Renaissance man preps young for high-tech jobs
Stephon Alexander — the Trinidad and Tobago-born Renaissance man whose expertise and passions range from astrophysics and the creation of the universe to his personal creation of respected music — has been selected for a key role in a City College of New York-supported initiative to get underrepresented young people involved in all levels of high technology.
City College President Vincent Boudreau recently announced that Alexander has been hired as executive director of Science and Arts Engagement New York Inc. (SAENY) and its Harlem Gallery of Science.
“I look forward to bringing my experience and expertise to help move the needle in the fields of science, arts and technology for African-Americans and Latinx students and the public,” said Alexander.
Praising the physicist/educator’s résumé, Boudreau said Alexander’s “own career path connects science and the arts and fuels his passion for radical creativity — a new way to see the world at a time when we are in the midst of major social change.”
In this newly created position, Alexander will utilize his expertise — as a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, educator, author and president of the National Society of Black Physicists — to get more black and Latinx youth into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) study, and help them join the ranks of the technology sector’s high-paid workers.
The novel Harlem Gallery of Science is designed to improve the “technological literacy of the residents of Harlem” by teaching teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking and other skills.
Alexander — who came from Trinidad and Tobago at age 8 — graduated from Haverford College in Pennsylvania as a physics major after attending DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. He serves on the faculty of Brown University — where he attained master’s degrees in physics and electrical engineering, and a Ph.D. in physics.
As a musician, Alexander, who trained with pioneering free jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman, created the “critically acclaimed” 2014 album “Here Comes Now,” a collaboration with electronic/psychedelic musicians Rioux and guitarist and experimental composer Arto Lindsay.
‘CariBites’ music-food affair
Scrumptious culinary creations and music are combining online Sunday in “CariBites,” a food and culture celebration presented by Queensbased Braata Productions.
Airing from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the 2020 edition of CariBites features chef demonstrations, DJs playing Caribbean music, and live performances, including from Grenada’s Mr. Killa, who won Trinidad Carnival’s 2019 International Power Soca Monarch with the hit song, “Run Wid It;” Jamaica’s Genaroots Band; the Freetown Collective from Trinidad and Tobago, and Elan Trotman from Barbados.
To get information, a pass code to view the performance and reserve complimentary tickets, go to braataproductions.org and select the “CariBites LIVE” pull-down link on the homepage.
Benefit for St. Lucia education
A virtual fund-raiser — organized by pop fusion entertainer Miguel “Eempey Slicker” Paul — will be held Sunday, benefiting underprivileged children in St. Lucia.
The benefit takes place at 4 p.m., on Facebook Live and Instagram.
All proceeds benefit Project Education’s Month of Giving campaign that donates school supplies to children in need. To contribute during or after the event, go to gofundme.com and search for “Project Education Month of Giving.”
Tropicalfete’s virtual culture
June’s celebration of National Caribbean American Heritage Month is closing, but the Tropicalfete organization is keeping the culture flowing.
In year-round spirit of Caribbean culture, links to purchase 60 selected books by Caribbean authors in Tropicalfete’s annual Cultural Reading Program will be available online. Visit tropicalfete.com/readjune2020.
African Arts fest goes virtual
The anticipated 2020 International African Arts Festival has arrived, virtually — bringing vendors, live music, dance classes and activities for children to audiences, while adhering to coronavirus prevention guidelines.
The “Libation” opening ceremonies of the 49th annual festival livestreamed on June 20, and the festival continues with the virtual presentation of an international array or entertainers, events and activities on Saturday (the Fourth of July), and the following Saturday, July 11.
The festival — under the theme “Strength in Unity” (Onguco Okulinconquela) and subtheme, “Rise and Breathe in Freedom” — can be viewed, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both days, at iaafestival.org or register at bit.ly/IAAFestival2020.