pictured (l to r, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas, Senator Roxanne Persaud)
This past weekend community members and local elected officials partnered for the Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway, in East New York. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas, Senator Roxanne Persaud, and Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez came together to provide free toys for children.
Assemblywoman Lucas stated, “the turnout of support for our Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway was amazing. Thanks to all partners that came through with toys and thanks to the many parents who brought their children out for a wonderful day of celebration. I’m wishing everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season.
“The toy drive was a huge success in my eyes. Families not only received toys but were entertained by carolers, Mrs. Claus, her elves, and there was a performance from New Wave Dance. The event was well organized, and it was great to see so many public officials there to support the families of East New York. It was overall a wonderful experience”, stated community resident, Dailia Bobb
Parent and volunteer, Travena Smith said, “I’m happy I came out to volunteer. Especially having my five year old daughter Tyvena with me. It put a smile on my face to watch her help others. This event was beautiful.”
Donna Freeman added, “We had a pleasure attending the Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway as a family and looking forward to future events with our leaders.”
Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that construction has begun for the transformative $1.2 billion redevelopment of the former 27-acre Brooklyn Developmental Center property in Brooklyn’s East New York neighborhood. The initial $373 million phase will create 576 affordable homes, a new 15,000-square-foot outpatient medical clinic, and 7,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. Once completed, the entire development, known as Alafia, will ultimately create more than 2,400 affordable homes in a walkable neighborhood with recreational spaces and access to community resources that promote health and wellness. Alafia is part of the State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative that is addressing chronic social, economic, and health disparities in Brooklyn’s high-need communities.
“We are not just building housing for the people of East New York, we’re investing in a community so that generations of New Yorkers can flourish and thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “By creating 2,400 new quality homes and expanding access to social services and health care, Alafia will make this neighborhood a more affordable, more inclusive and healthier place to live. This truly transformative investment will put us on the path toward mending the societal cracks in the system to ensure all New Yorkers have a chance to prosper.”
In 2018, Empire State Development, in collaboration with New York State Homes and Community Renewal, requested proposals to bring a modern, mixed-use wellness-oriented development to the campus of the Brooklyn Developmental Center in the Spring Creek area of East New York. The winning development team consists of Apex Building Company, L+M Development Partners, Services for the UnderServed and RiseBoroCommunity Partnership. The masterplan for the site was developed by Dattner Architects.
Ultimately, the overall BDC redevelopment, known as Alafia, will be constructed in separate phases and will create approximately 2,400 affordable apartments and other mixed uses on a walkable campus with open space designed by SCAPE Landscape Architecture.
Assemblymember Nikki Lucas said, “The Alafia development is an important step for our community. We desperately need affordable housing and an additional Medical Center. I’m looking forward to working with the developers and the Governor’s office on this community partnership, starting with today’s groundbreaking and through the entire pre and post construction phases. The goals should include guaranteed employment opportunities for community members and securing apartments for members who currently live within the 60th Assembly District. Additionally, I’m looking forward to working together to prepare the community for the application process to ensure residents within the district are registered and educated on the process in order to take advantage of the opportunities for employment and housing.”
The first phase of redevelopment will include the new construction of a 15-story building with 452 apartments and a six-story building with 124 apartments. The 15-story building includes two towers connected by a common lobby with a 15,000-square-foot medical clinic in the first tower and 7,800 square feet of retail space in the second tower.
One Brooklyn Health will operate an outpatient medical facility which will include primary care and an array of specialty services to address the needs of the residents in Alafia and the surrounding community. The retail space is expected to house five commercial tenants with the goal of attracting neighborhood-serving local small businesses.
There are 48 apartments reserved for individuals with mental health challenges who will have access to rental subsidies and services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health. An additional 88 supportive homes will be reserved for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who will benefit from rental subsidies and services funded by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. The service provider for the 136 supportive homes is Services for the UnderServed.
Both buildings in the initial phase are designed to meet Passive House design standards and will utilize a closed loop geothermal heat pump system for energy efficient heating and cooling. There will also be a roof-mounted solar array that will convert solar energy into electricity and a SHARC wastewater heat recovery system that uses energy from wastewater for heating, cooling and hot water.
