Latest news with #Aro
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Gun violence is directly challenged by teen-owned businesses
CONCOURSE, The Bronx (PIX11) — June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, and while some new statistics from the NYPD show significant — and even record-breaking — progress in the fight against gun crimes, some other information from the police shows that there's still much work to do. That was the upshot of a gun violence awareness event organized by leaders of government, law enforcement, and education in The Bronx on Monday, in Lou Gehrig Plaza, on 161st Street. More Local News But right across the street, in Bronx Borough Hall, another event took place that's meant to both counter and reduce crimes involving gun shooting. It was all happening exactly three weeks after a stray bullet took the life of Evette Jeffrey, a 16-year-old innocent bystander in a schoolyard in the Morrisania section of the Bronx. One of the leaders of the gun violence awareness rally spoke about the tragedy directly. 'As a mother, as an educator, and a lifelong Bronxite,' said Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, 'this hit home.' Aviles-Ramos joined with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, District Attorney Darcel Clark, NYPD Assistant Chief Benjamin Gurley, and violence interruption groups at the Gun Violence Awareness Month launch event. It happened at the same time that the city reported its lowest number of homicides in any five-month period ever, as well as recording a 21 percent drop in shootings this year, citywide. Still, said Assistant Chief Benjamin Gurley, the highest ranking NYPD officer in the Bronx, 'There's so much work to do, because we also see that there are a lot of guns in the street. [There are also] a lot of shots fired, and those are just shootings that missed,' Gurley said at the gun violence awareness event. He was referring to stats like the following, which the NYPD released at the same time as its record low homicide numbers: shooting incidents are up 30.8 percent in the Bronx's 40th Precinct this year, and up more than 112 percent in the last two years; there was a 200 percent increase in shootings — from 1 to 3 — in the last week of May in the 42nd Precinct in the Bronx. A big part of the problem, according to District Attorney Darcel Clark, 'It's just so much more rampant that the younger kids are getting the guns now.' She said that with each passing year since 2018, when state law raised the minimum age for adult sentencing to 18 from 16, there has been a higher incidence of early teens committing gun crimes. Drawing attention to that, as well as other gun violence issues, is why violence interruptors and city leaders are encouraging people to wear orange, the color of the gun violence awareness campaign. Across the street from the launch event, inside Bronx Borough Hall, the color was seen on the chests of young people at tables lining the perimeters of the building's cavernous central hall. It was the presentation of teen entrepreneurs' business projects, as they received grants from the city to fund them. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Councilmembers Kevin Riley and Althea Stewart helped secure grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for about two dozen businesses and non-profits started by Bronx-based high schoolers. They were on hand for the Monday fair, with their orange ribbons pinned to their blouses, shirts, and sweaters. 'It's supposed to symbolize anti-gun violence month,' said Shania Mayfield, a senior at the Academy of Scholarship and Entrepreneurship, in the Wakefield section of the borough. She was at the fair, at a table displaying the work of the non-profit she founded with fellow senior Kayla Moore, who was seated beside her. Guardian Angels Tutoring Services, Inc. is the non-profit they founded. It trains and schedules tutoring and mentoring services. Its purpose, said Moore, is that 'students can have something to do after school, and it's something where they can earn money, while helping other people.' The fair and the program in which they're involved are run by the organization Parents Uplifting our Daughters and Sons, or PUDS. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson went to the fair right after leading the gun violence awareness rally across the street. She said that just as important as gun violence awareness is the promotion of teens' business skills. They're an antidote to the violence, she said. '[It gives] young people opportunities to be successful,' Gibson said in an interview, 'where they don't have to think about engaging in negative behavior.' Jamila Davis, the founder of PUDS, said that the entrepreneur grants are given out at the end of the school year, strategically. It's right before the summer season, which tends to be the busiest time for teen entrepreneurs' sales. That busy sales season comes at the same time as the city typically sees a rise in gun violence. In other words, said organizers of both the Gun Violence Awareness Month launch and the teen entrepreneurs' fair, the teens' businesses directly counter gun violence in the borough. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Aro's ‘Te Karanga' – A New Song For A New Season
