By Ken Jackson
Over the past decade the Black community in Syracuse has been hit by gun violence, massive unemployment, underIn the meantime, the Inner Harbor is re $50 Million Allocated for “Alliance for employment and a rapidly growing povEconomic Inclusion” ceiving local development assistance erty rate which when mapped resembles despite the public outcry against Onondaan economic cancer out of control. Will Last week Central New York was handed ga County’s Industrial Development these initiatives help economically ema New York State Lottery tickAgency power the African-American communiet. The winning prize of 500 (OCIDA) ty? Is there money to fund the proposed million dollars goes to The granting remedies to our economic calamity? Central New York Regional aid to the Economic Development CounCOR DeA key component of the overall plan The cil’s plan. The competition, velopment Central New York Regional Economic nicknamed “the Hunger project. Development Council is the commitment Games”, pitted region against Armory to invest $50 million in the Alliance for region in a competition to deSquare and Economic Inclusion. CNY Rising from termine which area submitted parts of the Ground Up emphasizes not only inthe better plan. The winning downtown vesting in major projects such as indoor region would receive up to 500 are bustling farming, Drone and Unmanned ground million dollars each to put with shop- systems, a major Veteran’s Center, an their development plan into pers. Deindoor farm and more. The 5-year initiaaction. mand for tive provides economic gateways to the Condominareas underserved minority communities. When this conceptual plan iums and luxury apartments are at record The Alliance for Economic Inclusion will CNY Rising from the Ground Up was highs. Our sprawling Destiny USA atbe a major factor in determining the sucpresented to the public there were contracts customers from hundreds of miles. cess or failure of the largest government cerns from the African-American comIn the meantime the poorest of Syracuse investment in Upstate New York since munity “what about us?” In the past, programs that seemingly targeted minori- got poorer. What’s in it for the African-American Community?
Marc Lamont Hill Named 2016 Keynote Speaker 31st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
ties have not increased the number of African-Americans owned businesses.
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Dino Babers named Syracuse University Football Coach
Review: “Off the Hook” Peter Pan Opens at Syracuse Stage
Editorial
Community Activists Mobilize Against Inner Harbor Tax Deal
the construction of the Erie Canal. The anticipated outcomes for the “Alliance” will be 5,000 jobs in the first five years.
tems, and businesses that can offer meaningful employment. Approach There is no silver bullet for eradicating poverty. The task requires multiple innovative strategies, spearheaded by a diverse array of leaders from across the region. The CNYREDC will assemble this leadership by establishing the Alliance for Economic Inclusion, comprised of ethnically and geographically diverse representatives from the private, public, and non-profit sectors. The Alliance will be responsible for implementing strategies and administering funds to:
The Business Opportunity Fund is an effort to provide, “substantial funding opportunities” to underserved entrepreneurs and business owners.” The fund will target minorities, women, veteran and tech entrepreneurs and enterprises.” Accessing funding will depend on the inability to attract funding through tradition means. Not to be confused with project announced in the past offering promises. This comprehensive program has identifiable benchmarks of success to reach. Including, identifiable mandated goals to address the development of entrepreneurs in underserved minority communities.
Develop access to economic opportunity and wealth by intentionally attracting and growing good jobs in low-income and distressed communities and connecting these communities to employment hubs.
