Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and second grade students from C.S. 55: The Benjamin Franklin School, in Morrisania, appeared on the latest episode of BronxNet’s children’s puppet show “EcoLeaders” to discuss the environment.
In the episode, Gibson discusses environmental improvement projects in the Bronx and what parents and children can do to help the environment.
Another segment later in the episode features second graders from C.S. 55 joining the EcoLeaders in discussions and fun activities meant to teach their peers about environmental issues.
The episode premiered on Wednesday, Aug. 21, and is scheduled to run again on Friday, Aug. 30 at 4 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 31 at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., on BronxNet, channel 67 for those with Optimum and 2133 for those with Fios. The episode can also be viewed at www.bronxnet.tv and on-demand via BronxNet.tv and BronxNet’s YouTube channel.
Made possible by Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY), an artist economy initiative that provided support for ten artists at BronxNet, EcoLeaders stars puppet characters who travel back in time from 2088 to the present-day Bronx in an effort to find out what happened to cause the Earth’s destruction. Through this show, Bronx kids are able to engage with environmental exploration and climate solutions in an interactive and enjoyable way.
Notable producers of EcoLeaders include award-winning local animator and designer Alba Garcia, actor and puppetry artist Kervin Peralta and award-winning actress and voiceover artist Paola Poucel. The three are also part of a group of ten artist fellows who worked at BronxNet via the CRNY grant over the last two years, producing content and teaching classes for Bronx residents.
“If you dream it, you can create it at BronxNet, and local artists have done just that with the futuristic children’s puppet series ‘EcoLeaders’ on BronxNet TV. We thank Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and the students of C.S. 55 for joining the time traveling ‘EcoLeaders’ in this special episode on BronxNet for conversations about environmental challenges, insights and resolutions demonstrated in environmental stewardship,” BronxNet Executive Director Michael Max Knobbe said.
BronxNet is an independent nonprofit organization that provides media production training, access to technology and television channels to Bronx residents. They have six channels each on the Bronx’s Optimum system (67, 68, 69, 70, 951 and 952) and Verizon Fios system (2133, 2134, 2135, 2136, 2137 and 2138). The local programming on BronxNet helps connect residents of the borough with the world, while their training programs and partnerships are a part of community development through media.
