Rasa Brittain

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 
harlemwestsidepublishinglllc@gmail.com

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

Dame Dash’s “My Paid In Full”: Harlem Holiday...

Harlem author raises concerns over alleged reuse of her work documenting Richard “Fritz” Simmons—and the growing role of...

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

Damon “Dame” Dash has never lacked material for a powerful story. His rise as a co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, fractured business relationships, lawsuits, multimillion-dollar judgments and financial collapse could fill an entire documentary franchise.

In September 2025, Dash filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, reporting more than $25 million in liabilities and only $4,350 in assets. A bankruptcy trustee later proposed selling a package that reportedly includes Dash’s life-story rights and unreleased footage to help repay creditors.
The irony is impossible to overlook: As bankruptcy proceedings could determine who controls and profits from Dash’s life story, Harlem author Harlem Holiday is asking who respected her rights as a writer, researcher and publisher.
The Harlem Plug Appears on BET
Harlem Holiday—the pen name of author and publisher Tiffany Simone Fulton—wrote The Harlem Plug: The Richard “Fritz” Simmons Story. The nonfiction book was created through extensive research, interviews, historical records and personal family photographs.
Harlem Holiday says the cover of The Harlem Plug and personal photographs connected to Richard “Fritz” Simmons appeared in BET’s OG Stories: My Paid in Full, Season 1, Episode 1, featuring Michelle Smalls, the “Queen of Harlem.”
She says no one contacted her before using the material. She received no permission request, payment, attribution or acknowledgment.
This is not an objection to Michelle Smalls telling her story, nor is it a claim of ownership over Harlem’s collective history. It is a direct question about recognizable creative material:
Who obtained it, who placed it in the production and why wasn’t the source credited?
There Was No Shortage of Material
Dash has decades of his own experiences to explore: the Roc-A-Fella legacy, public business disputes, battles over films and copyrights, tax obligations, judgments, bankruptcy proceedings and the potential sale of his own life-story rights.
There is no shortage of drama. There is no shortage of headlines. There is no shortage of Dame Dash material.
So why use Harlem Holiday’s work without asking?
Why display her book cover without crediting the author? Why use personal photographs without contacting the people who supplied them? Why promote a franchise about ownership and being “paid in full” while the independent creator whose work appeared on-screen says she was neither paid nor credited?
These questions are not only for Dash. They should also be answered by BET and the producers, researchers and editors responsible for reviewing and clearing material used in the episode.
Credit Is More Than a Courtesy
For an independent Black woman author, attribution is not ceremonial. Credit affects book sales, visibility, professional opportunities and the historical record.
When an author’s work appears on a national platform without attribution, viewers may assume the material originated with the production. The person who invested years preserving the story can disappear from the very history she helped document.
That is why credit matters.
Harlem Holiday’s body of work includes The Harlem Plug, Fallen Petals and Harlem’s Tale of Hope, along with her growing children’s holiday series. Her books move between nonfiction, adult fiction and children’s literature, but they share a commitment to preserving Harlem’s stories, confronting difficult truths and creating hope.
A Demand for Accountability
Harlem Holiday is seeking acknowledgment, an explanation of how her material entered the production, proper credit and a meaningful response from Dame Dash, BET and the producers of OG Stories.
The issue extends beyond one author or television episode. It speaks to a culture in which independent creators are expected to accept “exposure” while larger platforms benefit from their labor.
Ownership cannot be defended selectively. A person cannot demand control over his own name, image, story and legacy while treating another creator’s work as though it has no owner.
Dame Dash has more than enough material in his own life to tell compelling stories.
Harlem Holiday’s question remains:
With all that drama, why use my work without permission, payment or credit?
Discover Harlem Holiday’s complete collection on Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble and wherever books are sold. Readers may also request or borrow her books through their local public libraries.

Local Event: With All Dame Dash’s Drama, Why Use Harlem Holiday’s Work Without Credit?

With All Dame Dash’s Drama, Why Use Harlem...

Damon “Dame” Dash has never lacked material for a powerful story. His rise as a co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, fractured...

With All Dame Dash’s Drama, Why Use Harlem Holiday’s Work Without Credit?