Opportunity to change the status quo Creative projects designed to increase the number of living wage jobs will be solicited, reviewed and possibly funded. Based on the overall plan, education will be important since our schools provide the employees of the future. The CNY Rising from the Ground Up comprehensive plan is 88 pages read it in its entirety, what is provided here are provisions that have a direct impact on the African-American community. Links to the full plan are available at urbancny.com The following is a portion of the CNY Rising from the Ground Up comprehensive plan Signature Investment #6 — Alliance for Economic Inclusion Vision Create economic prosperity by utilizing the regions human and physical assets to ensure that economic 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
urbancny.com
growth translates into economic opportunity, increased wealth, and improved quality of life within our distressed communities. Central New York’s Challenge Poverty rates and social inequality prevent the region from realizing its full economic potential. Residents of inner-city neighborhoods, rural communities, and, increasingly, innerring suburbs struggle to access jobs and build wealth. This is evidenced by the chilling statistic that 44 percent of Central New York’s population is living at or near the poverty line. Region-wide there are immense challenges related to building economic opportunity, yet these issues are compounded in Central New York’s urban environments. A recent report ranked Syracuse as the worst out of the top 100 largest cities for concentrations of extreme poverty among African Americans and Hispanics. Furthermore, these statistics appear to be going in the wrong direction, as concentrated poverty among African Americans has grown to 65.2 percent in 2013 from 43.4 percent in 2000. Central New York must confront and alter the root causes of these issues that include poor or disconnected access and connectivity to inclusive industries; challenges within the educational system that prevent equal access to opportunity; barriers in accessing growth capital for minority-, women-,and veteran-owned businesses; blight, homelessness, and residential vacancies in inner city neighborhoods; and a misalignment in skills, training sys-
Create career pathways for adults and youth from distressed communities by establishing workforce and education strategies that align with employer needs in key industry sectors. Build wealth and next-generation community leadership by establishing and growing entrepreneurship and business ownership within underserved communities. Create tools and incentives for educational attainment within low-income communities, making higher education accessible and affordable for all. The Alliance will meet these objectives by enhancing and scaling existing best practice initiatives, as well as catalyzing new innovations. The Alliance, in partnership with Empire State Development, will coordinate investments; collect data and oversee evaluation; maintain accountability and transparency around funds; and glean from key projects to make future policy and funding recommendations. The Alliance will initially target these interrelated and mutually reinforcing programs: 1. Career Pathways for Adults and Youth Work Train: A community-wide initiative that addresses workforce misalignment, meeting unmet job demand in target industries while providing access to career pathways for un- and underemployed residents. In the short term, Work Train will implement workforce solutions within critical industry sectors, expanding into five counties. Over the long term, Work Train will proactively develop (Continued on page 10)
Battle Hymn of the CENTRO Rider: Mine eyes have seen the glory, of the coming of the bus
Driving a car became second nature, getting my license and driving since the age of 17. Having parents who each had a car made it convenient for me to go from one place to another. To be blunt, I was transportation spoiled. The only bus I took was to school, I could walk downtown and most places I needed to go. Home from college it just becomes, “Can I borrow the car?”
the effort to attend church. After a call I found that the bust stop had moved a month earlier due to the W. Genesee St. construction project. The next day, a block away was a newly installed Bus Stop sign, anchored by a cement filled tire rim. Gee, that would have been good to know given I’d been standing under a CENTRO stop two Sunday’s in a row.
the biggest violators’, major businesses that operate along vast stretches, simply maintained road access to their parking lots and forgot about their neighbors and customers who walk.
Bus stops were not clear of snow, you’re lucky if there’s a spot in the snow patted down and carved out by a previous traveler. Most of my travel time was On the bus now… oh, how things have changed. It felt spent standing in the dangerous snow covered street as In college there was a bus that like the first time I used a smart traffic whisked by. Once a truck passed by speeding, ran to downtown Ithaca, if you phone. “Uh, how do I get off splashing those waiting at the corner bus stop with a wanted to go to Cornell you’d this thing.” Followed by, “what brown slushy road salt smoothie. You quickly learn just share a cab ride. Therefore, do you mean?’ I just can’t get where not to stand. some 32 years later making the off the bus where Without transportation decision to use mass transportaI want to?” everything you buy tion was an adventure, an expeDrivers announce increases in price. It’s rience that changed life and my the stops as they as if the store owners view of Syracuse forever. travel their route, realize you have no After learning that I’d have extended periods where I announcing “West Genesee at Avery”, I alternative. Therefore, wouldn’t be able to drive due to surgery I decided to jumped in my seat. This is an Americans stores in neighborcut costs. In the end, transportation was costing more with Disabilities requirement of buses, hoods that are poor or than I was able to manage. As a journalist, I covered before hearing this I never considered depend on nearby popthe new transportation Hub downtown, a gleaming being blind, riding a bus. ulations that walk are multi-million dollar facility designed to comfortably going to extract a price So, there I was with my bus schedule on manage thousands of bus riders who use the system from their customers, a my iPhone, I was ready. But I quickly daily. I made the decision that during this recover tax on the poor and learned that what once took 10 minutes time, I’d use Syracuse’s answer to mass transit, CENtransit impaired. in the car would now take three hours. TRO. You can always take a I learned how to get dog food by hopW. Genesee at W. Lowell bus stop The “Hub” is an extreme