Syracuse’s Harriet May Mills Women’s History Legacy
Harriet May Mills Home The red brick building is on the corner of West Genesee St and Liberty, brought back to life, by a combination of funding sources, this home is one of our most important landmarks. A place where abolitionist ideology and women’s suffrage met in the parlor, the residence built by Charles B. Mills, a man who taught black students and spoke at anti-slavery rallies. They became a family fleeing Ohio for the audacity to teach “Negros” how to read. They migrated to Syracuse which had become a gathering place for those in the abolitionist movement.
and transcendentalists A. Bronson Alcott and Ralph Waldo Emerson were also guests. The couple, Harriet Ann Smith and Charles B. Mills’ daughter, Harriet May Mills would blaze a trail for woman through her dedicated support for the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Her middle name was given in honor of Samuel J. May, the Unitarian minister from Syracuse, nationally prominent in both the women’s rights and anti-slavery movements. Harriet May Mills was the most prominent of Syracuse activists for the rights of women. She was herself a protégé of Susan B. Anthony, having grown up in a home that hosted visits of the most famous of 19th century reformers.
slaves that the city became known Harriet co-founded the Political as the "Canada of the United Equality Club in Syracuse to adStates." dress local suffrage concerns. Membership increased In 1855, Mills built the from 7 to 102 within four family home on the months. Harriet advised corner of West Geneand directed its members see and Liberty that year in assisting with Streets. It would bethe State Woman Sufcome a station on the frage Association conUnderground Railroad. vention. According to the In 1857 August 9, HarNYSWSA President's riet May Mills is born in the famireport to the convention, "the ly home, and would reside there young women were everywhere." her whole life. Visitors included
abolitionists Frederick Douglass and Wendell Phillips, and a woman whose abolitionist activities led At that time 1851, Syracuse was a her to launch a women's rights spirited center of abolitionist acmovement - Elizabeth Cady Stantivity: The famed "Jerry Rescue" ton. Other feminists visited the occurred. Syracuse was an active Mills home in later years: Susan way-station on the "underground B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, Dr. Anrailroad" so effective in aiding and na Howard Shaw, and Carrie transporting hundreds of fugitive Chapman Catt. Literary figures
In a letter from Susan B. Anthony to Harriet and her coworker, Isabel Howland, she expressed her delight in their work for and during the convention. "I am too proud of you two to keep still, so here goes my heart full of love (Continued on page 2)
Westcott Street Car Booting: Y’all Come Back Now, Y’a Hear?
Syracuse Stage Presents Acclaimed New American Play, “The Christians “
Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa: The High Road Summer Tour at Lakeview Amphitheater
Fowler Students Host St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser
(Continued from page 1)
and rejoicing over my two new young girls in Syracuse." Harriet, together with organizer-lecturer Mary Garrett Hay (later prominent in the League of Women Voters and the Republican Party), arranged public meetings in sixty counties across the state, to be addressed by Miss Anthony, then age 74, Dr. Anna Howard Shaw, physician, ordained minister, and a suffrage lecturer, spoke at forty of the meetings. In years to come, Shaw and Harriet frequently shared the suffrage speakers' platform. At times, on weekends, they were part of an audience of conversations of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony at the home of Eliza Wright Osborn in Auburn, New York. Harriet dauntlessly assisted in suffrage organization in Michigan and Ohio. She addressed the NAWSA convention on "The Winning of Educational Freedom." She refuted arguments as to the predicted unhealthy effects of education by quoting statistics showing the health of women graduates was better than that of women who had never been to college. She noted the small proportion of college faculty who were women. She quoted other statistics, taken from the report of the U.S. Commissioner of Education for 1899, showing that women had given more than $50 million for scholarships and colleges. "Standing on the threshold of the new century," she said, "we behold the woman of the future thus armed, we see the fully educated woman possessed of a truer knowledge of the fundamental principles of government, we see her conscious of her responsibilities as a citizen, and doing her part in the making of laws and in the fulfillment of the ideal of democracy. Educational freedom must lead to political freedom."