Press Release – Cheree Ridder Award-winning Aotearoa duo Aro are embracing a new season of life and releasing a powerful new waiata to match, Te Karanga – Out May 23rd. This Easter, Charles and Emily Looker (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngāti Mutunga), along with their two tamariki, packed up their Pukekohe home, moved their life into a custom-fitted Rugged Kiwi caravan, and hit the road to live a life centred around whānau, community, bicultural connection, and legacy. It's a bold lifestyle shift that mirrors the heart behind Te Karanga, their hopeful new waiata. 'We should always find a way, when love calls — Karanga mai…' Written in late 2024 after an unforgettable live set with TONES, Te Karanga captures a deeply personal moment for the duo — a call to respond to aroha, to move forward with hope, even when the path is uncertain. Unlike Aro's earlier concept albums, often grounded in months of research into Te Taiao, this waiata poured out in an evening — raw, real, and deeply reflective of their lived experience. Musically, Te Karanga weaves Aro's signature bilingual artistry with an expansive, soulful sound, powered by the gospel energy of House of Misfits. Recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by talented Scott Seabright in Onewhero and at Auckland's Lab Studio, it offers rich harmonies, irresistible groove, and the emotional authenticity that has earned Aro critical acclaim and public love — including most recently the, 2024 Waiata Māori Music Award for Best Pop Album. In every way, Te Karanga is more than just a song. It's a reflection of Aro's kaupapa: to live with hope, to move with aroha, and to leave a legacy that calls others forward. The song's spirit is beautifully captured in its accompanying lyric video and its behind the scenes live recording video, with the former filmed by whanaunga Maioro Taylor (Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua) on Āwhitu Peninsula. It follows Emily and Charles walking a long road toward a small chapel — a visual metaphor for answering the call of aroha, carrying hope forward, and trusting in the journey. The release of Te Karanga also follows a major milestone for Charles, who earlier this year stood with Muriwhenua to perform at Te Matatini 2025, reaffirming Aro's deep commitment to uplifting te ao Māori through music, kaupapa, and action. With their lives now woven into the land and its people in a new way, Aro are working towards their third full-length album, due for release in Autumn 2026 (supported by Te Māngai Paho), drawing inspiration from their adventures, their whānau life on the road, and their continued work delivering storytelling and songwriting workshops in kura across Aotearoa ( thanks to the NZ Music Commission). Te Karanga is released on May 23rd, 2025, with thanks to Te Māngai Paho and NZ On Air through Waiata Takitahi.
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Aro's ‘Te Karanga' – A New Song For A New Season
Press Release – Cheree Ridder Unlike Aros earlier concept albums, often grounded in months of research into Te Taiao, this waiata poured out in an evening raw, real, and deeply reflective of their lived experience. Award-winning Aotearoa duo Aro are embracing a new season of life and releasing a powerful new waiata to match, Te Karanga – Out May 23rd. This Easter, Charles and Emily Looker (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngāti Mutunga), along with their two tamariki, packed up their Pukekohe home, moved their life into a custom-fitted Rugged Kiwi caravan, and hit the road to live a life centred around whānau, community, bicultural connection, and legacy. It's a bold lifestyle shift that mirrors the heart behind Te Karanga, their hopeful new waiata. 'We should always find a way, when love calls — Karanga mai…' Written in late 2024 after an unforgettable live set with TONES, Te Karanga captures a deeply personal moment for the duo — a call to respond to aroha, to move forward with hope, even when the path is uncertain. Unlike Aro's earlier concept albums, often grounded in months of research into Te Taiao, this waiata poured out in an evening — raw, real, and deeply reflective of their lived experience. Musically, Te Karanga weaves Aro's signature bilingual artistry with an expansive, soulful sound, powered by the gospel energy of House of Misfits. Recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by talented Scott Seabright in Onewhero and at Auckland's Lab Studio, it offers rich harmonies, irresistible groove, and the emotional authenticity that has earned Aro critical acclaim and public love — including most recently the, 2024 Waiata Māori Music Award for Best Pop Album. In every way, Te Karanga is more than just a song. It's a reflection of Aro's kaupapa: to live with hope, to move with aroha, and to leave a legacy that calls others forward. The song's spirit is beautifully captured in its accompanying lyric video and its behind the scenes live recording video, with the former filmed by whanaunga Maioro Taylor (Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua) on Āwhitu Peninsula. It follows Emily and Charles walking a long road toward a small chapel — a visual metaphor for answering the call of aroha, carrying hope forward, and trusting in the journey. The release of Te Karanga also follows a major milestone for Charles, who earlier this year stood with Muriwhenua to perform at Te Matatini 2025, reaffirming Aro's deep commitment to uplifting te ao Māori through music, kaupapa, and action. With their lives now woven into the land and its people in a new way, Aro are working towards their third full-length album, due for release in Autumn 2026 (supported by Te Māngai Paho), drawing inspiration from their adventures, their whānau life on the road, and their continued work delivering storytelling and songwriting workshops in kura across Aotearoa ( thanks to the NZ Music Commission). Te Karanga is released on May 23rd, 2025, with thanks to Te Māngai Paho and NZ On Air through Waiata Takitahi.
