Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• National Youth Orchestra of the USA performance

• BIG EAST Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinals

• A deep dive into the life of James Baldwin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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!

What is the name of the historic island in New York City that served as an immigration station?

A) Liberty Island

B) Staten Island

C) Ellis Island

D) Governors Island

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:
The New York City museum famous for its collection of modern art is D) The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

New York City taxi drivers speak out against congestion pricing on last day of MTA's public hearings. (link)

Governor Hochul announces the expansion of the Essential Plan, a public health insurance program available through the NY State of Health, aiming to increase accessibility and coverage. (link)

🏦 Finance

The FAA’s audit revealed non-compliance with manufacturing quality control requirements for 737 MAX production. (link)

New York Community Bancorp Stock Keeps Falling. (link)

Mayor Adams Announces $50 Million Initiative to Reduce Barriers and Support Minority-Owned Developers to Build More Affordable Housing. (link)

Ex-Trump Org. CFO Allen Weisselberg pleads guilty to perjury in fraud case. (link)

🏒 Sports

LeBron James and Drake Make a Big Bet on the PGA Tour. (link)

New York AG sends cease-and-desist over transgender sports ban in Nassau County. (link)

Yankees outright ex-Blue Jays top prospect to minor leagues. (link)

Yankees 2024 season preview: Projected lineup, rotation and where Juan Soto fits into World Series goals. (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
Monday, Mar 11 | 11:00 AM (more info)

🏀 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship - Session 1
Barclays Center
Tuesday March 12 | 11:30 AM (more info)

🏀 New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Madison Square Garden
Tuesday March 12 | 7:30 PM (more info)

🏀 BIG EAST Men's Basketball Tournament: Quarterfinal Doubleheader
Madison Square Garden
Thursday March 14 | 7:00 PM (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 The Drowns, Michael Kane and The Morning Afters
Gold Sounds
Monday March 11 | 7:00 PM (more info)

🎶 DJ and the Lovemakers' Days, Nights and Seasons Tour
The Bowery Electric
Tuesday March 12 | 7:00 PM (Doors 7:00 PM) (more info)

🎤 National Youth Orchestra of the USA
Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall
Thursday March 14 | 8:00 PM (more info)

🎷 Birdland Big Band
Birdland Jazz Club
Friday March 15 | 5:30 PM (Doors 4:30 PM (more info)

Family

🎿Candy Crafting at Cricket's Candy Creations
Cricket's Candy Creations
March 9,10 & 16 (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 architecture inspired by different planets” 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

1835: The Great Fire of New York.

The Great Fire of New York in 1835 was one of the most devastating disasters in the city's history, showcasing both the vulnerability and resilience of the burgeoning metropolis. Beginning on a cold December night in the Lower Manhattan district, the fire quickly spread through the densely packed commercial heart of the city, fueled by strong winds and wooden buildings. Over 17 hours, it destroyed hundreds of buildings, including homes, warehouses, and the New York Stock Exchange, causing millions of dollars in damages and profoundly impacting the city's economy.

The aftermath of the fire prompted a significant shift in urban planning, building codes, and fire prevention strategies. The city's leaders and citizens recognized the need for a more robust infrastructure to prevent future catastrophes. This led to the adoption of stricter building regulations, the expansion of the city's water supply system, and the establishment of a more effective firefighting force. The disaster also accelerated the transition from wood to stone and brick in construction, contributing to a safer and more resilient urban environment.

Despite the devastation, the Great Fire of 1835 played a pivotal role in shaping the future of New York City. The rebuilding efforts in the years that followed saw the emergence of a more modern, dynamic cityscape. The disaster underscored the city's capacity for recovery and renewal, laying the groundwork for its continued growth and transformation into one of the world's leading cities. The resilience and determination of New Yorkers in the face of adversity became defining traits of the city's character.

Famous New Yorkers In History

James Baldwin (1924–1987)

Early Life and Education (1924-1942)

James Baldwin was born in 1924 in Harlem, New York City, into a society marked by racial segregation and economic hardship. Raised in a large family and spending much of his youth in Harlem, Baldwin's early experiences with racial discrimination profoundly influenced his worldview and later writings. Despite the challenges he faced, Baldwin was a voracious reader and demonstrated a keen interest in literature, which provided an escape from the confines of his surroundings and a means to explore the complexities of identity and society.

Literary Beginnings and Move to Paris (1943-1956)

Seeking to find his voice as a writer and to escape the racial prejudice of the United States, Baldwin moved to Paris in the late 1940s. This period abroad was crucial in shaping his perspective, allowing him to critique American society from a distance. Baldwin's early works, including the novel "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and the essay collection "Notes of a Native Son," delve into issues of race, sexuality, and the human condition, establishing him as a significant literary figure.

Return to the United States and Civil Rights Activism (1957-1968)

Motivated by the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement, Baldwin returned to the United States in the late 1950s to lend his voice and literary talents to the cause of racial equality. His essays, speeches, and public appearances during this time, including his involvement in the historic March on Washington, underscored his commitment to civil rights and his powerful critique of American racism.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Life)

New York City, and Harlem in particular, remained a central influence in Baldwin's life and work. The city's vibrant cultural scene and its harsh realities of racial injustice served as both a backdrop and a character in his writings. Baldwin's experiences in New York shaped his understanding of race, identity, and belonging, themes that permeate his literary and activist endeavors.

Later Works and Continued Activism (1969-1987)

In the later years of his career, Baldwin continued to explore the social and political issues of his time, producing works such as "If Beale Street Could Talk" and "The Devil Finds Work." His writings from this period reflect ongoing concerns with race, sexuality, and the struggle for justice, affirming his role as a critical observer of American and global societies.

Legacy and Influence (Post-1987)

James Baldwin passed away in 1987, but his legacy as a writer, thinker, and activist endures. Baldwin's ability to articulate the complexities of human experience, particularly regarding race and sexuality, has made him an enduring figure in American literature and civil rights discourse. His essays, novels, and plays continue to inspire new generations to confront the realities of injustice and to imagine a more equitable world.

Key Achievements:

• Emerged as a leading literary voice through his exploration of race, sexuality, and society in works like "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "Giovanni's Room."

• Played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, using his platform to advocate for racial equality and justice.

• Contributed to the cultural and intellectual life of New York City, drawing upon his experiences in Harlem to inform his writings and activism.

James Baldwin's journey from the streets of Harlem to international acclaim as a novelist, playwright, and activist reflects a life dedicated to confronting the complexities of identity, society, and justice. Through his poignant writings and outspoken activism, Baldwin challenged America to confront its racial prejudices and to acknowledge the shared humanity that binds us all. His profound impact on literature, civil rights, and the cultural fabric of New York City and beyond cements his legacy as one of the most important voices of the 20th century.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen