THE WEEKLY GLEANER | JUNE 12 - JULY 12, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 8 NEW YORK: NEW YORK City Mayor Eric Adams, and city officials have launched an initiative to strengthen family bonds. On Wednesday, New York City Children’s Cabinet Executive Director Ahsia Badi, and New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard joined the mayor in unveiling“Empowering Fathers, Thriving Children: A Citywide Fatherhood Plan.” The plan outline aims to ‘focus on father and father-figure engagement, expand parenting support, and ensure every child benefits from the presence of a caring dad or father figure in their lives, including by obtaining educational and vocational training, supportive programs for fathers involved in the criminal legal system, mentorship, and more’, a release notes. As part of the effort, the city launched “Father Friendly Summer,” a new digital hub offering free events, resources, and updates on how city agencies are building father-friendly programs citywide. The launch was scheduled to be further showcased on Wednesday at the first “Dads at Gracie” celebration of fatherhood at Gracie Mansion, where storytelling, hands-on activities, and community connection would be featured. “I’ve done many things in my life, but being a father is my greatest accomplishment. The role of fathers in our families and in our communities is invaluable, and this administration is committed to making sure all fathers and father-figures have the tools needed to show up for their children and their families,” said Mayor Adams. “Our new ‘Fatherhood Plan’ and the ‘Father Friendly Summer’ digital hub are bold steps toward ensuring every father in New York City has the tools, support, and opportunities to thrive because when fathers thrive, children thrive — and so does our entire city.” Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar, shared:“My father was an anchor in my life, and I’ve seen how deeply fathers like mine can impact our communities — simply by being powerful agents of stability and growth. This initiative is about more than support — it’s about recognition, inclusion, and ensuring that every father, no matter his background or circumstance, has a place in the fabric of New York City’s future.” “The role of fathers in our families, neighbourhoods, and society cannot be overstated. We are committed to ensuring New York City sets the standard for how communities support and uplift fathers,” said Children’s Cabinet Executive Director Badi. “The Children’s Cabinet has been working in partnership with city agencies to make strides at being father friendly, and the results have been amazing.” Earlier this year, Mayor Adams announced a $7 million expansion of the Fatherhood Initiative, which helps fathers reconnect with their children, provide financial support, and develop parenting skills. The additional funding will help double the number of fathers served from 1,500 to 3,000 within the next two fiscal years. Earlier this year, Mayor Adams also announced a historic and new commitment to create and fund “After-School for All,” so to all public students from kindergarten through eighth grade can have a safe place to learn and participate in activities after school. The mayor plans to bring funding for universal after-school up to $755 million in the next three school years. PHILADELPHIA, PA: THE CITY of Philadelphia will host the inaugural Jamaica Diaspora Conference Northeast from June 12–14, as part of Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebrations. Caribbean-American investor David Mullings will deliver the keynote address on Saturday, June 14 at the Temple University Centre City Campus in Philadelphia. This groundbreaking three-day event will convene Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from across the United States and around the world to engage in critical dialogue on development, culture, education, investment, and global cooperation for the island. Hosted by the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast, the conference will take place at the Municipal Services Building, and at Temple University and will bring together government officials, business leaders, educators, artists, and members of the Jamaican Diaspora for panels, workshops, and cultural exchange. “We are thrilled to have Mr Mullings join us along with all our other speakers, elected and appointed officials,” says Michelle Tulloch-Neil, conference organiser. The conference will open on Thursday, June 12, with a keynote welcome and special remarks from Alsion Wilson, consul general of Jamaica. Other speakers and conference session leaders include; Akelia LawrenceMaitland, Dr Camille Ragin, Dr Karren Dunkley, Shane Angus – JAMPRO, Andrea Lawful-Sanders and Blane F. Stoddart. PROGRAM SESSIONS – Diaspora Investment Forum – Cultural and Creative Industries Showcase – Community Policing – Women in Leadership – Hope for Jamaica – Preserving Green Sustainable Spaces for Public Benefit – Health and Wellness in the Diaspora – Networking Receptions and Cultural Entertainment. A release notes that the Jamaica Diaspora Conference aims to foster lasting partnerships and to recognise the diaspora’s vital role in national development. The event also aligns with broader efforts to amplify Caribbean voices during National Caribbean American Heritage Month, observed each June in the United States. Mullings, the keynote is a Jamaican investor and philanthropist and the founder of Blue Mahoe Capital, one of the only SEC-regulated firms focused on giving retail investors access to the Caribbean. One of the investments by Blue Mahoe Capital is the building of affordable homes in Jamaica with a sale price of J$8,000,000.00, (less than US$51,000.00). By building affordable homes at scale, Blue Mahoe is addressing a critical need across the Caribbean, while delivering a reasonable rate of return to investors. Mullings plans to list his firm on the NASDAQ Exchange as soon as qualified. C’bean-American investor to address diaspora conference in Philadelphia Caribbean-American investor David Mullings. CONTRIBUTED Mayor launches father friendly summer, online hub New York City Mayor Eric Adams AP FEATURES FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS AND CITYWIDE RESOURCES FOR FATHERS Earlier this month, the northeast corner of 225th St. and White Plains Rd. memorialised a co-naming ceremony in honor of the late Jamaican born Earl Moodie of Moodie’s Record store which had been a staple in the community during the 80’s and 90’s. LEONARD MCKENZIE
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