make-over from the pigeon Cab, but if you spend ping on a bus to Westvale, having 16 stained canopy that sheltered CENTRO riders in the $40 on transportation minutes to shop at Top’s Supermarket cold. Large screens give you times of the arrivals and what have you saved? and getting back to the stop for an immedepartures. We have a state-of-the-art transportation That’s why you now diate ride in the opposite direction home. I failed to center any city would be proud of. see Aldi’s and Dollar Tree’s new locations are on the mention that during this time I had limited mobility West Genesee Street bus line. There was an audible People I met were going and used a cane. If I missed this bus sound of, Ooo’s and ahu’s from bus riders when the to work, the hospital, it would be 2 hours before I could get W. Genesee St. at OIP corner Dollar Tree sign was posted on W. Genesee and Gedshopping or visiting a another. So, that meant walking if des. Faces were pressed against the glass as if they’d friend. Armed with the 16 minute window was missed. witnessed a rainbow. This plaza is more important and smart phones, riding the Summer travel was actually conven- life changing to area shoppers than 50 million dollars bus chattering, I know ient, especially if you had no time invested in the fairgrounds. more about some peotable. Just wait for the bus to come ple’s business than I’d There’s another world out there that is passed by, as on schedule. Some drivers are nice care to. But there’s a car drivers zip through these communities on their way and friendly saying a hearty, “good culture, a rhythm to home. Neighborhoods, some with a corner store very morning” while others scowl as they taking the bus. I thought 1,200 feet on parts of South Geddes Street with limited watch you attempt to slide your crinif I learn the schedule I choice of goods and services. If you have access to kled dollar bills into the scanner. It’s can quickly go from one transportation you can get the best prices, escaping not an easy job having a bus full of end of town to the other. from some neighborhood-based predatory businesses people, having to watch everything More times than not, that charge outrageous prices. that’s going on at while simultanewaiting at times for ously being, “smiley faced.” Fear and Loathing hours on a connecting Wintertime Travel Nightmare When CENTRO announced that they may dramaticalbus to my destination. ly reduce service chatter on the bus was loud. A young That’s just trip planning Nothing was more dangerous than woman with a Dunkin Donut hat said, “What do they in one direction. traveling in the snow. It wasn’t the bus as much as it mean by cutting service? I have to get to work.” An was the snow; sidewalks throughout the W. Genesee First you have to know where to stand, my first two (Continued on page 5) weeks I wondered why the bus kept passing as I made Street area were blocked by snow all winter. Some of
Syracuse City School District News... Nottingham HS Students Perform "The Tempest"
School District who make up the Superintendent's Student Cabinet gathered together to foster community building at the Professional Development Center in Syracuse.
Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Council The Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council (STAC) creates a critical bridge between Central Office and SCSD teachers. This group of educators The Syracuse City School District has an assortment of works directly with Superintendent Contreras in resources available on their website click, Here the monthly meetings to serve as advisors, provide input website is chock full of information, programs, serto make key decisions, share challenges and successes vices, curriculum, detailed for each school and proexperienced gram. In addition residents may have received the with the impleglossy publication, “News from the Schools” sent to mentation of many Syracuse homes providing information from the initiatives and district and its various components. programs, learn about district Superintendent's Student Cabinet initiatives firstThe Superintendent’s Student Cabinet is made up of hand and more. students from each of the five SCSD high schools. On average, 2-3 They meet with the Superintendent during the course teachers from each school are represented in STAC. By building a strong, productive partnership between SCSD’s educators and the Superintendent, the district is able to create the best in class programs, tools and services and significantly impact the success of their students.
of the year to discuss and learn about initiatives and programs in the district. The students provide the Superintendent with valuable feedback and input concerning district wide and school-related opportunities and challenges. They also help to advise the Superintendent and act as ambassadors for their schools by sharing what they learn with their fellow students.
Syracuse City School District Superintendent Sharon Contreras makes her presentation to a meeting of the Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Council that was held at the Professional Development Center in Syracuse. A meeting of the Su-
Students from the high schools of the Syracuse City School District who make up the Superintendent's Stu- perintendent's Teacher Advisory Council was held at the Professional Development Center in Syracuse. dent Cabinet gathered together to foster community Photo by John Berry building at the Professional Development Center in Syracuse. Photo by John Berry Omar Short, a senior at Fowler H.S., left, and Michael Manuel, a senior at Nottingham H.S. perform a handshake created by the seminar's leaders when students from the high schools of the Syracuse City
Tim Willard as the Prince of Naples is screamed at by Prospera, played by Lucy Purnine, right, as Sophie Nash in the role of her daughter Miranda looks on during a performance of The Tempest" at Nottingham High School.
Fowler HS students perform "Lucky Stiff"
William Primes, in the role of Harry Witherspoon, is swarmed by the women of Monte Carlo looking to show him the town during a Fowler High School/ PSLA performance of the play "Lucky Stiff". Photos by John Berry
Review: “Off the Hook” Peter Pan Opens at Syracuse Stage
by Ken Jackson
ous interpretations and casting a male in the lead role breathes new life in a story, that didn’t want to grow up. Syracuse Stage’s production relies on the relationship between Peter Pan and the conflict of what growing older means, as Peter rejects the responsibilities of aging. While other incarnations of the play concentrated on casting a female lead in the role using the physicality of a young girl to represent a boy never growing past puberty. Troy Hussmann as Peter Pan carries the burden of convincing people he’s boy who doesn’t want to grow up, which he does flawlessly.
