Tag: Brooklyn

Amazon CEO says retailer will continue to sell antisemitic film

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Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said Wednesday the company does not have plans to stop selling an antisemitic film that gained notoriety recently after Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving tweeted out an Amazon link to it.

Pressure has been mounting on Amazon to discontinue sale of the film, called “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,” since Irving shared the link to the documentary with his millions of Twitter followers in October. The synopsis on Amazon says the film “uncovers the true identity of the Children of Israel.”

Kyrie Irving back with Brooklyn Nets: CBS News Flash Nov. 21, 2022

01:00

At The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York City, Jassy said it is difficult for the company to determine what content crosses the line to where Amazon doesn’t make it available to customers.

“As a retailer of content to hundreds of millions of customers with a lot of different viewpoints, we have to allow access to those viewpoints, even if they are objectionable — objectionable and they differ from our particular viewpoints,” the Times quoted Jassy as saying.

Some cases are “more straight forward”

He said making decisions about what content to take down is “more straight forward” in some cases, such as when it “actively incites or promotes violence, or teaches people to do things like pedophilia.”

Dozens of celebrities, public figures as well as Jewish organizations and the Nets have called on the company to take down the film or add a disclaimer offering an explanation as to why the documentary and related book are problematic.

Amazon told the newspaper earlier this month that it would look into adding a disclaimer on the documentary’s main page. But that hasn’t happened.

The Seattle-based company did not reply to request for comment sent by The Associated Press earlier this month on whether it would add a disclaimer or not. Jassy, who is Jewish, said Wednesday that Amazon has employees that flag content, but scaling that more broadly could be challenging.

“The reality is that we have very expansive customer reviews,” he said. “For books with a lot of attention — especially public attention — customers do a good job monitoring other people.”

Irving was suspended by the Nets on November 3 after he refused to issue the apology that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver sought for posting the link the the film. He returned after issuing an apology more than two weeks later. He missed eight games.

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December 1, 2022
Iconic New York library unveils the most borrowed book in its 125-year-old history

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Out of millions of books and dozens of genres, there is one story that sticks out for Brooklynites and beyond. The Brooklyn Public Library, one of the nation’s largest library systems, has announced the most borrowed books in its quasquicentennial history.

In the 125 years the library system has served New Yorkers and others who frequent its locations, the system has acquired more than 2.86 million physical items and 250,000 digital materials. To celebrate its birthday, the system has spent the past few weeks unveiling the 125 most borrowed books out of that collection.

And it turns out that Brooklyn’s most beloved books cover a wide range of genres and themes, from “The Cat in the Hat” and “Naruto: Volume 1” to “Wuthering Heights,” “The Old Man and the Sea,” and “Murder on the Orient Express.”

But only one title could top the list – Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are.”

The award-winning children’s classic tells the story of Max, an imaginative child who, dressed in a wolf suit, travels to the world of the Wild Things where he joins them in a rumpus and becomes their king. The library has 145 physical copies of the beloved story, as well as five audio versions.

Children’s books as a whole dominated their list, with many spots going to Dr. Seuss, whose real name is Theodor Geisel. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and “Amelia Bedelia,” are also among the children’s books listed.

“Here’s to 125 years of Brooklyn stories,” the library says on its website. “We’re looking forward to the next chapter.”

The Brooklyn Public Library has captured the hearts of many locals and passersby since it was established on November 30, 1896. The system got its start in a former public school building in Bedford and has since expanded to 61 branches across the New York City borough.

Author Lois Lowry, known for “The Giver” and “Number the Stars,” said in a video message that the library system has a special place in her heart.

“Brooklyn is where I learned to read,” she said. “…My sister was three years older. She came home from school every day and taught me how to read.”

Soon after she learned how to read, her family moved away. But Lowry moved back to Brooklyn in high school, where she “used what she had learned as a little girl.”

“Reading is the most important thing in the world to me still, and Brooklyn is where I first made friends with it and with the library,” she said.

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Li Cohen

Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending reporter for CBS News, focusing on social justice issues.

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November 16, 2022
Nash out as Nets coach after poor start, more controversy

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NEW YORK — Steve Nash is out as Brooklyn Nets coach after a disappointing start and more controversy surrounding Kyrie Irving.

The Nets announced Tuesday that they had parted ways with the Hall of Fame point guard, a day after they beat Indiana to improve to 2-5.

Nash made it to this season after Kevin Durant said he wanted him out this summer, but not much longer. The Nets have been another mess, with bad play on the court and bad headlines off it.

The biggest — again — was created by Irving, who posted a link to an antisemitic work on his Twitter page last week, drawing criticism from Nets owner Joe Tsai.

“Since becoming head coach, Steve was faced with a number of unprecedented challenges, and we are sincerely grateful for his leadership, patience and humility throughout his tenure,” general manager Sean Marks said in a statement.

“Personally, this was an immensely difficult decision; however, after much deliberation and evaluation of how the season has begun, we agreed that a change is necessary at this time.”

