Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Laughing Buddha Open Mic Spectacular show

• The New York Yankees take on the Oakland Athletics

• A deep dive into the life of Langston Hughes

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Write. Rewrite. When not writing or rewriting, read. I know of no shortcuts."

—Larry L. King

New York City Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which New York City museum is located on the edge of Central Park and is known for its extensive collection of historical artifacts, including the ""Star of India"" sapphire?

A) The Metropolitan Museum of Art

B) The Guggenheim Museum

C) The American Museum of Natural History

D) The Museum of Modern Art

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:
The famous large green space in New York City designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux is B) Central Park.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Crain's New York Business names three New York partners 2024 Notable Leaders in Sustainability. (link)

Tesla Will Lay Off More Than 10% of Global Workforce. (link)

The owner of Doug's Fish Fry in Cortland is being recognized as one of the top businesspeople in upstate New York. (link)

🏦 Finance

Goldman Sachs profit beats as investment banking fuels highest earnings since 2021. (link)

Trump says $175 million bond is financially secure, asks judge to reject New York attorney general’s challenge. (link)

New York threatens London's fintech dominance, says Revolut UK chief. (link)

🏒 Sports

Grayson Allen Deal Seals Executive of the Year Case for New York Knicks' Leon Rose. (link)

Legendary New York Yankees radio voice John Sterling, 85, stuns fans by announcing he is RETIRING immediately. (link)

Jets 'return to roots' with new uniforms that pay tribute to team's 'New York Sack Exchange' look. (link)

New York Rangers clinch the Presidents Trophy as the top points earners in the NHL. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏟️ Classic Tour at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Tuesday April 23 | (more info)

⚾ New York Yankees vs. Oakland Athletics
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Wednesday April 24 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

⚾ Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks
Maimonides Park Brooklyn, NY
Saturday April 27 | 2:00 PM | (more info)

⚾ Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks
Maimonides Park Brooklyn, NY
Sunday April 28 | 2:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Games We Play
Gramercy Theatre New York, NY
Tuesday April 23 | 6:00 PM | (more info)

🎸Harrison Storm
Mercury Lounge New York, NY
Wednesday April 24 | 6:00 PM | (more info)

🎭 Aladdin
New Amsterdam Theatre New York, NY
Thursday April 25 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

😂 Laughing Buddha Open Mic Spectacular, NYC's Top Up-and-Coming Comedians
EastVille Comedy Club
Friday April 26 | 5:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🍬 Candy Crafting at Cricket's Candy Creations
157 Chambers St, New York,
April 26 to April 27 | (more info)

🧘 Kids' Yoga
Ascension Wellness 168 Main Street Huntington,
Saturday, April 27 · 10 - 11am EDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Post-apocalyptic New York City reclaimed by nature.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

New York City History

1898: Consolidation of the five boroughs into Greater New York.

The consolidation of the five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island—into Greater New York in 1898 was a monumental event that reshaped the city's political, economic, and social landscape. This unification created the largest city in the United States at the time, a sprawling metropolis that was poised for unprecedented growth and influence. The consolidation was driven by the vision of creating a world-class city that could compete with the major capitals of Europe, facilitated by the economic and infrastructural benefits of combining resources, streamlining governance, and fostering urban development.

The process of consolidation was complex and fraught with controversy, reflecting the diverse interests and identities of the constituent boroughs. Many residents of Brooklyn, in particular, were resistant to the merger, fearing the loss of their local autonomy and the dilution of their community's unique character. However, the promise of improved infrastructure, better public services, and greater economic opportunities eventually won out, leading to the creation of a unified New York City.

The impact of the 1898 consolidation has been profound, setting the stage for New York City's rise as a global power in finance, culture, and politics. The merging of the boroughs facilitated coordinated urban planning and development, allowing for the construction of an extensive public transit system, the expansion of public services, and the growth of a diverse and dynamic urban population. Today, the consolidation is seen as a critical turning point that enabled New York City to become the vibrant and diverse metropolis it is known for around the world.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Langston Hughes (1902–1967): Poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings (1902-1921)

Langston Hughes was born in 1902 in Joplin, Missouri, into an era of racial segregation and burgeoning artistic expression within the African American community. His early years were marked by a nomadic existence, but it was during his time in New York City that Hughes's voice as a poet began to emerge. His attendance at Columbia University in 1921, although brief, introduced him to the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic explosion among African Americans in the neighborhood that would become the center of his universe.

Harlem Renaissance and Literary Fame (1921-1930)

Hughes quickly became one of the leading voices of the Harlem Renaissance, capturing the complexities of black life in America with his poetry, short stories, and plays. His poem ""The Negro Speaks of Rivers,"" published in 1921, was an early indication of his talent and thematic concerns. Throughout the 1920s, Hughes's work celebrated African American culture, critiqued racial injustices, and explored themes of identity, pride, and resilience.

Social Activism and Global Perspectives (1931-1945)

Hughes's commitment to social justice deepened during the 1930s and 1940s, as evidenced by his involvement in various political movements and his travels to the Soviet Union, Spain, and other countries. His work from this period, including the creation of socially conscious poetry, plays, and columns, reflected his belief in art as a tool for political and social change.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Life)

New York City, and Harlem in particular, remained at the heart of Hughes's life and work. The city's vibrant cultural scene and its challenges inspired much of his writing. Hughes was a fixture in Harlem, his home serving as a salon for artists and intellectuals. His contributions to the neighborhood and the city at large are immeasurable, making him an integral figure in New York's cultural history.

Later Years and Enduring Legacy (1946-1967)

In his later years, Hughes continued to write and engage with social issues, though his focus shifted towards projects that highlighted the beauty and diversity of the African American experience, including a celebrated series of books for children. Hughes passed away in 1967, but his influence on American literature and civil rights activism endures. His work remains a testament to the power of art to effect social change and to celebrate the human spirit.

Key Achievements:

• Emerged as a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, using his poetry and prose to explore themes of racial identity, social injustice, and African American culture.

• Actively engaged in social activism, using his writing to advocate for civil rights and human dignity.

• Left a lasting impact on New York City's cultural landscape, contributing significantly to the vibrancy of Harlem and the broader artistic and intellectual community.

Langston Hughes's journey from a young poet influenced by the Harlem Renaissance to a prominent figure in American literature and social activism reflects a life dedicated to the exploration of racial identity and the fight for equality. Through his prolific output of poetry, prose, and plays, Hughes captured the essence of the African American experience, earning him a lasting place in the annals of American culture. His connection to New York City, particularly to Harlem, underscores his significance as not just a national figure but also a local icon, whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Connect With Me

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-Matthew Larsen

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