We Speak NYC

Last updated
We Speak NYC
WeSpeakNYC Logo.png
Genre Drama
Comedy
Created by Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) & The City University of New York (CUNY)
Written by
Starring
Composers
Country of originUnited States
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes20
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Bob Perkis
  • Sam Seifnourian
  • Todd Broder
  • George LaVoo
  • Javier Gonzales
Production location New York City
Cinematography
Running time20–25 minutes (per episode)
Original release
Network WNYE-TV

We Speak NYC is an American television series that depicts the lives of working class immigrants who come from all over the world to make New York City their home. It's created by the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and The City University of New York with the purpose of helping adult immigrants for whom English is a second language to improve their English by watching the series and also to learn about their rights to City and community services.

Contents

We Speak NYC episodes address issues of relevance to adult immigrants, such as navigating the school system, advocating for healthcare solutions and finding free or low-cost health insurance, responding to domestic violence, getting help with stress and anxiety, learning about and asserting your worker rights, getting free immigration legal help, accessing social services, preparing for a career, and many other important topics. Previously known as We Are New York, its purpose is to help adult immigrants, for whom English is a second language, to improve their understanding of English by watching the series, and also to learn about their rights to city and community services. [1]

In May 2018, the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs launched the second season of We Speak NYC. [2]

Cast and characters

Season 1

Regular cast

Season 2

Regular cast

Episodes

Series overview

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
1 10June 26, 2009 (2009-06-26)TBA
2 10July 8, 2018 (2018-07-08)TBA

Season 1 (2009)

We Speak NYC previously known as We Are New York (WANY) is an Emmy Award-winning educational television series produced by the NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and The City University of New York in 2009. The 10-episode comedic drama is based on true-to-life stories of immigrants making their way in New York City. Each episode provides useful information on essential City services and shows how people working across ethnic lines can access resources and solve common problems. [3]

Immigrants learning English have found the show especially helpful because the production values (e.g., actors speaking clearly and slowly directly into the camera; repetition of key vocabulary; subtitles in six languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, Russian and Spanish etc., make the content accessible in ways unlike any other English-language TV show. Viewers want to watch the show because they can understand the English, the storyline is filled with topics that are relevant to their everyday lives, and the cast reflects the demographics of the city's immigrant population. The working class immigrant heroes of We Speak NYC contend with asthma and diabetes; they find ways to support their children's education and prevent teenagers from dropping out; and they figure out the banking system. [4]