Timeless musical flies into Syracuse Stage. Peter Pan soared as audiences were treated to an exhilarating interpretation of the story about a boy who never grows up. Success of Peter Pan as a play depends on the ability to convey the belief, that just for a short time the idea of never maturing beyond youth. Complete with the innocence of a child believing in things magical. This production manages to keep the message and fantasy of the play intact while creatively deleting Matthew Caraccioli’s, Captain Hook is a combination of Liberace and the notorious Captain Bligh ; He’s off the original stereotypical depiction of Native Amerithe Hook, strutting about the stage with 4 inch healed cans as savages. Pirate Boots played deliciously snarky. Hook’s the Warrior Women replace the reductive nature of previ(Continued from page 3)
elderly woman speaking to another passenger says, “I’m glad I don’t have to go anywhere, I’m retired. But these young people, how are they going to get to work?”
York delegation to restore cuts that would have further devastated CENTRO. In the end, funding was secured through the republican controlled House of Representatives to allocate additional funds for our regional mass transportation needs. The CENTRO funding crisis resolution ends a nine month period when we weren’t sure if we’d be able to maintain service levels.
Bus drivers were peppered with questions as passengers file onto the The possibility of cutting bus, “What are they going evening service and eliminato do?” An elderly womtion Sunday’s schedule sent an said with tears in her chills down the spines of eyes, “this just isn’t people who are already marConnective Corridor Bus Stop right!” The driver sat ginalized. These are the there stone faced, resemfaceless people who rely on bling a Supreme Court Justice at a State of the Union public transportation for their daiaddress. ly lives. Meetings were held. Politicians and business leaders lined up with their opinions, both Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and CenterState CEO we adamant about the need for public transportation and the need to maintain it. There was unanimous consent that access to these services fit into our future as we try to develop long term plans focusing on employment opportunities. These plans rely on public transportation.
leader of a band of hapless Pirates, a crew complete with high stepping dancing and comic levity. This tight ensemble draws us into the fantasy which had Peter and the Darling children dazzle the audience, with synchronized flying in the iconic scene as Peter Pan whisks them away to Neverland. Syracuse Stage’s interpretation depends on Hussmann’s ability to convince us intellectually and emotionally that he’s a boy. Surrounding him is a stellar cast Wendy Darling played by Delphi Borich, actors playing the Darling’s children excelled, no better exemplified than their performance of the song, Tender Shepperd. The Darling family, an ensemble cast of Peter’s companions, the Lost Boys and a crew of Pirates led by a remarkable Captain Hook make this a production of Peter Pan one that should not be missed. Don’t miss Syracuse Stage’s production of Peter Pan, it’s off the Hook. ple we pass by in our cars. They methodically plan their excursions to make their scheduled rounds, work, school or play. The CENTRO riders are just regular people doing everyday living, going to a doctor’s appointment, taking a trip to one of our shopping centers or visiting. These months have been enlightening, showing me a world I previously ignored. You know, we’ve all done it, stopped at the corner and averted looking directly at the people waiting on the bus. When we’re transportation empowered it’s easy to yell at people, “Get out of the @#$@ing street”, not realizing that there is no clear sidewalk on that block.
The view is so different from the window of a car speeding through Another snow submerged Bus Stop our city streets. In a car, you I walked in their shoes and W. Genesee St. winter 14’-15’ aren’t tripping over a sidewalk what I found was another that’s been crumbing for decades. world without a car. You’re Just imagine, walking in the street dependent on others and at for miles since city sidewalks aren’t maintained in any times get stranded. Yet you become resilient and recognitive order. sourceful since this is how you have to get around. I ignored the person standing on the Bus Stop in the CENTRO received funding from New York State re- On the bus, there’s another culture, a culture that is cold, until I became one. Now, when I near a bus stop, quired to maintain their schedule, even though this is a invisible to the car driver. Most people use CENTRO I no longer look the other way. I’m now more inclined short term fix. It would take our newly elected Conbecause they have no transportation, no car, no one to offer a ride, especially if I know the person. Mine gressman John Katko to fight along with the New able to shuttle them around town. These are the peoeyes have seen the glory, of the coming of the bus.
