#hudson county

[maplespyderart]

Picture of a large, elegant backyard with a rectangular pool house

LGBT Network

[unteriors]

Van Nostrand Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey.

[unteriors]

Avenue A, Bayonne, New Jersey.

[georganas]

West New York, NJ 07093. Entry to the skatepark.

My friends, my colleagues, and pretty much everyone who knows me know how much I rep being from WNY, NJ. This post, like the one I wrote about emo culture, barely scratches the surface of what a blessing it is to be from one of the most diverse areas in the United States. I only wish the data about our population were more up to date, but it’s not, because we are a county full of immigrants and undocumented people who either can’t or don’t report themselves.

That said, I feel forever grateful to be from a community where it’s completely okay to not speak English. Korean? Spanish? Hindi? Turkish? Whatever the hell you speak, you’re 100% going to find your corner in Hudson County. I remember being served by an older Korean man in Cliffside Park (arguably not Hudson County, but close enough), and I got emotional thinking about how hard it must be to be that much older and still have to adapt to a whole new culture. Thankfully, he’s in an area filled with people who speak his language. This lonely world is one less lonely!

People in Hudson County get what it means to not speak English. Kids of Hudson County may know what it means to have parents who may not be literate, may have "no" education, but be the hardest workers to exist. We know how to send a money order back home, ship the newest Nintendo to their cousins, pop a wheelie, roll a joint, lend a hand. It's a normal day for us.

As a child of two immigrants and with all my friends also being children of immigrants, I exist at the intersection of preserving my family’s culture, creating space, and finding the subcultures of America. That’s been true for all of us growing up here.

The skatepark (remodeled now, but still there, thank god) was one of those places where kids of immigrants discovered themselves. When I was growing up, it was the place for smoking weed (and getting bagged by cops), making out, drinking a 40, taking pictures for Tumblr, and of course, skating. There are some really good skaters in Hudson County, like Jean (I don't know if I spelled that right), Jacob, Juan Franco, Monni, and so many more people who I can't name at the moment.

I’m not even sure where I was going with this, but I’m on the hunt for pictures from the skatepark and #westnewyork. I want to keep the culture alive.

Photo credit: Found on WNY Facebook group

[fadbucker]

tis time to groove. sheriff said so.

[georganas]

Here are some of my listens to this weekend and why they’re included!

Where’s Your Head At by Basement Jaxx: This song is nostalgic for whatever reason it may be. They capture that European sound that gets people to dance and groove in clubs. It makes ME want to revisit home and go clubbing. The obnoxious, “wheressss yERRR head at,” is a great choice to include as it weaves in some abrasiveness to the track. The whistling?! You know I’m swinging my hips to that.

Woods by Mac Miller: Rest In Peace Mac Miller. An artist that was introduced into my life by my sister and her friends. We will never see his true potential as he was just evolving into an artist beyond his typical work. Amazing song, nonetheless.

Ganas De Ti by Arcángel: I feel so lucky to have been exposed to Spanish music. Thank you mom and dad for choosing Hudson County, NJ. To quote director Bong Joon-ha, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films,” which rings true to music too. Why limit yourself to English music? Why not explore the world beyond it! Incredible stuff exist outside of our comfort zones.

I’m Not Real by TV Girl, George Clanton, and JERSEY CITY LEGEND, PYNKIE:

How can I not include this 1) based on the artists and 2) I absolutely love the trip hop sound. I can easily slip into this dreary song!

[trendynewsnow]

Robert Menendez Appeals for Leniency Ahead of Sentencing

Sentencing Approaches for Robert Menendez With less than a month remaining before Robert Menendez, the former U.S. senator from New Jersey, faces sentencing for corruption charges, his legal team has submitted a heartfelt appeal for leniency. This appeal emphasizes what they describe as Menendez’s challenging upbringing, his dedicated public service, and his unwavering commitment to family. In a…

Robert Menendez Appeals for Leniency Ahead of Sentencing

[uvmagazine]

Hudson Catholic coaches and 4 others killed in Newark crash

A tragic car accident underneath a Newark highway has claimed the lives of two brothers, who were Hudson Catholic coaches, and four others.

Brothers Darryl McKnight, 33, and Lamar McKnight, 32, the head football coach at Hudson Catholic, as well as Bradley Cunningham, 41, an assistant coach, Veronica Bailey, 31, and Darnell Carr, 22,…

Hudson Catholic coaches and 4 others killed in Newark crash