The Nets may move quickly to replace Nash. A person with knowledge of the matter said the Nets were in discussions with suspended Boston coach Ime Udoka — a former Brooklyn assistant who is not with the Celtics this season because he was found to have violated team rules by having a relationship with a female staffer within the organization. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because those talks were not revealed publicly.

ESPN first reported the talks between Udoka and the Nets. The Nets said a decision on the team’s next coach would be made in the near future.

Nash led the Nets to a 92-62 record and the playoffs in both full seasons, his first as an NBA coach. But they lost Irving and James Harden to injuries during their second-round loss to Milwaukee in 2021, then were a first-round flop last season after trading Harden during the middle of the season.

Much of the Nets’ problems during the latter season were caused by Irving being unavailable for most of their home games because he refused to get vaccinated for the coronavirus, as mandated at the time in New York City.

Nash handled it all as best as possible, but apparently not good enough for his best player. Durant said he wanted to be traded this summer if the Nets didn’t fire Marks and Nash, but Tsai stood by them and Durant eventually pulled back his request.

Nash downplayed that before this season began, saying he didn’t believe the reports were entirely true and that they had quickly talked through their issues.

But things started poorly this season and Nash gave some his hardest criticism of the team during his tenure after their loss to Indiana on Saturday night, calling their defensive effort a “disaster” and saying he didn’t see desire or will.

“We have to look deep, deep inside ourselves and what we want to do, what we want to accomplish,” Nash said. “Do we want to give up on this because it’s been difficult early, or do we want to stay the course and start to build something?”

Much of that was ignored because the focus was on Irving’s combative news conference defending his tweet, and the Nets beat the Pacers in the rematch Monday to end a four-game skid.

But Nash’s tenure ended anyway a day later, hours before Brooklyn is set to host Chicago. Jacque Vaughn will serve as acting head coach against the Bulls.

Tsai alluded to the constant turbulence around the team in his statement thanking Nash.

“My admiration and respect for him grew over time as he brought hard work and positive attitude to our organization every day, even in periods of exceptional storm surrounding the team,” Tsai said.

Nash thanked the Tsai family and Marks for giving him the opportunity, calling the job “an amazing experience with many challenges that I’m incredibly grateful for.”

Marks chose his former teammate as coach in 2020 despite no experience in the job, citing Nash’s ability to be a connector of personalities as a player. Nash was a two-time MVP with the Phoenix Suns who ended his 18-year career third on the NBA’s list with 10,335 assists.

But his schemes were criticized as the Nets struggled defensively throughout his tenure and often didn’t show the ball-moving style of play on offense that his Suns teams did, instead relying on Durant, Irving or Harden to isolate.

Beyond the player changes, Nash also had to adapt to changes on his bench. Mike D’Antoni, the two-time NBA Coach of the Year, stepped down as his assistant after one season, and Udoka left to become coach of the Celtics.

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AP Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds contributed to this story.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP—Sports

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November 1, 2022
Reunited once again, Pavement is more popular than ever

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NEW YORK (AP) — Four sold-out shows at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre. A new band member and an expanded live set. Momentum from unlikely followers gained while the band was on hiatus.

Pavement, reunited for the first time in 12 years, is back at it — again — and more popular than ever.

Pavement was once the ’90s quintessential indie rock band, effusing an air of equal parts defiance and nonchalance, half-singing erudite lyrics while flashing an in-the-know glance.

“It’s pretty amazing to see the energy that people — or Pavement fans, I suppose — have for this band, over 30 years since its inception,” said percussionist Bob Nastanovich. “I mean, it’s not like we weren’t liked. We’ve always had very loyal fans. In droves seems to be the different aspect.”

Launched in Stockton, California, in the late 1980s by guitarist/singer Stephen Malkmus, guitarist Scott “Spiral Stairs” Kannberg and studio owner/drummer Gary Young, Pavement referenced everything from Swell Maps to The Eagles in their songs. But it was always more about how they translated those influences into their own sonic language.

Throughout their 10-year run, during which they grew to include Nastanovich, bassist Mark Ibold and drummer Steve West, they released five albums and earned cult status among fans. They were loved for their loose approach, tangled resonance, shrouded pop sensibility and seemingly off-the-cuff mindset in live shows.

Still, aside from the semi-hit “Cut Your Hair,” they never got too big, and the band split up at the turn of the century as Malkmus set off on his own career, now nine albums deep. His guitar playing has moved into master-class territory, and he now runs a tighter ship on stage with his band The Jicks.

After years of indicating they would never get back together, Pavement reconvened for a world tour in 2010, and then went separate ways again. Kannberg has stayed in bands and released his own music and that of others, while West is a stonemason in Richmond, Virginia, and Ibold is a bartender in Brooklyn.

Nastanovich, based in Des Moines, Iowa, has a podcast called “3 Songs” and works in horse racing. To prove to people in the racing industry that he was in Pavement, he sometimes had to Google the band and show them pictures.