Dino Babers Named 30th Head Football Coach at Syracuse University
During his accomplished 30-year football coaching career, Dino Babers’ name has been synonymous with winning. Known for his teams’ offensive prowess, respected for his keen sense for recruiting and mentoring top-tier student-athletes, and lauded by many for his ability to turn around football programs, Babers will take the helm of Syracuse University football as the program’s 30th head coach. Babers will be officially introduced as head football coach at a press conference on Monday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. in the Ferguson Football Auditorium in the George R. Iocolano and William C. Petty Football Wing in Manley Field House. “It is a true honor to have been selected to lead Syracuse University football, a program steeped in rich tradition, excellence, and success, both on and off the field,” says Babers. “There were many coaching opportunities out there but none more attractive or exciting than this one. I’ve always admired Syracuse Football’s scrappy demeanor, grit, and winning mentality, but what attracted me to this position even more is the University’s intense focus on preparing its studentathletes for a lifetime of success. This is an incredible opportunity and one I am thrilled to have been offered.” Babers currently serves as head football coach at Bowling Green State University, who just last night won the MAC (Mid-American Conference) Championship. He has held a number of prominent coaching positions during his career, including four seasons at Baylor University under renowned coach Art Briles. While there, Babers helped Briles execute Baylor’s dynamic, up-tempo, high-scoring spread offense and served as outside receivers coach the year Robert Griffin III won the Heisman Trophy. “We wanted a leader who had a proven track record and a strong commitment to student welfare,” says
Mark Coyle, Syracuse’s director of Walter Payton Award winner, athletics. “Dino’s background as a the FCS equivalent of the former student-athlete combined Heisman Trophy -- given to with his head coaching experience, the nation's best player. and dynamic offensive mind make him a great fit for Babers’ resume also includes stints at the University of our program. We are committed to building a winCalifornia, Los Angeles, the University of Pittsburgh, ning Syracuse Football program and today reinforces Texas A&M University, the University of Arizona, that commitment.” San Diego State University, Purdue University, NorthSince Babers joined Bowling Green in 2013, the team ern Arizona University, the University of Nevada, Las won the inaugural Raycom Media Camellia Bowl in Vegas, Arizona State University, and the University of 2014, the program’s first bowl win since 2004; won Hawaii, his alma mater. two MAC (Mid-American Conference) East Division But, it’s Babers’ time at Baylor that has Syracuse foottitles; and recorded three victories against Power Five ball legend Floyd Little ’67 excited about the future of conference teams. Syracuse Football. “Syracuse University has hired the best person for “Dino’s intimate involvement shaping the Baylor ofthis job,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Dino’s fense and his proven ability to replicate its success at success in previous head coaching roles is a testament Bowling Green and EIU makes him an ideal person to to his character, his ability to motivate young studentstep in as Syracuse Football’s next head coach,” says athletes, and his can-do attitude. Under Dino’s leaderLittle, who also serves as special assistant to the athletship, we are going to build a competitive program in ics director. “This is an exciting time to be a part of the ACC and continue to foster an environment where Syracuse Football and I am eager to see the great success in the classroom is equally as important as things that will be accomplished under Dino’s leadersuccess on the field. On behalf of the Syracuse Univership.” sity community, I wish to extend a warm welcome to Babers earned a master’s degree in education and suDino, his wife Susan and their family.” pervision from Arizona State University in 1987 and a Prior to joining Bowling Green, Babers was head footbachelor’s degree in education from Hawaii, where he ball coach at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), where was a four-year starter on the football team, in 1984. he was named coach of the year in the Ohio Valley He and his wife Susan have four daughters: Conference (OVC) two years (2012 and 2013) in a Breeahnah, Tasha, Jazzmin, and Paris. row. During the 2012 season, Babers’ first season at EIU, he led the team to a firstplace finish, after the team finished last place in 2011 under the previous coaching staff. That marked only the fourth time in OVC history a team went from last to first place in a single season. In 2013, under Babers’ leadership, EIU finished 12-2; earned a number two national ranking; appeared in the quarterfinals of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS); and had the best offense in the FCS. At EIU, Babers mentored Jimmy Garoppolo, currently an NFL quarterback, who was named the 2013
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Advertisement for Bid Mercer Park Waterfront Improvements NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to the provisions of the General Municipal law, sealed bids for Bid # 2014-03 Mercer Park Waterfront Improvements, Baldwinsville, NY will be received at the Office of the Village Clerk, 16 West Genesee Street, Baldwinsville, New York 13027, Onondaga County, New York, until 2:00 pm, local time, on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. This project involves the construction of a stamped concrete waterfront walkway, shoreline stabilization, curbing and asphalt paving in Mercer Park located at 1 North Street in the Village of Baldwinsville, Onondaga County, New York. This project is funded (in part) by a grant from the Onondaga County Community Development Division. Approximately $44,100 of the project will be financed with federal funding. Bidders will be required to commit themselves to a goal for minority business participation in the contracts. The contract specifications and drawings may be examined free of charge at the Community Development office: Onondaga County, Community Development Division, 1100 Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY, 315-435-3558. Copies of the bid document may be obtained at the Village Clerk’s Office. Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes at the above address and shall bear on the face thereof the name and one complete copy of the sealed bid must be delivered to: Village of Baldwinsville 16 West Genesee Street Baldwinsville, New York Attention: Village Clerk The outside of the envelope must contain the vendor’s name, address, Bid Date, Bid Time and the following language: “Bid # 2014-03 Mercer Park Waterfront Improvements”. The Village of Baldwinsville Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Maureen Butler Village Clerk Village of Baldwinsville
Marc Lamont Hill Named 2016 Keynote Speaker Martin Luther King Celebration at the Carrier Dome is the largest University-sponsored event in the United States to honor King’s legacy.