Residents will have access to free high-speed broadband connection and 24/7 security services. Additional residential amenities will include laundry rooms, bike rooms, and recreational spaces.
State financing for the first phase includes $38.1 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $117.8 million in equity and $174.9 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will provide approximately $450,000 and the project is also eligible to apply for NYSERDA funding for the solar installation through the NY-Sun Multifamily Affordable Housing Incentive program. In addition, the project is expected to qualify for Solar and Geothermal Tax Credits that will generate $670,000 in equity. OMH is providing $1,200,000 annually to fund operating costs of the 48 ESSHI units, as well as $430,000 in a Program Development Grant to cover start-up costs. Additional financing is being provided through a mix of private sources.
Alafia complements Governor Hochul’s sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the FY 2023 State Budget, the Governor introduced and successfully secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. Last week, Governor Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams announced the groundbreaking of Logan Fountain, a mixed-use project also in East New York that will include 174 permanently affordable homes, a shelter with homes for 169 New Yorkers experiencing homeless, and more than 7,600 square feet of retail space.
This truly transformative investment will put us on the path toward mending the societal cracks in the system to ensure all New Yorkers have a chance to prosper.
LaRay Brown, President and CEO of One Brooklyn Health, said, “Stable, safe and affordable housing and accessible health care are intrinsically linked to creating equity. We are excited to participate in the realization of the Governor’s vision.”
L+M Development Partners CEO Lisa Gomez said, “This groundbreaking project will offer more than affordable housing – it will set the standard for how future housing developments in high-need communities should be constructed, prioritizing health outcomes and sustainability at every step. Building affordable housing designed to promote healthy living in neighborhoods that need it, from the construction materials used to the services provided, is critically important. We are grateful to Governor Hochulfor her leadership on this issue, and all of our partners who are helping to make this project possible.”
Apex Building Group CEO Lee Brathwaite said, “There are few times in life that a project comes along that can help transform a neighborhood and the lives of the people in the community. Alafia is one of those once in a lifetime projects and Apex is extremely proud to be a part of it. This project allows Apex to continue to fulfill its mission of creating quality affordable housing while also creating an environment where people of East New York can live healthy and happy lives.”
Revitalizing Central Brooklyn
Central Brooklyn has long suffered from disinvestment and marginalization that hinder the wellbeing of its residents. Residents experience measurably higher rates of health problems; limited access to healthy foods or opportunities for physical activity; and high rates of violence and crime. Central Brooklyn is also affected by wide economic disparities due to unemployment, high poverty levels, and inadequate access to high quality health care.
Ten development projects currently underway or completed and chosen through a competitive process are the keys to advancing the Vital Brooklyn initiative’s commitment to creating 4,000 affordable homes in Central Brooklyn, incorporating social, medical, and community services; recreational and educational opportunities; family housing; and apartments with supportive services.
Many New Yorkers complain about issues within their neighborhoods, like trash, new development projects, bike lanes, transportation, and the list goes on.
This is your chance to participate in local democracy and decision making by becoming a Community Board Member in your neighborhood. Community Boards impact every aspect of life in New York City, from parks, sanitation, education, land use, health, housing, and a lot more.
Community Board members must live, work, or have an otherwise significant interest in the neighborhoods served by the community district, and be a New York City resident.
If you are looking to become involved in your community in a way that can be impactful then you are encouraged to join your local Community Board. Below are links that will take you to the page where you can apply. We will post the links to Community Boards in the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island when those applications becomes available.
Embarking upon their 10th year anniversary of “Brownsville Shines”, Exousia Cathedral joins forces with HealthJox Foundation, Inc. to produce their 2022 event providing free product for the community of Brownsville. Hailing out of the Brownsville community, Exousia Cathedral esteems to be a beacon of light that is set apart from the norm of “church within the walls.” According to the founder of Exousia Cathedral, “Stepping out on faith and accepting the call of God goes beyond the inner walls of the church building as the church is not a building, but the embodiment of the “called” that makes up the congregation.” This is the philosophy of Missionary Bishop – Dr. Lester Bradfordwhich he states, “We are into Kingdom building and not castle building.” Seeing his vision realized, Brownsville Shines moves forward with the initiative to provide for the needs of the underserved community of Brownsville.