But then something unexpected happened: TikTok. “Harness Your Hopes” — a B-side released in 1999 — went viral with more than 10 million views of people dancing, lip-syncing or posting about the song. It’s also the top Pavement track on Spotify.

“Maybe in hindsight it would have been a successful single, but it’s always good to let your audience figure out what your hits are,” Nastanovich said.

Malkmus joked during one of the recent Brooklyn shows that no one told the band members back in the day that “Harness Your Hopes” was a hit. Adds Nastanovich, “It’s kind of nice to have sort of a funny song that we play every night that makes people smile and dance.”

The band also added a new member, keyboardist Rebecca Cole, also of the band Wild Flag. “She is a very good vibe, and she allows us to play about 15 to 20 more songs well than what we played in 2010,” said Nastanovich.

An international museum exhibition, “Pavements 1933-2022,” opened at a gallery in lower Manhattan this month tracing the band’s history though flyers, artwork, notebooks and videos. A few advertisements showed the band’s reach — and depth — in the 1990s. There’s Malkmus strumming a broom like a guitar for Apple’s “Think Different” campaign, a play on their “Wowee Zowee” album cover art for Absolut Vodka, and promotions for “Got Milk?” and America’s Libraries.

Younger artists Snail Mail, Lucy Dacus and Soccer Mommy played Pavement songs at the exhibition.

“More than anything else, it seems like the people who care about the band are very genuine and it’s just interesting to see such an amazing span of ages,” Nastanovich enthused. “It’s just amazing to me that over the past 12 years, Pavement has for some reason continued to gather steam.”

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October 15, 2022
Man accused of shooting 10 on subway train refuses to come to court

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NEW YORK (WABC) — Subway shooting suspect Frank James refused to come to federal court for his 1 p.m. scheduled status conference Wednesday, prompting the judge to order the United States Marshals Service to forcibly bring him in.

“Upon the defendant’s refusal to appear before the Court when requested in connection with the above-captioned case, it is hereby: ORDERED that the United States Marshals Service, their agents, and/or designees, use all necessary force to produce the above-named defendant,” Judge William Kuntz said.

James allegedly shot 10 people on a subway train in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, April 13 before he slipped away on a different train and became the subject of a manhunt.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of conducting a violent attack against a mass transportation system.

On Wednesday, a judge refused a defense request to delay the trial.

It comes as Eyewitness News was along for the ride Tuesday night as New York City’s top cop went underground in an effort to keep riders safe on the subway.

Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell toured the subway station where a teen was assaulted over the weekend and rode with New Yorkers who all have an opinion.

It’s been a rough two weeks in the transit system, with three murders — two in the subway and one on a bus.

The NYPD, which already flooded transit with thousands of cops since the beginning of the year, surged nearly a thousand more, focusing on 15 train lines in 20 stations citywide.

“Obviously we’re concerned about the safety of New Yorkers,” Sewell said. “This subway has to be safe. I remember taking the subway myself to go to school. The people who go to school, the people who work in the city, and this is the lifeblood, it has to be safe.”

ALSO READ | Eyewitness News gets exclusive ride-along with NYPD commissioner amid fear over subway crime

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October 12, 2022
Reunited once again, Pavement is more popular than ever

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NEW YORK — Four sold-out shows at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre. A new band member and an expanded live set. Momentum from unlikely followers gained while the band was on hiatus.

Pavement, reunited for the first time in 12 years, is back at it — again — and more popular than ever.

Pavement was once the ’90s quintessential indie rock band, effusing an air of equal parts defiance and nonchalance, half-singing erudite lyrics while flashing an in-the-know glance.

“It’s pretty amazing to see the energy that people — or Pavement fans, I suppose — have for this band, over 30 years since its inception,” said percussionist Bob Nastanovich. “I mean, it’s not like we weren’t liked. We’ve always had very loyal fans. In droves seems to be the different aspect.”

Launched in Stockton, California, in the late 1980s by guitarist/singer Stephen Malkmus, guitarist Scott “Spiral Stairs” Kannberg and studio owner/drummer Gary Young, Pavement referenced everything from Swell Maps to The Eagles in their songs. But it was always more about how they translated those influences into their own sonic language.

Throughout their 10-year run, during which they grew to include Nastanovich, bassist Mark Ibold and drummer Steve West, they released five albums and earned cult status among fans. They were loved for their loose approach, tangled resonance, shrouded pop sensibility and seemingly off-the-cuff mindset in live shows.

Still, aside from the semi-hit “Cut Your Hair,” they never got too big, and the band split up at the turn of the century as Malkmus set off on his own career, now nine albums deep. His guitar playing has moved into master-class territory, and he now runs a tighter ship on stage with his band The Jicks.

After years of indicating they would never get back together, Pavement reconvened for a world tour in 2010, and then went separate ways again. Kannberg has stayed in bands and released his own music and that of others, while West is a stonemason in Richmond, Virginia, and Ibold is a bartender in Brooklyn.