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Aro's ‘Te Karanga' - A New Song For A New Season
Award-winning Aotearoa duo Aro are embracing a new season of life and releasing a powerful new waiata to match, Te Karanga - Out May 23rd. This Easter, Charles and Emily Looker (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngāti Mutunga), along with their two tamariki, packed up their Pukekohe home, moved their life into a custom-fitted Rugged Kiwi caravan, and hit the road to live a life centred around whānau, community, bicultural connection, and legacy. It's a bold lifestyle shift that mirrors the heart behind Te Karanga, their hopeful new waiata. "We should always find a way, when love calls — Karanga mai..." Written in late 2024 after an unforgettable live set with TONES, Te Karanga captures a deeply personal moment for the duo — a call to respond to aroha, to move forward with hope, even when the path is uncertain. Unlike Aro's earlier concept albums, often grounded in months of research into Te Taiao, this waiata poured out in an evening — raw, real, and deeply reflective of their lived experience. Musically, Te Karanga weaves Aro's signature bilingual artistry with an expansive, soulful sound, powered by the gospel energy of House of Misfits. Recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by talented Scott Seabright in Onewhero and at Auckland's Lab Studio, it offers rich harmonies, irresistible groove, and the emotional authenticity that has earned Aro critical acclaim and public love — including most recently the, 2024 Waiata Māori Music Award for Best Pop Album. In every way, Te Karanga is more than just a song. It's a reflection of Aro's kaupapa: to live with hope, to move with aroha, and to leave a legacy that calls others forward. The song's spirit is beautifully captured in its accompanying lyric video and its behind the scenes live recording video, with the former filmed by whanaunga Maioro Taylor (Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua) on Āwhitu Peninsula. It follows Emily and Charles walking a long road toward a small chapel — a visual metaphor for answering the call of aroha, carrying hope forward, and trusting in the journey. The release of Te Karanga also follows a major milestone for Charles, who earlier this year stood with Muriwhenua to perform at Te Matatini 2025, reaffirming Aro's deep commitment to uplifting te ao Māori through music, kaupapa, and action. With their lives now woven into the land and its people in a new way, Aro are working towards their third full-length album, due for release in Autumn 2026 (supported by Te Māngai Paho), drawing inspiration from their adventures, their whānau life on the road, and their continued work delivering storytelling and songwriting workshops in kura across Aotearoa ( thanks to the NZ Music Commission). Te Karanga is released on May 23rd, 2025, with thanks to Te Māngai Paho and NZ On Air through Waiata Takitahi.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Aro's ‘Te Karanga' A New Song For A New Season
Award-winning Aotearoa duo Aro are embracing a new season of life and releasing Te Karanga, their powerful new waiata to match. This Easter, Charles and Emily Looker (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngāti Mutunga), along with their two tamariki, packed up their Pukekohe home, moved their life into a custom-fitted Rugged Kiwi caravan, and hit the road to live a life centred around whānau, community, bicultural connection, and legacy. It's a bold lifestyle shift that mirrors the heart behind Te Karanga, their hopeful new waiata, released May 23rd, 2025. 'We should always find a way, when love calls — Karanga mai…' Written in late 2024 after an unforgettable live set with TONES, Te Karanga captures a deeply personal moment for the duo — a call to respond to aroha, to move forward with hope, even when the path is uncertain. Unlike Aro's earlier concept albums, often grounded in months of research into Te Taiao, this waiata poured out in an evening — raw, real, and deeply reflective of their lived experience. Musically, Te Karanga weaves Aro's signature bilingual artistry with an expansive, soulful sound, powered by the gospel energy of House of Misfits. Recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by talented Scott Seabright in Onewhero and at Auckland's Lab Studio, it offers rich harmonies, irresistible groove, and the emotional authenticity that has earned Aro critical acclaim and public love — including most recently the, 2024 Waiata Māori Music Award for Best Pop Album. In every way, Te Karanga is more than just a song. It's a reflection of Aro's kaupapa: to live with hope, to move with aroha, and to leave a legacy that calls others forward. The song's spirit is beautifully captured in its accompanying lyric video and its behind the scenes live recording video, with the former filmed by whanaunga Maioro Taylor (Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua) on Āwhitu Peninsula. It follows Emily and Charles walking a long road toward a small chapel — a visual metaphor for answering the call of aroha, carrying hope forward, and trusting in the journey. The release of Te Karanga also follows a major milestone for Charles, who earlier this year stood with Muriwhenua to perform at Te Matatini 2025, reaffirming Aro's deep commitment to uplifting te ao Māori through music, kaupapa, and action. With their lives now woven into the land and its people in a new way, Aro are working towards their third full-length album, due for release in Autumn 2026 (supported by Te Māngai Paho), drawing inspiration from their adventures, their whānau life on the road, and their continued work delivering storytelling and songwriting workshops in kura across Aotearoa ( thanks to the NZ Music Commission). Te Karanga is released on May 23rd, 2025, with thanks to Te Māngai Paho and NZ On Air through Waiata Takitahi.