According to Anthony's History of Woman Suffrage, no state was better organized for suffrage work than New York. Much of the credit was due to "Harriet May Mills, state organizer, daughter of C. D. B. Mills of anti-slavery record. A graduate of Cornell, she has devoted her youth and education entirely to the cause of woman suffrage." Throughout her life, Harriet May Mills worked for the interests of women. As its President, she ran the NYS chapter of the National American Woman Suffrage Association from her home. After women won the vote in 1917, she supervised Eleanor Roosevelt’s work as an organizer for the NYS Democratic Party. The collections of papers of both Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt, held in the FDR Library at Hyde Park, contain correspondence between them and Harriet May Mills during their Albany and Washington years. She was the first woman to run as a major party candidate for public office, in 1920, and was later the first woman to serve as a member of the State Hospital Commission. In 1919, Harriet founded the Onondaga County Democratic Women's Club. She was President until her death in 1935. The Women’s Building at the New York State Fair bears her name, The Harriet May Mills Women’s Building. Restoring the Historic Mills Home As with many structures that were active stations on the Underground Railroad the building had fallen on hard times and required extensive work to save it. Most of the structures of the era are now demolished. However, unlike many of our city’s historic sites this structure was saved. Preserved
to provide the type of service the Mills’ family would be proud of. After purchase by Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare AKA “Brick House” in 2001, the Harriet May Mills House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The funding package for needed renovations was completed in November 2002, completed in 2004. At the time, the Harriet May Mills House was the first licensed halfway house for addicted women to be created in Syracuse, since the original SBH women's residence was established on Green Street in 1969. The unique by-product of the restoration stipulated by funding sources required the home be restored historically as much as possible to its original form. The firm Crawford & Sterns managed the historical preservation of the home. Carpeting, furniture and other features of the residence harkens back to a time when women couldn’t vote and slavery was legal. Very few people are aware that this home represents a legacy that dates back to an anti-slavery couple escaping an intolerant Ohio, settling here in Syracuse. Their daughter, Harriet May Mills went on to become indispensable in the local and national Women’s Suffrage Movement. Compiled by Ken Jackson
Published monthly by: URBAN CNY Kenneth Jackson Editor and Publisher 315-807-9022 Walt Shepperd Senior Editor Urban CNY 105 Rann Ave. Syracuse, NY 13204 For advertising and editorial: 315-807-9022 kjackson@urbancny.com Online at
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Westcott Street Car Booting: Y’all Come Back Now, Y’a Hear? coming in. The neighborhood groups wanted them to use the recently developed Master Plan as a guide to their façade work, which would be coupled with special lighting, a redesign of sidewalks, trash cans, bike racks and other immunities you’d find in a walking neighborhood center.
Recently it was reported that people using the Papa Johns’ parking lot on the corner of Dell and Westcott St. are having their cars, “booted” (a device that immobilizes the vehicle) by the property owners. The cost of parking in the lot and not going to Papa Johns is a $150 boot attached to your car. With there being no laws on the books making this practice illegal, at the urging of the mayor the Common Council introduced legislation making the practice of booting cars on private property illegal. Almost immediately newly minted Common Councilor Stephen Thompson was concerned about the rights of property owners. Before you start hollering about owner’s rights, let’s examine the redevelopment of Westcott St. After the sudden closing of the beloved, Westcott Big M resident members of several area organizations started to actively ask, “What next?” Next came mobilizing to come up with a neighborhood action plan designed to focus on not just retaining what was on the street, but creating diversity of businesses. Planners and architects were solicited to come up with a comprehensive plan that linked the area; a plan that retained its character, without creating a district dominated by beer, pizza and wings.
jurisdiction to relegate booting of cars to law enforcement only. In fairness to the lots owner, why not designate several spots for Papa John’s, additional parking spaces could be subsidized by the Syracuse University endowed fund that fuels some of the neighborhood groups. Have a system of parking validation for Westcott Street area businesses; in turn the lot owner receives income from the parking lot.
Volunteers made up of local area residents of the “Westcott Nation”, Booting cars sends a message to those thinking of go(as it is affectionately called) took control of the planing out for an evening or lunch on Westcott Street. The ning process. The success you see now on Westcott conversation would go like this, “How about going Street was 20 years in the making. Westcott Street?” response, “No, Let’s go somewhere Public and private dollars were invested to create the else; I hear it’s a mess to park up there, and you can success Westcott Street is enjoying today. Alto Cinco get your car booted.” doubled in size, Munjed’s reinvention across the street, Without the efforts of the Westcott Nation area neigha diner style café and other businesses have been borhood groups, there would be no renaissance, no drawn to the area. increasing business, and no critical mass to attract a No one has benefitted more due to the re-energized Papa John’s franchise. The renovated houses that once neighborhood than University Hill Realty and other were homes to families have been replaced by people developers. Between high rental costs to now willing to pay much more to be near Westcott Street. “booting” This “renaissance” didn’t happen by itself, there were cars in their public investments, the new sidewalks, streets, special lots it’s a tad lighting, thematic trash cans, and much more. These bit ungrateinvestments made University Hill Realty’s commercial ful. Not that and residential property even more valuable. parking It adds insult to injury when some of those upset with should be people parking on their lots weren’t shy about accessfree, but the ing Onondaga County’s, “Save the Rain” project. investments made by gov- These rain diversion efforts are paid for by the properernment and ty owner with the assistance of Onondaga County pubprivate entre- lic money. preneurs have By booting cars you may achieve your goal of securmade ing your parking lot exclusively for Papa John’s cusWestcott tomers. But money is a coward, place too many barriStreet the commercial draw it is today. There are times ers and those people flocking to Westcott Street will when you can’t find street parking. go to other places to dine and shop. Without efforts of the neighborhood, Westcott Street University Hill Realty’s actions certainly don’t say, in would have become another decaying urban center the words of television icon, Jed Clampet of the Beverdominated by cell phone outlets, corner stores and all ly Hillbillies, “Y’all Come Back Now, Y’a Hear?” the beer and pizza you can imagine.