“Our World” on Black Enterprise and political contributor to Fox News Channel. An award-winning journalist, Hill has received numerous awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, GLAAD and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Hill is a founding board member of My5th, a nonprofit organization devoted to educating youth about their legal rights and responsibilities. He is also a board member and organizer of the Philadelphia Student Union. He works closely with the ACLU Drug Reform Project, focusing on drug informant policy. Over the past few years, Hill has actively worked on campaigns to end the death penalty and to release numerous political prisoners. In 2011, Ebony Magazine named him one of America’s 100 most influential black leaders.
The MLK Celebration not only includes the event at the Carrier Dome. It’s a weekend filled with activities and community-wide involvement organized by the City of Syracuse, the University and the MLK committee. On Saturday, Jan. 30, there will be the community event which is a day of educational workshops and recreational activities, as well as an awards ceremony for K-12 students. On Sunday, Jan. 31, dinner precedes the program at 4:30 p.m., with doors opening at 4 p.m. Tickets for employees, staff and the general public will be sold through the Schine Box Office, and are available on an individual basis ($30) or in blocks of 10 ($300). Cash, credit or interdepartmental ID may be used. New this year: all tickets are for general seating.
Student tickets are $15 and can be purchased through a meal plan at dining halls. Students without a meal plan MLK Celebration Chair Catherine Kellman called Hill can purchase at Schine Box Office as well. Marc Lamont Hill, Distinguished Professor of African one of the leading voices of activism of this generaThe evening program, which includes an address by American Studies at Morehouse College and a leading tion. “He was chosen by the committee because of his Hill, the presentation of the 2016 Unsung Hero journalistic voice in social justice, will be the keynote ability to connect with our students,” says Kellman. Awards, music by a community choir and entertain“He challenges young people worldwide to become speaker for the 31st annual Martin Luther King Jr. ment by student performers, begins at 5:30 p.m. and is involved in their own way, to truly think globally and Celebration at the University on Jan. 31, 2016. The free and open to the public. For questions, call Henact locally. The theme of this year’s event is rememyearly MLK Celebration at the Carrier Dome is the dricks Chapel at 315-443-5044. largest University-sponsored event in the United States ber, celebrate and act: activism and agency for the American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and future. The focus is on activism as a nation our stuto honor King’s legacy. Communication Access Real-Time will be available at dents have created or participated in movements to Marc Lamont Hill create change in. We hope our students will use Hill’s the event. To request dietary or other accommodations, contact Ginny Yerdon at Hendricks Chapel at 315-443 Hill serves as host of HuffPost Live and BET News, as message as they embark on their own journey to re-2901 or gyerdon@syr.edu. well as a political contributor for CNN. He is the for- member, to celebrate and to act.” mer host of the nationally syndicated television show
Community Activists Mobilize Against Inner Harbor Tax Deal COR Development is currently working on redeveloping the city’s Inner Harbor. The company has requested incentives to build their hotel project, seeking a 15year tax deal for its $324 million Syracuse Inner Harbor development. On December 1st members of the public attended a scheduled meeting of the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency commonly referred to as, OCIDA. Members of the agency cancelled the meeting at the last minute, leaving dozens of people in a packed room waiting to weigh in on the proposed tax deal.
Tax deals which include PILOT agreements, sales tax exemptions and more, have been points of contention since the revelation that the Destiny USA project which was given a 30 year tax deal never built what was promised publically. The green spires jutting up from the structure capturing the sun’s power for energy. A Tuscany Village, a dome covered year-round park. Images of happy school children exiting buses due to our increased tax revenue the project promised to generate.