Fabrik DUMBO

Expert-led lectures in bars and creative spaces across NYC.
💡A smarter night out in NYC—fascinating speakers, craft beer, and real conversation. 💡Here's what to look forward to during this groundbreaking lecture:
When the Civil War ended, the United States faced an enormous question: What kind of country would it become? Congressman Thaddeus Stevens believed the nation could not simply rebuild what had existed before the war. Instead, he called for radical changes to dismantle the South's old social and economic system, protect the rights of formerly enslaved people, and create a country built on a foundation of legal equality. This talk explores Stevens' bold vision for Reconstruction, the fierce opposition he faced, and why the questions he raised about freedom, justice, and democracy remain just as relevant today.
Stephanie Townrow is the Director of Interpretation and Exhibitions at the Thaddeus Stevens &amp; Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, a new museum she has had the privilege to build from the ground-up. A Ph.D. candidate in American history at the University of Delaware, she specializes in bringing the past to life through storytelling, artifacts, and the occasional deep dive down a historical rabbit hole. She has spent the last several years immersed in the world of Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith—and promises that Stevens was far more interesting (and important) than most history textbooks let on. She's excited to share some of the surprising stories behind one of America's most fascinating and fearless politicians.
We'll explore:
<ul><li>The reconstruction of the United States post Civil War</li><li>The radical changes that occured during this period which have led to the state of the country we live in today</li><li>The role that Thaddeus Stevens played in shaping our nation</li></ul>
This might be for you if you...
<ul><li>Are curious about unknown figures in our shared history</li><li>Are intrigued by the steps taken by the government during the Reconstruction era that have directly impacted where the US is today</li><li>Enjoy lecture-based and conversation-focused events of any kind — think Ted Talks in bars, Lectures on Tap, or micro learning meets dinner party</li><li>Want to switch up your usual weeknight. Why not make it interesting? 🤓<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wisdom-bar-freedom-in-the-era-of-reconstruction-thaddeus-stevens-tickets-1997059700323" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Tickets!</a></li></ul>

Local Event: The Wisdom Bar – "Freedom in the Era of Reconstruction: Thaddeus Stevens"

The Wisdom Bar – "Freedom in the Era of...

Expert-led lectures in bars and creative spaces across NYC.
💡A smarter night out in NYC—fascinating speakers, craft beer, and...

The Wisdom Bar – "Freedom in the Era of Reconstruction: Thaddeus Stevens"

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

Laurie Beechman Theater

A deeply personal evening of songs and stories celebrating authenticity, resilience, and the courage to embrace one's true self.
NEW YORK – July 9, 2026 — After spending more than two decades helping others discover their authentic selves as a psychotherapist, performer and educator Earl Grey (they/them), a genderqueer artist, is stepping into the spotlight to share their own story.
This fall, Grey makes their New York cabaret debut with I Am Me – On Purpose!, an intimate and uplifting evening of music and storytelling directed by acclaimed cabaret artist Michael Kirk Lane, with musical direction by Yasuhiko Fukuoka. The show will be presented at the Laurie Beechman Theatre for three performances: September 10 at 7PM, October 10 at 3PM, and November 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
Drawing from a life that has unfolded on both the stage and in the therapy room, I Am Me – On Purpose! explores identity, self-acceptance, transformation, and the universal search for belonging. Through songs by legendary composers including Jimmy Webb, Alan Menken, Richard Rodgers, William Finn, Zina Goldrich, and Bill Withers, Grey invites audiences into a heartfelt and often joyful journey that celebrates our shared humanity.

Local Event: Earl Grey Presents: I Am ME...On PURPOSE!

Earl Grey Presents: I Am ME...On PURPOSE!

A deeply personal evening of songs and stories celebrating authenticity, resilience, and the courage to embrace one's true...

RSVP to See Location

Join MJE and hundreds of young Jewish professionals in their 20s and 30s for the High Holidays. MJE will have First Night Rosh Hashanah Dinners, Rosh Hashanah Services, and Yom Kippur Services all throughout the High Holidays. Join hundreds of other young Jewish professionals and enjoy open bars, specialty cocktails, 5-star kosher catering, social kiddush, drinks and socials, inspiring talks, dynamic educators, soul-stirring melodies, and a welcoming community.&nbsp; RSVP&nbsp;NOW to all of our events: First Night Rosh Hashanah: September 11th @ 8 PM Uptown Manhattan and Downtown Manhattan Early Bird $55 | Regular $65 <a href="https://www.jewishexperience.org/high-holidays" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">SECURE YOUR SPOT</a> Rosh Hashanah Services: September 11th @ 6:30 PM to September 13th 9:00 PM&nbsp; Uptown Manhattan and Downtown Manhattan 3-Day Admission $50 <a href="https://www.jewishexperience.org/high-holidays#roshhashanah" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">RSVP NOW</a> Yom Kippur Services: September 20th @ 6:00 PM to September 21th 9:00 PM&nbsp; Uptown Manhattan and Downtown Manhattan 2-Day Admission $50 <a href="https://www.jewishexperience.org/high-holidays#yom-kippur" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">RSVP NOW</a> <a href="https://www.jewishexperience.org/holidays" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> </a>

Local Event: High Holiday Events | Dinners | Services | Social Kiddush

High Holiday Events | Dinners | Services |...

