Diamond Standard: Dropping Gems

South Asians As A Growing Political Force In NYC

Today I am joined by Ashraf Chowdhury, a young organizer and member of Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM) and Youth Power Alliance (YPA). We discuss the current rise of South Asians, particularly the Bangladeshi community, as a politically organized force in NYC. Ashraf shares his thoughts on what challenges are most pressing in our communities, helping high school youth throughout the city be politically empowered and engaged, how organizations like DRUM continue to be an invaluable resource and community space for some of NYC's most marginalized, and what lies ahead as the mayoral race approaches. Follow the orgs Ashraf is involved in: DRUM - Desis Rising Up and Moving (@drumnyc on Instagram) YPA - Youth Power Alliance (@youthpoweralliancenyc on Instagram) Welcome to Dropping Gems, a podcast presented by Diamond Standard. Diamond Standard aims to promote the advancement of immigrants, POC, and the working class. Support us by checking out our apparel brand at https://diamondstandardapparel.com/ @diamond_standard on Instagram

Episode 1 - New York City's gentrification problem, through the eyes of a Queens native

Welcome to Dropping Gems, a podcast presented by Diamond Standard. Diamond Standards aims to promote self-actualization and community development with emphasis on immigrants, people of color, and the working class. In a world where education, resources, and opportunities are often inaccessible to these marginalized communities, I hope this podcast can contribute towards closing that gap and empower us to become healthier and more united global citizens. In this first episode, I explain the origins of Diamond Standard and how I plan to re-orient my creative output into a “three pillar” approach of music, podcasts, and apparel. I then do a deep dive into the lyrics of my song “Gentrifiers”, responding to comments I’ve received on it, and sharing various anecdotes and observations on how gentrification has impacted New York City throughout my life here. Keep in touch: @diamond_standard on Instagram or at @naveedahmedny on Instagram/TikTok/Youtube. https://www.instagram.com/diamond_standard/ https://www.instagram.com/naveedahmedny/ Treat yourself with Diamond Standard Apparel. Enter "STANDARD10" at checkout for 10% off your first order: https://diamondstandardapparel.com/