Milette Millington

Late last month, violinist and composer Jessie Montgomery taught a Mentor Session to students from the Special Music School at the Kaufman Music Center (KMC), where she is an artist-in-residence for the 2025-2026 season.

On April 28, the Center for the Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY) sponsored the second part of a forum, held in-person and virtually titled The Future of MOPD (the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities).

In the month of March annually, there are several disability-themed observances, including Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). One type of developmental (physical) disability is Cerebral Palsy (CP), which affects the part of the brain that controls muscle movement and is primarily diagnosed in young children. Another disability-themed observance in March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, celebrated on March 25 annually. It has been 20 years since these observances were first celebrated.

On June 13, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, located at the New York Public Library (NYPL), will host its centennial festival, from 11:00

The local organization Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) recently had its 160th anniversary as it continues its mission of supporting thousands of Brooklyn residents every year in areas such as housing, education, workforce development, mental health, youth programs, and family support.

The New York City-based disability-led film company ReelAbilities hosted its annual film festival, featuring films highlighting experiences with various disabilities, with people from across the country and worldwide involved.

Shawn Rajkumar's family emigrated from the town of West Canje, in the Guyanese city of Berbice, to the United States in the 1970s and 1980s. On his family background, he shared, “I am the second-youngest cousin out of 20, with my oldest cousin being in his mid-fifties.”

According to doctors at Maimonides Medical Center, too many Caribbean New Yorkers who've experienced a stroke, heart problem, or other serious medical emergency are finding out they have high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes afterwards.

On June 20, the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) hosted the world premiere screening and discussion of the documentary, “Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War (2026),” in honor of Juneteenth (June 19). The premiere of this film also occurred as the nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of existence.

Catherine A. John-Camara, professor and department chairwoman of Africana Studies at the University of Rhode Island (URI), will have her new book, “Afroindigenization: A Theory of Grassroots Cultural Practice,” published on August 25 by Duke University Press.