THE DISMANTLING OF THE U.S. DEPT. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UNLAWFUL says AG James.

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No expensive tickets or VIP status were needed to attend the sixth annual People’s Ball at Brooklyn’s iconic Central Library at Grand Army Plaza on May 4.

Hailed as the antithesis of the Met Gala — the year’s most exclusive fashion event for the rich, the famous, and those who think they are — the ball for the people, by the people, is intentionally held on the eve of the Met Gala. It celebrates the idea that fashion and creativity are accessible to all, and it has become a tradition among Brooklyn’s stylish crowd.

This year’s motto, “Style is a Revolution,” set the tone for a celebration of fashion, individuality and inclusivity that drew about 1,200 people to the Central Library’s iconic lobby, where 300 fashionistas strutted down the runway to the sounds of DJ FRiTZo.

Actors Delissa Reynolds and Ariel Polanco hosted the evening, while co-curator Souleo interviewed the night’s honorees: Academy Award-winning costume designers Ruth E. Carter and Paul Tazewell.

Carter, who won costume design Oscars for “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” said she could feel the creativity in the room.

“That’s where it’s at. That’s what you’re feeling when you come here tonight,” Carter said. “When I look out into this crowd, I realize that people have really dug into their creativity and showed up.”

Williamsburg resident Alan Alfred Liddell attended the People’s Ball for the first time and planned to walk the catwalk — hardly his first brush with the spotlight. In January, he showed off his dance moves on “Live with Kelly and Mark.”

Liddell said he loved the idea of a ball and gala for regular people, noting that the Met Gala is only for “certain” people. He told Brooklyn Paper he expected to see great fashion, artistry and creativity from the crowd.

“They’re gonna bring it, they’re gonna bring the A game. They’re gonna bring the level up. Don’t let the real regular straggler fool you,” Liddell said.

Thirteen-year-old model Harper Simone Johnson attended the event with her mother, Anita, after a friend told the Connecticut residents about the People’s Ball in Brooklyn.

Harper’s outfit — a tailored purple suit by Tashii Couture, accessorized with Bengala Holmes neckties and a flower-adorned train — was a nod to this year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” an homage to Black dandyism.

The mother-daughter duo told Brooklyn Paper the People’s Ball was a great way for people to express their creativity.

“I think it’s just a beautiful way for everybody to express themselves, through their clothing, through their fashion, their hair, their makeup, everything,” Harper said. “I think it’s just an amazing opportunity to really show who you are.”

Harper’s mom, Anita, was sure their first People’s Ball would be one of many.

“I think it’s so amazing to get people’s take on fashion, [and] the things that make them feel good about themselves, and to be able to offer this experience in this capacity is just awesome,” she said. “I’m just so excited to be here.”

The 2025 Met Gala is set for Monday night and will celebrate the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

The year was 1885. Brooklyn was still its own city, American industry was booming, and buildings in New York were rising rapidly.

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City officials announced on Monday that seven new public schools will soon open in NYC, offering more classroom space and more support for students with learning disabilities. 

Mayor Eric Adams and Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos announced the news on May 5. They said the schools will open across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island in time for the 2025-2026 school year. 

The schools will help provide more access to technical education, provide programs for children with print-based learning disabilities and increase seating in neighborhoods with overcrowded schools. 

“We know it takes a city to raise a child, and our administration understands that investing in our children’s education is investing in the future of our city,” Adams said. “As the mayor of the largest school district in the nation, I’m committed to ensuring every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter where they live.” 

Collectively, the schools add nearly 4,000 new seats to classrooms in the boroughs. They range from elementary to high school and will be open by September. 

“Each of these schools embodies an innovative model tailored to meet the unique needs of our diverse communities and to equip students with skills for an evolving future,” Aviles-Ramos said. “By focusing on flexibility, engagement, and inclusivity, these schools will be designed to foster a learning environment where every child can thrive. 

The new schools

Bronx

The Bronx STEAM Center

School Districts 8, 10 and 11

The Bronx STEAM Center will encompass Bronx high schools in Districts 8, 10 and 11. The school will focus on strengthening academic readiness, advancing equity by empowering the most vulnerable learners, and engaging students through relevant coursework and real-world experiences. 

Brooklyn

Central Brooklyn Literacy Academy

School District 17

Central Brooklyn Literacy Academy builds on the success of the South Bronx Literacy Academy, serving students who have demonstrated challenges in learning to read and may be at risk for dyslexia and language-based learning difficulties. This school will serve grades 2-8 and will be in District 17 in Central Brooklyn.

Middle School of Innovation

School District 21

Middle School of Innovation provides an education that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By leveraging digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and assistive tools, this school will personalize learning to meet the diverse needs of students. Middle School of Innovation will be located in district 21 in South Brooklyn and will serve grades 6-8. 

Queens

Historically Black College and University Early College Prep High School

School District 29

A tuition-free, early college high school offering college courses and the HBCU experience beginning in 9th grade. Scholars attending HBCU Early College Prep will earn up to 64 college credits for an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from the HBCU-Delaware State University (DSU) and are guaranteed admission to DSU. HBCU Early College Prep High School will be located in district 29 in Queens. 

Northwell School of Health Sciences 

Created in partnership with Northwell Health, NYC Public Schools, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Opening in September 2025 in Woodside, Queens, NSHS takes an approach to healthcare career pathways aligned to Northwell’s workforce needs, starting in high school. Students will gain direct access to career-aligned training, mentorship, and real-world experience in healthcare. 

Queens International High School 

School District 24

Queens International High School, in partnership with the International Network for Public Schools, will serve newly arrived multilingual learners and their families.

Staten Island Rise Academy P.S. 89

School District 31

Will work to empower students with unique needs to reach their full potential through individualized instruction and supportive learning environments, fostering independence and inclusion within the community. 

Actor Emma Roberts turned heads at the Brooklyn Artists Ball on April 29 at the Brooklyn Museum, an event sponsored by Dior.

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