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1"New Life Café" José Luis Orbegozo David Hellman, Sandy Poster & Kayhan Irani June 27, 2009 (2009-06-27)
Rosa is a chef whose dream is to open a new café in Washington Heights. But before the big opening, her doctor gives her some serious news. She has diabetes and has to change how she eats. How can she open her Dominican café if she has to change everything she cooks? Rosa isn't sure what to do, but her friends and family help her make important small changes to manage her diabetes. In the end, will this be enough to make Rosa's dream come true?
2"No Smoking" Luis Argueta David Hellman, Sandy Poster & Kayhan IraniJuly 4, 2009 (2009-07-04)
Everyone knows Sasha, the Champion Winter Swimmer of Brighton Beach. Every year his club goes swimming in the winter to raise money for the children's hospital. Sasha always raises the most money. But this year, he has a bad cough from smoking and can't swim on the big day. He has to quit smoking if he wants to swim again. Sasha gets help from his best friend and his wife. But, will it be enough?
3"The Wedding" Katja Esson David Hellman, Sandy Poster & Kayhan IraniJuly 11, 2009 (2009-07-11)
The band is lost. The photographer is sick. The dress is too big. The wedding is tomorrow! A group of plucky New Yorkers each gets their big break to work at the wedding. Can they pull it off in time?
4"Welcome Parents" Luis Argueta David Hellman, Sandy Poster & Kayhan IraniJuly 18, 2009 (2009-07-18)
Carmen and Fatima have children who go to the same school. It is time for the Parent-Teacher Conference. Last year, Carmen and Fatima didn't understand the teacher. This year things will be different. They call other parents and work together to practice their questions. Their husbands help out, too. Carmen and Fatima become leaders in their children's school.
5"Stay in School" Luis Argueta David Hellman, Sandy Poster & Kayhan IraniJuly 25, 2009 (2009-07-25)
Diego is a teenager from Mexico who loves to play soccer. His mother sends him to live with his aunt and uncle in New York City to get a good education. But life in New York is not like Mexico. School is hard and confusing. Diego decides to quit school and get a job. When his aunt and uncle find out, they are shocked. But when Diego tells them his fears, they listen patiently. They decide to help him find information and advice so he can stay in school. Together, they try to sort things out. Will it be enough? Will Diego stay in school?
6"Love and Money" Darren Methlie David Hellman, Sandy Poster & Kayhan IraniAugust 1, 2009 (2009-08-01)
Sophie works in a nail salon. She meets Jorge who works in a restaurant. They like each other. Jorge wins a free dinner at his restaurant and invites Sophie for their first date. The restaurant is so expensive that Sophie thinks Jorge is rich. Sophie's dress is so fancy that Jorge thinks she's rich, too! With the help of their friends, Jorge and Sophie learn a lot about money, banking, and love in New York City. In the end, will they tell each other the truth?
7"The Hospital" Luis Argueta David Hellman, Sandy Poster & Kayhan IraniAugust 7, 2009 (2009-08-07)
Can art heal the sick? A nurse encourages a patient to start drawing again. The patient has a dramatic recovery and inspires the hospital workers to make their own art. It turns out, many of the workers are artists. Clayton in housekeeping is an abstract painter. Halina in food services is a photographer. But, an art gallery in a hospital?
8"Stop Domestic Violence"Paul EpsteinDavid Hellman, Sandy Poster & Kayhan IraniAugust 15, 2009 (2009-08-15)
A group of actors are putting on a play in a community theater. The actors are from different countries. They are practicing a very important play. The play is about a difficult subject - domestic violence.
9"Asthma: The Soap Opera"Marc LesserDavid Hellman, Sandy Poster & Kayhan IraniAugust 22, 2009 (2009-08-22)
Mario is the star of a TV soap opera. He loves Angela, but her father is against their love. Today they are filming the last scene of the show, and Angela finally leaves Mario and his son. But there is a problem: the story is too sad for Mario! He stops the filming and asks the director to change the story. He wants a happy ending! He wants to take care of his son, and he wants Angela back. The director wants to finish filming, but agrees to Mario’s idea. Will Mario win Angela back? Will he be the hero father he was meant to be?
10"The Storm" Todd Broder David Hellman & Sandy PosterDecember 2, 2013 (2013-12-02)
It's a hot summer day in New York City. Aku is going to the beach. Then she is meeting her parents for a picnic in the park. The plans are all made. Everyone is ready for a day of sun, fun, good food and friends. But no one planned for what happened next. Soon after Aku leaves, there's a storm alert on TV: flood warnings... hazardous weather conditions... possible tornado... It sounds terrible! Kojo and his friend Alberto go to find Aku. Efie waits at home with her friend, Isabel, in case Aku returns. Cell phone service goes out. The electricity goes out, too. Mrs. Chen, a neighbor, comes over and the women talk about planning for emergencies. Mrs. Chen and Isabel comfort Efie. Finally, Kojo and Alberto return, but without Aku...

Season 2 (2018-2022)

We Speak NYC's second season features important issues facing New Yorkers, including mental health, workers’ rights, senior care, food help, immigrant rights, work search and early childhood education. Stories in season 2 weaves into a description of the services and resources available from the city. It's all part of empowering New Yorkers to advocate for their needs and thereby making NYC "the fairest big city in the country". [5]

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1"Shumi's Pantry" George LaVoo David Hellman & Sam Seifnourian July 8, 2018 (2018-07-08)
It’s Shumi’s last year before college. She gets a part-time job at a local supermarket to help her mother pay the bills. And she volunteers at a food pantry to help the community. “You’re doing too much,” says her mom. “You need to focus on school!” Shumi is a hero to a lot of people. Will she manage it all and become a hero to you too?
2"The Seed for a Good Life"George LaVooDavid Hellman & Sam SeifnourianJuly 15, 2018 (2018-07-15)
Bad news: César loses his job. Good news: He finds two part-time jobs. But César is not satisfied. He wants a career. But how do you get one? Join César, Gabriela, Simon, Jian and Nana Aidoo on the search for the seed for a good life
3"Rolando's Rights"George LaVooDavid Hellman & Sam SeifnourianJuly 22, 2018 (2018-07-22)
Rolando is a construction worker. His wife, Silvia, is a domestic worker. They are heroes who build this city and help keep it strong. But what can they do if their companies rip them off and don’t give them paid sick leave or other worker rights? Who can help them?
4"Making New Friends"George LaVooDavid Hellman & Sam SeifnourianJuly 29, 2018 (2018-07-29)
“I’m not coming home for dinner,” Abuelo Luis says on the phone to his daughter, Silvia, “I’m going to my girlfriend’s house.” “Your girlfriend,” says Silvia, “Who is your girlfriend?” Silvia doesn’t know that it is Mrs. Belkina, her own client. Rent freezes and senior centers ...
5"Sonam's Mom"George LaVooDavid Hellman & Sam SeifnourianAugust 5, 2018 (2018-08-05)
Samten, Sonam's mom, is coming to America for the very first time. Sonam is a taxi driver but when his mom arrives in NYC she gets a ride with Osman, a different taxi driver. Sonam is busy helping his friend get free, safe immigration legal help. He doesn’t know his mom is already here. How will they meet?
6"Crossing the Street"George LaVooDavid Hellman & Sam SeifnourianAugust 12, 2018 (2018-08-12)
In Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Lian is looking for a great Pre-K to get experience to become a teacher. Martin is looking for a great Pre-K for his daughter. In this classic tale of New York City, where people and cultures of the world come together, Lian and Martin cross the street to meet.
7"Rafaela's Test"George LaVooDavid Hellman & Sam SeifnourianAugust 19, 2018 (2018-08-19)
Rafaela has a panic attack on the day of her High School Equivalency Test. She goes to the emergency room, where a doctor tells her about NYC Well, a City service that helps people manage stress and anxiety. Her family and her friend are very worried about her. Join them in this important story as they learn how to support each other and thrive.
8"CensusGirl"Marc LesserDavid Hellman & Sam SeifnourianApril 19, 2020 (2020-04-19)
The library is full. People from all over the world are united by their love of learning. Suddenly, there's a WHOOSH - It's CensusGirl. She's here just in time to tell the truth about the census and why it is so important to all immigrant New Yorkers.
9"Count Us In"Marc LesserDavid Hellman & Sam SeifnourianApril 19, 2020 (2020-04-19)
Papa doesn't know the purpose of the census. He doesn't understand why it is so important to his wife, his son and his daughter. How can they convince him to say, "Count us in!" Watch the show, join the selfie, and get counted.
10"Shola's Voice"Marc LesserDavid Hellman & Sam SeifnourianOctober 10, 2021 (2021-10-10)
Shola, an employee at a community TV station, finds her voice speaking about democracy, immigration, education, and other issues of importance to you, your family, and the times we live in. What difference can a voice make? Watch Shola’s Voice and discover the power of your own voice.