While the property owner has the right to maintain the After losing the Hardware store, large supermarket and lot as they see fit. The Common Council is within their other longtime businesses new entrepreneurs were
University Union presents….Block Party 2016: DJ/producer duo, The Chainsmokers and Chicago hip-hop artist, Chance the Rapper Syracuse, NY – University Union is thrilled to announce Block Party 2016, featuring a co-headline between the DJ/producer duo, The Chainsmokers and Chicago hip-hop artist, Chance the Rapper. Alternative musician Jon Bellion will open the show. The concert will begin at 7:30 PM on Friday, April 29th, 2016 in the Carrier Dome. Two producers hailing from New York, Alex Pall and SU alumnus Drew Taggart met in 2012 and joined forces to form The Chainsmokers. The duo quickly gained notoriety for their club remixes of alternative rock music, as well as their hilarious personalities and wild antics at live performances. Their signature sound has its foundation in indie, progressive and pop music. In 2015, the duo released their debut EP “Bouquet” featuring their hit “Roses,” which dominated the iTunes Top Dance/Electronica Songs chart, holding the #1 spot for several weeks. The Chainsmokers’ debut album is expected later this year; with lead single “Don’t Let Me Down” featuring Daya currently sitting at #4 on the Billboard Dance/ Electronic chart. Second single “Inside Out” was released this past Friday. The Chainsmokers will be making their first Coachella appearance later this month.
West’s “The Life of Pablo,” with a featured vocal on “Ultralight Beam,” in addition to co-writing credit on four other tracks with West. A unique artist who seamlessly blends hip-hop, pop and soul into a genre all his own, Jon Bellion burst on to the New York music scene in 2014 with singles “Munny Right” and “Carry Your Throne.” His debut album ‘”The Definition” was released later that year to critical acclaim. Bellion is currently working on his second album, whose lead single “All Time Low” recently earned him the #1 spot on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. There will be a ticket pre-sale for full-time SU/ESF students that will run from Monday, April 4 at 10:00 AM until Wednesday, April 6th at 11:45 PM. SU/ESF ID required for pre-sale purchase, with max 2 tickets per ID.
Public on-sale will begin Thursday, April 7th at 10:00 AM. The After releasing his debut mixtape “10 Day” in 2011, Student price is $25 for general Chance the Rapper – birth name Chancellor Bennett – admission Dance Floor Access has quickly become one of the most celebrated hip-hop seats, and $20 for First Level genartists of this generation. In 2013, Chance the Rapper eral admission and Second Level released his second mixtape “Acid Rap,” which rereserved seating. The General Pubceived over three million downloads and universal lic price is $34. All tickets will be acclaim. His jazzsold online via Ticketmaster. infused style of music evokes nostalgia To purchase pre-sale tickets, click among young listen“Got an Offer Code?” and enter ers with its warm, the 9-digit ID number. All student playful qualities. tickets must be picked up at the In 2015, he released “Surf,” the highly anticipated mixtape from his collaborative project known as The Social Experiment. Chance recently appeared on Kanye
Ticket Booth outside Gate E of the Carrier Dome starting Monday, April 18th at 10:00 AM. For questions or concerns regarding this performance, follow University Union on Facebook at http:// facebook.com/UniversityUnion, and on Twitter @UniversityUnion.
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Money
Spending Your Tax REFUND Wisely Can Improve Your Finances NYS Tax Department and the Department of State highlight financially sound ways to use your tax refund
invest in a 529 College Savings Plan to help pay for your child’s future education.