Nastanovich, based in Des Moines, Iowa, has a podcast called “3 Songs” and works in horse racing. To prove to people in the racing industry that he was in Pavement, he sometimes had to Google the band and show them pictures.

But then something unexpected happened: TikTok. “Harness Your Hopes” — a B-side released in 1999 — went viral with more than 10 million views of people dancing, lip-syncing or posting about the song. It’s also the top Pavement track on Spotify.

“Maybe in hindsight it would have been a successful single, but it’s always good to let your audience figure out what your hits are,” Nastanovich said.

Malkmus joked during one of the recent Brooklyn shows that no one told the band members back in the day that “Harness Your Hopes” was a hit. Adds Nastanovich, “It’s kind of nice to have sort of a funny song that we play every night that makes people smile and dance.”

The band also added a new member, keyboardist Rebecca Cole, also of the band Wild Flag. “She is a very good vibe, and she allows us to play about 15 to 20 more songs well than what we played in 2010,” said Nastanovich.

An international museum exhibition, “Pavements 1933-2022,” opened at a gallery in lower Manhattan this month tracing the band’s history though flyers, artwork, notebooks and videos. A few advertisements showed the band’s reach — and depth — in the 1990s. There’s Malkmus strumming a broom like a guitar for Apple’s “Think Different” campaign, a play on their “Wowee Zowee” album cover art for Absolut Vodka, and promotions for “Got Milk?” and America’s Libraries.

Younger artists Snail Mail, Lucy Dacus and Soccer Mommy played Pavement songs at the exhibition.

“More than anything else, it seems like the people who care about the band are very genuine and it’s just interesting to see such an amazing span of ages,” Nastanovich enthused. “It’s just amazing to me that over the past 12 years, Pavement has for some reason continued to gather steam.”

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October 12, 2022
Fox Soul Partners With Black Women Talk Tech for the 6th Annual ‘Roadmap to Billions’ Conference

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Jewel Burks Solomon and Tanya Van Court Slated as Keynote Speakers for the Two-Day Hybrid Event.

Press Release
–

May 31, 2022

BROOKLYN, N.Y., May 31, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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Today, Black Women Talk Tech announces that FOX SOUL, the Black community’s premiere free streaming platform, will serve as an official media partner for their 6th Annual Roadmap to Billions hybrid conference, taking place June 15-17 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York. The program aims to celebrate Black culture and deal with real topics that impact the everyday lives of the Black community through frank and insightful dialogue with local and national influencers. The conference event will be hybrid, offering virtual activations and livestream content for the online audience.

Black Women Talk Tech is a collective of Black women tech founders identifying, supporting, and encouraging Black women to build the next billion-dollar business. This is the largest tech gathering for Black women in the World. 2,000 founders will be in attendance for the only annual tech conference created exclusively by Black women tech founders for Black female and non-binary founders and allies. Black Women Talk Tech tapped the streaming platform as thought leaders and partners to configure a traditionally live event and transform it into a hybrid in-person and virtual experience, while still maintaining the integrity and intent of the conference.

“We’re pleased to partner with an organization whose mission is to empower and educate Black women to reach their brilliance in the tech world and beyond,” said James DuBose, general manager and head of programming at FOX Soul. “Everyone wants to have a voice, and we believe the culture is better served when those voices can be heard and appreciated beyond the privacy of our homes. This conference is just the beginning of what can come about when we work together to uplift the culture and community.”

The conference is built from the perspective of women and the goal is to showcase the brilliance of Black women in tech, create a stage for their experiences, foster deep connections, and create real funding opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable insight and essential guidance to inspire and lead them on their entrepreneurial and professional journey through the tech landscape. There are four programming tracks this year: Culture + Marketing, Finance + Operations, Leadership, and Product + Technology, targeting founders and aspiring founders, investors and aspiring investors/fund managers, and professionals.

“We love the passion and vision that FOX Soul wants to bring to our conference,” said Esosa Ighodaro-Johnson, Co-Founder and CMO of Black Women Talk Tech. “Their mission has been clear since inception on celebrating and uplifting Black culture. Their partnership with the conference will help bring valuable resources to audiences who might otherwise never know the potential that exists for tech entrepreneurs.”

The keynote speakers for the two-day hybrid event will be Jewel Burks, Tanya Van Court, and more to be announced.

Additional confirmed speakers include Carla Harris, Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Morgan Stanley; Dee Tuck, CTO at ARRAY; Janis Bowdler, Counselor for Racial Equity at the US Department of Treasury; Kelly Ifill, Founder and CEO at Guava; David Williams, Assistant Vice President- Automation at AT&T; and Kenneth Ebie, Executive Director & Chief Development Officer, Black Entrepreneurs NYC.

Activations this year include an Opening Night Pajama Jammy Jam, live crowdfunding, and an NFT + Crypto Corner. Tickets for this year’s Roadmap to Billions conference are available at the following link: https://bit.ly/PPLAfox

To register for the conference, visit www.blackwomentalktech.com.

