Portraits of people
images of humanity
Images of America
From zero to hero
People that matter
Mr. Barry Weinbrom. 7th and 8th grade science teacher.
The first day that I met Mr. Weinbrom He was teaching environmental studies class at Middle School William Alexander, 51’s. I was a 7th grader first year there. He had this silly nerf game called 1-2-3 shootout to get us moving and we learned about biology. He carried my backpack home that day and for many days and became a close friend. I went to a Woodstock and other events and had a great time. He was my favorite teacher in middle school. He really supported me and I him. I took me, noshi and Ali to plant trees in prospect park. We went on many trips. He is the reason that I pursued biology in college. Notwithstanding my mother’s maternal influences. He died with cancer and I visited his home and paid my condolences and offered to be involved. He used to clean up the neighborhood. But time took him away too early. He was a staunch tree-lover and he really sold me on the idea that we need to take care of the environment. He taught to love my environment and that I can make a small difference and he taught me work together and we will make it. He made us all better. His loss is a loss to humanity and to mother earth.
Grace under Pressure.
Nosheen Huma Hussain, My mother,
She brought me a love of the earth and life and having fun at work. She taught me the value of fighting for your rights and liberties. She is the reason that I pursued politics. My parents envisioned a reality where I would run for governor and win of New York State. It was not what I wanted though. But I prepared as if I was a presidential candidate for the Presidency of the United States of America. In Covid-19 or Coronavirus, I made my move. I thought Noshi would die and I ran like nobody has ever run since Teddy did it with the whig party. Everything has led me to this moment. My mother didn’t agree with that strategy. But I had clarity. She taught me to be the best. Undefeated with grace under pressure. She took every hit and blow that life can give and she gave it her all. And she is better for it. The defeat is temporary but the other side is worse off. Her business sense and leadership steered this family like no leader I have ever seen. I have gone to war for her against my abusive father, Mumtaz Hussain. She came from Lahore, Pakistan in 1980n and built an empire time and time again in America. She owned everything and her faith has given her the strength to endure. I pushed myself to the limit in college for success and I overachieved and we won. She raised Ali and me into fine young men. Highly educated and leadership potential. I will get another chance. And I will lead I will build the core team of me, noshi, Ali, Itzel and Christina. We are the A-team. And noshi is the sounding board to discuss with and see all sides. She brought dignity and respect to our family and kept us clean. She does not complain and fights true peacefully. She is the best of humanity and the model for education and democracy. She taught me spirituality and that best gifts. Even though the botanical gardens and zoos were good. It was her faith that made her today.
Ali Lodhi Hussain (Beaudoin), My little and only brother. 5/29/2025 8:42:48 AM
The happiest day of my life is the day my little brother was born. He is birth at Lutheran Hospital in Sunset Park Brooklyn was a major change in my life. He is a joy temper tantrum and all. I used to take care of him 200 Bethel Loop Apartment 13H, Brooklyn NY. Where he would want to buy toys all the toys and ice cream and all this stuff. I refused and pouted and just stood there. We bought matching cash boxes so he can have money. He had a lot of fun in his childhood and was a serious student. Even though he was very sick. Like I am today. I love my brother for being family. His daughter reminds me of him. Although Itzel is completely different. Ali was a serious student and put his life together on his own. From Ali I learned love and caring for others. I went into college with one major goal to make life better for my brother and his generation then my generation had it. In college, he came to campus and volunteered for the Intel program for biological sciences. He ended up getting a work study job with the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation icing rats. In 7th grade, I ran for class president and was blown out and he campaigned for me. My closest ally, Ali was my campaign thinker. As he attended Youth of Ethical Societies group, he went on YES group retreats. He wanted to hook up with hadeh’s girl as a little kid. In ethical he grew his values. In kung fu, he rebuilt is health and overcame asthma. How far has he come in overcoming almost insurmountable obstacles. He never said a word. He loves Star Wars and harry potter and movies. He is economist, teacher and sweet guy. I love him exactly the way he is. I am proud of the man he has become. He tried everything and I’m proud that he started a Cutco experience. I saw him wearing a suit and get his rite aid job. He is the best. I will support his endeavors. I talked to him about Berkshire Hathaway and he went to work for them. It’s cool that he worked for Nike. And now he is having fun. Push it!