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Debt – Your tax refund can put a sizable dent in—or even erase—your credit card debt. If you pay it off now, you won’t continue to pay interest charges. Your tax refund can also help to pay off any loans you have earlier. “Whether you’re looking to pay off some debt, bolster your retirement account, or plan for an unforeseen expense, making a smart financial decision with your refund now can better prepare you for the future,” said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone. “Foresight and education are keys to being a smart consumer,” said Acting Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “These suggestions provide New Yorkers with some of the options available to help them secure a better financial future.” For more information · · · ·
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Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa: The High Road Summer Hip Hop Superstars to Co-Headline 33-city North American Tour Starting, July 20 in West Palm Beach – – Kevin Gates, Jhene Aiko, Casey Veggies and DJ Drama To Open – – Tickets On Sale Starting April 8 at LiveNation.com – teen albums and collaborated with artists across all genres of music. Snoop’s musical catalogue include some of the biggest songs in the world, including “Gin and Juice,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Snoop Dogg (What’s My Name)” and “Beautiful.” Snoop Dogg has performed around the world for more than 20 years, including his notorious Coachella headlining show where he performed alongside Dr. Dre and the Tupac hologram. Snoop Dogg is currently working on his upcoming album, High Definition, coming out summer 2016.
As the list of acts booked at the new Lakeview Amphitheater grew to over 18 acts, there were complaints regarding lack of diversity at the Lakeview Amphitheater. Those concerns were immediately altered with an announcement that caught many by surprise. Multi-platinum selling artists Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa announced that they will kick off a 33-city North American co-headline summer tour dubbed The High Road Summer Tour this July. The tour will hit the Lakeview Amphitheater Saturday, August 13, 2016.
Fans will have early access to a special presale on MERRY JANE starting Tuesday, April 5 at 10:00 a.m. local time through Thursday, April 7 at 10:00 p.m. local time. Visit www.MERRYJANE.com for details. Tickets for the general public go on sale Friday, April 8 at noon local time.
A visionary and entrepreneur, Snoop Dogg’s brand spans across technology, business and consumer verticals, even gracing the cover of AdWeek as a “Tech Mogul.” One of the world’s most recognizable cannabis icons and pioneers, he recently made history as the first celebrity to have his own branded line of cannabis products, “Leafs By Snoop,” which includes hand-weighed flower, concentrates, and edibles and are currently new songs, and smash collaborations like available in dispensaries throughout Colora“You and Your Friends” and the Grammynominated anthem “Young, Wild and Free.” do. For more information, visit Music fans will experience a special summer www.snoopdogg.com or follow him on sotour filled with positive energy and hot music cials @SnoopDogg. Snoop Dogg defines enas Kevin Gates, Jhene Aiko, Casey Veggies, tertainment history. and DJ Drama join Snoop and Wiz to take the Multi-platinum selling, Grammy and Golden ‘The High Road.’ Globe nominated recording artist Wiz Kha-
Well known as kindred spirits for their creative collaborations in music and film, Snoop and Wiz are taking ‘The High Road’ this summer together on a nationwide tour. The duo will take the stage for the first time together in a one-of-a-kind joint performance, ripping back-to-back through all their hits,
Multi-platinum artist, actor and entertainment icon Snoop Dogg is at the forefront of popular culture with award-winning albums and songs, multiple films, lifestyle products, philanthropic efforts, and digital ventures. Snoop Dogg has sold over 35 million albums worldwide and received multiple GRAMMY® nominations. Since 1993, he has released thir-
The summer tour will kick off on Wednesday, July 20 at the Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, FL and hit markets including Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago, Houston and San Diego before wrapping at White River Amphitheatre on Friday, September 2 in Auburn, WA. Kevin Gates, Jhene Aiko, Casey Veggies and DJ Drama will be special guests on all dates on The High Road Summer Tour.
lifa burst onto the scene with mainstream success with the release of his first major label debut, Rolling Papers in 2011. Rolling Papers spawned the hugely successful hits “Black and Yellow,” “Roll Up” and “No Sleep” and gave Wiz the platform to win the (Continued on page 7)
Syracuse Stage Presents Acclaimed New American Play
The Christians April 6 - April 24, 2016 "[Lucas] Hnath is one of the brightest new voices of his generation.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES "A play that people of faiths of all stripes can engage with on a meaningful level.” – NPR (Syracuse, NY) – One of the most talked about new plays in American theatre comes to Syracuse when Syracuse Stage presents Lucas Hnath’s critically acclaimed The Christians, April 6 – 24, in the Archbold Theatre at the Syracuse Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 E. Genesee St.