Reception

The series received positive reviews. Mayor Bill de Blasio praised the series and its unique mission. "Effective English learning programs like We Speak NYC open new doors for New Yorkers," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Though we are a city that proudly speaks over 150 languages, many residents want to improve their English language skills, and we want to meet them with the tools to do it. Empowering immigrant communities with the skills and knowledge to take advantage of more opportunities is how we make the ultimate city of immigrants an even better place for all of our residents." [6]

In May 2019, We Speak NYC received its third NY Emmy Award for Rolando's Rights episode in the category for Informational/Instruction Programming.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WNYE-TV</span> Non-commercial independent TV station in New York City

WNYE-TV is a non-commercial independent television station in New York City. It is operated by NYC Media, a division of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, alongside public radio station WNYE. The two stations share studios at the City University of New York's Graduate Center in Midtown Manhattan, while WNYE-TV's transmitter is located at 4 Times Square.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New York City Housing Authority</span> Public development corporation responsible for New York Citys public and leased housing

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is a public development corporation which provides public housing in New York City, and is the largest public housing authority in North America. Created in 1934 as the first agency of its kind in the United States, it aims to provide decent, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs of New York City. NYCHA also administers a citywide Section 8 Leased Housing Program in rental apartments. NYCHA developments include single and double family houses, apartment units, singular floors, and shared small building units, and commonly have large income disparities with their respective surrounding neighborhood or community. These developments, particularly those including large-scale apartment buildings, are often referred to in popular culture as "projects."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julie Menin</span> American lawyer and businesswoman

Julie Menin is a member of the New York City Council from District 5. Before she was elected to this position, she served as an American attorney, civil servant, non-profit executive, professor and small business owner. In January 2019, she was appointed Director of the Census for NYC and Executive Assistant Corporation Counsel for Strategic Advocacy. Previously, she had worked as the Commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment and Commissioner of New York City's Department of Consumer Affairs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bill de Blasio</span> Mayor of New York City from 2014 to 2021

Bill de Blasio is an American politician who was the 109th mayor of New York City from 2014 to 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, he held the office of New York City Public Advocate from 2010 to 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katherine Oliver</span> Media and entertainment executives

Katherine Oliver is an American media and entertainment executive based in New York City. Oliver is currently a Principal at Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy firm founded by Michael Bloomberg to provide advice and long-term solutions to cities worldwide. She also oversees film, television and digital media projects for Bloomberg Philanthropies, the charitable foundation of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brad Lander</span> American politician

Bradford S. Lander is an American politician, urban planner, and community organizer who currently serves as the New York City Comptroller. A member of the Democratic Party, Lander is a progressive politician, and has been described as "one of the most left-leaning politicians in the city."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jumaane Williams</span> American politician (born 1976)

Jumaane D. Williams is an American activist and politician who has served as the New York City Public Advocate since 2019. He is a former member of the New York City Council from the 45th district, which includes East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, and Midwood in Brooklyn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chirlane McCray</span> American writer and political figure

Chirlane Irene McCray is an American writer, editor, and activist. She is married to former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and had been described as de Blasio's "closest advisor." She chaired the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and was appointed by her husband to lead a billion-dollar initiative called ThriveNYC. She has also published poetry and worked in politics as a speechwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carmen Fariña</span> American school chancellor

Carmen Fariña is a former New York City Schools Chancellor and head of the New York City Department of Education. Announced by Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio on December 30, 2013, she was the first New York City chancellor to have had schools supervision training and experience since Board of Education chancellor Rudy Crew.