To learn more about Fox Soul, visit https://foxsoul.tv.

ABOUT FOX SOUL:
FOX SOUL is the Black community’s premiere free streaming platform serving UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK, CONSUMABLE BY ALL entertainment around the clock to 44+ million viewers. With over 1,300 hours of live and interactive programming annually, we are home to some of the most iconic faces and voices of our culture: Cocktails with Queens hosted by Claudia Jordan, the award-winning FOX SOUL’s Black Report, the black filmmaker showcase known as FOX SOUL’s Screening Room hosted by Vivica A. Fox, The Book of Sean hosted by Dr. Sean McMillan, Business of Being Black with Tammi Mac, TEA G-I-F and more. We share YOUR voice and YOUR Truth 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on FOX SOUL, visit us on YouTube and FOXSOUL.TV.

ABOUT BLACK WOMEN TALK TECH:
Black Women Talk Tech (BWTT) is a collective of black women tech founders who have a unique understanding of the challenges black women startup owners face in the industry, but most importantly they understand the contribution of these innovators. The organization seeks to identify, support, and encourage black women to build the next billion-dollar business. BWTT has chapters in Atlanta, Georgia, New York City, and San Francisco. To learn more please visit www.blackwomentalktech.com. Follow BWTT on social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Demetria@PressPassLA.com
Jennifer@PressPassLA.com

Source: Black Women Talk Tech

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May 31, 2022
Black Women Talk Tech Announces Return of In-Person Roadmap to Billions Conference

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Press Release
–

Apr 8, 2022

NEW YORK, April 8, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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Black Women Talk Tech, a collective of Black women tech founders identifying, supporting and encouraging Black women to build the next billion-dollar business, officially announces its 6th Annual Roadmap to Billions conference. The conference will be held June 15-17 before Juneteenth Weekend at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York. The event will be hybrid, offering virtual activations and livestream content for the online audience.

This is the largest tech gathering for Black women in the World. 2,000 founders will be in attendance for the only annual tech conference created exclusively by Black women tech founders for Black female and non-binary founders and allies. The conference is built from the perspective of women and the goal is to showcase the brilliance of Black women in tech, create a stage for their experiences, foster deep connections, and create real funding opportunities. Attendees will gain insight and valuable lessons to inspire and guide them on their entrepreneurial and executive journey through the tech landscape. There are four different programming tracks this year: Culture + Marketing, Finance + Operations, Leadership, and Product + Technology.

Activations this year include an Opening Night Pajama Jammy Jam, live crowdfunding, and an NFT + Crypto Corner. Tickets for this year’s Roadmap to Billions conference are available at the following link. Early bird pricing is available now and prices will increase closer to the conference: https://bit.ly/3xagTiT

Confirmed speakers so far include Carla Harris, Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Morgan Stanley; Dee Tuck, CTO at ARRAY; Janis Bowdler, Counselor for Racial Equity at the US Department of Treasury; Kelly Ifill, Founder and CEO at Guava; David Williams, Assistant Vice President- Automation at AT&T; and Kenneth Ebie, Executive Director & Chief Development Officer, Black Entrepreneurs NYC.

“We are thrilled to be back in person for our sixth annual Roadmap to Billions conference,” says Esosa Ighodaro-Johnson, Co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech. “There have been many success stories from this event, but there is much more work to be done to enrich the Black community and build for the culture.”

Regina Gwynn, Co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech adds, “The 6th year of the Roadmap to Billions conference will provide something for everyone at every level in their career whether investor, entrepreneur, student or professional. We are helping people create their own seat at the table where people of color often get ostracized.”

This year’s sponsors include Brooklyn Navy Yard, Intuit, Bloomberg, Dell for Startups, Citi, Balsamiq, Lowenstein Sandler, First Round Capital, American Family Insurance, Morgan Stanley, and JustWorks.

The Black Women Talk Tech community includes entrepreneurs, professionals, professionals with side hustles, engineers, product development executives and UX/UI designers. Industries their members operate in include fashionTech, medTech, edTech, finTech and entertainment.

About Black Women Talk Tech:
Black Women Talk Tech (BWTT) is a worldwide collective of black women tech founders who have a unique understanding of the challenges Black women startup owners face in the industry. The organization seeks to identify, support, and encourage Black women to build the next billion-dollar business. To learn more, please visit www.blackwomentalktech.com. Follow BWTT on social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Media Contacts:
Demetria@PressPassLA.com
Tiffany@PressPassLA.com

Source: Black Women Talk Tech

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April 8, 2022
KAFFNY Infinite Cinema 2017 Returns to Willamsburg Brooklyn for 11th Year on Saturday October 14th *Featuring Free Fashion Film Screening*
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‘Korean American Film Festival New York’ explores the infinite connections between cultures through food, fashion, migration and cinema
NEW YORK, New York, October 9, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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KAFFNY Infinite Cinema will return to New York City for the 11th year on Saturday, Oct. 14. Held at the Brooklyn hotspot The Wythe Hotel Cinema from 1:00 p.m. until Midnight 12:00 a.m., the annual event will celebrate some of the most promising indie filmmakers of different cultures from around the world.

