By Graciano Clause
Chapters Rap broadcasts live every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on YCradio.org. Hosts Steve Vaccaro and psychologist Dr. Gabe Feldmar bring an hour of education, entertainment, advocacy, and live music on each and every show. Their mission is to enlighten and empower listeners with information regarding news and topics that promote positivity and growth.
Vaccaro, the executive director, came up with the title of the show.
“I have a program called Chapters Community Support Services, which is a support program for people in the community that offers case management and vocational training for families and individuals in the New York area,” said Vaccaro.
He said that he wanted to do a radio show that was a spin off of the Chapters Community Support Services.
“The beginning of the name Chapters was taken and the word Rap doesn’t mean Rap music, it means to talk,” Vaccaro said.
The show was established in 2013, but it officially aired on YCradio.org on Nov. 28. The Chapters Rap also broadcasts live every Saturday from 3- 4 p.m. on WGBB 1240AM in Long Island. Each show features a “York Youth Hero,” and in order to be on the show, you must be 21 years or younger with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Vaccaro said that because his guests want to make a difference in the world, their vision and determination to succeed is discussed on each show. Some of the initial heroes on previous shows were York College Student Government Vice President Salim Gnabode, Jerome Barrett, and Isaak Rubinov.
Vaccaro started his radio career approximately 13 years ago while he was in Maryland.
“I was on a show in Baltimore Maryland, but when I moved back to New York I had different bits and pieces of different shows,” Vaccaro said. “I’ve done TV work and other media outlets all in the name of advocacy and supporting others.”
With 125 plus consecutive shows, Dr. Feldmar said the show will have a bright future.
“We are going to have more and more interesting guests whether it be guests that are musical, artistical, professors from all around, and influential people in general,” Dr. Feldmar said. “The main goal here at York is to stimulate the students to participate. I think interviewing them about their scholastic achievements and talents will give them more motivation for excellence.”
Vaccaro wants to work alongside Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Donna Chirico, Director of Student Activities Tony Andrews, and Lead Operator of YCradio Bryan Graves. His goal is to have the show simulcasted with one or more CUNY schools so that it empowers more student across the Tri-State area.
