Erica Brown

It’s not just a feeling—it’s real, and it’s happening here. The rising cost of groceries. The struggle to find safe, affordable housing. The lack of childcare options. The gaps in transportation that make everyday life harder for too many. These aren’t abstract issues—they were named clearly by community members living them, working through them, and organizing around them. Their voices are echoed in a recent report released by Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, with data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, HUD, NYS agencies, Feeding America, ALICE, and others. The most pressing concerns: Food insecurity Housing insecurity Childcare Transportation We’re at a point in time where we can no longer ignore the cracks in our systems. When government support is scaled back or removed, it’s communities that feel the impact most. And it’s becoming clearer that we can’t only look to elected officials or institutions to solely carry the load. But here’s the good news: people are already stepping up. More and more, local residents are building networks of care, creating solutions, and showing up for one another. How are your actions affecting these issues? Where can you step in, offer support, or shift something in your daily choices? We are the ones who make change possible. @cfhvny In the spirit of Ubuntu, consistently upheld by Drew Andrews, of CCE - Ubuntu means “I am because you are.” @cce4me @drewsenergy

Together again. Sleep in Peace Grammie! Mrs. Jennie Kithcart, 87, of Kingston NY, transitioned peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born December 1, 1938, in Kingston, she was the daughter of the late Lazarus and Janie (Clark) Sims. She was married to George Kithcart, Jr. for 65 years, a union rooted in love and devotion. A woman of generous spirit, Jennie was a member, of steadfast faith, of St. Mark’s Chapel AME Church, where she devoted decades of service as a member of the Clinton Sisters Missionary Society and the Lay Organization. She was a faithful presence in adult Sunday School and bible study, nourishing her own spiritual journey until her health required her to step back. Her dedication was recognized and celebrated when she was named the “Mother of St. Mark’s”; a title that reflected not merely a role, but the profound respect and affection her church family held for her. For over four decades, Jennie dedicated herself to caring for others. She began her career at Kingston Hospital as a nurse’s aide, answering a calling rooted in compassion. She later served for 40 years in telecommunications as a telephone operator for both New York Bell and Verizon, connecting countless voices and building relationships with the people she served. Her work was more than a job; it was an extension of her commitment to service and community care. She was also a cherished member of the Eastern Star Golden Circle #52. Jennie is survived by her four children: Yvonne Brown (Bruce), George Kithcart III, Virginia Davis (Anthony), and Michael Kithcart (Kimberley); her sister, Barbara Sims; her grandchildren: Shawna-Marie Elizabeth Brown, Erica Leigh Brown, Jenifer Ann Davis, and Addison Victoria Jane Kithcart; her great-grandchildren: Logan Bradley Manor and Dylan Edward Manor; and her in-laws, Dorothy Brodhead, Larry Kithcart, & Wilmon (Melrose) Kithcart. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, George Kithcart Jr., and her siblings, Emily Lawson, Shirley Armstrong, and John Clark.

Love my auntie! Folks say we look alike and if I am so blessed, I'm GRATEFUL! I love you forever and ever Aunt Debbie ❤️ We went to my cousin Shane's baby shower this Saturday. Photo Cred 📸My Momma @lucky60461

SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, April 18, 2026 • Arrive at 1 PM • Event ends at 4 PM ⸻ Location • Radio Kingston Community Building • 13 Franklin Street, Kingston NY ⸻ Cost • FREE ⸻ Audience • All levels • Educators Welcome ⸻ What to Bring (Optional) • Optional: feel free to bring sample fiber projects you are working on @upstatecolor

Last night I was lucky to be a part of the start of something that @nightnightulsterco manifested life into! It was an honor to be on the stage at @rosendaletheatre with this group of folks. Still reeling to have even been invited! The way the producers crafted an evening that was honest with the reality we exist in and how challenging and devastating every day presents itself, the way they pointed their fingers to the need for a community to laugh together, and the deep care which showed how a well-crafted show is fully rounded in the way that it centers deep heart... @nightnightulsterco BRAVO, cheers and resounding applause to MANY more ❤️ Photo Credit: @qbae.jpg 📸

Women’s history is still being written...by the women leading movements, building businesses, creating art, raising families, fighting for justice, and reimagining what’s possible in their communities. March is our moment to celebrate not just the pioneers who came before, but the women shaping our world right now. Their stories deserve to be told & their work deserves to be seen.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Tag a woman (and share little about why) you celebrate ❤️

Really excited to see my billboard design up around town for @radiokingstonny ! Thanks again to Erica @_ericalbrown_ and Jimmy! Tune in everyone! 📻 107.9 FM 📻

