30 Years Celebrating Urban Life 1989 - 2019
March 3-29, 2019
Building Equity in the Construction Trades: A Racial Equity Impact Statement Prepared by The Urban Jobs Task Force and Legal Services of CNY
“Townies”: What Local Black People Were Called…The Stigma Remains as We Develop our Urban Core
By byKen KenJackson Jackson
The Urban Jobs Task Force and Legal Services of CNY created the first ever, comprehensive racial equity impact statement on the construction trades in Syracuse. With many elected officials advertising it as a local job changer for our city, the aforementioned were concerned with racial equity in the trades. The report paints a devastatingly horrifying picture of our community, documenting a long history of racial disparities that date back well before the interstate 81 viaduct was built. The coalition responsible for the report felt the need to create an educational resource to help leaders, stakeholders, and community members understand all that needs to be done to prepare city residents for jobs on I81 and beyond. The creation of this work entailed hundreds of hours of research, data analysis, interviewing, graphing, mapping, writing, and editing the following are the findings of the report. Click on link for copy of full Building Equity in the Construc-
tion Trades: A Racial Equity Impact Statement.
inequities in the construction trades.
Syracuse was well aware of this problem when then Mayor Tom Young commissioned a local consulting firm to conduct a disparity study that provided data to support having a local Minority and Women Business Enterprise Ordinance the City Jackson of SyrabyinKenneth The following are highlights of seccuse. The U.S. Supreme Court had tions of the report. Within are maps, ruled in the Richmond Decision that statistics regarding historic data resaid, municipalities that passed garding the viaduct, destruction and MWBE Ordinances aka “set-aside” relocation of residents from both the programs had to prove a pattern of 15th and 9nth Wards. discrimination existed in the covered area, the report revealed the An important part of understanding Syracuse’s African American commu- patterns. Without the city of Syracuse nity is to know how many of our fami- commissioned report, the current lies arrived. Many are in Syracuse due MWBE Ordinance would be unento the great migration of families re- forceable. locating to Syracuse from the south, Building Equity in the Construction during a time when the need for Trades: A Racial Equity Impact Statemanufacturing workers drew large ment provides us with a gruesome numbers of workers to the arvoluminous update to something ea. Building Equity in the Construcwe’ve known for decades. tion Trades: A Racial Equity Impact Statement provides a statistical treas- Rather than attempting to pick out ure trove of data documenting racial (Continued on page 10)
City of Syracuse, Syracuse Housing Authority and the Allyn Foundation Attempt to Calm Fears about Blueprint 15
The 154 page report was prepared by; Andrew M. Croom, Esq.,Paul Ciavarri, Deka Dancil, Aggie Lane, Athena Last, Peter King, Jamison Crawford, MPA
Four Onondaga Community College Students Named SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence Winners
Classic tales, world and East Coast premieres and bright new plays meet in Syracuse Stage’s 2019/2020 Season, Taye Diggs
Four Onondaga Community College Students Named SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence Winners Four Onondaga Community College students have been named 2019 recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. The awards are handed out annually to students who have best demonstrated the integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their
lives which may include leadership, campus involvement, athletics, career achievement, community service or creative and performing arts.
Engineering or Engineering and Management.
This is the highest honor which can be bestowed upon a SUNY student. OCC’s students will be recognized during a ceremony at the Albany Capital Center Wednesday, April 24. The honorees are: Seth Bae
High School: Fairfax in Los Angeles, class of 2013 Major at OCC: General Studies – Liberal Arts & Sciences Bae was born in Korea, moved to the United States at age 16 and served in the United States Army at Fort Drum before coming to OCC. He was a member of the college’s chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa, an officer in the Student Association, a VA WorkStudy in OCC’s Veterans office, a Peer Connector in the Advising Center and a First Year Experience Mentor. He was also a Social Media Reporter and blog contributor for the college’s media channels. Bae completed his studies in December and now attends Harvard University.
Michaela Grainger Home schooled, from Fayetteville Major at OCC: Humanities & Social Sciences with an Honors minor Grainger is a member of the college’s chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa, has done community outreach teaching people of all ages about technology and social media, and has served as president of Brothers and Sisters for Christ. She will earn her degree in May. Grainger plans to pursue a Ph.D. in history and become a professor.