Truly the heart of each team member can be experienced as their words emulated the heart of God and their collective purpose. As December 9th approaches, readers are encouraged to come out and support a remarkable event that promotes the true spirit of Christmas. As Bishop Bradford would state, “Just look for the orange building with the silver gates and show up with the expectation of receiving love and fellowship as Brownsville Shinesuplifts our community.”
ABOUT THE EVENT:
Brownsville Shines is an annual event servicing the community of Brownsville, Brooklyn, in the spirit of the holidays. On Friday, December 9, 2022, (from 7:00pm – 9:00pm) at 693 Ralph Avenue (between Sutter Avenue & East New York Avenue), Brooklyn, NY, 11212 – the home of Exousia Cathedral and HealthJox Foundation, attendees will enjoy a festive atmosphere consisting of Christmas caroling and thoughtful wishes while enjoying refreshments that’s guaranteed to warm the hearts of all participants. In grand tradition, the peak of the event concludes with the actual lighting of the Christmas tree which is posted directly in the center-front of the building. With brightened eyes and gasps that can be heard from the elated hearts of the children and the young at heart; the colorful lights that glistens off the green pine leaves invigorates the spirit of love, hope and happiness.
To expand their efforts in Brooklyn, Exousia Cathedral and HealthJox Foundation will hand out some of the most coveted toys to Brownsville’s youth after the tree lighting ceremony. In addition, they will have a variety of untraditional gifts for the adults who are just looking to ease their spending during the holidays which includes, but not limited to: household appliances, cleaning products, sneakers, slippers, apparel, coats, juices, hair products, canned & dry goods ALL FOR FREE. Also, the first 200 select attendees who sign-up in the beginning of the event will receive free phones and $10 tablets with a free 6-year service… (first come, first served).
During this event, there will be live performances. There will also be a special guest appearance by internationally recognized SAG/AFTRA actor, motivational speaker, professional athlete, model, philanthropist, and humanitarian – Sergio Delavicci (Gio), known for his role in films such as John Wick 3, Creed 2, The Post, and You Were Never Really Here to distribute products. Also, to address the crowd will be Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso, who will make a formal address in support of Brownsville Shines showing his love of the Brooklyn community.
ABOUT MISSIONARY BISHOP – DR. LESTER BRADFORD:
Missionary Bishop – Dr. Lester Bradford is a native of Antigua. He currently serves as Senior Pastor of Exousia Cathedral, located in Brooklyn, New York for 30 years. Bishop Bradford has been called by God to the mission field since 1997. During his tenure as head of this international ministry, Transforming the Nations, Bishop Bradford has conducted national days of prayer and fasting on three continents, and the Caribbean region. He also produced a successful gospel concert for 7-years in St. John’s, Antigua called “Prayer Jam” where he and his team flew-in numerous artists from around the world to minister the gospel through music in the genres of traditional gospel, hip-hop and R&B. He now has plans to bring Prayer Jam to Brooklyn, NY in 2024. Within Brooklyn, NY, Bishop Bradford conducts annual prayer breakfasts, food giveaways, coat drives and toy drives for the community of Brownsville. He is also known for the tree lighting ceremony called “Brownsville Shines” which 2022 is their 10th year anniversary.
After over 20 years of committed service, the Lord commissioned him to start a reformation. He is the founder of Exousia Assemblies as well and will be consecrated Chief Prelate on October 14, 2023, in Brooklyn, New York. Exousia Assemblies is quickly expanding. According to Bishop Bradford, “We have 6 churches in Nigeria, 1 in Zimbabwe, 8 in Haiti, 1 in Antigua and 2 in New York City.”
