As part of his re-election campaign, Mayor Eric Adams made a vibrant stop at the Rochdale Village Shopping Center in Jamaica, Queens, on Tuesday, where he was met with overwhelming support from local residents of the southeast Queens community.

The atmosphere inside the bustling shopping center quickly turned electric as soon as the Mayor stepped through the doors. Shoppers and business owners erupted into cheers, chanting « Four more years! » and eagerly rushed to take photos with him. The energy reflected a community eager to connect with its leader—and Adams did not disappoint.

Rather than making a quick appearance, Mayor Adams took time to walk through the mall, engage in real conversations, and hear directly from constituents. He listened to concerns about public safety, housing, youth programs, and economic development in Southeast Queens.

One young man who spoke with the Mayor shared his experience:
« I told the Mayor about our daily issues and also shared the project that I have for young New Yorkers with him, and he directed me to people that could help me make that happen. I really appreciate that, » he said.

Throughout the visit, Adams emphasized his administration’s ongoing efforts to invest in underserved communities, improve city services, and uplift the voices of everyday New Yorkers.

This campaign stop comes as part of a broader outreach effort ahead of the 2025 mayoral election. The Mayor is expected to continue his community engagement on Wednesday, with scheduled meetings in Harlem with both Muslim and Jewish community leaders.

As election season gains momentum, Mayor Adams’ hands-on approach and visible presence in neighborhoods across the city seem aimed at building both trust and momentum for a potential second term.

Bronx, NY — On Saturday, September 13th, Crotona Park was filled with the rhythms, colors, and spirit of Africa as the African Heritage Festival took center stage from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The vibrant event, celebrating African culture and unity, was proudly organized by the Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson in collaboration with the African Advisory Council of the Bronx.

Bringing together a rich tapestry of African nations, the festival welcomed communities from Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Liberia, Togo, Guinea, Mali, Rwanda and many more. The park buzzed with cultural pride, joy, and togetherness as attendees of all ages celebrated their roots and shared their heritage with neighbors and visitors.

Guests were treated to the flavors of African cuisine, with popular dishes like jollof rice, fried plantains, and other traditional delicacies. The festive atmosphere was amplified by live African music, with artists delivering performances that had the crowd dancing, singing, and waving flags high in the air throughout the day. 

“This event is about more than just food and music — it’s about unity, pride, and honoring the African diaspora here in the Bronx,” said Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “We are so proud to host this celebration that brings our communities together in joy and solidarity.”

The African Heritage Festival not only highlighted the richness of African cultures but also emphasized the importance of community engagement, cultural education, and representation in the Bronx — one of the most diverse counties in the nation.

Among those celebrating was Annie Malembe, President of Congolese Queens of USA, who expressed her appreciation for the event:

“I truly enjoyed the African Heritage Festival,” said Malembe. “There is nothing like coming together with fellow Africans to celebrate who we are — our traditions, our food, our music, our spirit. These are the moments that remind us of the strength and beauty of our unity.”

The African Heritage Festival continues to grow as a signature annual event in the Bronx, serving as a joyful reminder of the borough’s cultural richness and the enduring contributions of African communities to New York City.

The violence began in Tremont, where crime scene investigators were seen collecting evidence on Anthony Avenue. A 32-year-old man was shot in the back and later died at the hospital. Police have yet to make any arrests in the case.

Shortly after, in the Soundview neighborhood, police responded to reports of gunfire on Croes Avenue. There, they discovered a 34-year-old man unresponsive with a gunshot wound to his torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors reported hearing a single gunshot.

Later that afternoon in West Farms, a 31-year-old Amazon contractor was injured while delivering packages. The driver was shot in the ankle while parked near Bryant and East Tremont avenues.

“He was literally inside the van, digging through his bags,” said a co-worker. “He heard gunshots and just got shot.”

Amazon confirmed it is supporting the injured driver as police search for two suspects in the case.

An hour after that incident, a 26-year-old man was shot twice in the leg in an unrelated shooting on Adams Place in Belmont.

As investigations into each case continue, community members are urging action to stem the violence that has once again shaken Bronx neighborhoods.

Organized by the NYC African Council, the event called on African immigrants to publicly show their support for Mayor Adams, recognizing his administration’s ongoing efforts to include immigrant voices in city government and support the African Diaspora’s economic and social advancement.

Mayor Adams made a memorable entrance, joining the celebration with a djembe drum in hand—a powerful and symbolic gesture that honored the rich cultural heritage of his African supporters. The moment resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom viewed it as a sign of mutual respect and genuine connection between the mayor and the city’s African communities.

“This is more than politics. It’s about building bridges,” said one of his supporters. “Mayor Adams has opened doors to African leaders, listened to our concerns, and taken real steps toward making New York City a more inclusive place for all.”

The event featured traditional African drumming, dance performances, and speeches from community leaders, elders, and youth representatives. Several speakers highlighted the mayor’s commitment to supporting immigrant-owned businesses, expanding language access services, and strengthening community-based organizations that serve African populations across the five boroughs.

In his remarks, Mayor Adams thanked the African community for their unwavering support and emphasized the importance of unity among New Yorkers of all backgrounds.

“We are one city, and every culture, every community makes us stronger,” Mayor Adams said. “The African Diaspora is the heartbeat of this city. Your values—hard work, family, faith, and community—are the same values that built New York.”

As the 2025 election season approaches, the endorsement from the African Diaspora community could prove influential in a city as diverse as New York. For many attendees, the event was not just about politics—it was a celebration of identity, empowerment, and shared vision for the future.

The violence began with a verbal altercation between the suspect and a 32-year-old man, which quickly escalated. Both the 32-year-old and 28-year-old man were stabbed and later transported to Bellevue Hospital, where they were reported in stable condition.

30-year-old Gavin Ferguson was arrested and charged with attempted murder and assault with a weapon.

The FDNY reported that nine people were hurt in the incident. Eight victims sustained minor injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals, while one person, listed in serious condition, was taken to Kings County Hospital.

The fire erupted shortly after 8 p.m. at 1432 Nostrand Avenue, between Church Avenue and Martense Avenue.

Authorities say the blaze began in the basement of a three-story building. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.