Juneteenth is an important holiday in the United States that commemorates the freedom of African Americans from slavery. It holds great significance as it marks the day when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned about their freedom on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth symbolizes the end of slavery and the beginning of a new era of freedom and equality.

Celebrations of Juneteenth vary across the United States, but they all aim to honor African American culture, history, and achievements. Communities come together to organize parades, picnics, and festivals. These events feature music, dance, and art that showcase the rich traditions and contributions of African Americans. Educational programs are held in schools and organizations to raise awareness about Juneteenth and its significance. Families also gather for reunions, sharing stories of their ancestors, and participating in activities that promote unity and intergenerational connections.

Cultural performances play a crucial role in Juneteenth celebrations. Traditional African rhythms, gospel music, and spoken word performances are showcased, highlighting the vibrant artistic heritage of African Americans. The Juneteenth flag, with a star representing Texas and a bursting outline symbolizing new beginnings, along with the colors red, white, and blue, reminiscent of the American flag, are important symbols associated with the holiday.

Juneteenth is not only a day of celebration but also a time for reflection on the progress made towards equality and justice.

Sources: Google Images

Author: Israel Brown

My name is Paula and I love living in New York City. It is the most beautiful city in America. It has people from many different countries, such as China, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Korea, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Peru. My neighbor Seojun is from Seoul, South Korea. Seoul is fourteen (14) hours ahead of New York! This means that on Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 pm in New York City, it is already Wednesday at 3:00 am in Seoul!  Seojun has trouble adjusting to NYC time. He is hungry at midnight and he is wide awake in the mornings. These days, he is a night owl. Sometimes he is up until 3 in the morning and he wakes up at lunch time!

 To help Seojun adjust, I gave him medicine so he goes to sleep in the evening. He has to wake up at 6am for school! Now it is February. In March, I think his schedule will be better.  He can be an early bird, like me! 

Good luck Seojun!

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Answer the questions in full sentences please.

1.     Where does Paula live?

2.     Does she like to live there?

3.     Where is her neighbor from?

4.     What is the time difference from NYC to Seoul?

5. What time does Seojun wake up and go to sleep?

6.     What time does Seojun need to wake up for school?

7.   When will his schedule get better?

Notice the highlighted words and phrases:

When referring to a street, avenue, or boulevard, we use the preposition, “on”.

In casual conversation, you’ll hear Americans say “go up or down the street”.

You can tell someone to “make a left” or to “turn left” (or a right!) and the meaning is the same.

At the end of the directions, you might hear someone say, “You can’t miss it!” This just means that you will see your destination (in this case, the Taqueria), when you get there because it is so easy to see.

English in NYC Series: Summer Parades

New York City comes alive during the summer season with a variety of exciting events, and one of the most captivating experiences is attending a summer parade. These parades showcase the city’s diverse culture, vibrant traditions, and community spirit. In this guide we talk about some of NYC’s most famous summer parades. 

1. Mermaid Parade:

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is held every June, this magical parade brings together people dressed as mermaids, pirates, and other sea creatures. Thousands of people, both to watch and participate, come to Coney Island to see the extraordinary costumes, fun shows, and lively floats. The Mermaid Parade is a celebration of creativity and the joy of summer.

2. Pride Parade:

The Pride Parade in New York City is a powerful demonstration of love, acceptance, and equality, celebrated in June during Pride Month. This parade attracts millions of participants and spectators from diverse backgrounds. Colorful floats, lively performances, and heartfelt messages create an electrifying atmosphere as the parade winds its way through Manhattan. The Pride Parade serves as a reminder of the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing fight for inclusivity.

3. Puerto Rican Day Parade:

The Puerto Rican Day Parade, held in June along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, is a dazzling tribute to Puerto Rican culture and heritage. This grand procession features marching bands, traditional folkloric performances, and beautifully adorned floats. The parade showcases the pride of the Puerto Rican community, with vibrant music, colorful attire, and a celebration of unity.

4. Dominican Day Parade:

The Dominican Day Parade, held in August along Sixth Avenue, is a lively celebration of Dominican culture and contributions. This vibrant parade showcases traditional music, dance, and dazzling costumes. The sounds of merengue and bachata fill the air, and the parade displays the vibrant Dominican flags and symbols. The Dominican Day Parade is a joyous celebration of the Dominican community’s rich heritage and achievements in New York City.

5. West Indian American Day Carnival Parade:

In Brooklyn, on Labor Day, the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade arrives. 