He is an author of 4 books and conducts “And the Two Became One” marriage retreats with his wife. Bishop Bradford is happily married to his wife Pastor Janette Bradford for over 49 years. They will celebrate their 50th Anniversary on June 21, 2023. Together they are the proud parents of 7 children and 14 grandchildren, 2 sons in law and 2 daughters in law.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Missionary Bishop Lester Bradford, Brownsville Shines Coordinator Taniesha Bradford, Home Missions President – Pastor Constance Wright, Pastor Kayla Swindell, Minister Lucia Bradford, Clothed With Love, Uncle Chase Foundation, Fenix Community Fridge, Foodtown, Toys For Tots, Top Marketing, HealthJox Foundation, Inc., Home Missions, Go Fish Ministries, and honorable guests, Sergio Delavicci (Gio) and Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso.
Brooklyn Borough President – Antonio Reynoso set to address the “Brownsville Shines” crowd on December 9th @ 693 Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11212.
In recognition of World AIDS Day, NYC Health + Hospitals reminded New Yorkers that affordable, gender-affirming care is available for patients seeking testing and treatment for HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. Those with additional risk factors – such as those with more than one sex partner – get tested more frequently. NYC Health + Hospitals offers many locations for HIV testing, and additional facilities for HIV/AIDS care. Anyone interested in HIV testing, HIV prevention through PrEP, or treatment for HIV can schedule an appointment at 1-844-NYC-4NYC. New Yorkers can visit here for more information about locations and services.
“We are incredibly fortunate to be living in a time when treatment for HIV is readily available and effective,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “This World AIDS Day, make sure you know your HIV status, and if you test positive, we have an array of services and an incredible team to support you.”
“NYC Health + Hospitals is proud to be a leader in HIV prevention and care,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer Nichola Davis, MD, MS. “Our dedicated and passionate HIV care teams work with individuals living with HIV to support their ability to access life-saving treatments and maintain care routines that keep them healthy and ensure they can no longer spread HIV through sex.”
A recent report from the NYC Health Department indicated that in 2021, the city saw a 14% increase in HIV diagnoses, likely due to due delays seeking treatment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. NYC Health + Hospitals has successfully engaged and treated thousands of HIV patients. Of the over 12,000 patients with HIV who engaged in primary care at NYC Health + Hospitals over the past 12 months, 98% were on antiretroviral therapy and 88% had suppressed viral loads. The health system tested nearly 170,000 people for HIV in 2021, with less than 1% testing positive. NYC Health + Hospitals has one third of the State’s Designated AIDS Centers, which offer uninterrupted access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and routine care through virtual care appointments, 90-day ART supply, and special clinic-based outreach programs.
HIV prevention remains a key focus of NYC Health + Hospitals’ efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are crucial options to strengthen sexual health and wellbeing while reducing risk for HIV infection. PrEP and PEP are accessible to all individuals at low or no cost regardless of insurance or immigration status. PrEP is offered at Primary Care and Women’s Health clinics in addition to the system’s HIV clinics and Pride Centers.
NYC Health + Hospital’s HIV/AIDS services include:
HIV Testing – Fast, easy, and confidential tests are available at all 11 hospitals and community health centers in the five boroughs.
HIV Prevention – The health system offers HIV prevention services and access to medications that can be used to prevent HIV transmission.
PEP, an emergency medication taken after HIV exposure, is available at all 11 hospitals.
PrEP, medication taken before HIV exposure, is available at all 17 HIV clinics, 7 Pride Centers, and many primary care and women’s health providers across the system.
Access to Care – NYC Health + Hospitals facilities have a seamless system to immediately link people to continuous, team-based and coordinated quality care when they learn they have HIV. People with an HIV diagnosis receive antiretroviral treatment and self-management health education to help them be healthier, live longer and prevent transmission.
Compassionate and respectful care – All 18 of our eligible facilities earned the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” designation in 2022 — a recognition we have received every year since 2015. To earn this, facilities must train staff in LGBTQIA+ health care, have LGBTQIA+ responsive policies and make those policies available to the public and staff.