This year, five distinct blocks of programming will approach the topic of Infinite Culture through specific lenses: INFINITE FOOD CONNECTION, INFINITE FASHION CONNECTION, WORLDWIDE KOREAN CONNECTION, INFINITE MIGRATION CONNECTION, and CRAZY, RICH ASIAN AMERICANS. Alongside the screening of 25 short films and two feature-length films, the audience will also get the opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions with the filmmakers during the moderated panel discussions.

The past ten years of experience in telling Korean American stories helped KAFFNY to identify and find commonality with other stories at the intersection of all cultures. We are ready to evolve, with a new mission to identify unifying commonalities and bust cultural stereotypes by connecting voices through our shared experiences.

Chung Tsang, President of KAFFNY

“We are very excited about returning to New York and continue to celebrate the connection of cultures through films,” says Chung Tsang, the President of KAFFNY. “The past ten years of experience in telling Korean American stories helped KAFFNY to identify and find commonality with other stories at the intersection of all cultures. We are ready to evolve, with a new mission to identify unifying commonalities and bust cultural stereotypes by connecting voices through our shared experiences.”

Previously named KAFFNY (Korean American Film Festival New York, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), the group has recently rebranded as KAFFNY Infinite Cinema. For 11 years, it has explored cultural fusion through the medium of film. KAFFNY Infinite Cinema’s mission is to allow the audience to connect stories that are often missing from the mainstream narrative, allow the audience to engage in dialogue with the content makers to fuse a new understanding of our world, and hopefully inspire our audience to repeat this process by seeking out new ways to connect to a culture outside their own. Which is KAFFNY’s motto: CONNECT. FUSE. REPEAT.

EVENT DETAILS

The 11th Annual KAFFNY INFINITE CINEMA 2017
- Venue: Wythe Hotel Cinema (80 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11249)
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 14
- Time: 1:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
- Official event site – kaffny.org
- Tickets Online – $7-$15 per screening (3PM Fashion Film Screening FREE)
- kaffny.eventbrite.com
Sponsors:
- viddsee.com (Asian shorts platform, Singapore)
- Post Fin (DCP Services, Seoul)
- Wythe Hotel Cinema (venue sponsor)
- Karaoke City (venue sponsor)
- 88rising (music partner)
- Re/make (content partner)
- Munchies (content partner)
- Godmode music (content partner)
A Complete list of films:

On Saturday, Oct. 14 KAFFNY Infinite Cinema invites filmgoers to a one-day cinematic passport experience. Embracing the motto of CONNECT. FUSE. REPEAT. KAFFNY Infinite Cinema challenges its audience to discard notions of cultures as separate, discrete and insular, instead exploring the infinite possibilities of contact, fusion, and creation born from the mixing of different backgrounds. Let the screen transport your mind to new places, new practices, and new perspectives, leaving you entertained, challenged and confident to forge new relationships with those outside of your bubble.

Five distinct blocks of programming will approach the topic of Infinite Culture through specific lenses with thematic panel discussions to follow.

INFINITE FOOD CONNECTION – 1:00 p.m.

On the menu of this program is a group of short fiction and documentary films highlighting the bonding power of food as a centerpiece of human nourishment. After the screening, we’ll have a panel to discuss the many different stories behind the people who make the food that we eat.

Films include The Last Tip by Patrick Chen (4:36), Cooking With Granny by Caroline Shin (10:00), Shield by Yijie Mei (20:00), Kimchi Taco by Seran Kim (14:16), Migrant Kitchen by Sarah K. Khan (10:00), Refugee Chef by Ben Ferguson for Munchies (10:00).

**FREE** INFINITE FASHION CONNECTION – 3:00 p.m. **FREE with RSVP**

Go behind the glamour of the runway, exploring the lives of those who create the clothes and the nuanced relationship between self-expression and fashion. Stay woke on world fashion with this selection of short films. After the screening, we will have a panel to discuss ethical fashion and how the clothes we choose impacts people who make them.

Films include Prince’s Test by Amy Park (5:20), Euna by Seung-Hyun Chong (18:24), Perception by Minu Park (2:13), Factory Man by Jihye Ku (4:33), En Route by Anman Cao (10:04), Made In Cambodia by Asad Faruqi for Re/make (9:33)

WORLDWIDE KOREAN CONNECTION – 5:00 p.m.

Shorts. Embracing KAFFNY’s legacy as a platform for narratives of the Korean and Korean Diaspora community, this is our 11th annual selection of both English and Korean language films. A few films focus on mental health & domestic abuse which we seek to discuss and explore after the screening.