Ulster County has a wealth of outstanding Black business leaders and Black-owned businesses. The Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Black History Kingston, and Ulster County Tourism are seeking to recognize the best of these at the 2026 Black Business Community Celebration. These Awards recognize Ulster County's Black business leaders and Black-owned businesses that have demonstrated commitment, community spirit, philanthropy, or have achieved extraordinary accomplishments and is an example to others. You have the opportunity to nominate a Black business leader, Black-owned business, or organization for these honors. For a nomination to be valid, the Nomination Form must be complete and submitted no later than 5:00 pm on April 1, 2026. Black Business Excellence Award This Award recognizes a Black business leader or Black-owned business that has achieved extraordinary accomplishments and is an example to others. Black Business Leadership Award This Award is given to a Black individual or Black-owned business or organization that displays exceptional leadership qualities with a history of community service. Maude Bruce Community Award This Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a Black individual who has dedicated their life to issues of racial and social justice and has improved the quality of life for the citizens of Ulster County. Young Black Leader Award This Award is given to a young Black adult who has displayed determination, has an exceptional work ethic and an interest in pursuing a career in business or entrepreneurship. LINK TO NOMINATE (I know you can't click on IG): /form/view/38859

It's Women's History Month. I love my women. This morning, I googled the importance of affinity groups, and from experience, they are empowering! Being in spaces where historically marginalized groups can be together to share their successes and challenges and areas for growth is incredibly empowering, and I believe it has something to do with safety! Folks like BIPOC (or as I like to call us recently, tinted) and women and folks with disabilities and queer beauties and elders can gather to celebrate our wins and how far we've come and discuss microaggressions and everyday continuations around how there's so much more work to do. Being in an affinity group for me means that there's some shared level of understanding around power dynamics and systemic pressure, where (and when) being in these groups, we can unmask just a little bit more and be just a little more of our full selves. So, I find that it's very important for myself to keep learning about people with cultures and differences outside of my own because I know just how safe it feels to be in groups that affirm your identity. I hope you'll join in this month and ideally always by learning more about women's history and the women around you and our female-bodied ancestors and pick apart the concept of what it means to be a woman and just how close we are in timeline to times when we couldn't open our own credit cards or purchase homes on our own or be seen as whole human beings without having a male counterpart. I continue to be inspired by the strength and resilience of so many women that I know who refuse to be placed in a box or to allow societal constraints, generally, and as a microcosm, tell them where they're allowed to be and how they're allowed to be or what they are or who they aren't. Cheers to all the women out there, living authentically, to those who carved a way for us to live in our authenticity more safely, & to those who are working on figuring out what their authenticity looks like. Happy Women's History Month

Introducing (the second half of) Night Night Ulster Co.'s Premier sketch comedy troupe: The Ulster County Housing Crisis 🌟 Erica Brown @_ericalbrown_ Caroline Contillo @carozijine Brittany Levers @theblackmartha_ Andy Monk @theonlyandymonk Pinky Socrates @pinkysocrates We've been working hard at the giggle factory to cook up something good for the show. We can't wait to show you 🤣🤣🤣 See you @rosendaletheatre March 27th, 8pm Ticket link coming soon

Each year for Black History Month the Max’s Kansas City Project honors one and often two individuals who have made a significant contribution to the arts with our Mike Quashie (the Limbo King) grant of 1000. This year we are proud to honor Erica Brown as our first of two honorary grant recipients. A Kingston native and Community Engagement Coordinator at Radio Kingston, @_ericalbrown_ thrives when working across multiple projects — bringing people, organizations and ideas together with purpose. Erica believes that the strength of a community lies in the empowerment of its individuals. Through her work at Radio Kingston, she supports nonprofits that provide vital services, programmes and opportunities helping to promote wholeness of self and collective wellbeing. Her dedication extends beyond the station. Erica serves as: • A Board Member of the Kingston Farmers Market • A Committee Member of Kingston Midtown Rising Connect • A Member of the Ulster County Housing Advisory Committee • An Organizing Member of the Kingston Community Land Trust She is passionate about access, inclusion and diversity, and champions interdisciplinary collaboration among local organisations. Erica reminds us that it truly takes a village or in this case, a city to build an empowered and strengthened community. We celebrate her leadership, her service, and her unwavering commitment to the arts and to the community at large! #blackhistorymonth #maxskansascity #communityleadership #artsandculture #honouringexcellence

It was an incredible honor to be recognized this morning by @maxskc10 and Yvonne Sewall AND @maxskansascityproject . I proudly accepted the Mike Quashie “The Limbo King” Award in recognition of my contribution to the arts along with a grant in the amount of $1,000! Thank you for thinking of me and for this grand honor. As Max’s Kansas City celebrates 60 glorious years, I’ll be celebrating you right back all year long. @maxskansascity Photo Cred 📸: Manuel Blas