Mumtaz Hussain – My father – 6/14/2025 3:19:55 PM
Mumtaz hussain was born in Sialkot Pakistan and was one of many children. He loved me early on and I remembered that he would take me to auctions and taught me how to survive without money. We had over 22 pharmacies and medical centers and he lost it all. Time and time again. I stood in opposition to him from an early age. We did not see eye-to-eye on schooling and America. My parents as I stated earlier wanted me to pursue politics and be governor of New York State. But that’s not what my heart was set on. In time I learned the depths of his despair. He was not a spoken man. But he knew quite a bit. He was everything you do not want a father figure to be. But alas on January 31, 2021 he died of acute myeloid leukemia. A form of leukemia of the blood. It was a devastating blow to me for a long time about six months afterwards I started to recover. I observed him and decided what I would not become. He always cheated me but I forgave him for God’s sake. He bought me an auction computer for windows 3.0 for less than 75 bucks back in 1993. And I was off and running. I had no idea at the time what computer programming was. I used word perfect to keep track of all my valuable comics. He was a task master. Who says do was I say not as I do. One time out of sheer rebellion I opened up all the toys in the store and placed plastic sticky eyes paper in my back pockets he couldn’t find it. He spent his life pinching a penny and he died penniless. I do not envy that type of coldblooded calculation. He was always planning ahead and time caught up to him. He death was sudden and pretty much expected. There is a time for everyone to grow up. He never did in the worst possible way. I never really knew my father. We kicked him out and he came back in. He had an opposite effect on me. His poor lifestyle forced me to be a great guy. He hated my political victories and achievements. And he was grumpy. All in all, He was a fool.
Ms. Danielle Mead – My 6th grade teacher – 6/14/2025 4:18:19 PM
All my teachers loved me except Mr. Ferrara the year before. Ms. Mead was a totally different teacher. She saw my potential. On graduation she gave me two books one was 20,000 leagues under the sea by Jules Verne and the other was about 1776. I devoured the Verne book and skimmed through the 1776 book and put nit away. I had a little nook table in the living room of Fusco’s apartment and I placed my books and cards there. One the first day of Ms. Mead’s class I glanced over at Nicky Lanza’s shared textbook and told the right answer. Ms. Mead would favor me the entire year. The star pupil top of my class and top percent in grade. I was an all-American academic all-star. However, it came easily and did not take effort. Because 6th grade was fun. We went on trips to the natural history museum, marvel comics and colonial towns. This was the best fun I would have in school. I had a great time even though my mom was not doing so good. Ms. Mead on graduation gave me like the most awards that a person can get and achievement and humor were a natural part of my nature. So, what did I do. I received an award from the Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes, a CBID member, for Progress through Justice.” Although I was what you call a Reagan democrat. By graduation I looked forward to my new school. But I always have found memories from get my head slammed in the wall by Justin or something, to dodgeball, to power hour. I fought them and won. Some people do not want to learn and must be helped. Ms. Mead is the best thing that happened to me that year. I fought on and I am here for the LONG HUAL. The strange thing is I did a turn around and became the most improved student. I made some friends and not. But MS. Mead was there at a key developmental time that formed who I am. By giving me the opportunity to find my own identity. I think there was a lot of indoctrination. However, I persevered. Thanks Ms. Mead.
Mrs. Singha – Headmaster at the Montessori Academy of New York – 6/14/2025 6:23:03 PM
Mrs. Singha was the perfect fit for a prodigious prodigy like me. She told my parents that I would be reading the New York Times Newspaper by the first grade. Sure, enough it came true a couple of stories ring true. The first time I ever cursed. I said the word DAMN or DAM depending on the historical context. I broke down in tears with regret that I would disappoint her. She was very disappointed in me and asked if it will happen again. It didn’t. I remember there was a jester in the background juggling 3 balls. And the constant sessions in her office of how my summers went. I used to tell her stories about my time in Pocono mountains in our weekends and vacation home. In her office, I was sent to school sick and my mom told her to put Tylenol in a Pepsi can. Which I puked all the way one or two thirds down the hall to the bathroom. Finally, I remember the years of loneliness that accompanied my mom’s success. I remember being an afterthought. I would rather have stood with my family then fall alone. I had a great time there. I dropped out before being skipped to the fourth grade. And later I would have to transfer to public school. In a surprise no matter what they do to me I find a way thanks to god’s grace. I was never really religious. But my success has led to heated rivalries and anger towards my success. My mother shielded me from that. But she can only do so much. The truth is Mrs. Singha showed me my future and invested in me. At what price, I may never know. She taught me to succeed. And to be the best I can be. I flourished. I have a long way to go and life is measured in moments not momentum. I tried visiting Mrs. Singha. But she has her own share of issues. They may have erased the building but the place stands as a monument to my success. I will forever be grateful to her for laying down the law. And guiding me on the path to politics. It’–s not always clear. But I was destined to lead. Let’s go.