Films include I’m Here, Too by Eunsoo Jeong (5:00), Mom by Mingi Kim (8:00), Fractured by Arnold Chun (13:51), Angeltown by Nancy Liu (20:30), Tetsu Kono’s Crazy Routine by Sébastien Simon (16:30), Fault by Daniel Lee (10:17), Family by Seung-Hyun Chong (22:34)

INFINITE MIGRATION CONNECTION – 7:30 P.M.

U.S. Premiere for our centerpiece documentary screening of “Amsterdam Stories: West.” Join a modern day Lewis and Clark as they traverse American communities in various towns and cities named Amsterdam, reflecting on local history, individual struggles, and a poignant examination from the eyes of foreigners of the enduring legacy of the American Dream.

Along with the short film Dear Mother, these stories that deal with issues of home, migration, and adoption. After the screening, we’ll have an interactive experience led by Kayla Tange, a performance artist and the subject of Dear Mother.

Films include Dear Mother by Matthew Kaundart (3:45), Amsterdam Stories USA – West by Rob Rombout & Rogier van Eck (90:00)

CRAZY, RICH, ASIAN AMERICANS? – 10:00 p.m.

These two films tell two very different stories set around characters who are part of rich Asian American families. Is being rich and Asian American a blessing or a curse? Come to the screening and discussion afterwards as we try to find the answer to that question.

Films include Lola by Isabella Tan (25:00), The Last Tour by Ryun Yu (71:00)

About KAFFNY

KAFFNY Infinite Cinema is a new international cinema festival platform dedicated to the exploring the infinite cultural connections that intersect in our world. Embracing the motto of CONNECT. FUSE. REPEAT. KAFFNY Infinite Cinema challenges its audience to discard notions of cultures as separate, discrete and insular, instead exploring the infinite possibilities of contact, fusion, and creation born from the mixing of different backgrounds. Let the screen transport your mind to new places, new practices, and new perspectives, leaving you entertained, challenged and confident to forge new relationships with those outside of your bubble. For more information, please visit: http://kaffny.org

For media requests, please contact:

Chung Tsang
KAFFNY Infinite Cinema
Tel: 201-496-4723
Email: chung@kaffny.com

Source: KAFFNY Infinite Cinema
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October 9, 2017
Brooklyn Borough President Adams to Announce  Capital Budget Allocations for Economic Development

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Press Release
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updated: Dec 6, 2016

Brooklyn, NY, December 6, 2016 (Newswire.com)
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WHAT: Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will be holding a press conference at BioBAT, the New York Science and Technology Center at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, announcing his office’s capital budget economic development allocations for 2017. BioBAT will receive $1 million for tenant fit-out for biotech/technology companies.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 7, 10:30 AM.

WHERE: Brooklyn Army Terminal, Building A, 140 58^th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220 (map)

ABOUT BIOBAT:

BioBAT, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization established to develop affordable, state-of-the-art biotechnology/technology research and manufacturing space in New York City. BioBAT is a joint venture of the New York City Economic Development Corp. and the Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Downstate Medical Center. For more information, visit www.biobat.nyc.

BIOBAT CONTACT:

Kathleen M. Otto | kotto@BioBAT.nyc | (347) 799-1477

BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT’S OFFICE CONTACT:

Stefan Ringel | sringel@brooklynbp.nyc.gov | (917) 574-3277

Source: BioBAT

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December 6, 2016
Maria Soccor’s Award Winning ‘Lords of BSV’ Debuts on Red Bull TV

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Maria Soccor Productions Inc. and Simmons Media announce that Soccor’s award winning ‘Lords of BSV’ documentary about the breathtaking Brukup dancers in Brooklyn, New York is now available on Red Bull TV. Director Soccor and the film were also recently featured on WABC-TV in New York City. In September, ‘Lords of BSV’ will be presented by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at Shaquille O’Neal’s CityPlex Theater in New Jersey

New York, NY, August 8, 2016 (Newswire.com)
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After winning nine major awards in 2015, and two awards at the London International Film Festival 2016, Maria Soccor’s Lords of BSV made its digital television debut on July 31, 2016 on Red Bull TV and is now available on VOD (Video On Demand http://www.redbull.tv/film/AP-1NQTVU81H1W11/lords-of-bsv). Lords of BSV is the latest addition to the online media platform from the Austrian Red Bull company which broadcasts live global events, and an extensive selection of sports, music and lifestyle entertainment.

The Red Bull TV debut follows Soccor and Lords of BSV being featured for a second time on WABC-TV in New York City. Above and Beyond: Inspiring People In Our Community profiled the director in the program which aired June 25 and June 26, 2016. In 2015, one of the world’s most esteemed movie critics, 30 year veteran Sandy Kenyon of WABC-TV Eyewitness News, applauded the powerful message of Lords of BSV. He said, “These performers are dedicated to making their community a better place by sharing what they know with the youngsters of Bed-Stuy.” Referring to their Brukup dance, he added, “The style made its way to Brooklyn in the 1990s, and now the veterans have revived it to keep kids away from gangs and heal their own pain.”

