NYC BLOG - 2024 HALLOWEEN PARADE
By William Jenkins, East Coast Bureau Chief & Correspondent
Photo Credits: William Jenkins, Daniel Gonzales, and Zineb Bouzenacha
Published November 1, 2024, 11:35p.m. ET
The 2024 New York City Village Halloween Parade marked its 51st year as a vibrant and integral part of the city's cultural landscape.
The history of the Village Halloween Parade is as rich and colorful as the event itself. Founded in 1974 by Greenwich Village puppeteer and mask maker Ralph Lee, it began as a small, local affair, a creative walk through the neighborhood for his children and their friends. Over the decades, this humble beginning blossomed into the largest Halloween parade in the world and the only major nighttime parade in the United States. It now attracts tens of thousands of costumed participants and millions of spectators who line the 1.4-mile route up Sixth Avenue from Canal Street to West 15th Street. The parade's enduring appeal lies in its open and inclusive nature. It's a truly public participatory event where anyone in costume can join the march, fostering a unique sense of community and shared experience. This spontaneity, combined with the artistic dedication of the organizers and the hundreds of volunteers who animate the signature giant puppets, creates an atmosphere of joyous chaos and unbridled creativity. Each year's theme provides a focal point for artistic expression, influencing the design of the puppets and inspiring countless costume ideas.
Held on Thursday, October 31, 2024, the parade continued its tradition of transforming Sixth Avenue into a dazzling procession of costumed participants, giant puppets, spirited bands, and creative expressions of all kinds.
The theme for 2024, "Meow," added a playful and whimsical layer to the festivities, encouraging marchers to embrace their inner feline and resulting in a delightful array of cat-inspired costumes, from the cute and cuddly to the sleek and mysterious.
The 2024 "Meow" theme was embraced with enthusiasm. Participants donned elaborate cat ears, tails, and whiskers, while others took a more abstract approach to the feline inspiration. The parade featured its traditional elements, including the large, often fantastical puppets, over fifty marching bands playing music from around the globe, and dancers showcasing a variety of styles. Artists contributed their unique visions, and thousands of New Yorkers poured their creativity into homemade costumes that ranged from the humorous to the macabre, the topical to the timeless. Beyond the spectacle and entertainment, the Village Halloween Parade holds a significant place in the city's social fabric. It has become a platform for artistic and social commentary, reflecting the diverse cultures and concerns of New York City. Over the years, the parade has addressed themes of inclusivity and diversity, and participants have used their costumes and signs to express their views on important social issues. In 2024, the 51st edition continued this legacy. Grand Marshal André De Shields, a Broadway icon, added a touch of theatrical royalty to the proceedings.
The dedication of the parade to longtime volunteers Mark Skelly and Harlan Matthews underscored the community spirit that underpins the event. Despite the festive atmosphere, the parade also carried subtle undertones of contemporary issues, with some participants using the "Meow" theme as a playful nod to political commentary, urging onlookers to "Vote Meow." The economic impact of the parade on Greenwich Village and the wider city is also substantial, drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists and generating significant revenue for local businesses. For one night, the parade transforms a large and complex city into a vibrant, interconnected community, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy.
Overall, the 2024 NYC Village Halloween Parade, with its delightful "Meow" theme, was a resounding success, continuing its five-decade tradition as a unique and essential New York City experience. More than just a parade, it is a powerful expression of creativity, community, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a city that knows how to celebrate in spectacular and unforgettable fashion. The annual march up Sixth Avenue remains a testament to the power of collective imagination and the joy of coming together, in costume, to embrace the magic of Halloween.
NYC BLOG - 2023 HALLOWEEN PARADE
By William Jenkins, East Coast Bureau Chief & Correspondent
Photo Credits: William Jenkins, Phillip Jenkins, and Zineb Bouzenacha
Published November 1, 2023, 11:05p.m. ET
The NYC Halloween parade is a unique and amazing experience that showcases the diversity and imagination of the people of New York City. It is a tradition that has been going on for half a century, and it will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.
The NYC Halloween parade is one of the most iconic and creative events in the world. Every year, thousands of people dress up in costumes and march along Sixth Avenue in Manhattan, celebrating the spirit of Halloween. The parade is also broadcast live on NY1, a local news channel, for those who cannot attend in person. The parade has been running for 50 years, making it the largest and oldest public participatory event in the United States.
The NYC Halloween parade is a unique and amazing experience that showcases the diversity and imagination of the people of New York City. It is a tradition that has been going on for half a century, and it will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.
