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
Summer Youth Employment expanded
The city’s FY19 budget agreement is expanding the Summer Youth Employment Program and providing 5,000 minimum wage jobs, bringing the total to 75,000.
Feds step in to help NYCHA
The New York City Housing Authority received a long overdue payday this week as the city reached a $2 billion settlement with the federal government to repair the city’s crumbling public housing.
City’s predatory equity landlords named
Lower East Side resident Holly Slayton has been a resident of 514 E. 12th St. for almost 30 years; however, things changed when her building was taken over by a new company she believes is trying to put her out.
From Wall Street to the pulpit
Before becoming involved in the clergy, the Rev. Nigel A. Pearce had his own firm on Wall Street. However, it was a higher power that led him to become one of Uptown’s key religious figures.
ACLU: Marijuana could put millions into low-income communities
As the legalization of recreational marijuana becomes more and more of a reality in New York, the Empire State is getting an inside look at what legalizing the drug could mean.
Resistance mounts as NFL outlines policy on players’ protests
Activists held a rally last Friday outside of the National Football League headquarters to protest the league’s policy requiring NFL players to stand during the national anthem at games or stay in the locker room.
Police to only give summonses for marijuana smoking
Just about a week after Mayor Bill de Blasio asked for a review of how law enforcement handles marijuana policy in New York City, he told the city’s police officers to halt arrests on people smoking pot in public.
Stacey Abrams becomes first Black female major party gubernatorial nominee
Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams takes her place in history becoming the Democratic nominee in Georgia’s gubernatorial election, making her the first Black female major party gubernatorial nominee in U.S. history.
Brotherhood/Sister Sol kicks off journey to new facility at annual gala
Harlem-based youth organization Brotherhood/Sister Sol recently hosted its 14th annual VOICES benefit gala.
Columbia celebrates inaugural class from HBCU fellowship program
Nearly two dozen alumni from historically Black colleges recently graduated from Columbia University earning their master’s degrees through a new fellowship by the Ivy League school. And they didn’t pay a dime.