On this episode of OPEN Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by the 2026 Bronx Walk of Fame People’s Choice Award winner for the culinary arts, Jimmy Rodriguez Jr., who is here to discuss the key to his success. Then the National Puerto Rican Day Parade makes its return for the 69th annual celebration, and board member Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez is with us to preview this year’s festivities. After that, the Director of Research Programs at Centro, Dr. Cristel Jusino Díaz, joins us to talk about the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College. Finally, our OPEN Artist Spotlight shines on 2026 The Bronx Summer Jam co-producer Fernando Michael, founder of The Fox and King, and R&B recording artist Nenny Melodias, who closes out the show by performing her song, 'You Know It.'
OPEN is BronxNet’s premier weekday magazine show, bringing you the heartbeat of the Bronx and beyond. Join hosts Dr. Bob Lee (Mondays), Daren Jaime (Wednesdays), and Rhina Valentin (Fridays) for an essential mix of local news, civic engagement, and world-class culture. From hard-hitting conversations with community leaders to exclusive performances by rising stars in arts and entertainment, OPEN is your daily window into the stories and people shaping our borough.