The theme of the 2023 parade was Upside/Down : Inside/OUT, reflecting the idea of turning things around and revealing what is hidden. The parade featured a variety of floats, bands, dancers, puppets, and performers, all expressing their interpretation of the theme. Some of the highlights included:
- A giant upside-down cake float, with people dressed as candles and slices of cake.
- A group of dancers wearing masks that showed their inner emotions, such as joy, anger, sadness, and fear.
- A float that resembled a haunted house, with windows and doors that opened and closed to reveal spooky scenes and characters.
- A band that played instruments made from recycled materials, such as cans, bottles, and cardboard boxes.
- A puppet show that depicted the story of Alice in Wonderland, with Alice falling down the rabbit hole and encountering various creatures and situations.
- A float that represented a carnival, with people dressed as clowns, acrobats, magicians, and animals.
The grand marshals of the parade were Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed, two legendary musicians and artists who have influenced the culture and history of New York City. Lou Reed passed away in 2013, but his memory was honored by his wife Laurie Anderson, who wore a mask that resembled his face. They led the parade with their music and their message of creativity and freedom.
The parade ended at West 15th Street, where the official after party was held at Webster Hall, a historic venue that has hosted many famous artists and events. The party was called Webster Hell, and it featured live music, DJs, dancing, and more. The partygoers continued to enjoy their costumes and celebrate Halloween until the early hours of the morning.
NYC BLOG - BEHIND THE LINES STORIES & EVENTS
HIS HONOR - Mayor Adams Makes His Case in Brooklyn
By William Jenkins, East Coast Bureau Chief & Correspondent
Photo Credit: William Jenkins
Published May 23, 2025, 11:45 p.m. ET
BROOKLYN, NY - Mayor Eric Adams speaking before a packed house at the FDNY Vulcan Society Hall tonight on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. Eric Adams' 2025 re-election campaign for Mayor of New York City is notable for a significant shift in his political strategy: he is running as an independent. This decision, announced on April 3, 2025, came after his federal corruption charges were dismissed in April 2025, which were initially brought in September 2024. Adams stated that he would forgo the Democratic primary, which is scheduled for June 24, 2025, to appeal directly to all New Yorkers in the general election on November 4, 2025. He remains a registered Democrat but emphasizes his commitment to independent leadership.
Adams' campaign is framed by his belief that the city needs leadership rooted in the "common middle," free from what he describes as "extremists at the far left or the far right." He asserts that there is no "liberal or conservative way to fix New York, but there is a right way." This ideological stance positions him as a pro-business moderate. He is campaigning on "End Ant-Semitism" and "Safe & Affordable" ballot lines, reflecting his stated priorities.
His decision to run as an independent marks a historic moment in NYC mayoral politics, as he is the first incumbent mayor to run without the nomination of a major party since John Lindsay in 1969. This move is seen by some as an attempt to revitalize his campaign, given that his approval ratings had reached an all-time low of 20% in a March 2025 Quinnipiac University poll. This same poll indicated that 56% of voters believed he should resign. Despite the legal challenges he faced and his low approval ratings, Adams maintains a renewed sense of determination for his campaign.
In the Democratic primary, former Governor Andrew Cuomo has emerged as a leading contender, with other notable candidates including City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, City Comptroller Brad Lander, and State Senators Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, and Jessica Ramos. Adams' absence from the Democratic primary means he will not compete against these candidates for the party's nomination, instead focusing on the general election. He faces Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election, along with other independent candidates.
Adams' campaign has focused on issues like addressing rising costs, public safety concerns, and the future of the city. He acknowledges that he "trusted people I should not have" but stresses that his personal challenges are minor compared to the issues faced by New Yorkers. His fundraising efforts for this period have seen a rebound, though his cash-on-hand is less than some of his Democratic primary opponents.
The 2025 mayoral race is shaping up to be an unusual and competitive one, with Eric Adams navigating the complexities of an independent re-election bid in a city that has historically favored major party candidates. His ability to convince New Yorkers of his independent leadership and address their concerns will be key to his success in securing a second term.
In Memorium - Derek Collado
Father and TE Correspondent Daniel Gonzales, together with a host of NYS Troopers and a bevy of state and local politicians attended the Viewing for Daniel's son Derek Collado at The Ortiz Funeral Home located in the Bronx NY on June 27, 2024
Photo Credit: William Jenkins, TE Photographer and Correspondent
Father and TE Correspondent Daniel Gonzales, flanked by NYS Troopers and a bevy of state and local politicians and officials attended the Funeral for Daniel's son Derek Collado at The Ortiz Funeral Home located in the Bronx NY on June 28, 2024
Photo Credit: William Jenkins, TE Photographer and Correspondent
IN MEMORIUM - Dr. June Jackson Christmas
By William Jenkins, East Coast Bureau Chief & Correspondent
Photo Credits: William Jenkins
Published February 5, 2024, 10:45 p.m. ET
Dr. June Jackson Christmas, who passed away on December 31, 2023, at the remarkable age of 99, was a titan in the field of psychiatry and a tireless advocate for mental health equity. Her life, spanning nearly a century, witnessed profound shifts in both medicine and society, and she dedicated herself to ensuring that the most vulnerable among us had access to compassionate and culturally relevant care.
