energy rebates, community
projects, such as tenant
owned solar, in frontline
communities, public transit
and efficiency for public
housing and schools and the
transition of fossil-dependent
workers and communities.
One person who experiences
the poor health conditions
in the south Bronx everyday
is 17-year –old Diara
Mbaye. Mbaye is a member of
Activists Coming to Inform
Our Neighborhood, ACTION,
a youth leadership program
at THE POINT CDC focusing
on environmental and social
justice issues in the South
Bronx.
After seeing family members
and friends struggle
with breathing and accessing
quality healthy food
throughout her childhood,
Mbaye hopes the CCIA gets
approved.
“We live near the largest
food market in the United
States, but we live in a food
insecure area,” she explained.
“I’m here to support
the CCIA because if this bill
passes the next generation of
Bronx youth will not have to
live through what I experienced.”
Activist Iara Mbaye speaks at the
rally. Photo by Jason Cohen
Elected officials and youth hold a climate justice rally.
Courtesy of Twitter page of Senator Biaggi
People over profits
Bronx youth and loccal leaders rally for climate justice
BY BRONX TIMES
New York City FC (NYCFC)
and BronxWorks announced a
multi-year partnership that
will focus on investing in and
creating educational opportunities
for – Bronx minority
youth.
In June 2020, NYCFC announced
a series of internal
and external commitments,
and a promise was to partner
with and support NYC-based
organizations. After teaming
up with the Jackie Robinson
Foundation on several ongoing
initiatives, this new partnership
with BronxWorks is
another important step to help
create change.
“BronxWorks is excited
to build on a strong relationship
with NYCFC as we partner
to bring more opportunities
to our youth,” said
BronxWorks Assistant Executive
Director John Weed.
“From STEM skills and programs
to internships to recreation,
our collaboration
brings so much to the young
people of the Bronx. After
such a tumultuous year,
BronxWorks could not be
more pleased to partner with
NYCFC and enhance our offerings
to the children of our
community.”
NYCFC’s commitments to
BronxWorks in year-one of
the partnership include:
A substantial monetary donation
to create the development
and virtual access of a
STEM- based skills program
that will allow BronxWorks
participants ages 16 to 24 the
access to build skills in coding,
cybersecurity, graphic design
and more.
A seven-week internship
opportunity at the NYCFC
front office for BronxWorks
students. The employment
program is designed to not
only introduce students to the
daily operations of the sports
business, but more importantly,
assist in developing
leadership qualities.
Free access to professional
soccer at NYCFC home
matches for BronxWorks students
and network.
Expanded free soccer programming
to BronxWorks
participants through City in
the Community (CITC) The
collaboration will enable
CITC to have an even deeper
impact in the South Bronx
and local BronxWork youth
will have free access to the following
programs:
RoboSoccer: STEM curriculum
that introduces coding
and digital competencies
while providing an alternative
learning environment focused
on soccer-specific activities
for 10 to 13-year-old
BronxWorks participants.
Saturday Night Lights: a
safe space program in partnership
with the District Attorney’s
Offices to offer soccer
at times when crime rates are
highest.
Fourteen to 15-year-old
BronxWorks participants will
have the opportunity to engage
in sports training and
academic enrichment during
evening sessions.
CITC’s Youth Leadership
Training: an accelerated
training program that
provides young people with
the tools needed to be leaders
within their communities.
The trainings will guide five
BronxWorks participants ages
18 and up with team building
and leadership development
activities to encourage them
to use the power of soccer to
uplift communities.
NYCFC CEO Brad Sims
feels this partnership will
have a positive impact on
Bronx youth.
“As we further commit to
youth empowerment through
education and access, we
are excited and proud to announce
our partnership with
BronxWorks,” Sims said.
“We look forward to continuing
to grow and expand
the impactful community
work throughout the five
boroughs as the soccer Club
of New York City. At every
level, in every community,
and throughout this City we
will continue to use our platform
to empower better lives
through soccer.”
NYCFC teams up with BronxWorks. Courtesy of NYCFC