“An example of the finest in documentary filmmaking today.”

Tom Neff, Founder of the Documentary Channel

Lords of BSV tells the inspiring story of the breathtaking Brukup dancers in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of New York City. As the film is viewed across the world on Red Bull TV, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has chosen the celebrated documentary to be showcased at a special celebration in September 2016 at the Newark CityPlex Theatre owned by NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.

Soccor is especially honored to be recognized in her hometown: Newark, New Jersey. Earlier this year, Lords of BSV continued its international winning streak by taking home two awards at the London International Film Festival 2016 (London IFF 2016) on February 26, 2016. The film was honored with the Jury Award for Best Documentary, and Best Cinematography In A Documentary Feature. The awards continued the tremendous acclaim Lords of BSV received in Europe as well as in America. In 2015, the film was named Best Feature Documentary at the Milan International Film Festival 2015, plus Soccor won Best Director of a Feature Documentary, and Lords of BSV was recognized for Best Music in a Feature Film, at the Madrid International Film Festival 2015. The film added to its list of honors by winning Best Documentary at the I Filmmaker International Film Festival in Marbella, Spain on December 8, 2015.

The international honors for the documentary directorial debut by actress/director/producer/comic creator Soccor followed five honors at American film festivals. In the United States, Lords of BSV was chosen Best Documentary at the 2015 Visionfest Film Festival in New York City and the Rahway International Film Festival 2015, received the Audience Award for Best Feature Documentary at the Hudson Valley International Film Festival 2015, and won the Jury Award for Best Documentary at the Long Island Film International Expo 2015. Also, Soccor received the Emerging Director Award at the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival 2015.

The founder of the Documentary Channel, acclaimed Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominated director/producer Tom Neff, calls Lords of BSV, “an example of the finest in documentary filmmaking today.” “It is a perfect marriage of in-depth content with a unique approach to form,” says Neff. “Maria Soccor followed her heart to create a unique vision of a unique art form while simultaneously developing a strong underlying theme of dance and art as a way out for inner city youth. Soccor’s documentary is a definitive refutation to the stereotype of the inner city youth as violent and uncaring; these young artists are focused, involved, and determined to make a difference.” Neff continues, “Lords of BSV is extremely visual and engaging, impeccably researched and presented, and inspiring to the audience.”

“As a first time director, I am humbled that Lords of BSV has received national and international recognition,” says Soccor, who produced the short film, Play House, which was screened at the 2013 South by Southwest Festival (SXSW). While Lords of BSV continues to gain accolades, Soccor’s short comedy Cinecoma, which she produced, has been picked up for distribution by Just the Story TV. Also, her new comic series SPEAR, illustrated by artist Rolo Ledesma, launched at the 2015 New York Comic Con in Manhattan.

As an actress, Soccor has appeared in over 20 movies, including Playmakers of New Orleans starring Zoe Saldana, in which she portrayed Tracey Austin, Saldana’s sister. Her television credits include NCIS New Orleans on CBS, Another World on NBC, and K-Ville on Fox starring Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser. Soccor is also a trained dancer, and she was inspired to document the stars of Lords of BSV after witnessing their unique talents. “It is the most fabulous urban artistry I’ve ever seen,” Soccor says. “They are the most dynamic dancers in New York City.”

Soccor’s goal in creating Lords of BSV was to erase the negative stigma and stereotypes about urban dancers.

“Dance gives them dignity, a sense of identity, and keeps them from lives of crime,” she states. “There is tragedy throughout the entire film, yet the dance lifts them above the negativity surrounding them. Through dance, they find love for each other, and survive.” She adds that the art form has tremendous positive social significance. “Brukup is not just a dance, it is a culture,” she comments. “Through the art, the dancers overcome poverty and homelessness, becoming better people. BSV serves the community by keeping kids off the streets and showing them how to turn anger into the art of dance. Their dancing saves lives.”

BSV provides a positive alternative to the negative spiral of street life, despite the lack of funding or facilities. “I want to show the world what they do, teaching students without classrooms, without schools.” says Soccor. “My dream is that one day they will have a school to truly nurture and spread their gift.”

About Lords of BSV and Brukup:

Created in 1998, the Bed-Stuy Veterans (BSV) became kings of the Brooklyn underground dance culture. They are revivalists of a dance style known as Brukup, which originated in Jamaica, West Indies in the early 1990s from George “Brukup” Adams. Brukup is a hybrid dance chronicled in the New York Times that incorporates bone breaking, connecting, pausing, popping, mutation, morphing, ballet and hip-hop, mixed with theatrical miming.

View the Lords of BSV trailer on the film website. http://www.LordsofBSVfilm.com

For more information, and to schedule interviews with Maria Soccor, contact:

Ken Simmons/Simmons Media
kens4544867@gmail.com
646-408-6958

Source: Simmons Media

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August 8, 2016