At this parade New Yorkers celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Caribbean communities in New York City. Participants wear colorful costumes at Eastern Parkway. It’s a lively celebration of Caribbean traditions.

New York City’s summer parades offer a vibrant and culturally rich experience. Attending these parades allows New Yorkers to celebrate diverse traditions and celebrate the spirit of unity and community. From the Mermaid Parade to the vibrant West Indian American Day Carnival Parade, these parades give an opportunity to embrace cultural diversity and create lasting memories. So, join in the festivities, experience the energy, and celebrate summer in NYC’s spectacular parades!

Practicing your English in NYC Series:

Mr. Softee!

Have you seen this truck?

Among NYC’s many delights is Mr. Softee, an ice cream truck that is a huge part of summer joy and childhood memories- and what better way to use English than talking about ice cream! 

Ice Cream Vocabulary:

Before jumping into the world of Mr. Softee, let’s start by looking at some ice cream vocabulary.

Here are some words and phrases you might need when ordering from an ice cream truck:

Mr. Softee is not just an ice cream truck; it is a part of New York City. It has been in NYC for many years.

One of the most exciting things about Mr. Softee is the menu. Practice common phrases and expressions like “Can I have a scoop of chocolate ice cream, please?” or “I’d like a vanilla cone with sprinkles, please.” Mr. Softee in NYC offers more than just delicious ice cream, it can provide you with a chance to learn new vocabulary and practice your English language in a fun and easy way. So, next time you hear Mr. Softee’s song, grab a sweet treat and practice your English skills!

May is Asian-American Pacific Islander month, and Bryant Park is celebrating all month long!

On May 12, there are many events in which to participate!

May 12, 2023, 3:00pm–7:00pm

Join us on Friday, May 12 in the afternoon to celebrate the AAPI instructors, educators, and cultural partners that collaborate with Bryant Park throughout the year. Circle though the park and try your hand at different workshops and classes all afternoon and be sure to stick around for the evening showcase. All activities are open to all ages and are first-come, first-served.

Check out some of the events below:

KUNG FU WORKSHOP

Friday, May 12, 2023

3pm – 3:45pm and 4pm – 4:45pm

Putting Green

Led by kung fu master David Fung from the New York Chinese Cultural Center, these family-friendly workshops give participants an excellent method of exercise and emphasize on learning basic stances, strikes, and techniques

TAI CHI CLASS

Friday, May 12, 2023

4pm – 5pm

Upper Terrace

Bryant Park has partnered with CK Chu Tai Chi School for 20 years. Learn the basics of this traditional system of heath and self-defense, and improve harmony between body and mind. 

 

CALLIGRAPHY

Friday, May 12, 20235:30pm – 6:30pm Reading Room

Led by teaching artist Angela Lai from the New York Chinese Cultural Center, this family-friendly workshop demonstrates how to write/paint with an ink brush and to learn the relationship between ancient Chinese pictographs and their modern-day ideographs. 

RIBBON DANCING CLASS  

Friday, May 12, 2023

Upper Terrace 5pm – 6pm

Led by teaching artist Kitty Kan from the New York Chinese Cultural Center, this family-friendly workshop introduces participants to basic ribbon dance techniques. Come prepared to learn some fun movements and dance creatively with the ribbons.

NEW YORK CHINESE CULTURAL CENTER SHOWCASE

Friday, May 12, 2023

6:30pm – 7pm

East side of the fountain

References: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration (bryantpark.org)

May is Loisaida Month!

There are numerous events, but the most exciting one happens at the end of the month!

The Loisaida Festival – The largest Puerto Rican community celebration in Lower Manhattan since 1987!

MUSIC · FOOD · ARTS · CULTURE

The Loisaida Festival

SAVE THE DATE!

SUNDAY, MAY 28 –  2023

Since 1987, the Loisaida Festival has honored its history by providing a platform to celebrate arts & culture through music, dance, arts, cuisine, and other cultural celecrations of the diverse ethnic groups and nationalities that make up the fabric of the neighborhood. The Loisaida Festival highlights the unity and resolve of the Lower East Side while featuring the contributions of the diverse immigrant communities, largely Puerto Rican and Latin American, who for many generations made such an indelible mark in its history, arts, culture, politics, economy, growth, and traditions. It continues to be an iconic event focusing on Latino culture, music, cuisine, and art, while envisioning a brighter, greener, and healthier future for our ever growing  communities.

For events happening before May 28th to celebrate Loisada month, click the link below.

Events for May 2023 | Loisaida Inc.