Civic Projects
Current Project:
History with Grit: John Edward Bruce and the Making of Early Black Yonkers
Help us as we recover, preserve, and share the untold story of Bruce and the founding generation of Black Yonkers—empowering new generations of scholars, activists, and storytellers.
Funded by The American Council of Learned Societies
This pilot documentary explores the life and legacy of John Edward Bruce “Grit”, a pioneering Black journalist, Republican Party activist and Pan-Africanist who lived in Yonkers from 1903-1916. It blends archival research, crowd-sourced photo collection, and digital storytelling to revive Bruce’s contributions and inspire new generations. The project is a collaboration between RISEUP, Executive Branch Entertainment Group (EBEG), The Yonkers Riverfront Library and the Yonkers Historical Society. Students from Westchester Community College’s New Media Projects Class contribute to the project.
The John Edward Bruce Headstone Initiative
Lead Organizer: RISEUP & Executive Branch Entertainment Group
This initiative honors the legacy of John Edward “Bruce Grit” Bruce—an influential Black journalist, historian, and Pan-Africanist—by installing a permanent headstone at his long-unmarked gravesite in Oakland Cemetery, Yonkers. RISEUP led a multi-phase campaign that included a temporary marker ceremony, a public fundraising drive, and a series of educational events to raise awareness of Bruce’s contributions. The project garnered support from local officials, community organizations, and national partners. The official unveiling of the headstone will take place on August 9, 2025, a date now recognized by the City of Yonkers as John Edward Bruce Day.
DeCypher
Launched in 2021, DeCypher was a monthly variety show and lecture series produced by RISEUP in partnership with the Mount Vernon Public Library and Black Westchester Magazine. The program brought together scholars, artists, and authors to explore Black history, culture, and contemporary issues through public presentations, performances, and community dialogue.
Yonkers: The Lost City of Hip Hop
This multimedia series celebrates Yonkers’ overlooked contributions to hip-hop culture. Events included monthly showcases, art installations, and the donation of a fully equipped recording studio to the Yonkers Riverfront Library. The project culminated in a documentary presentation at the Hudson River Museum for Black History Month 2024.
Yonkers Solar for All
In October 2023, RISEUP spearheaded a $50 million grant application to the EPA’s Solar for All program, bringing together unions, environmental organizations, community based organizations, small businesses in coordination with the Mayor’s Office of sustainability. The initiative aimed to bring solar energy access to disadvantaged communities in Yonkers. While not selected, the effort laid the groundwork for future green infrastructure projects and the coalition connections to support them.
Back to My Roots—Black History Month Celebration
The Back to My Roots program, a collaboration between RISEUP, EBEG, and the Yonkers Public Library, offered a rich celebration of Black History Month. The series featured literary events, cultural discussions, and historical reflections that highlighted the contributions of local voices and global connections.
Attendees engaged with themes of authorship, heritage, and civic identity through readings, lectures, and community dialogue.
The program also welcomed international guests and honored historical figures with ties to Yonkers. Together, these events fostered a deeper appreciation for Black history and its ongoing influence in the city and beyond.
Prostate Awareness Seminar Luncheon
Most recently held on January 18, 2025, at Yonkers Riverfront Library, the third Prostate Awareness Seminar Luncheon united nearly two dozen attendees for a powerful discussion on prostate cancer among Black men. Featuring Dr. Michael Feuerstein and personal testimonials from area residents, the event was co-hosted by Luther V. Garrison Masonic Foundation, James H. Farrell Lodge #34, Fans for the Cure, Covenantstone LLC., and RISEUP, emphasizing the need for early detection screenings, the role of women in mean’s health, and community collaboration to save lives.