From her groundbreaking work in community psychiatry in Harlem to her influential roles in city and national government, Dr. Christmas left an indelible mark on the landscape of public health, breaking barriers and setting new standards for care.
Born on June 7, 1924, in Boston, Massachusetts, June Jackson Christmas embarked on a path that would challenge prevailing norms and champion underserved communities. She was one of the first African American graduates of Vassar College, earning a Bachelor of Science in zoology, a testament to her early intellectual prowess. Her pursuit of medicine led her to Boston University School of Medicine, where she earned her medical degree. Following her psychiatric residencies at Bellevue Hospital and Queens General, and a certificate in psychoanalysis from the William Alanson White Institute, Dr. Christmas could have chosen a lucrative private practice. However, her vision extended beyond individual therapy; she recognized the systemic inequalities in mental healthcare and felt a profound call to address them.
This commitment to community led her to Harlem, where she became a transformative force. In 1964, she founded the Harlem Rehabilitation Center, an innovative and nationally recognized program at Harlem Hospital. This center was revolutionary in its approach, focusing on helping psychiatric patients reintegrate into society after hospital discharge by providing vocational training and psychiatric support within their own communities. The Harlem Rehabilitation Center served as a powerful model, influencing new mental health policies across the nation and demonstrating the critical importance of community-based interventions. Dr. Christmas' work here laid the groundwork for a more holistic and less institutionalized approach to mental health.
Her expertise and dedication did not go unnoticed. In 1972, she was appointed New York City's Commissioner of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Alcoholism Services by Mayor John Lindsay, a position she held under three successive mayors – Lindsay, Abraham Beame, and Edward Koch. In this role, Dr. Christmas was instrumental in developing crucial programs that addressed the diverse mental health needs of New Yorkers. She was not merely an administrator but a visionary leader, constantly striving to make mental healthcare more accessible and equitable, particularly for minority populations.
Beyond her city-level leadership, Dr. Christmas' influence reached the national stage. In 1976, she led the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare transition team for President Jimmy Carter, shaping health policies at the highest level of government. She also served on Governor Mario Cuomo's Advisory Committee on Black Affairs and held prominent positions within professional organizations, including vice president of the American Psychiatric Association and, notably, the first African American woman president of the American Public Health Association in 1980. These roles further solidified her reputation as a groundbreaking psychiatrist and an unwavering advocate for social justice within the medical field.
Throughout her long and distinguished career, Dr. Christmas was a respected academic. She served as a clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, a professor emeritus of behavioral science at the City University of New York Medical School, and a resident professor of mental health policy at Brandeis University. Her commitment to education extended to mentoring future generations of mental health professionals, especially those from underrepresented groups. The Dr. June Jackson Christmas Medical Student Program at Columbia University now stands as a testament to her dedication to fostering diversity and excellence in psychiatry.
Dr. June Jackson Christmas’ life was a testament to the power of compassion, intellect, and unwavering dedication. She broke racial and gender barriers, revolutionized mental health treatment, and tirelessly fought for a more just and equitable healthcare system. Her death on New Year's Eve, 2023, marked the end of an extraordinary life, but her legacy continues to inspire. The institutions she built, the policies she shaped, and the countless lives she touched serve as a powerful reminder of her profound and lasting impact.
Altogether, Dr. Christmas’ journey from a young woman in Boston to a national leader in psychiatry is a story of triumph, resilience, and an enduring commitment to the well-being of all.
NYC School Principal Maureen Campbell, TE Correspondent Danny Gonzales and Marion Campbell attended Dr. June Jackson Christmas' Celebration of Life at The Schomburg, in Harlem, NY on February 4, 2024
Photo Credit: William Jenkins, TE Photographer and Correspondent
Pre-Puerto Rican Day Parade Festivities East Harlem NY
Correspondent Danny Gonzales with Commanding Officer of Manhattan North and other officers. Pre-Puerto Rican Day Parade Festivities, 106th St and 3rd Ave. - June 10, 2023. Photo Credits William Jenkins and Phillip Jenkins
