In February of 2021, Earnest Flowers opened a natural and organic grocery store in the heart of Southeast Queens called Earnest Foods. Since then, the store has become a vital source for residents – offering sugarless, gluten-free, and organic products in an area where options like these are scarce. And while at first, there was a trickle of custom…

Danielle Copper suffered from severe eczema in her teens and early twenties. And despite numerous consultations with dermatologists and treatments like antibiotics, creams, and cortisone shots, her condition didn’t improve. So she decided create her own skincare products – starting with a face soap. She saw an immediate improvement in her skin and …

Not too long ago I was heading home after a trek through Forest Park and saw a swarm of black-colored birds — hundreds of them — in the sky, trees and power lines, on rooftops and lawns and on sidewalks across the street. Fascinated by the super-flock, I consulted a couple bird experts, sharing pictures and a video. Paul Sweet, a collection manager…

On weekend nights, Puerto Viejo in Prospect Heights is packed with New Yorkers and visitors alike. Many stay for hours, sipping morir soñando and eating sancocho while chatting with friends or longtime restaurant staff. In this episode we sit down with Maritza Abreu, the daughter of founders Cristina and Eduardo Abreu. Maritza is now in charge of m…

As Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposal to build a casino and entertainment complex at Citi Field is in limbo, some community advocates are questioning whether the harms outweigh the benefits. And during the February casino town hall, several residents, some of whom are of East Asian descent, questioned the casino’s proximity to Flushing’s Asian Ameri…

When Lolita Malone was growing up with three younger sisters and their baby brother in rural Jamaica, she and her siblings shared clothes, shoes, and pretty much everything. They had a tiny allowance but big fashion dreams, so they would hit up thrift shops and cut and upcycle clothes. Now, decades later, Lolita and her daughter, Maui, have launche…

In December, reggaeton legend Daddy Yankee announced his plan to dedicate himself to Christianity. He dropped the bombshell on a farewell tour while a drone depicted a giant cross and the message “Christ is coming.” Daddy Yankee’s move follows other icons like Farruko, Julio Voltio, El General. But that’s not the only thing they have in common. So …

Mirta Rinaldi was 61 years old when she launched her food business, Mendulcina. But her journey with food began long before. Growing up in Mendoza, Argentina, she spent a lot of time in the kitchen, surrounded by family. Cooking was their love language. Then, in 1975 Mirta moved to New York City, and after working a variety of jobs she decided to f…

Neighborhoods like Cypress Hills and East New York are currently witnessing an alarming trend where house flippers aggressively target homes. They often prey on the vulnerabilities of low-income, Black, and Brown homeowners. Luckily, community groups like the Coalition for Community Advancement are fighting back with initiatives such as the propose…

Kyle Depew’s journey into the heart of film photography began long before he opened “Brooklyn Film Camera” in 2015. With a background working for the Impossible Project, which famously acquired the last Polaroid factory, Kyle leveraged his experience and passion to create a space dedicated to the preservation and celebration of film photography. Fr…

“Public Obscenities” explores the pleasures and pitfalls of living in translation as it follows a queer studies PhD student returning to his family home in India with his Black American boyfriend. The bilingual play boldly navigates the complexities of identity, belonging, and expression. In this episode Playwright Shayok Misha Chowdhury talks to E…

Last March, the New York City chapter of the Audubon Society voted to take flight from its past, shedding the name of John James Audubon – a figure intertwined with naturalist art and a legacy of white supremacy. In an effort to embrace inclusivity and reflect the diverse communities across the city, the organization is now looking for a new name. …

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/bri…

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 hea…

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 H…

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…

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 part…

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 …

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…

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! See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…

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 diff…

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 i…

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 conv…

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 …

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…

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…

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 t…

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. Tha…

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…

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 …

“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 instruc…

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 jo…

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-n…

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 becom…

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 inv…

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 Un…

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 …

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 w…

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 Re…

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 …

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 Adiva…

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 A…

In late June we hosted a private tour of the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport. The hotel is located in the former TWA Flight Center, which was designed in 1962 by Eero Saarinen. It's known for its iconic, wing-shaped roof and sleek, retro aesthetic. The terminal closed in 2001, but it had been designated a New York City landmark a few years earlier. Then i…

On June 28th the Supreme Court ruled that race can no longer be considered as a factor in university admissions – a move that ends affirmative action as we know it. The decision devalues the diversity that defines our schools, workplaces, institutions, and communities. In this episode we’re re-sharing a conversation between Epicenter’s S. Mitra Kal…

On Thursday June 22nd we hosted a panel on BIPOC Entrepreneurship. The event was sponsored by our friends at UBS. In this episode we’re sharing some of the key moments from that conversation with you. The panel was moderated by Epicenter-NYC’s S. Mitra Kalita and featured Carla Zanoni the Head of Audience, Marketing and Analytics at TED, Tanais, an…

June is Pride Month, a time when we not only celebrate the LGBTQ+ community but also dig deeper into the challenges they face. While we revel in the strides taken towards normalizing queer experiences, especially in places like New York City, we're also faced with a bitter reality. As we speak, the LGBTQ+ community finds itself at a juncture where …

In 2018 Mayor Bill de Blasio agreed to close the jail on Rikers Island. And come 2027 it will no longer exist. Over the past year three organizations, Freedom Agenda, Create Forward and the Humanities Action Lab, have been working together to create the Rikers Public Memory Project. In this episode we talk to Regina Campbell, the Director of Oral H…

New York City’s newest museum, WHAM!, is ambitious in its goal to lift up the multitude of international cultures in Woodside. In this episode Epicenter’s Co-Founder and Creative Director Nitin Mukul talks to Artist and WHAM! founder Harley J. Spiller. Harley brings more than 40 years of professional museum and curating experience, and currently se…

Today is the last day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. But as May comes to a close, it’s important to remember that mental health issues in the AAPI community and beyond continue to exist. Epicenter’s S. Mitra Kalita speaks with Abu Nasim. Abu is a New York CIty based psychologist. They discuss why there a…

In the wake of the public killing of Jordan Neely many of us are now asking ourselves “what would I have done if I was in that subway car?” Being a bystander to an uncomfortable or violent event can be scary and confusing and often people aren’t equipped with the skills to react. Other times we fall victim to the bystander effect, thinking someone …