Join MJE and hundreds of young Jewish professionals in their 20s and 30s for the High Holidays. MJE will have First Night Rosh...

High Holiday Events | Dinners | Services | Social Kiddush

Heidelberg Restaurant

Get ready to raise a glass and celebrate a milestone! 🍻 On Saturday, September 12th, we’re celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the very first NYC German Pub Crawl, and it promises to be a fantastic day of German food, beer, friendship, and plenty of Gemütlichkeit!And what better way to celebrate 20 years than by going back to where it all began?The festivities kick off at 12 noon at Heidelberg Restaurant, located in the heart of historic Yorkville. We’ll gather in Heidelberg’s backyard Biergarten, where each guest will enjoy a complimentary Bratwurst platter and a half liter of German draft beer. Everyone will also receive an Oktoberfest Bavarian hat to get properly outfitted for the day!At 2:00 p.m. sharp, the Crawl hits the road aboard our private charter double-decker bus.Our next stop is Reif’s Tavern, a Yorkville institution since 1942, complete with its own cozy backyard beer garden.From there, we’ll cruise down Second Avenue to Treadwell Park, a rustic beer hall with community tables and several exceptional German beers on tap.Then it’s on to our final destination and Stammlokal, Bierhaus NYC, to cap off the 20th Anniversary celebration!Admission is $60 and includes: • Bratwurst platter at Heidelberg • Half liter of German beer of your choice at Heidelberg • Oktoberfest Bavarian hat • Upper-deck seat on our double-decker bus • Beer specials at select locationsSpace is limited, so reserve your spot! Contact Steve Purk at 551-358-9660 or <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" ymailto="mailto:pvvnj@aol.com" target="_blank" href="mailto:pvvnj@aol.com" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; color: #000000;">pvvnj@aol.com</a>.

Local Event: NYC German Pub Crawl - 20th Anniversary Edition

NYC German Pub Crawl - 20th Anniversary Edition

Get ready to raise a glass and celebrate a milestone! 🍻 On Saturday, September 12th, we’re celebrating the 20th Anniversary of...

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

Jay Estate

The Jay Heritage Center in Rye, New York will celebrate America at 250 with a toast to Jay Medal honorees Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annette Gordon-Reed, the Carl M. Loeb University Professor at Harvard University and award-winning Lincoln historian Harold Holzer.
The Jay Medal for Service was created in 2012 to recognize individuals who demonstrate a selfless spirit of commitment to and engagement with their community mirroring the multifaceted contributions of John Jay and his descendants. These honorees have demonstrated through their life's work that our shared narratives as a country, complicated as they are, can be better illuminated through the highest caliber of ongoing scholarship and advocacy. Honorees are selected for their excellence in the fields of American history, environmental stewardship, social justice or civic engagement.
Joining the celebration will be Chief Judge of the State of New York and the New York Court of Appeals, Honorable Rowan D. Wilson and historian and philanthropist Elihu Rose who will present the awards at JHC's annual Soirée. Special guests will include David Blight, Frank Cogliano, Joanne Freeman, and Beverly Gage.

The Jay Medal Soirée will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the Jay Estate from 5:30-9:30pm. Cocktails, dinner, award ceremony and dancing. Cocktail Attire.
<a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/hh4hwzr/lp/2df39049-73d1-4b5e-8196-3cbfafe00fd4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">PURCHASE ADVANCE TABLES AND TICKETS HERE</a> Scroll down for more info about tables and tickets. Request a print invitation by emailing <a href="mailto:jayheritagecenter@gmail.com" target="_blank">jayheritagecenter@gmail.com</a>

Local Event: Jay Medal Soirée

Westchester County

Jay Medal Soirée

The Jay Heritage Center in Rye, New York will celebrate America at 250 with a toast to Jay Medal honorees Pulitzer...

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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