Authors: Ariel Pacheco, David Green, and Siler Moloney
Photo by Ariel Pacheco
On March 26, friends of former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and hip-hop legend Fat Joe gathered at Lehman College to discuss their respective careers, their upbringing and their continued commitment to improving the Bronx. Lehman’s annual event is usually held in the form of a lecture, and this year’s event is called “Hip-Hop with Heart: Civic Thoughts in the Bronx.” The lecture series itself dates back to 1970.
Fat Joe is a Grammy-nominated recording artist, author, businessman, and entrepreneur whose real name is Joseph Cartagena. In acknowledging the event’s venue, the rapper said his first paid performance as an artist was at Lehman College, where Diaz Jr. is a Lehman alumnus, who reportedly performed in 2021 Received the college’s President’s Medal. Diaz Jr. now serves as Montefiore’s senior vice president of strategic initiatives after serving 12 years as Bronx borough president.
The event highlighted two prominent Bronxians who had very different career paths, but nonetheless maintained a friendship over the years due to their commitment to improving the lives of Bronx residents and both giving back to their respective communities And use their platform to bring opportunity to the Bronx. Díaz Jr. has long supported the opening of the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, which is expected to open in 2025.
Photo by Ariel Pacheco
“I believe there’s a lot of talent in New York City,” Diaz Jr. said. “The question is: Do you provide opportunities to ensure that you can pursue your passion and maximize your talents? Unfortunately, too often, in many communities of color, many communities that face economic challenges, we don’t see to those opportunities, but we do see a lot of talent.
Fat Joe then talked about some of his philanthropic contributions, such as providing necessities to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, distributing food in the Bronx during Thanksgiving, and giving away sneakers to students at IS 217, the Academy of Performing Arts at 977 Fox Street. Longwood section. The rapper said he is providing aid to Haiti and has worked with Diaz Jr. in the past to provide computers to students at PS 146 Edward Collins, the school Fat Joe attended as a child, which is located near the Williams McKinley Houses.
“That’s what really touched me, that’s what I actually fell asleep happy that night,” Fat Joe said. “That’s the honor or the legacy that Fat Joe hopes to leave behind one day, so when they tally it up, they’re like, ‘Man! This guy, he was really out there caring about people. That’s one of the things I most want to be known for. one.
Photo by Ariel Pacheco
“While we are breaking the format today, we are not breaking the tradition of this lecture series,” Diaz Jr. said, referring to the fact that this year’s event is not a lecture. “It’s supposed to be about citizenship. The theme of this lecture series is, no matter where you are, no matter the opportunities, no matter what talents you have, no matter where life takes you, how do you come back and give back?
Lehman College students had the opportunity to ask some questions at the end of the discussion. One of the most important themes is for students to identify their dreams and then take appropriate steps to make them a reality.
On February 26, Fat Joe announced in a post to his 5.7 million Instagram followers that he owned a pair of Trump sneakers. “I don’t know how you feel about this … but I got Trump sneakers,” he said. “I got ’em. I’m one of the biggest sneaker collectors in the world, and you know I don’t like Trump. You know I’m a die-hard Democrat. You know I’m a loyal Democrat.” He continued Adding, “Now, as a sneaker collector, I have to get into the Trump family. “
ABC News reports that former U.S. President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump launched his Trump sneakers, “Never Surrender Hightops” at the Sneaker Show at the Philadelphia Convention Center on February 17. The price is US$399 per pair, limited to 1,000 pairs, and the “Trump Red Wave Sneakers” are priced at US$199. The launch comes as the former president faces serious financial difficulties following a series of high-profile court case losses.
In the same Instagram post, Fat Joe added: “Again, I’m not a Trump supporter. I don’t like Trump. I won’t vote for him — not now, not ever, but I am a Sneaker collector, loves art, so I have to find these. Now the mayor will call me, everyone will call me. Fat Joe claimed he didn’t pay for the sneakers, adding, “They Knew I had to have them,” seemingly implying that they were a gift.
Photo by Ariel Pacheco
The post was met with some backlash and some support from his fans. Paco Bell wrote: “I’ll keep this a secret.” Sachamo, aka Sachboogie, wrote: “100 sold out! Weird guy.” Meanwhile, Justin Jacobs wrote: “Real collectors will The artwork is separate from the artist or seller. Now he will be cancelled. Frankiediamonds718 wrote: “No way, Jose, you are so annoying. Big Stan added, “Negative. You’re wrong, Joe.” Later, Midnight wrote, “This proves what they think of us.” Lamjay wrote: “Joe, you don’t have to apologize. We all know you sold out years ago.”
The sneakers are reportedly trademarked by CIC Ventures, LLC, which said, “The Trump sneakers are not designed, manufactured, or manufactured by Donald J. Trump, the Trump Organization, or their respective affiliates or principals. Distributed or sold. They added, “45 Footmaker, LLC uses Trump’s name, image and likeness under a licensing agreement. “
The shoes, which are shiny gold high-top shoes with American flag details on the back, are being sold on a new website that also sells other Trump-branded shoes and products, according to the Associated Press. The outlet reported that the website said it had no affiliation with the Trump campaign, although Trump campaign officials promoted its presence in online posts.
Then, on March 15, Fat Joe went to the White House and met with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and many people who had received pardons for marijuana convictions in a cannabis roundtable dialogue . relectronic form. “Fat Joe, I appreciate you being here and taking the time, but really appreciate your voice on so many critical issues besides [..] Harris reportedly visited the Bronx in November 2021.
Fat Joe screenshot
Back at Lehman College, Fat Joe also shared stories from his childhood, explaining how his family found a way to survive and thrive despite living in poverty. “We are really poor; we live on welfare,” he said. “My mom had four kids and had to work three jobs, and even though we were poor, we always had love.”
The Herbert H. Lehman Lecture Series is held annually to celebrate the school’s namesake and his contributions. Past speakers include New York Attorney General Letitia James, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and climate activist, Clinton Administration-era U.S. Former Vice President, Vice President Al Gore.
