Melissa Minnich

New York County

Miranda Levingston

New York City Metropolitan Area

Upper East Side

New York

Central Park

New York City

David Luces

Upper West Side

Queens County

Astoria-Long Island City

Midtown-Hell's Kitchen

Harlem

Gramercy-Murray Hill

Chelsea

East Village

West Village

Harlem author raises concerns over alleged reuse of her work documenting Richard “Fritz” Simmons—and the growing role of AI.
Harlem author and publisher Tiffany Simone Fulton, professionally known as Harlem Holiday, is calling for accountability over what she describes as the unauthorized use of material connected to her book, The Harlem Plug: The Richard “Fritz” Simmons Story.
Through Exhibits A–C, Fulton outlines concerns involving television footage, online content and apparent AI-generated material. At the center is a question: What happens when an independent author’s research and a family’s personal history become content without acknowledgment, permission or compensation?
<a href="https://youtu.be/p97pYmYTLGM?si=lnyzvj0aKpRBHc1M" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">EXHIBIT A: BET’S OG STORIES</a>
Fulton says her book cover and a personal photograph of the late Richard “Fritz” Simmons, provided to her by his sister Sheila, appeared in the Michelle Smalls “Queen of Harlem” episode of BET’s OG Stories without authorization, attribution or payment.
The series, created and hosted by Damon “Dame” Dash, is associated with his My Paid in Full franchise.
Fulton says she and the Simmons family appreciated Michelle Smalls acknowledging Fritz while sharing her own journey. Her objection concerns the use of the materials.
“Dame Dash calls the franchise My Paid in Full, but Harlem Holiday was not paid, credited or even asked,” Fulton said.
She is seeking acknowledgment and compensation and says she is prepared to pursue legal action if the matter remains unresolved. Her allegations are presented here as her account, rather than findings of a court.
EXHIBIT B: FROM FAMILY HISTORY TO CLICKBAIT
For Fulton, documenting Fritz’s life began with a family’s trust. Sheila approached her and shared memories, photographs and personal history that helped shape the book.
Fulton interviewed people who knew Fritz and traveled to Barbados twice to speak with his right-hand man, Ace. Her purpose, she says, was to document the person behind the reputation and preserve the brother his family remembered.
She alleges that portions of this work subsequently appeared in videos, podcasts, articles and social media posts without proper acknowledgment. Her concerns include material taken from her book, her contribution to Don Diva magazine Issue 60, and photographs and interviews shared through her own channels.
The distinction matters: Fulton’s complaint concerns others allegedly repurposing her published contribution to Don Diva—not an allegation that the magazine took her work.
“This was never clickbait,” Fulton said. “It was his legacy, his family’s truth and a story entrusted to me.”
EXHIBIT C: ARTISTIC PIRACY IN THE AI ERA
Fulton says she has also identified content that appears to use artificial intelligence to recreate or alter Fritz’s likeness and produce audio narratives resembling material documented in The Harlem Plug.
She questions how audiences can distinguish independently researched accounts from AI-assisted retellings that fail to identify their sources. She also raises concerns about the dignity of deceased people whose images and identities are repurposed.
“AI didn’t do the research. I did,” is her message to creators using such tools.
Fulton is calling for clearer standards and stronger protections for authors, photographs, family archives and AI-generated likenesses. She urges producers and digital creators to verify original sources, seek appropriate permission and compensate contributors when their work supports commercial projects.
A CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Fulton believes her experience reflects the difficulty independent creators face when challenging larger entertainment companies and widely followed platforms.
Her appeal is direct: recognize the work, respect the family history and address the people whose contributions made the storytelling possible.
The Harlem Plug: The Richard “Fritz” Simmons Story is available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle and audiobook through Amazon, Audible and other major booksellers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tiffany Simone Fulton, known professionally as Harlem Holiday, is an author, filmmaker and founder of Harlem Westside Publishing LLC. Her work preserves Harlem’s history, culture and community stories.
MEDIA CONTACT 
Tiffany Simone Fulton / Harlem Holiday 
Harlem Westside Publishing LLC