199 NEWLY CONSTRUCTED LOTTERY UNITS LOCATED AT 1911 ATLANTIC AVENUE IN THE BEDFORD STUYVESANT SECTION OF BROOKLYN (Community Board 3). Apartments feature: vinyl floors, caesar stone quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, VRF heating and cooling system. The building offers a community room with fully equipped kitchen and a landscaped roof deck with Manhattan views. Neighborhood: The area is walking distance to Weeksville Playground, Jackie Robinson Park Playground, Fulton Park, and supermarkets and restaurants nearby. 20 minutes to Barclays Center via public transportation. The building has a No Pet Policy. TRANSIT: A,C train; B25, B47 buses. TENANTS PAY ELECTRICITY AND GAS FOR COOKING
This building is being constructed through the Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) program of both the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the New York City Department of Housing and Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH)program of HPD.
CEO and Founder of Digital Media Marketing Agency JIG Media, Vernon Jones, relies on over 25 years of marketing and sponsorship experience when helping clients to succeed. He’s applied that knowledge as manager of Independent Hip Hop Icon Kota the Friend. Jones is a pioneer of independent artist management, encouraging artists to take ownership of their career, and unlocking groundbreaking opportunities for FLTBYS and Kota alike.
In your eyes, what does it take to be a good manager in the 2022 landscape?
Vernon Jones:You have to make sure everything you do is in the best interest of the artist. A good manager should have the ability to identify opportunities that others might not recognize. The artist’s job is to create music and the manager needs to perform all other duties that will allow the artist the time and resources to do what he/she does best. The manager should understand how to connect the dots when it comes to PR, marketing, partnerships, shows and collaborations. I would also encourage artists to hire managers who understand business, not just the music business, but business in general.
What does it mean to represent an indie artist vs. one who is signed?
VJ: With an Indie artist there’s a lot more work that goes into it because you have to really understand the artist’s goals and dreams, and then help them to make those dreams become a reality. You need to understand how to maximize the artist’s value and earnings, which includes making sure the artist is set up to collect publishing royalties and streaming revenue. Working with Indie artists is like working with a business owner, because they own and operate their own brand. Your job is to make sure you help them to stay on brand and remain independent. A label artist is more like a worker. They don’t truly own their brand. The label has a big say in how they are branded and the label kind of pulls the strings. Managing a label artist includes working directly with the label. The label is ultimately in charge. I know label artists don’t like to hear that but once they sign that label deal, it is what it is. The simple way to put it is working with an Indie artist allows you to be innovative but working with a label artist is straight music industry basics. There’s no room for creativity or innovation, at least until the label recoups all of their money
What are some of the common challenges or tough decisions you face in your work?
VJ: As a manager for an Indie artist the biggest challenge is wearing so many hats. You kind of take on the job of 5 people. You have to put together a team, that might include a mix of staff and third party vendors, you have to make sure their deals are in place and cleared with your attorney, work with the artist on PR and marketing. And you have to keep the artist on task because by nature an Indie artist is their own boss so they are always coming up with new ideas. I tell Kota to let me know his dreams and ideas and I’ll work to make sure they become a reality. It’s as simple as that. Kota is multi talented so it’s a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because he can do everything from writing songs, arranging music, shooting and editing videos and coming up with marketing concepts. The curse is that sometimes it’s hard for me to get him to understand that sometimes we need to allow others to take some of the slack so he can get even more done. I think we’re getting to a nice balance. I mean he’s really good at all of that stuff so it’s hard for me to find people who can do those things better than him.
How are you using social media as a tool to advance your artist’s career and your own?
VJ: For me it’s all about the artist because I’m not trying to manage other artists. In my case, Kota is great at social media because of his creativity. In 2023 it’s going to go to another level. I manage the FLTBYS brand as well so that’s the social media that I oversee for Kota. We use social media to promote the FLTBYS and Kota the Friend brands. At the end of the day we try to keep the two brands separate because we will be bringing on other artists under the FLTBYS brand, which Kota founded when he was in high school, and that’s the brand where all the business happens. Kota’s life has been an open book for the most part so he just keeps it simple as an Indie artist. He posts what he feels like and when he feels like it. He’s pretty on point with it so I just look at it and give my advice here and there but for the most part he’s usually right on his instincts so sometimes I ask why he did this or that and he always has a reason for it and he’s been successful so I wouldn’t do anything to interfere with something that works. And he evolves and makes adjustments when needed.
