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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Classic Tour at Yankee Stadium

• High-Ranking Executive to Leave New York Mets

• A deep dive into the life of Lena Horne

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.”

—Mark Caine

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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 skyscraper was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is known for its unique spiral structure?

A) The Chrysler Building

B) The Empire State Building

C) The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

D) The Museum of Modern Art

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The historic New York City music venue known as "The World's Most Famous Arena" is C) Madison Square Garden.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Hochul signs New York bill allowing direct shipping of spirits, cider to consumers. (link)

Paramount Draws a New Bid, Complicating Deal With Skydance. (link)

🏦Finance

Graham Corporation Announces Groundbreaking Ceremony for $17.6 Million Manufacturing Facility on Batavia, New York Campus. (link)

🏒Sports

High-Ranking Executive to Leave New York Mets Front Office. (link)

Clay Holmes blows another save before Yankees lose Little League Classic to Tigers in extras. (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
Monday Aug 26 | (more info)

⚾ Staten Island FerryHawks vs. Lancaster Stormers
SIUH Community Park Staten Island, NY
Tuesday August 27 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Jordin Sparks: No Restrictions Live & Intimate
Gramercy Theatre New York, NY
Monday August 26 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎺 Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band
Blue Note Jazz Club 131 W. 3rd St New York,
Tuesday August 27 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎵 Kids Concert with Mike Messer Music
542 West 36th Street New York,
Tuesday, August 27 · 10:30 - 11:15am 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 “New York City with a large, central, computerized public library” 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

1948: The first television broadcast from the Empire State Building.

On December 22, 1948, New York City witnessed a groundbreaking moment in broadcasting history when the first television broadcast was transmitted from the Empire State Building. This event marked the beginning of a new era in mass communication, as the iconic skyscraper became a central hub for television transmission, significantly enhancing the reach and quality of TV broadcasts in the region.

The broadcast was made possible by the installation of a powerful antenna atop the Empire State Building, which allowed TV signals to cover a wider area with greater clarity. This development played a crucial role in the growth of television as a dominant medium for news, entertainment, and information. The improved signal strength and coverage brought TV into more homes, accelerating the medium's popularity and influence.

The Empire State Building's role in television broadcasting helped establish New York City as a major center for the burgeoning TV industry. The building's antenna became a symbol of technological progress and innovation, supporting the expansion of television networks and programming. The first broadcast from the Empire State Building in 1948 underscored the city's leadership in media and communication, shaping the future of television in the United States.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Lena Horne (1917–2010): Singer, actress, and civil rights activist.

Early Life and Introduction to Entertainment (1917–1934)

Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised by her mother, an aspiring actress, Horne was introduced to the world of entertainment at a young age. She began her career as a chorus girl at the Cotton Club in Harlem when she was just 16 years old. This early exposure to the vibrant jazz scene in Harlem laid the groundwork for her future success as a singer and actress.

Rise to Fame in Hollywood (1935–1949)

In the late 1930s, Horne moved to Hollywood, where she signed a contract with MGM. She became one of the first African American actresses to sign a long-term contract with a major studio. Despite the racial barriers of the time, Horne achieved significant success, starring in films such as ""Stormy Weather"" (1943) and ""Cabin in the Sky"" (1943). Her performances showcased her incredible talent and charisma, earning her a place among Hollywood's elite. However, Horne often faced limitations due to her race, and many of her roles were cut from films when they were shown in the South.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Career)

New York City remained a central part of Lena Horne's life and career. After her initial success in Hollywood, she returned to New York, where she continued to perform in nightclubs and theaters. The city's vibrant music and theater scenes provided Horne with opportunities to showcase her talents beyond the constraints of Hollywood. Her performances at venues like the Café Society and the Savoy Ballroom cemented her status as a leading jazz and blues singer. New York also served as the base for her activism in the civil rights movement.

Civil Rights Activism (1950–1969)

During the 1950s and 1960s, Horne became increasingly involved in the civil rights movement. She used her platform to advocate for racial equality and justice, participating in marches and rallies alongside leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. Horne also worked with organizations such as the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women. Her activism was reflected in her music, as she recorded songs that addressed social issues and championed civil rights. Horne's dedication to the cause made her a powerful voice for change and a role model for future generations.

Broadway and Later Career (1970–1990)

In the 1970s, Lena Horne achieved new heights of success with her one-woman show, ""Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music,"" which opened on Broadway in 1981. The show received critical acclaim and earned Horne a special Tony Award. It ran for over a year, breaking records and showcasing her extraordinary talent and resilience. Horne continued to perform and record music throughout the 1980s, releasing albums such as ""We'll Be Together Again"" (1994). Her later career was marked by a renewed appreciation for her contributions to music and entertainment.

Legacy and Influence (1991–2010)

Lena Horne's influence extended far beyond her performances. She broke racial barriers in Hollywood and the music industry, paving the way for future African American artists. Horne received numerous accolades for her work, including a Kennedy Center Honor and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Her life and career were celebrated in documentaries, biographies, and tributes. Horne's dedication to civil rights and her artistic achievements left an indelible mark on American culture. She passed away on May 9, 2010, but her legacy continues to inspire and resonate.

Key Achievements:

• Became one of the first African American actresses to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio.

• Achieved Broadway success with her one-woman show, ""Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.""

• Actively participated in the civil rights movement, advocating for racial equality and justice.

Lena Horne's journey from a chorus girl in Harlem to a legendary singer, actress, and civil rights activist reflects her extraordinary talent and determination. Her connection to New York City provided the backdrop for her rise to fame and her activism. Horne's legacy as a trailblazer in entertainment and a champion for civil rights continues to inspire and influence generations of artists and activists. Her contributions to music, film, and social justice have left a lasting impact on American culture.

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-Matthew Larsen