Local Event: Dame Dash’s “My Paid In Füll”: Harlem Holiday Demands Credit And Accountability

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Online Auction

Fine Arts and Mid-Century Modern - Online Auction Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Bid online at alderferauction.com.
Alderfer Auction’s September Fine Art and Mid-Century Modern Auction features a collection of art, luxury Swiss timepieces, jewelry, sterling silver, décor, and mid-century and period furniture.
<a href="https://bid.alderferauction.com/ui/auctions/162950?category=All&amp;subCategory=Active" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View and Bid On This Fine Arts and Mid-Century Modern Auction</a>
Auction is open for pre-bidding until Thursday, September 10th at 10AM, at which time pre-bidding will cease and the auction will go live at the auction center (no live audience, just our auctioneer and auction staff).Collectors of fine watches will find an exceptional group of Swiss timepieces, including a Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Gondolo Ref. 5009, Franck Muller Casablanca Ref. 2852, Chronoswiss Opus, Breitling, and a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. The jewelry section features a GIA 3.10 Carat G VS1 round brilliant diamond and further includes diamond, emerald, sapphire, ruby, tanzanite, pearl, coral, and topaz jewelry in platinum, 18K gold, and 14K gold.
The silver category offers an extensive selection of sterling flatware and hollowware from leading American makers, including Gorham, Reed &amp; Barton, International Silver, Wallace, Dominick &amp; Haff, Durgin, Alvin, Stieff, and Watson, with numerous complete flatware services, tea services, candelabra, chargers, and serving pieces. 
 
Standout decor includes Rosenthal - Versace porcelain and crystal, Murano and Iitala glass, Bernard Leach pottery, and bronze sculptures by Robert MacDonald and Antonio Salemme. 
 
Furniture highlights include a George Nakashima Frenchman's Cove II dining table, an important R.J. Horner &amp; Co. Atlas Figural dining room suite consisting of the extension dining table, sideboard, china cabinet, server, and lion's head dining chairs, as well as an R.J. Horner &amp; Co. for Tiffany &amp; Co. tall case chime clock, JWS Studios and Chiparus Art Deco Revival lamps, and MCM pieces by Warren Platner, Isamu Noguchi, Lane, and John Stuart. 
 
The fine art section features works by, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, James Rizzi, Walter Emerson Baum, John Fulton Folinsbee, Maurice de Vlaminck, Walter Elmer Schofield, Sterling Strauser, Arthur Meltzer, Antoine Blanchard, Antonio Martino, Salvatore Pinto, Richard Blossom Farley, Charles William Ward, Louis Tavelli, John Brock Lear Jr., Ray Hendershot, Benton Spruance, Erté, Elyse Ashe Lord, Ranulph Bye, Joseph Barrett, Richard Crist, Joseph Meierhans, Frank F. English, Harold Hopkinson, Vira McIlrath Scheibner, and Christopher G. Willett. 
 
The sale is rounded out by a selection of fine wine and spirits such as Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1982, Chateau Pavie 1982, Midleton Very Rare Vintage Blended Irish Whiskey 2016, and Old Rip Van Winkle 10-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon 2017. 
 
Preview | 501 Fairgrounds Road, Hatfield, PA 19440 
In-House | No Appointment Necessary 
Tuesday, September 8th | 9AM – 3PM 
Wednesday, September 9th | 9AM – 3PM 
 
Pick Up in Hatfield, PA.
Third Party Shipping Available.
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Buyer’s Premium Applies. AlderferAuction.com. Auction Center: 501 Fairgrounds Rd, Hatfield PA 19440. Satellite Sales Office: 3359 Durham Rd, Doylestown, PA 18902. 215-393-3000. See website for Terms &amp; Conditions. <a href="https://www.alderferauction.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.AlderferAuction.com</a>. Members of: NAA &amp; PAA: Designations CAI, MPPA &amp; AAA. LIC#AY002260

Local Event: Fine Arts and Mid-Century Modern Auction | Jewelry | Silver | Art | Furniture & More

Fine Arts and Mid-Century Modern Auction |...

