We are making history as we are living it, and the last few weeks and months have created an onslaught of deep disturbance and concern for us all.

From pandemic, to isolation, to fear of illness, to loss, to financial ruin, we now have witnessed a tragedy that took place in front of us, bringing the deep seated systemic issues of race that we, as a society face, boldly into the light.

It has been a horrific time as we saw a murder take place in front of our eyes by someone who is supposed to help and protect members of the community instead of extinguish a life. Then, out of important peaceful protests, the ugliness of humanity emerged, as crimes, violence, looting and destruction took place.

It is indeed a dark time, but we have to believe that there will be better days ahead.

And my contribution to that goal is to highlight individuals who actively respond to crucial needs in society.

With that, I want to introduce you to the founder and executive director of Foundation of Freedom, a service organization geared toward providing initiatives for the African American community. Earl Thomason, Jr. left a great job to build this organization from the ground up.  Since the pandemic began, Earl and his team have been providing meals for essential workers in under-served neighborhoods, and most recently, organizing peaceful protests in reaction to the murder of George Floyd. Please find out about his worthwhile organization at https://www.offreedom.org/

Prolific Broadway actress Mandy Gonzalez, who was starring in Hamilton prior to the shutdown, is now involved with a five-part series, “Broadway’s Best for Breast Cancer.”  Produced by the JCC in Manhattan, Mandy and JCC senior director of health and wellness Caroline Kohles are joined by a medical expert ,and talk to Broadway stars about health challenges and their careers. Go to https://jccmanhattan.org/cancer-care

International opera star Monica Yunus, who is co-founder of Sing for Hope, an organization that provides public music and arts programs, has launched “Sing for Hope Grams.” You can purchase a singing telegram sung by a Broadway or opera star to gift to a loved one. The fee goes to support artists who are out of work due to the closing of performance venues.

And there is a new platform matching businesses in need of marketing with freelancers who want to promote a business they support. It’s a brilliant idea and something any small business should explore. A win-win for all involved. Go to https://www.drum.io/

For conversations with these people who are doing amazing things, listen to “Bagels and Broadway with Valerie Smaldone” Saturday morning from 9:05-10 on WNYM Radio.

Also available online, Alexa and podcast.

Bagels and Broadway with Valerie Smaldone Podcast – Bagels and Broadway with Valerie Smaldone – Omny.fm “Bagels and Broadway with Valerie Smaldone” features conversations with Broadway celebrities, creative teams, producers who work passionately to bring shows to the stage, and the numerous un-sung heroes who are integral to mounting a production. Since dining out and attending the theatre go hand-in-hand, restaurant and food segments are featured as well. A native New Yorker who was born, raised, educated and spent her entire career in New York, Valerie Smaldone knows the New York area. You’ll hear Valerie discussing the show she attended last night on or off- Broadway, or where she had tapas, antipasto or mezze with a glass of phenomenal wine (from a country you didn’t even know produced wine!) Valerie also concentrates on other theatrical venues: including in New Jersey, off-Broadway or non-traditional theatre spaces. So, you bring the bagels, she’ll bring Broadway…Saturday mornings at 9.