Cyril Joshua Barker is a staff writer for the New York Amsterdam News. He has been at the paper since 2007. Barker also serves as co-host/commentator of the weekly radio program “Express Yourself” on 107.5 FM WBLS/1190 AM WLIB. During his stint in Montgomery, Ala. he was a reporter for the Montgomery Advertiser. Barker graduated from Alabama State University in 2006 earning a bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in sociology.
Recent Stories
Gone and forgotten: Nearly 50 Black girls missing in New York State
The disappearance of white 22-year-old Gabby Petito of Blue Point, Long Island continues to receive hours of national news coverage, top story status, talk shows and saturated media coverage.
Racial barriers preventing treatment for substance abuse
Drug use in the Black community is reaching astronomical levels causing many to lose their lives. However, experts say that while Black people are more likely to seek treatment for substance abuse, racial barriers are preventing them from actually getting it.
NYPD says crime is down but streets tell different story
Earlier this month the NYPD announced crime stats from August indicate that murders, shootings and overall crime is on the decline; however, recent violence in the city is showing another reality.
Dawnn Lewis back for Broadway’s big return
Actress and singer Dawnn Lewis is best known for her role as Jaleesa Vinson on the NBC sitcom “A Different World.” Today, she’s back in New York City on Broadway in a major role in the musical “Tina.”
City cracking down on basement apartments after storm deaths
The death of 11 people living in basement apartments from floods caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida is prompting the city to take a closer look at the apartments’ safety and legality.
Courts block vaccine mandates
This week a State Supreme Court judge and a federal judge temporarily blocked the city and state’s vaccine mandates for municipal workers and health workers.
Addiction, overdose on the rise in the Black community
The death of actor Michael K. Williams sent shockwaves through the entertainment world after “The Wire” star was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment last week with drug paraphernalia.
Jacqueline Gathers: Home inspector extraordinaire
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a mass exodus as people moved out of New York City in favor of more space and more relaxed restrictions.
A Black man’s emotional recovery from 9/11…20 years later
In 2011, the AmNews interviewed Frederick Myers, a two-time survivor of both World Trade Center attacks in 1993 and 2001. This year’s 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks he’s living his life with resilience.
Anti-violence groups still in need after gun violence declared public health emergency
Before leaving office, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared gun violence in New York State a public emergency, creating the state’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention and investing millions in programs.
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