Fine Arts and Mid-Century Modern - Online Auction Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Bid online at...

Fine Arts and Mid-Century Modern Auction | Jewelry | Silver | Art | Furniture & More

SummerStage At Central Park

Summer in the City!
Tradition in Our Hearts!
Come celebrate German-American culture in the heart of our city with live music all day long, authentic food, and cold drinks. Test your strength at the Masskrugstemmen Championship to see who can hold their beer stein the longest. Join this beloved tradition at SummerStage for an unforgettable day of festive fun and delicious authentic German beer.Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Time: Gates open at 1:00pm Location: SummerStage (Rumsey Playfield in Central Park)

Local Event: German-American Steuben Parade 2026 -- Oktoberfest NYC

German-American Steuben Parade 2026 --...

Summer in the City!
Tradition in Our Hearts!
Come celebrate German-American culture in the heart of our city with live music...

German-American Steuben Parade 2026 -- Oktoberfest NYC

Cathedral of St. John the Divine

A Rare Conversation on What Matters Most — with Gurudev
📍 Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York 
🗓️ September 23rd | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
We struggle to stay present. We wait for the world to become peaceful. And too often, we feel powerless to change any of it.
What if power, presence, and peace are closer than you think?
Power: What would change if difficult people, unexpected events, and circumstances beyond your control no longer had the power to shake you?
Presence: Imagine giving the person, decision, or moment in front of you your full attention — without your mind pulling you somewhere else.
Peace: What if you could feel deeply at ease even before the problems are solved, the uncertainty disappears, or the world calms down?
Walk away less easily shaken, more fully present, and more at ease with life as it is.
Experience this wisdom with Gurudev, delivered with his characteristic simplicity, depth, and humor. The evening will include live music, guided meditation, and a live Q&amp;A.
🎟️ Seats are limited — reserve yours now.

Local Event: An evening with Gurudev: on Power, Presence and Peace

An evening with Gurudev: on Power, Presence and...

A Rare Conversation on What Matters Most — with Gurudev
📍 Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York 
🗓️ September 23rd | 7:00...

An evening with Gurudev: on Power, Presence and Peace

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Introduction to Judaism is an engaging learning program designed for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Jewish life. Open to all, this is an 18-week course designed for individuals and couples who are Jewish or of any faith background. We’ll explore all the significant building blocks of Jewish life and practice through the Reform perspective, including Jewish holidays, ceremonies, and liturgy.
Whether you are part of a Jewish family, are considering conversion, or want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience with a great community of learners, we invite you to join our class where everyone and their questions are welcome!

Local Event: Introduction to Judaism

Introduction to Judaism

Introduction to Judaism is an engaging learning program designed for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Jewish life. Open...

Need a hand moving a couch, assembling a dresser, tutoring, or cleaning a stoop? Or do you do that kind of work and want jobs nearby?Community Gig is a reverse-auction board for New York City only. You post what you need. Neighbors bid a price. You pick the person. You can target this neighborhood, nearby, or the whole borough.It's free to join and free to bid. Your first five posts are free, then 50 cents. When you accept a bid there's a $2 connection fee to open messages. We don't take a percentage of the job.NYC is the first city. Other cities aren't open yet.<a href="https://communitygig.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://communitygig.com</a>Questions: <a href="mailto:hello@communitygig.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">hello@communitygig.com</a>Sign-in is a magic link to your email &mdash; no password.

NYC neighbors: post a gig, get bids, pick who...

Need a hand moving a couch, assembling a dresser, tutoring, or cleaning a stoop? Or do you do that kind of work and want jobs nearby?Community Gig...

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