Vision Zero is a program created by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014. Its purpose is to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries on New York City streets by 2024. On January 15, 2014, Mayor de Blasio announced the launch of Vision Zero in New York City, based on a similar program of the same name that was implemented in Sweden. The original Swedish theory hypothesizes that pedestrian deaths are not as much "accidents" as they are a failure of street design. Traffic-related injuries and crashes in New York City increased from 2014 through 2018, though traffic-related deaths decreased.

Richard A. Carranza is an American educator who served as the Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education from 2018 to 2021. He was appointed by Mayor de Blasio after Alberto M. Carvalho publicly turned down the job in March 2018. He previously served as the superintendent of the Houston Independent and the San Francisco Unified School Districts. He currently serves as Chief of Strategy and Global Development at IXL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jessica Ramos</span> American politician

Jessica Ramos is an American politician from the state of New York. Ramos is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 2019, she has served in the New York State Senate representing District 13, which currently includes the Queens neighborhoods of Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 pandemic in New York City</span> Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in New York City

The first case of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City was confirmed on March 1, 2020, though later research showed that the novel coronavirus had been circulating in New York City since January, with cases of community transmission confirmed as early as February. By March 29, over 30,000 cases were confirmed, and New York City had become the worst-affected area in the United States. There were over 2,000 deaths by April 6; at that stage, the city had more confirmed coronavirus cases than China, the UK, or Iran. Bodies of the deceased were picked up from their homes by the US Army, National Guard, and Air National Guard.

Oxiris Barbot is an American pediatrician who served as the Commissioner of Health of the City of New York from 2018 to 2020. She was then appointed to public health positions with Columbia University and the JPB Foundation, and in 2022 became president and chief executive officer of the nonprofit United Hospital Fund.

Philip F. Foglia was an American lawyer, prosecutor, civic activist, politician, and advocate for Italian-American rights issues. Most recently, Foglia led a campaign to construct a statue honoring Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian-American Catholic nun more commonly known as Mother Cabrini, after the proposal was initially rejected by a New York City commission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave A. Chokshi</span> American physician

Dave Ashok Chokshi is an American physician and former public health official who served as the 43rd health commissioner of New York City. He was the first health commissioner of Asian descent. Chokshi previously served as the inaugural chief population health officer for NYC Health + Hospitals and as a White House fellow in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently he is a practicing physician at Bellevue Hospital and the inaugural Sternberg Family Professor of Leadership at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, part of the City College of New York.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kathryn Garcia</span> American government official (born 1970)

Kathryn A. Garcia is an American public official serving as Director of State Operations for the state of New York. She served as commissioner for the New York City Sanitation Department from 2014 to 2020 and was a candidate in the 2021 New York City Democratic mayoral primary, losing by 0.8 percentage points to Eric Adams.

The following is a timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City.

Emma Wolfe is an American government official and advisor who served as Deputy Mayor of New York City for Administration and Chief of Staff to New York City mayor Bill de Blasio.

NYC Care is a health care access program launched in 2019 by New York City, with the stated goal of providing "universal health care" in the city. As of fiscal year 2021, enrollment had increased to 69,000 people; in fiscal year 2022, enrollment passed 100,000 people. To be eligible for the program, a person must not qualify for any insurance on the government's guidelines, and not qualify for any available state insurance. Prior to April 20, 2022, members were required to have been living in New York City for more than six months, but the requirement was eliminated. The program provides no-cost or low-cost medical services at any hospitals or clinics run by NYC Health + Hospitals. The cost to patients of medical services depends on the member's income and family size. NYC Care has no membership fees, monthly fees, or premiums, and it seeks to ensure that all newly enrolled members meet with a primary care doctor within two weeks. Members may also be screened for depression and other mental health issues.

References

  1. ↑ "City launches new season of We Speak NYC English language learning program". Metro US. 2018-05-10. Retrieved 2018-05-11.
  2. ↑ "– 'We Speak NYC' – Second Season of ELL Program Launches". voicesofny.org. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
  3. ↑ "We Are NY - About Us". www.nyc.gov. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
  4. ↑ "We Are NY - About Us". www.nyc.gov. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
  5. ↑ PENNAR, KAREN (May 10, 2018). "'We Speak NYC' – Second Season of ELL Program Launches". Voices of NY.
  6. ↑ "City launches new season of We Speak NYC English language learning program". Metro US. 2018-05-10. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.