What are your thoughts on merch or physical records as an additional revenue stream?
VJ: Merch and physical records are crucial. Brands like Nike have been using athletes and entertainers for years, to sell their products, so why not create your own products and sell them yourself. That’s simple business. Artists are celebrities and celebrities help brands sell products. But again, you have to understand business as well or you can just be throwing money in a black hole if you don’t understand expenses vs income and profit. Physical records are making a comeback. Whenever we release vinyls they sell online immediately and when we have them available at shows we always sell out. I gave Kota the idea of buying a commercial building in Harrisburg, PA, of which he uses the first floor as the FLTBYS flagship store, so that tells you how I feel about merch. Make no mistake about it though I would never tell my client or artist to rent a retail space to sell their merch. Why not just own the building? You can sell your merch, own real estate and generate additional revenue by renting out the rest of the building. This is long term wealth that I think a lot of artists miss out on. As a global artist it doesn’t matter where your physical store is located because people from all over the world will order online. You will never earn as much from the retail location as you will earn online. It’s hard to keep vinyls in the store.
What opportunities are you seeking for your artists outside of their music?
VJ: The great thing about Kota is that he doesn’t like to spend money on cars or jewelry so that makes it easier for me when I’m showing him real estate that he can purchase for long term wealth that he can hand down to his children. I worked in the sports marketing and media world for many years and I would always say why don’t athletes buy one income producing property every year and when they retire they will own 15 properties, of which each might have 1-10 units in it. They would have amassed a real estate empire that would appreciate in value and they would earn a lot of money after their playing days. So I just told Kota that concept and he gets it. So outside of music it has to be income producing real estate. Not mansions or anything like that because that’s just fantasy island stuff. The real money in real estate is income producing properties. We’re looking at possibly developing empty lots as well. So it’s real estate and music royalties.
If you could give one piece of free advice to an unrepresented artist, what would it be?
VJ: Do whatever you have to do to keep your independence and Masters. I would also tell them to believe in themselves and read their contracts. The word they must all know and understand is “perpetuity”. That means forever and ever. Labels want to own the rights to your music forever and ever, for their own children, not yours. Artists must treat their name as a brand and as a business. Honor it and treat it with respect. I would also tell them to put in the work to make as much music as possible and make sure to learn how to get your music on the DSPs like Spotify and Apple. Promote every song you ever put out. Don’t be shy about that. Don’t spend money on cars and jewelry. Buy cameras, audio equipment and anything else that will help further your career to make your sound as crisp as possible. Don’t be wowed by a label calling you. It means nothing. They’re calling everybody.
What’s the funniest story you can share with us relating to your work as a manager?
VJ: My background is business marketing for corporate clients so coming into the music industry as a manager was a shock to my system because when I saw the first contract that was presented to Kota I laughed and thought it was a joke. I said no business person I have met over the past 30 years would take this contract seriously. But the funny story is when we were in a meeting with a distributor who was supposed to be the ones to help independent artists, and I asked if they could give me some bullet points of what they were going to do for their percentage and they all looked at each other like they didn’t understand the question. That’s when I knew at that very moment that the percentage is just to upload the music to DSPs, which any artist can do with Tune Core or Distrokid. So they are taking anywhere from 5%-20% of all of your music for just uploading your songs to DSPs. And then they charge you extra to provide services. So what’s the percentage for? I just wish I had a video of all of their faces when I asked that simple question.
Recently the founders of EquityCoin®, Vernon J., CEO of Equity Platforms, Inc., and Akil Ash, CTO of Equity Platforms, Inc., were featured on PBS’s latest NOVA Documentary titled ‘Crypto Decoded’ for their creation of the first digital token backed by affordable housing. Their first affordable housing property is in East New York, which is where much of this PBS NOVA segment was filmed.