sermon. A live choir, under the direction of composer Michael Keck, sings gospel songs. The choir at Syracuse Stage is made up of local members of the community. The substance of The Christians concerns the impact of a decision by the congregation’s popular pastor to announce a change of heart and mind concerning a matter of doctrine. The decision has unexpected and unintended consequences for the pastor, his family, and the congregation. Throughout, playwright Hnath steadfastly avoids taking sides. His concern is not to make a determination of right or wrong, but rather to explore the widening divide that makes communication and understanding increasingly difficult.
noble desires and motivations and yearnings,” as a review in Christianity Today noted. This production marks Bond’s final directorial effort as Syracuse Stages producing artistic director. In July, he moves to the University of Washington in Seattle where he joins the theatre faculty as a full professor. In many ways, The Christians is a fitting capstone to his nine-year tenure. It is a play that encourages community and invites people of all faiths, believers and non-believers, to try to overcome the seemingly insurmountable divides evident in so many aspects of the contemporary world.
Lucas Hnath grew up in a Christian household in Orlando, Florida. During his childhood, he expected to become a preacher. He attended college at New York University, where he studied pre-med before switching Since its premiere at the Humana Festival of New "I have a powerful urge to comto dramatic writing. He went on to American Plays at the famed Actors Theatre of Louis- municate with you, but I feel earn both a BFA and an MFA in ville, The Christians has been produced at numerous there is an insurmountable disDramatic Writing from the universitheatres including Playwrights Horizons in New York. tance between us," the pastor, ty. Hnath now teaches as part of Larry Powell and Andrew Garman in The Christians The New York Times called it one of the best plays of named Paul, says at one point. the dramatic writing faculty at the season and called playwright Hnath one of the the university. His previous works include Isaac’s Eye, Producing artistic director Tim Bond directs the Syrabrightest new voices of his generation. Death Tax, and Red Speedo. For The Christians, Hnath cuse Stage production. He believes that Hnath’s obserhas received the Kesselring Prize and the Steinberg/ Set in a large, contemporary, non-denominational vations could be applied to any number of subjects that ACTA New Play Award, among other awards. Christian church, The Christians is performed with create rifts between people. Hnath has chosen religion lively theatricality that emulates a Sunday service. The as his subject to contextualize the action and to prompt Tickets are available at syracusestage.org, and at the actors use hand-held microphones throughout and an examination about “our deepest and, often, most Box Office, 443-3275 (Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 much of the performance has the rhythm and feel of a p.m. and two hours before curtain).
which he recently premiered a new video. He is currently preparing to release a new studio album this summer called Rolling Papers II.
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award for Best New Artist at the 2011 BET Awards and Top New Artist at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards. His sophomore studio album, Blacc Hollywood, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart and featured the hit single “We Dem Boyz.” Soon after Khalifa’s track, “See You Again,” off the FURIOUS 7 soundtrack, catapulted to the top of the charts across 95 countries. Holding the #1 spot for 12 consecutive weeks, “See You Again” broke records by being Spotify’s most-streamed track in a single day in the United States and in a single week in 26 countries. In addition to winning 3 Teen Choice Awards in 2015, “See You Again” continued its success by winning a
Critics’ Choice Award in the category Best Song, earning three Grammy Award nominations in the categories Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Song Written for Visual Media, and a Golden Globe nomination in the category Best Original Song – Motion Picture. Wiz released his album Khalifa in February of 2016 as a thank you to fans which includes the tracks “Bake Sale” featuring Travis Scott and “Zoney” for
More than just a music powerhouse, Wiz is also a fashion-forward icon and entrepreneur. His Taylor Gang Ent. label and brand and has collaborated with a variety of lifestyle brands including Neff and Converse, launched their own Freshko, a new lifestyle brand co-created by Sketch, a wellknown graphic artist from San Francisco. Additional highlights include partnerships with luxury headwear designer Flat Fitty, RAW® rolling paper (www.rawthentic.com) and RiverRock Cannabis. For more information please visit www.wizkhalifa.com.
Letters: “What Mayor Miner says and what Mayor Miner does are two very different things” To the editor, Mayor Miner’s new $175/ hour PR consultant has his work cut out for him on many fronts, none more so than in dealing with the mayor’s hypocritical messages about Economic Development.
mission is to “acquire and dispose of properties in a fashion that is consistent with the identified need of neighborhood residents for better housing.” How does such a clandestine hire serve that purpose?
