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<\/a>ISAIAH BARROW OF Theory 9 hands out food bags on Good Friday, April 3, 2026 at Our Lady of Angels Church, 2860 Sedgwick Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights.Photo courtesy of Theory 9<\/p>\n
As reported<\/a>, Theory9 is a Bronx-based organization focused on youth development and community support that has been working alongside New York Common Pantry for over four years, continuing what members said is consistent monthly service to address food insecurity across Kingsbridge and the greater Bronx.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Organizers said the father and deacon of Our Lady of Angels Church had shared \u201cthe good word\u201d with the congregation about the food giveaway and as the doors opened after the service, a wave of elderly women stepped out alongside their grandchildren.<\/p>\n Nearby, they said a vendor selling treats caught the attention of kids, who quickly formed a line as fathers and grandfathers made small purchases. Meanwhile, they said mothers and grandmothers stood patiently nearby as Theory9 volunteers distributed food, and within less than 10 minutes, over 100 bags of groceries, including perishables, canned goods, milk, and goody bags from Bronx Community Board 8 were distributed to over 100 Bronx residents.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The food giveaway was led by Shakir \u201cChip\u201d Seagers<\/a>, founder of Theory9, and Izaiah \u201cZeek\u201d Barrow<\/a>, Theory9 co-founder, alongside Rising Kings<\/a>\u00a0youth basketball coach, David \u201cSuper Dave\u201d Seager.<\/p>\n Barrow reflected on how the Good Friday giveaway came together, saying, \u201c\u2018Chip\u2019 and I laughed at the fact we might have to host a pop-up pantry because we had so many bags left over [from their Autism Awareness Spectrum Festival]. Then the Deacon reached out with his Good Friday blessings, and here we are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Good Friday pantry followed a prior distribution hosted by Theory9 on Friday, March 27. Through continued partnerships, organizers said they were able to secure additional groceries that supported both their regular pantry efforts and their Autism Awareness event, ensuring nothing went to waste and more families were served.<\/p>\n They said the back-to-back effort reflects what they described as their hands-on approach to ensuring resources are not only distributed, but maximized for community impact.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n They said the group regularly hosts food pantries on the last Friday of each month in front of Marie Curie High School in Kingsbridge Heights for medical, nursing, and health professions.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n As reported<\/a>, two teens were hospitalized on Wednesday, Feb. 11, after one was slashed and one was stabbed at 2897 Sedgwick Avenue,\u00a0in the vicinity of the high school. The assault took place on the same day as 16-year-old student and promising football player Christopher Redding<\/a>\u00a0was fatally shot<\/a> at Broadway and West 238th Street in nearby Kingsbridge, shocking the local community<\/a>. A number of arrests<\/a> have since been announced by police in connection with the case<\/a> and charges<\/a> filed. (More to follow)<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Theory9 organizers went on to say that through partnerships with the Community Police Relations Foundation, Boost Mobile, Metro Plus Health, and local elected officials, including Council Member Pierina Sanchez (C.D.14), Theory9 continues to expand its reach and impact.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAs everyday costs continue to rise, efforts like these remain a steady source of support for many Bronx families,\u201d they said, adding that food needs remain real and visible and with food gone in minutes, it only highlights how many families rely on consistent, community-based support.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe happily do this work knowing we are giving back to our community,\u201d said David Seagers. \u201cAnd we\u2019re going to keep showing up for our people every chance we get.\u201d<\/p>\n Theory9 is actively seeking volunteers and sponsors to help sustain and grow its efforts. For volunteer or sponsorship inquiries, contact Theory9 at www.wearetheory9.com. The next food pantry will take place on April 24, at 12 p.m. in front of Marie Curie High School.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The following day, kids enjoyed various Spring Easter Egg Hunts in the Williamsbridge Oval Park in Norwood, in St. James Park in Fordham Manor and elsewhere. Around 100 children and their parents participated in the Oval\u2019s festivities with some seen taking photos with the Easter Bunny, Crusaders for Children\u2019s Rights, and State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33). World Yo-Yo Champion Brian Melford from The Bronx taught dozens of kids how to Yo-Yo, in hopes of bringing back this old-school fun game.<\/p>\n Around 100 children and their parents participated in the festivities, which included egg hunting, a magic show, coloring, and building blocks. Attendees also enjoyed taking photographs with \u201cJusty\u201d the Bunny alongside representatives from Crusaders for Children\u2019s Rights, State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33), and representatives from NYC Parks\u2019 department.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n While the event was well-received, one parent expressed some safety concerns, specifically her fears following more recent violence reported<\/a> in the Oval park, specifically a recent brutal gang assault<\/a>\u00a0on a young teenage girl who is missing<\/a> according to the teen\u2019s mother. It followed the horrific murder last year of 14-year-old \u00c1ngel Miguel Mendoza Hern\u00e1ndez<\/a> who was fatally stabbed<\/a> during a prior group assault<\/a>\u00a0in the Oval on Aug. 5, 2025.<\/p>\n<\/a>ISAIAH BARROW OF Theory 9, members of the clergy and other partners hand out food bags on Good Friday, April 3, 2026 at Our Lady of Angels Church, 2860 Sedgwick Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights.
Photo courtesy of Theory 9<\/p>\n<\/a>WORLD YO-YO CHAMPION Brian Melford from The Bronx donates hundreds of yo-yos, hosts free raffles, and teaches dozens of kids on an ongoing basis how to yo-yo, planting new seeds across the borough in hopes of bringing an old-school game to a new generation. Melford says he has traveled the world showcasing his talent and competing, including in Japan, Italy and the Czech Republic to name a few places, as well as designing some of what he describes as the World\u2019s best yo-yos. He is pictured here with two boys who won a raffle at the Williamsbridge Oval Annual Spring Festival in Norwood, The Bronx on\u00a0Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Photo by Miriam Qui\u00f1ones<\/p>\n<\/a>THREE POTATO SACK runners, one of whom fell during a potato sack race, have fun at the Williamsbridge Oval Annual Spring Festival in Norwood, The Bronx on\u00a0Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Photo by Miriam Qui\u00f1ones<\/p>\n<\/a>TWO YOUNG GIRLS matching in pink have fun at the Williamsbridge Oval Annual Spring Festival in Norwood, The Bronx on\u00a0Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Photo by Miriam Qui\u00f1ones<\/p>\n<\/a>STATE SEN. GUSTAVO Rivera (S.D. 33), one of the sponsors, attends the Williamsbridge Oval Annual Spring Festival in Norwood, The Bronx on\u00a0Saturday, April 4, 2026. Other sponsors were NYC Parks, Bronx Community Board 7, Jerome Gun Hill BID, Crusaders for Children\u2019s Rights, and Guerinos Against Graffitti*
Photo by Miriam Qui\u00f1ones<\/p>\n<\/a>THREE POTATO SACK runners, one of whom fell during a potato sack race, have fun at the Williamsbridge Oval Annual Spring Festival in Norwood, The Bronx on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Photo by Miriam Qui\u00f1ones<\/p>\n