Portions of this national televised segment were filmed during the Affordable Housing Roundtable session that was held at Fusion East restaurant earlier this year. Panelists on the rountable discussion included Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas, Albert Scott (Chairman at the East New York Homeowners’ Assoc.), Boris Santos (Treasurer at ENY Community Land Trust), Vernon J. (Founder & CEO at EquityCoin), Rita Zimmer (Executive Director at HousingPlus), and Teghvir Sethi (Principal at Spatial Equity Co.).
In the film, experts go beyond the hype and skepticism to unravel the social and technological underpinnings of blockchain – exploring how it came to be and why this new technology may change more than just money.
Vernon J (left) Akil Ash (right)
“It was definitely a surreal moment to see EquityCoin alongside some of the world’s most prolific blockchain projects in the ‘Crypto Decoded’ documentary”, said Vernon. “I’m a firm believer that blockchain is a revolutionary technology disguised as a casino, and those leading the industry should be laser focused on solving some of society’s most challenging crises, not placing bets on the hottest meme coin.”
According to the National Low Income Housing Association, over 500,000 Americans face housing insecurity on a single night, and with a shortage of over 7 million affordable housing units, the housing crisis has reached epidemic proportions. Real estate is one of the most significant wealth-building assets available; however, marginalized communities have been consistently left out.
EquityCoin’s goal is to take on the tasks of both introducing income-producing opportunities to those who historically have been left out, and at the same time, provide quality housing for those who need it most. According to EquityCoin’s website, the team plans to usher in the new Sharing Equity Economy™ by developing the infrastructure needed for real estate equity sharing, where community members can take part in fractional ownership while uplifting their own neighborhoods through affordable housing.
“Groundbreaking tech is usually far removed from socioeconomic issues such as homelessness, which is why EquityCoin is intentionally changing that dynamic through our development of community-first blockchain-powered platforms”, added Akil Ash, the company’s director of technology.
To accelerate growth, the company is white-labeling their proprietary system and smart contract, offering a streamlined approach for real estate community developers to raise capital and tokenize their equity with a platform dubbed EquityShare™. The startup’s goal is to facilitate $1B worth of tokenized real estate equity sharing for communities of color by 2030.
East New York Clusters Apartments is offering 36 newly constructed units in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn. To request an application by mail, send a self-addressed envelope to: East New York Clusters c/o Langsam Property Services, 1601 Bronxdale Avenue, Suite 201, Bronx, NY 10462. Buildings are located at
190 Essex St
Brooklyn, NY 11208
221 Vermont St
Brooklyn, NY 11207
581 Belmont Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11207
Amenities include bike storage and card-operated laundry rooms in each building for tenants use, and rear yard seating area for residents use. This building has an elevator, an accessible entrance, and is smoke-free. Tenant utilities will depend on the specific building. 190 Essex Street and 581 Belmont Avenue: Tenant pays electric heat and A/C. Landlord pays gas for stove, hot water. 221 Vermont Street: Tenant pays electricity including stove, heat and A/C. Landlord pays for hot water. *Applicants selected through the Community Preference and Municipal Employees cannot be placed in a Project Based Voucher Unit.
This building is being constructed through the Neighborhood Construction Program (NCP) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development..
Brooklyn Independent hip-hop artist and producer,KOTA the Friend and Statik Selektah recently put out a teaser on social media that they will be collaborating on their second project together, to be released in January 2023.
Kota and Statik collaborated on the ‘To Kill a Sunrise’ album in 2020, which was a project that featured banger after banger. We don’t know the name of the new project yet, but Statik replied to Kota’s tweet, with “To Catch a Sunset?”.
Kota stated, “2023 will be a year of making new music, including projects with Statik Selektah and other collaborations in the U.S. and internationally.”
Kota, fresh off his Europe tour that took him to London, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris, is finishing 2022 with shows in Harrisburg PA on November 11th and to Australia in December. For 2022 Kota took his Flight Night Music Festival to Chicago, NYC, Denver, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris. Kota’s Flight Night Music Festival has highlighted over 50 independent artists, as openers for Kota during 2022.
The industry is looking forward to hearing new music from Kota, but they won’t have to wait too long. According to his IG page Kota is dropping a new single this Friday November 11th for New Music Friday.