The developer of the new Marriott Hotel in Armory Square asked the Syracuse Industrial When things don’t go her Development Agency for supway we hear things about port for its $27 million project— her “profound disappointand support they got. In 2012 ment in a failed economic strategy that enriches develMayor Miner signed an EIGHTEEN-YEAR PILOT opers and leaves the rest of our community behind.” agreement and to sweeten the deal, she chipped in an But when it’s the Mayor who is doling out the rich extra $500,OOO-cash for the developer. benefits then she can be the most generous politician in town. This includes her recent hire of a political con- Fast forward to 2015. The developer completed the sultant from Albany to the tune of $175 per hour. The project, opened the hotel and very quickly sold it for monies to pay this consultant are drawn from the Syra- $42 million dollars to an out of town owner. The new cuse Urban Renewal Agency (SURA). SURA’s stated owner pocketed the tax breaks, the developer pocket-
ed the multi-million dollar profit and we were left with one question; what happened to the $500,000 cash we gave them? Miner complains about the number of tax exempt properties in the city, yet gave a wealthy investment fund massive tax breaks. Perhaps the most startling fact is one that has been overlooked. In 2008, the Driscoll administration promised that if the hotel were sold within 20 years, the developers would return the $500,000 to the City.’ When Mayor Miner consented to the sale this past summer no one mentioned the $500,000. It is easy for Miner to say she is against tax breaks for “rich” developers, but all you have to do is check the facts. Meanwhile the number of those in poverty in this City continues to grow, and monies that should be used constructively to eradicate this issue is siphoned off to wealthy developers who take the money and run. What Mayor Miner says and what Mayor Miner does are two very different things. Submitted by: Alfonso Davis
Fowler Students Host St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser St. Baldrick’s head-shaving events come in all shapes and sizes. People are shaving their heads in Hong Kong and Honolulu and everywhere in between—all with one goal: to cure childhood cancer.
PSLA@Fowler teachers Emily Bielejec, left, and Lorraine Adu-Krow had their cut hair off and then were shaved by students participating in the Cosmetology Program in an act of solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatments. Students and teachers at Fowler H.S. and PSLA@Fowler became shavees for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to raise money to fund research to fight childhood cancers. Photo by John Berry
The realities of childhood cancer; Worldwide, 175,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. And in the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease—more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and diabetes combined. Two-thirds of children treated for childhood cancer will suffer long-term effects from treatment including
Jim Crisafulli, a Social Studies at PSLA@Fowler gets his hair cut off by Sapphie Martin, a senior at Fowler H.S. as students and teachers at Fowler H.S. and PSLA@Fowler became shavees for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to raise money to fund research to fight childhood cancers. They had their cut hair off by students participating in the Cosmetology Program in an act of solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatments. Photo by John Berry
loss of hearing and sight, heart disease, secondary cancers, learning disabilities, infertility and more. Childhood cancer isn’t just one disease—there are over a dozen types of childhood cancer and countless subtypes, each requiring specific research to develop the best treatment for every child. See Syracuse’s Fowler High School students, St. Baldrick’s Day “Head Shaving” fund raising event.
Students and teachers at Fowler H.S. and PSLA@Fowler became shavees for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to raise money to fund research to fight childhood cancers. Before getting shaved, PSLA@Fowler teacher Emily Bielejec, got her cut hair off by Unique Anderson, left, Nakayla MacDonald, and Santana Frye, who are students participating in the Cosmetology Program. Photo by John Berry
NYS OASAS Awards Launches New Initiative to Train Counseling Professionals to Recognize and Treat Problem Gambling New Statewide training program prepares workforce to meet the need for problem gambling treatment services The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS), today announced a new, multiyear program to train counseling professionals to better enable them to deliver problem gambling treatment and support services. Many individuals seek private practitioners for help to address problem gambling and this new training program ensures that private practitioners are knowledgeable about problem gambling and will increase access to treatment and support services. The Problem Gambling Training Partnership, funded by NYS OASAS, will offer training on assessment and treatment for a gambling disorder to social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and psychoanalysts throughout New York State. “With these new trainings, counseling professionals across the state will be better equipped to recognize problem gambling signs and to treat and refer New Yorkers to the help they need,” said NYS OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “New Yorkers who have a gambling problem will now be able to tap into a larger network of qualified health professionals who can help them, and get them back on track toward a life in recovery. OASAS is pleased to join with the New York Council on Problem Gambling and our new partners on these new statewide efforts.” The new program is part of a statewide collaboration between NYS OASAS and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG). The NYCPG will work with the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-NYS), the New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA), the New York Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (NYMFT), and the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis (NAAP) to implement this new initiative. These five professional organizations partnering in this effort represent nearly 20,000 counseling professionals across the state.