Richard Bruce – English statesman from CBID – my friend – 6/14/2025 7:02:58 PM
Me and Richard became friends over my interest of English politics. He was a labor member, I think. We always talked about cricket and I used to call him. He passed away in Covid-19 during a dental exam. He was my best friend at CBID or Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats. I really miss his dry British wit and humor. I used to go in the back of the room and spend time with him. I related to him the most. We used to have our CBID Barbeques at his place in the summer. He was well educated. A smoker. He asked the critical questions on everyone’s mind. I used to bounce political British ideas off of him and ask him questions. He was always welcoming and understanding and liked talked to me about Pakistan and Britian Cricket matches. He was a politician in England. He was like the London breeze in New York. He is one of the few people I respected at the club. He will be missed. He showed me too never back down. Too ask the tough questions. In a tactful and respectful way. While being stern and committing wannabee elected to a higher responsibility. I admired his style. I paid my condolences to Leslie, his partner. And I don’t really think of him that much. But on Father’s Day weekend. It’s good time to reflect on the men who a meaningful impact on my life. I will always be a student of politics and never pretend to know it all even if I do. He was a civil servant and a friend. I am glad to call Richard my friend. In Heaven as in Earth you lead by example. Carrying the simply lemonade drinks and doing the dirty work. You handled it all. A statesman through and through. This is more a feeling then a story. But I would say it’s some of my more personal writing yet. Please pray for us on Earth, Richard, we need it. Your temperance is needed now more than ever. Your evenhandedness and patience have given me a role model for approaching diplomacy and politics thanks for teaching me the rope a dope.
Charles Jordan – my first classmate in P., S, 346 and friend. 6/15/2025 5:08:58 AM
He was my first friend. He was my classmate. We made a competition of who can submit their assignments before the class. Crystal was also in the class. The thing is me and Charles would hangout at his place. I gave him my DC comic cards and taught him about sneaking out for lunch. I spent one hundred dollars on Pizza a day for all of us and we had a great time. I was trying to build friendships. I used money to buy influence. I know that is wrong now. But at the time I thought it was the only way to get out of the cafeteria. I was always intimidated by a sea of people and found myself retreating to familiar territory. Since that blonde girl said to chew with your mouth closed, I left the cafeteria. We ran as fast as we could to the exit. Never once getting caught and I took them all to the strip mall’s pizza shop. I was a big spender. I said, to the pizza owner, here is one hundred dollars please can we have pizza. Charles and I used to play nerf basketball at his house. Until on day he refused to return my DC cards. I called security and his mother was pissed. And they said who is this little boy who called security on my Charles. Charles did you take this boy’s cards. He said yes, and went and got it and returned to the entrance of the door and handed it over. I lost the cards and the friendship but I gained a respect for money that it can ruin relationships not built on trust. I Never had those kinds of relationships. But it was something worth working on. Charles inspired me at the time to be like Mike… Michael Jordan that is… He was the greatest athlete and star I ever heard of and my basketball ambitions began back then. All my life I got played sometimes I think of Charles and wonder is he still alive? is he ok? I wonder if he thinks of me to. That fourth-grade class really taught me to go my own way. I was hated for it. But I strove and succeeded. In closing, I want to thank Mr. C. Jordan for showing me basketball and skybox cards and DC comics. I recall.
Mr. Capasino and Nelly – Poconos Neighbors – 6/15/2025 5:49:06 AM
Mr. Capasino is the life I always wanted and admired. As a child, I saw him work in his garage on woodworking for building a birdhouse to arrows for my bow string. The arrows did not work but He was a man of his word. He took care of his wife Nelly, who was very sick and needed oxygen to survive. They were an old couple. And most of his life has been spent reading national geographic. I would sit there and build my visual library as they call it today. He took me to get haircuts and he even let me buy cigarette candies. I used to get in his car and go to the home improvement and gardening shop and help him. He liked having me around. I would sit there and watch him work. It was very boring in birches III. And I found a friend in Mr. Capasino. He was old school and traditional. I was reserved and observant. I marveled at all the supplies he had in his garage. He liked working with his hands. He didn’t say much but his actions spoke louder than his words. He was a very close friend. The only reason I agreed to willingly go to Poconos. Now it’s a ghetto. But at the time it was lush farmland. The moral of the story is this. Never overstay your welcome. Sometimes, it is better to end on good terms then to wait for bad terms. I have to say my brother was conceived in that red house of ours. And I remember when it was a couple of cinder blocks. What did my family gain from living there. They might have thought ahead but they never dealt with the day’s problems. They would have then found that their family was built on a solid foundation. Not some wishy-washy quicksand. Thick as shit. That’s what family is about. If you disagree ask the closest family member in your family that you had the last disagreement with. They are probably remorseful now. So do not be too quick to judge. For judge not lest ye be judged. In closing, you are missed. I will forever remember you was the bedrock of marriage and holy matrimony.