In classrooms across America, lunchtime trays reflect more than dietary guidelines — they reflect institutional power. Public health initiatives in schools, framed as educational interventions, often serve as tools for surveillance and behavior conditioning under the guise of wellness. Federal policies like the “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act” position nutrition as a moral imperative, championing low-fat […]
Category: Music
Sneaker Reselling Has Destroyed Sneakerhead Culture
Not long ago, you could find the hottest new sneaker at your local store or on the brand’s website for a reasonable price. Now, you’re lucky to find that same shoe at three times the retail cost. Sneaker reselling has shifted the focus toward profit and away from the heart of the community. Being a […]
Perfectionism is the Enemy of Writing
If you want to write anything, but particularly a book, all you have to do is start. Don’t worry about if what you say matches what you want to say just yet, that comes with rounds and rounds of editing, which may seem daunting, but don’t let it. Editing is the reason your favorite story […]
The Pink Tax Isn’t Just About Price, It’s About Power
The pink tax theory is a theory about gender-based marketing strategies that says products marketed toward women are often more expensive than their alternatives. Not only is this another way of discriminating against women, it’s a way to take power away from us. If you’re here to roll your eyes and say that pink theory […]
US Academic Groups Sue White House Over Planned Deportations of Pro-Gaza Students
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the Middle East Studies Association (Mesa) have sued the Trump administration to block the deportation of foreign students who have voiced pro-Palestinian sentiments. This comes after the detainment of Columbia University graduate and green card holder Mahmoud Khalil, and Indian post-doctoral student at Georgetown Badar Khalil, after […]
Fredro Starr: 30 Years of Jamaica Queens’ Finest
Fredro Starr… Let’s stop here for a minute. A preface is needed: I invite the reader to put aside what they think a rapper is. Gold chains, iced out watches, models, fast cars, fast lifestyle, etc. If you make the mistake of boxing Fredro in with a cookie cutter definition, you’ll miss the man completely. […]
Q&A with Luis Castillo: “Life is going to throw you curveballs, you’ve got to learn how to hitthem.”
Baseball is more than just a game; it has the ability to change lives. Luis Castillo knows that better than anybody else. NYC Tastemakers had the pleasure of sitting down and talking to the best batboy in MLB history, Luis Castillo, who goes by nicknames, “Luigi,” and “Squeegee,” to discuss his amazing eight-year tenure with […]
Bridging the Gap: Gilbert Vazquez
In 1989, Keith Haring asked his dear friend, Gilbert Vazquez, if Vazquez wanted to get involved in his foundation. Although Gilbert Vazquez didn’t know what this meant at the time, he knew that he wanted to help his friend carry out his wishes. Haring had been diagnosed with AIDS, and he wanted his legacy to […]
Dream Chasing – an Interview with Antoine Mason
Antoine Mason is currently playing professional basketball overseas in Spain for CB Ciudad de Valladolid of the LEB Oro in Spain. Son of Knicks legend Anthony Mason. Growing up in the 90s in New Rochelle, New York, with a father on the Knicks inspired Antoine to one day play in the NBA. To this day […]