Editorial
Syracuse residents voiced their concerns and out right objections to the tax deal, which too many is giving away too much. Speakers complained about these “incentives” making a point stating emphatically, “we are a poverty stricken city”.
got a big box with more stores. No dome, no 20 story hotel, nothing has been built that resembles the snake oil presentation we were all treated to. An elaborate special display area setup on the 5th floor of the mall prior to its rebranding was a “fabrication”, and that’s being polite. We now have a bigger box with corporate signs dangling from it like a bedazzled dress on a cheap hooker, at a convention vying for the attention of some drunken attendee.
Syracuse residents have been promised so much from these “development projects” that we’ve grown skeptical of what’s being forced down our gullets. The appearance of a cross-section of concerned residents should be a As a community, all but a few bought the line about sign that people are fed-up with corporate welfare prowhat would be built at the expanded site. In the end we grams that produce a culture of dependency.
Eating Healthy this Holiday Season
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Homemade Goodness! Warm up someone’s heart this holiday season with this healthy homemade soup mix. It is beautiful, thoughtful, and best of all deliciously healthy! The key ingredients in this soup recipe are the lentils. Lentils are low cost and high in a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and have many health benefits. These include: - Help to fight cancer - Prevent heart disease - Lower cholesterol - Support weight loss So skip the mall and shopping craze and make your friends a healthy and thoughtful gift! Your family, friends, and loved ones will be healthy and happy for it! Be sure to decorate your jar with festive fabric and attach the cooking directions with fancy string or ribbon.
For more information, contact Creating Healthy Schools and Communities in Syracuse at 435-3280.
Curried Lentil Soup Layer the ingredients in a ¾ liter glass jar: 5 sun-dried tomatoes (not oil packed) ½ cup red lentils,½ cup yellow lentils, ½ cup red lentils½ cup yellow lentils In a sealed plastic bag add: 2 bay leaves 1 dried chili pepper 2 teaspoons turmeric 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder Directions: Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 4 smashed garlic cloves and 1 diced red onion. Sauté for 6 minutes. Add the herbs from the bag and cook about 3 more minutes. Add the rest of the soup mix and 8 cups of water or chicken broth. Simmer until lentils are soft, about 1 hour. Enjoy a delicious healthy soup! Recipe Courtesy of Food Network Magazine
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talent pipelines for emerging industries within the URI. As key sectors begin to create jobs, the Work Train platform can develop the appropriate training and human resource development strategies. CNY Right Track: Engaging and retaining talented college students and recent graduates from targeted communities through internships aligned with career opportunities that emerge from the REDC and URI are critical to ensuring a skilled workforce committed to living and working in Central New York. Through positions with business, government, and other professional institutions, paid interns will gain an in-depth understanding of how the hosting business works, while also developing professional skills and participating in a seminar series by local leaders from all industries.
program participants could access homeowner programs in targeted areas that assist in community redevelopment.
The Syracuse College Promise Collaborative will guarantee a path for college for 2. Attracting Good Jobs to Distressed Comevery student in the munities Syracuse City School Opportunity Investment Fund (OIF): OIF will pro- District, regardless of vide solutions to catalyze distressed commercial disincome. tricts and bring good jobs to urban, suburban, and rural 4. Growing Entrepreneurship communities in need. OIF is a capital grant fund, dediand Business Ownership in cated to revitalizing strategic properties in distressed Underserved Communities communities. The fund will provide grants to strategic projects in areas with high concentrations of poverty −− The Upstate Minority Economic and/or blight. Business, developers, nonprofit organi- Alliance (UMEA): UMEA was rezations, and municipalities can propose projects to cently established as a minority chamreceive grant funding that would otherwise not have ber of commerce for the Upstate and market-based solutions. Eligible projects would Central New York regions. It seeks to demonstrate clear economic impact to blighted and/or launch a CNY Minority Owned Venlow-income mixed-use districts by attracting business- tures and Enterprises for Sustainability es that offer living wage jobs, facilitating ownership (CNY MOVES) effort to create jobs, and investment within low-income populations, and/or reach untapped talent within diverse transforming high vacancy target areas. populations, increase minority access and connection to local and national 3. Building Tools and Incentives for Educabusiness services, and support diverse tional Attainment communities through a replicable Syracuse College Promise Collaborative: This initi- model. ative will guarantee a path for college for every stu−− The Business Opportunity Fund: dent in the Syracuse City School District, regardless of This fund will provide substantial fiincome. Post-secondary education, especially for chilnancing opportunities to underserved dren who grow up in poverty, directly correlates to entrepreneurs and business owners increased opportunities and wealth creation as well as through terms and criteria that will builds a more talented and broadly diverse workforce. enable, rather than prohibit, their sucAdditionally, partners in the effort for stronger educacess. It will be administered by Cooptional attainment could include the Thurgood Marshall erative Federal, Central New York’s College Fund. sole community development financial −− Adult Educational Pathways Program (AEPP): institution microlender. The fund will target underserved entrepreneurs, parTargeting underemployed middle-skill workers, this ticularly minority, women, veteran program provides wraparound educational support and tech entrepreneurs and enterprisprograms for adults seeking bachelors or higher degrees. This program will remove barriers for obtaining es; however, the driving criteria for accessing the fund will be a lack of secondary education degrees and associated employbusiness capital and financing. ment opportunities. Upon graduation from college,
Syracuse City School District and Centro Reach Agreement to Provide Transportation For More High School Students The Syracuse City School District and Centro have reached an agreement that will allow the school district to transport high school students who live more than one and a half miles from school. Previously any student living under two miles from their high school did not qualify for bussing.
