Honoring Service, Celebrating Culture and Spreading Holiday Cheer on Here and Now

Here & Now Honoring Service, Celebrating Culture and Spreading Holiday Cheer on Here and Now Here and Now with Sandra Bookman airs Sundays at Noon on Channel 7, WABC-TV in New York City. The half-hour program highlights a veteran dedicated to helping women access critical services, a Brooklyn-based literary project preserving Black voices, and a holiday musical celebrating a decade on stage. WABC By Sandra Bookman , Eyewitness News Tuesday, November 10, 2026 1:35AM Share Follow abc7NY on Google NEW YORK (WABC) -- On this episode of Here and Now with Sandra Bookman, meet community leaders, cultural advocates and performing artists making an impact across New York City. The half-hour program highlights a veteran dedicated to helping women access critical services, a Brooklyn-based literary project preserving Black voices, and a holiday musical celebrating a decade on stage. U.S. Army Veteran Helps Connect Women Veterans to Vital Resources As the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day on November 11, Here and Now shines a spotlight on a veteran whose mission of service continues long after her military career. Sandra Bookman speaks with Melissa Del Valle Ortiz, a U.S. Army veteran and current Community Engagement Officer for the Dorie Miller American Legion. Ortiz has dedicated herself to supporting fellow veterans, with a particular focus on women of color, helping them navigate and access the benefits and resources they have earned through military service. The conversation explores her commitment to community engagement, the challenges many women veterans still face, and the importance of ensuring that those who served receive the support they deserve. Brooklyn Project Preserves and Promotes Black Literature At a time when diversity initiatives face growing scrutiny and public libraries are confronting budget constraints, one Brooklyn organization is expanding access to books and community resources. The Free Black Women's Library has become a unique cultural hub that offers free access to Black literature while fostering education, creativity and connection. More than a book collection, the project functions as a Black feminist social art initiative that also provides a community pantry and hosts public programs for local residents. Founder Ola Akinmowo joins Here and Now to discuss the vision behind the library, its impact on readers and families, and why preserving spaces dedicated to Black voices remains so important. "A Soulful Christmas" Celebrates 10 Years The holiday season arrives with a milestone celebration for one of New York's favorite musical traditions. A Soulful Christmas, the off-Broadway musical revue inspired by the iconic 1970s television show Soul Train, is marking its 10th anniversary. The production combines classic holiday spirit with soulful music, energetic dance performances and nostalgic flair. Sandra Bookman sits down with co-creator and director Kendrell Bowman to discuss the show's newest lineup, what audiences can expect this season, and how the production has evolved over the past decade while maintaining its unique appeal. Here and Now with Sandra Bookman airs Sundays at Noon on Channel 7, WABC-TV in New York City. SUBSCRIBE TO THE HERE AND NOW PODCAST Discover more podcasts from abc7NY here Woman says she was struck in face during heated road rage incident on Staten Island 1 hour ago Suspect in jogger's murder terminated by NYC Department of Education Twenty-six years after first meeting, Bloomberg and Taylor marry WATCH Here and Now on our Connected TV apps for Fire, Roku, Apple TV and Android TV. Click here to learn more. WATCH: More Here and Now episodes SEND STORY IDEAS TO EYEWITNESS NEWS Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics COMMUNITY & EVENTS NEW YORK CITY HERE & NOW Here and Now 10/18/26: Freddie Jackson, the Mighty Sparrow, and more Here and Now 8/23/26: Nonprofit organization boosts Black filmmakers Here and Now 8/16/26: Swim safety; Black Authors Festival Here and Now 7/26/26 Watch Live ON NOW Staten Island road rage incident caught on video 1 hour ago Suspect in jogger's murder terminated by Department of Education Mike Bloomberg, Diana Taylor marry after 26 years together Trump says he'd 'stand by' Hegseth even if he's impeached Racist letter targeting Somali family sparks outrage in Clark Voice recorder from Florida jet crash recovered by investigators 1 hour ago Man charged after antisemitic threats target mother, child Bill Belichick's ex-girlfriend Jordon Hudson sues over Ring cam video 30 minutes ago