campaign to inform the public about problem gambling and the availability of counseling services. “This initiative to train more professionals on how to recognize and treat problem gambling is another example of effective policy in this era of expanded gaming,” said New York Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams. “We must make sure that quality help is available for those that need it. OASAS and the New York Council on Problem Gambling have been invaluable partners in the Responsible Play Partnership and we commend them for collaborating to expand crucial services.” “We are excited to be a part of this project,” said James J. Maney, Executive Director of New York Council on Problem Gambling. “The work that will be done through this collaboration is going to increase access to care for New Yorkers struggling with problem gambling.” “As an organization representing thousands of social workers across the New York State, we are pleased to adopt these education and training measures that will help to proactively address problem gambling in New York State,” said NASW-NYS Executive Director, Ron Bunce.
“This program will provide New Yorkers who may be struggling with problem gambling issues with information about qualified and licensed mental The program will provide evidence-based training on health and addiction best practices related to problem gambling prevention, counselors in their treatment and support services through in-person traincommunity,” said Juing institutes, webinars and print materials, and clinidith L. Ritterman, Excal support. Training programs will begin in May and ecutive Director of the be offered regionally throughout the state. This new New York Mental funding, totaling more than $350,000 in 2016 also will Health Counselors enable the associations to develop a public awareness
Association. “Investing in the education of licensed mental health and addiction treatment professionals shows New York's commitment to treatment for those with problem gambling issues and to responsible gaming.” “We are excited to be part of bringing quality education to mental health and addiction professionals so that they will be able to serve the treatment needs for those who are affected by problem gambling in New York State,” said Jennifer Harper, President of the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis. “The impact of problem gambling for some of New York’s families can be serious,” said Carol Podgorski, President of the New York Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. “That is why our profession is proud to be a leader in shedding a light on the issue and taking important steps to prepare for treatment needs that may arise.” To sign up for a training or to learn more about the trainings offered throughout the state, visit The New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers or www.oasas.ny.gov/gambling.
District Attorney charges Bruce Conner with sending fake "Letter to the Editor" from African-American Pastors As recently reported, Democratic Party operative and retired firefighter Bruce Conner has been accused of being the source of a letter authored by five Syracuse ministers representing predominantly African American congregations. Sent to the Post-Standard’s digital product Syracuse.com, the letter is supportive of Mayor Stephanie Miner’s stance against COR Development receiving tax breaks for their Inner Harbor project. The problem is the aforementioned African-American Pastors have denied signing the letter. After investigations by the District Attorney’s Office and the PostStandard, Mr. Conner has been identified as the possible source of the letter. Rev. Nebraski Carter and the Rev. Rickey R. Montgomery Sr. have filed affidavits in this case.
print, used to ask for identifying information; name, address, etc. and they would not print anything other than the senders’ name. If this procedure were followed, we would not be hearing about “the letter”. It would have been identified as a political operatives attempt at media manipulation. Those Pastors mentioned represent five of ninety-five churches that exist in the AfricanAmerican community. Reverends’, Nebraski Carter, Roosevelt Baums, Rickey Montgomery, Thomas Jay, and Kenneth Reed were listed as signatories of the letter. Of the five, only Rev. Kenneth Reed has stated that he received a copy of the letter. According to published reports, none of the pastors wrote the letter. The following is the text of the letter allegedly sent by Bruce Conner. The letter published December 21st 2015 - The PostStandard
As a result of the accusation that the letter was not sent by those ascribed to it, District Attorney, William Fitzpatrick has charged Bruce Conner with a 2nd degree misdemeanor, “Criminal Impersonation” for sending the letter in the name of the ministers. Criminal Impersonation means to, "Impersonate another by communication by internet website or electronic means with intent to obtain a benefit or injure or defraud another."
Unfolding like the re-booted Star Wars franchise, the battle between Syracuse and Onondaga County has come at a time when area residents are being asked to consider consolidating with the county.
The redevelopment of the Inner Harbor had the power to transform our community: to build a new neighborhood on the rubble of yesterday's industry. It squandered its potential to build hope by bringing Syracusans out of poverty. By seeking out tax benefits from OCIDA, COR made the conscious choice to put profits over people. They have chosen money over morality; handouts over humanity. Worst of all, they have lost the respect and trust of so many in our community. Where they had the power to do such good, they cowered to political pressure and self-interest. Job training for Syracuse residents must be part of the deal whenever a developer receives public benefits of this magnitude. It is not sufficient to say, as one OCIDA member declared, "job training programs exist." We need to ensure these programs are directly connected to the project so that men and women who are trained can be guaranteed a job on the project once they complete their training.
