To kick off the holiday season and close the year, the city searched for a “rat czar” to address the exigent critter problem. A national rail strike was, well, struck down by Pres. Joe Biden and Congress. The starting salary is six-figures and offers government benefits. Research showed New York City, unsurprisingly, is the most expensive city in the United States. “Ain’t No More” debuted on Broadway, depicting modern Black life under the brightest of lights. “Prime Time” moved to Mountain Standard Time as Deion Sanders left HBCU Jackson State to coach for FBS college football program Colorado University. Fellow gridiron legend Hershel Walker lost in his Georgia Senate run-off election to incumbent Rev. Raphael Warnock. More women sued Bill Cosby for sexual assault. Fifth Avenue went car-free in preparation for holiday season Sundays.
Brittney Griner finally came home after the Russians agreed to release the WNBA star in exchange for infamous arms dealer Viktor Bout. Bribery and fraud charges were dropped against ex-Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin. A lawsuit filed against the United States Department of Veteran Affairs alleged discrimination against Black armed forces members for decades. And the American Museum of Natural History announced the appointment of first Black President Sean Decatur. Donald Trump got into the NFT market. The Trump Organization was found guilty of tax fraud. Union members from the New York Times went on strike. A Red Hooks fire burned down an NYPD evidence compound and injured eight. Ronnie Turner—the youngest son of Tina Turner—died at age 62. Mayor Adams was fined, then absolved, of a $300 fine for rat infestation. Appeals court allowed New York to continue banning concealed carry guns from sensitive locations like Times Square. And “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” remained on top of the box office five weeks after its premiere. Kanye West’s Twitter account was suspended for inciting violence, said Elon Musk. Sheena Wright was poised to become the city’s first Black first deputy mayor once the year ends. Sprinter Vince Matthews was welcomed back to the Olympics half a century after he was banned for protesting racial injustice during the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the Munich Games. USC quarterback Caleb Williams won the Heisman Trophy, just a season after transferring from the University of Oklahoma. Beloved dancer Stephen “tWitch” Boss—known for DJing “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”—died at age 40 from apparent suicide. The Octavia Butler novel “Kindred” was adapted on-screen for Hulu. A Biggie Smalls statue was erected in DUMBO. Charles and Inez Barron broke ground for a 100% affordable housing project. Fair Chance for Housing—which would ban landlords from checking criminal records—got a City Council hearing. The Rev. Al Sharpton called for a unity summit. Teenager Saniyah Lawrence was fatally stabbed by boyfriend in Harlem. An NYCHA audit found gaps in repairs and maintenance, security, sanitation and sustainability. The December 12th Movement celebrated 35 years. The NYPD ended prolonged stops to check for warrants. Harvard appointed the first Black university president in Claudine Gay. Atatiana Jefferson’s killer, a former Texas police officer, was convicted of manslaughter. The state banned pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits. Attorney General Letitia James was sued after a top advisor in the Office resigned due to sexual misconduct allegations. NFL legend Franco Harris died at age 72.
The Exonerated Five were honored in Central Park with a gate nearby where the then-youngsters were falsely accused of (and subsequently convicted for) raping a white jogger. A Saginaw, Mich. man admitted to hate crimes against Black Lives Matter activists. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House to meet with American leaders including President Joe Biden. The International African American Museum in Charleston, S.C. delayed its opening. Rapper Common debuted on Broadway in the play “Between Riverside and Crazy.” Mutulu Shakur came home. And the Jewish community began celebrating Hannakah. Argentina defeated France to win the World Cup. Uber drivers held a 24-hour strike in New York City. Presidential candidate and CPUSA leader Charlene Mitchell—who championed the release of Angela Davis—died at age 92. AirBnB bans “slave cabin” rentals. Migrants bused from the southern borders resurged after a federal judge struck down attempts to restrict arrivals from Venezuela. One bus drops off migrants to Vice President Kamala Harris’ Washington, D.C. residence in freezing temperatures. Canadian singer Tory Lanez was found guilty in the 2020 shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion. He will face 22 years in prison and potential deportation. Republican House-elect George Santos—who will represent New York’s 3rd congressional district—was outed for lying on his resume. Some fabrications include his Jewish ancestry claims, his NYU degree and his work experience in the financial world. Back to the truth, Santa Claus was not slowed by a massive Christmas weekend storm enveloping much of the eastern U.S., says a North American Aerospace Defense Command official. Mayor Adams’ whereabouts were questioned as he makes himself scarce during winter emergencies. Two New Yorkers were fatally slashed—including a pediatrician who was found dead in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park—days apart in seemingly random acts of violence by the same suspect. Deaths rose in Western New York due to harsh cold weather conditions. New York state nurses, including those working for Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian, voted to strike as their union contract expires in the new year. And Kwanzaa began and will run until the end of the month—and year.