Solutions Not Suspensions

by Alpha Diallo

The Liberation Program’s Speak Out had youth calling for an end to suspensions and demanding more mental health resources for NYC schools.

It was at the Brotherhood-Sister Sol where I got to reflect on the time I was suspended. As part of the Liberation Program, I work with other New York City youth to make change in my community. As youth activists and organizers we reflect on our experiences in our neighborhoods and schools. Two summers ago, New York State Senator Robert Jackson visited our building in Harlem. We learned that he sponsored the Solutions Not Suspension Bill, which looks for other ways to handle students misbehaving in schools. It turns out that it’s mostly Black and Latinx youth being suspended for normal teenage behavior. Learning about this bill and talking about my suspension with my facilitators and other youth members helped me understand what happened.

I was 14 years old and in the 9th grade when I was suspended because of a text message. One school day I wasvibing to “United in Grief” by Kendrick Lamar during my advisory class. Suddenly, my advisor pulled me out of the classroom and walked me to the fifth floor. We walked the hallway past the stinky bathroom. I made sure my steps matched the same color tiles. My advisor led me into the principal’s office. He closed the door and said the principal was on her way. My advisor walked out of the office when the principal entered.

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Studio178 Residency

Studio178 is a rotating 12-month residency for artists in one (or more) of four categories: immigrant artists, recent MFA graduates, late career artists, or artists in financial need. The $178/month rental fee is subsidized jointly by cornerstone STUDIOS and Our Saviour’s Atonement Lutheran Church.

Applications are being accepted for the 2024-25 Studio178 residency now through February 24, 2024.

Please email [email protected]. to arrange a tour and/or with any questions.

Studios have wood floors, shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, air conditioning, WiFi and storage closets (storage closets not available on 2nd floor). All studios have windows.

More Info: https://cornerstonestudios.nyc/applications

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Summer Multi Sport Camp Lottery 2024 

West Harlem Development Corporation (WHDC) is proud to announce the Riverside Park Conservancy 2024 Summer Multi Sport Camp Lottery. Selected recipients will be awarded three free weeks at the Riverside Park Conservancy 2024 Summer Camp at Riverside Park (W 96th – W 110th St). Exact locations depend on the sport selected*

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Little Lions Summer Camp Lottery 2024

West Harlem Development Corporation (WHDC) is proud to announce the Columbia University scholarships for the 2024 Little Lions Summer Camp.

Selected recipients will be awarded three free weeks at the Columbia University Little Lions Camp – Summer 2024 at the Dodge Fitness Center (3030 Broadway, Manhattanville).

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Teen Corps 2024: Paid Internships For High School Students

High schoolers: want to work for parks and environmental justice this summer? Apply to be a part of our 2024 Teen Corps cohort!

If you’re:
Looking for a paid professional internship opportunity
A high school student who is passionate about the environment and a resident of West Harlem or Washington Heights
Ready to learn about horticulture and help revitalize our local parks

This is the job for you! 

More Info: https://riversideparknyc.org/youth-opportunities/

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Morir Soñando Returns to United Palace for Dominican Independence Day

That’s right familia. Morir Soñando made history back in November 2023 as the United Palace’s first all-Dominican comedy show. It’s about to go down again, on Dominican Independence Day, no less. This time their will be 2 shows and our usual after party at the flyest place Uptown, Jalao. So there you have it folks, tickets went on sale yesterday and they are going fast. Don’t get left out. Click below and get your tickets ASAP. Shout out to the 2 powerhouses Glorelys Mora and Sasha Merci who are the engines that make the Morir Soñando train run.

Get TIX: https://linktr.ee/morirsonandocomedy

We invite you to subscribe to the weekly Uptown Love newsletter, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter & Instagram or e-mail us at [email protected].