It’s no secret that Conner, a supporter of Mayor Miner received a contract delivering lost luggage from Hancock Airport not long after Miner’s election.
Rev. Nebraski Carter of Living Waters COGIC has stated that he had no prior knowledge of the letter or its contents.
We still have many young men and women unable to escape tragic, generational poverty because there are not jobs available in their community. These are people who want not only jobs but the dignity of work to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
COR Development Syracuse Inner Harbor Master Plan To the Editor:
We are writing in response to COR Development's recent full page advertisement placed in The PostThis action movie has all of the elements; waring deStandard. In their letter, the developers state that velopment agencies, mysterious letter of questionable they have always had the best interests of the comauthorship, African-American ministers caught in the munity in mind. If that were the case, why have they middle. sought out over $44 million in taxpayer dollars to enAn unspoken element of this story is the role played rich their company without committing to providing by the daily newspaper; prior to publication they failed to confirm the letters source. The Post-Standard failed jobs for the poorest residents of our city? to verify information. Information which required con- Syracuse has seen progress in the last 5 years: neighfirmation due to the gravity of the accusations conborhoods have improved, economic development has tained in the missive. accelerated, and our graduation rates have begun to Print publications will call or email an individual or increase. But we are still home to the highest rates of organization in an effort to determine the letters origin, concentrated poverty among minorities in the nation. to make sure it’s authentic. Publications especially
A trickle-down, "rising tide lifts all boats" approach will not work for our community. We will only solve the crisis of poverty that the city of Syracuse faces when we are able to provide real jobs—right here, right now—for our neighbors. It is shameful that over $75 million of taxpayer dollars has gone to a project that will not provide for the public who subsidized it. COR has claimed they have hired "nearly 20" workers from the city thus far—less than 7 percent of their workforce so far. It is our hope that the missed opportunity of this project can be a lesson to leaders in the future on what must be our community priorities. Rev. Nebraski Carter Rev. Roosevelt Baums Rev. Kenneth Reed Rev. Rickey Montgomery Rev. Thomas Jay
Cora Thomas presents… Ms. Mary Philanthropy Day at Syracuse Stage Sunday, April 17th Join Cora Thomas @ 5PM Sunday, April 17th for Ms. Mary Philanthropy Day at Syracuse Stage. The incredible LIVE STAGE play "THE CHRISTIANS" will be at Syracuse Stage with performances from April 6 -24. We are sponsoring this special program before the April 17 th performance honoring Timothy Bond as Mr. Timothy Bond directs his LAST play as Producing Artistic Director for Syracuse Stage.” The Christians” includes members of the Syracuse community in the choir! This sponsored night will be the opportunity to fellowship and support Syracuse Stage production, The Christians, enjoy live entertainment, dessert and refreshments before the 7pm show, and help recognize a deserving individual who has made an unforgettable impact in our wonderful community. This day was established in memory of my mom (Ms. Mary) who believed in freely giving back to the community that she loved and served so dearly. You Don't Want To Miss This production!
**Discounted tickets are available through April 15 for $25.00 for this event only. ** Special instructions: Call (315) 396-6524 if purchasing tickets by cash or use your credit card to charge your tickets online at www.syracusestage.org. (under Ms. Mary Philanthropy Day).
The decision has unexpected and unintended consequences for the pastor, his family, and the congregation. Throughout, playwright Hnath steadfastly avoids taking sides. His concern is not to make a determination of right or wrong, but rather to explore the widening divide that makes communication and understanding increasingly difficult.
Tickets may be picked up at the Syracuse Stage box office.
"I have a powerful urge to communicate with you, but I feel there is an insurmountable distance between us," the pastor, named Paul, says at
Set in a large, contemporary, non-denominational Christian church, The Christians is performed with lively theatricality that emulates a Sunday service. The actors use hand-held microphones throughout and much of the performance has the rhythm and feel of a sermon. A live choir, under the direction of composer Michael Keck, sings gospel songs. The choir at Syracuse Stage is made up of local members of the community. The substance of The Christians concerns the impact of a decision by the congregation’s popular pastor to announce a change of heart and mind concerning a matter of doctrine.
one point. Producing artistic director Tim Bond directs the Syracuse Stage production. He believes that Hnath’s observations could be applied to any number of subjects that create rifts between people. Hnath has chosen religion as his subject to contextualize the action and to prompt an examination about “our deepest and, often, most noble desires and motivations and yearnings,” as a review in Christianity Today noted.