going from City Hall to the Carrier Dome, is not what students need before early morning classes or following extracurricular activities. With this new policy, Under the new agreement, approximately 500 addimore students will have a safer passage to and from tional SCSD high school students will be offered bus their schools and be able to focus on learning rather transportation. Centro has the capacity to transport than their transportation. I applaud the District and the additional students based on a recent evaluation of Centro for reaching this agreement.” their capability. The Board of Education must revise the current Board policy to Expanded bus routes to serve the additional “Many of our SCSD high school students have active- reflect the new eligibility group of students are expected to begin in mid ly proclaimed that two miles is too far for them to limits. -winter. walk to school, and they are right,” Superintendent “This historic agreement “We are in the business of moving people and Sharon L. Contreras said. “We are pleased to have will mean a safer route to we are happy to be able to fully accommodate reached an agreement with Centro that supports the school for hundreds of the Syracuse City School District’s request to best interest of our students, providing bus service to SCSD students and I am transport these additional students,” said Cenhigh school students who live more than 1.5 miles pleased to support this deal,” said Syracuse Mayor tro Executive Director Frank Kobliski. “After careful from school. Stephanie A. Miner. “Students who live more than 1.5 evaluation of data provided to us by the District, we The District remains committed to developing an inmiles who, until now have been required to walk to will be able to transport these additional high school frastructure that supports student success, and this school, will have safe, reliable busing available to students by extending current services, but without modified transportation policy is a step in the right them. That mile and a half walk, the equivalent of adding additional vehicles.”
Help with Home Heating Costs for Seniors Onondaga County Department of Adult & Long Term Care Services, has announced a series of outreach events designed to assist seniors in Onondaga County with applying for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP.) HEAP provides limited subsidies for heating and utility costs. According to Lisa D. Alford, “We know there are many seniors in our community who could use help paying their energy bills, and we will be visiting community centers and libraries, throughout the county, to reach them. Remember, HEAP assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you need to file an application soon!” The Office for Aging will be holding community outreach sessions at a variety of locations throughout the city and county to help seniors age 60, or older, and income eligible, apply for HEAP benefits. Appointments are not needed, and if you are not able to attend any of the outreach sessions, you may call (315) 435-2362 and request that an application be mailed. Assistance will be offered at the following locations, dates and times. More outreach sessions are planned for 2016: For more information, contact the Onondaga County Office for Aging at (315) 435-2362 or visit our website at www.ongov.net/aging.
direction, making it easier for high school students to arrive at school ready to learn.”
Home Energy Assistance Program Community Outreach Sessions MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2015 Camillus Senior Center, 25 1st St., Camillus
9:30-12:00
Dewitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall, Dewitt
10:00-1:00
Rescue Mission Store, 200 Gifford Street, Syracuse
10:30-1:00
Beauchamp Library 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse
1:00-4:00
Onondaga Senior Center, 4834 Velasko Road, Syracuse
9:30-12:00
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 Brick School Terrace Apts., 311 North Avenue, Syracuse
9:30-12:00
Skaneateles YMCA, 97 State Street Road, Skaneateles
11:00-12:30
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 Marcellus United Methodist Church, 1 Slocombe Ave., Marcellus
11:00-1:00
Mercy Works, 1221 S. Salina Street, Syracuse
1:00-3:30
Beauchamp Library, 2111 S. Salina Street, Syracuse
2:00-4:30
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 2840 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville
4:00-6:30
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 Southwest Community Center, 401 South Avenue, Syracuse
2:30-4:30
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2015 Jewish Community Center
5655 Thompson Road, Dewitt
12:00-2:00