Did you know that one of the world’s largest and most famous bookstore is located just a few blocks from union square? The Strand Bookstore is a great place to find newly-released best sellers, used books, and hard to find titles. Do you write poetry? Are you looking for an audience to share your work? Join Boogie Down Books and Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School for a Teen Poetry Slam celebrating the creativity of NYC teens. All ages are welcome to attend. Poets ages 14-21 are encouraged to perform. The event is on Fri, June 7, 2019 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Mottley Kitchen 402 East 140th Street in the Bronx. Grab your friends and get creative! The Whitney Museum of American Art will have an open studio for teens. … [Read more...]
Teen Time With Melina 04/05/2019
Spring is here, hibernation is done, get out of the house and have some fun. Here are some ideas for you: There is a free prom dress giveaway on Sun, April 28th from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the PINK PRINCESS PARTY BOUTIQUE 1470 WILLIAMSBRIDGE BRONX, NEW YORK. All items are free for teens who attend on a first come first serve basis. One parent may accompany you if they like. There is one ticket per family. ITEMS INCLUDE: dresses in all sizes (new or in great condition), shoes, ties, jewelry, handbags and accessories. Do you want to develop your sketching skills and discover new ways of seeing as you draw live models in poses inspired by images of dancers from ancient artifacts? If you do, illustrator and teaching … [Read more...]
Teen Time With Melina 03/22/2019
Spring is here, hibernation is over, get out of the house and do something this weekend. Here are some ideas for you: Want to go to the prom but don’t want to spend a lot of money? I’ve got news for you. Operation Prom is giving away free prom dresses, men’s suits and tuxedos on March 30th from 11am - 3pm at Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women at 283 Adams Street in Brooklyn. To receive these free items you have to be a graduating high school senior and register in advance at OperationProm.org and click on the dresses & tuxedo link at the top of the page. There is another free prom dress giveaway on Sun, April 28th from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the PINK PRINCESS PARTY BOUTIQUE 1470 WILLIAMSBRIDGE … [Read more...]
Teen Time With Melina 03/15/2019
Spring is coming, hibernation is almost over, get out of the house and do something this weekend. Here are some ideas for you: Pop Cake Shop is now at DeKalb Market Hall. They sell push pops filled with customizable cake flavors and toppings. If you’re not into that, there are many other vendors At DeKalb Market Hall with lots of different and delicious food available for purchase. They are open everyday so don’t hesitate to try something new and different. It’s located at 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Do you have a library card in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens? Do you enjoy going to museums and other New York attractions for free? If you answered yes to any of those … [Read more...]
African Dance Class Experience
On Saturday February 16, 2019 I attended an African Dance class. Prior to attending this class I was skeptical about how I would feel trying out a new dance style. Once I walked in, it was a very welcoming environment. We stretched with the instructor to warm up our bodies. We also had a live drummer. Before dancing we were told that we would be dancing a mash up of two dance styles, Kuo Kuo and Dancza, which are welcoming dances in some countries in Africa. When we were taught the different moves, we started off on one side of the room and moved to the other side of the room while doing the dance moves taught to us. Once we finished learning all dance moves we got into windows (spots in which performers are placed so everyone is … [Read more...]
Teen Time With Melina 03/01/2019
The Whitney Museum of American Art is inviting you to try your hand at the silk screening process and to experiment with some of the printmaking techniques used by famous artist Andy Warhol. You will look at artwork created by Warhol and then make their own prints on tote bags with guidance from the Printshop’s master printers and staff. Pick up a ticket in the lobby of the museum when you arrive. Refreshments and art materials provided. The event is today March 1st, 2019 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Pop Cake Shop is now at DeKalb Market Hall. They sell push pops filled with customizable cake flavors and toppings. If you’re not into that, there are many other vendors At Dekalb Market Hall with lots of different … [Read more...]
Teen Time With Melina 02/01/2019
Have you seen the movies or read the books ‘The Hobbit’ or ‘The Lord of the Rings?’ The author J.R.R. Tolkien will have a public exhibition displaying original material from these movies. The exhibition will include family photographs and memorabilia, original illustrations, maps, draft manuscripts, and designs related to ‘The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. The exhibit will be from January 25- May 12. Admission $20 Adults, $13 Students (with current ID), Admission is free on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Want to participate in a dance class? An African Diaspora Dance Class taught by world renowned dancer Dani Criss will be held on Sat, February 9, 2019 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Dani Criss is … [Read more...]
Ice Skating Experience
On January 1st. 2019 I went ice skating in Prospect Park. Because it was a holiday the line was so long, but it moved fast. I couldn't wait to start skating. Everyone looked as if they were having the time of their lives. It was the perfect weather to go skating. Once I got on the ice, I knew it would be a while before getting the hang of it. Once I was able to stop holding onto the wall I started skating faster and felt like a professional even though I fell twice. Kiyana Williams, a student at WHSAD also went ice skating and said, "I had fun ice skating and being with my friends." Ameina Als, another WHSAD student also went and said, "I had fun and my favorite part was when I wanted to cross to the other side and was scared so one … [Read more...]
Teen Time With Melina 01/11/2019
The Schomburg Center's 3rd Annual Black Lives Matter Teen Conference (BLMTC) centers young people and engages them as key leaders and influencers within their communities. The BLMTC convenes young people from across New York City to celebrate and affirm their voices, build community, and provide today and tomorrow's leaders with the tools and knowledge to responsibly make the world a better place. The day will include activist teach-ins, youth-led panel discussions, teen performances, and interactive arts and media workshops, and a Teen Night Open Mic Night. It will be on Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Oxford professor J.R.R. Tolkien ignited a fervid spark in generations of readers. From the children’s classic The … [Read more...]
Rockefeller Center Experience
On Saturday, December 29, 2018 I went to go see the tree at Rockefeller Center. Once I arrived, there were already so many people, so finding the perfect spot to take that picture in front of the famous tree was hard. I went with my family to see the tree, and it was so good to get out of the house and enjoy places in New York City that I don't normally go. After looking at the tree and having our pictures taken and taking pictures of others, we walked around and enjoyed what New York City had to offer. For example, we saw the window decorations in Saks Fifth Ave. and even got to see St. Patrick's Cathedral. I had a wonderful time at Rockefeller Center and can't wait to go again next year! I am also glad that Teachers such as Ms. … [Read more...]