Nathan Burroughs
Petey Maxwell
Published digitally monthly online by: URBAN CNY Kenneth Jackson Editor and Publisher 315-807-9022 For advertising and editorial: 315-807-9022 kjackson@urbancny.com Online at urbancny.com
High School: Homer, class of 2016 Major at OCC: Engineering Science Burroughs is a member of the college’s chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa, is one of only three OCC students to be named a NASA Scholar, has served the campus community as a member of Student Patrol and as an RA. He will earn his degree in May. Burroughs plans to pursue a master’s degree in either Mechanical
High School: Windsor in Colorado, class of 2016 Major at OCC: Exercise Science Maxwell is a member of the college’s chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa, an officer in the Student Association and a member of the national champion Men’s Lacrosse team. He will earn his degree in May and plans to transfer to a four-year school and continue his lacrosse career while pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
“Townies”: What Local Black People Were Called…The Stigma Remains as We Develop our Urban Core It was as if we were on a different tier, and perhaps we were, they were the educated and we were simply, “Townies” it hasn’t changed. As I complete 30 years publishing news and information, it’s become a time of reflection, a time for looking back recalling my earliest years growing up on Harrison Street. My childhood home straddled the boarder of Urban renewal as the destruction stopped at the corner of my block. As residents moved away, my interactions became mostly with college students. I soon found out that there was another name I had to get used to, “Townie”.
simply say, “I don’t believe you, and I don’t care how many colored people call me on behalf of the project, it’s not going to make a difference.” Others, get local jobs, many of these jobs are to interact with the African American Community. If you were born and raised in Syracuse, left to receive a college education and returned and are over 50; you know this scenario all too well. You have been “Townied” dismissed as an ancillary part of the whole.
McKinney Manor the Board of Education change anything, I think not.
Over the last 30 years, every development project that impacts the African American community is administered by someone who’s not known to the community. And when that person is known to the community, chances are that they’ve been bought-off for whatever their agency or personal buddies will receive.
Even as we diversify city government, I respect and understand the fact that young people must be included in our government. Again key demo- Black Syracusans are treated like Townies…less graphic groups aren’t included. Perhaps institu- than, here to provide ancillary support. Our povtional memory is not a erty is a vestibule Townies are how students referred to the locals. valuable asset, in a comthrough which state It was as if we were on a different tier, and per- munity that makes the and federal funds haps we were, they were the educated and we same mistakes over and flow. were simply, “Townies”. over again. Now, we’re about to As I reach my 6th decade in Syracuse the more Judas Goats invest billions in the things change, the more they stay the same. Loarea, suddenly povcal Black people are merely townies, and we per- And yet, our community erty has become an activists and Africanform only ancillary meaningless functions. As I issue. And yet, those American appointees are playing the role of Juwatch the breakneck pace at which the city of funds to attack our problem of concentrated das Goats, leading the African American Commu- poverty aren’t working. Syracuse is changing, I can’t help but to be renity to cultural slaughter, and outright removminded of that old term again. I’ll say it, al. Our struggles and talents aren’t utilized and As an African American community, we’ve been “Townies” that’s what we are. we’re expected to follow some stranger. We hoisted up on a stripper pole to perform, and the As generation, after generations have come of have no cognitive African-American leadership dollars aren’t even staying in our own G-string. age in Syracuse, the African American college structure in Syracuse; it’s a free for all, everyone graduate has had to leave since; “Townies” don’t for themselves. Don’t believe me? get local jobs. Countless African American teach- Follow the money. ers and prospective administrators can’t even get As money is being allocated, our an interview with the Syracuse City School District. And yet, they’re being snatched up by sub- various leaders are lining up to the urban schools and districts in the region, they’re sugar-teat of funding, regardless of the long term impact to the combecoming standouts. All they wanted was to work in their home town. We don’t include these munity. They’re leading the parade, not disclosing the fact that they’ve talented individuals when hiring for SCSD. We have few African American male Administrators already decided what they’re going and Teachers because, that’s the System in Syra- to do, and this is simply window cuse. Will electing one more African American to dressing. I’m at a point where I can
City of Syracuse, Syracuse Housing Authority and the Allyn Foundation Attempt to Calm Fears about Blueprint 15 Stunned would be an understatement, if you spoke with some residents and affordable housing advocates when it was learned the city of Syracuse would embrace the development project called Blueprint 15. Properties owned by Syracuse Housing Authority would be transformed into a new community, gone would be the 1938 built housing. The series of Public Housing properties, replaced by a grid of housing that according to its name and announced purpose, is an attempt at trying to recreate what was once the 15th Ward of Syracuse. Therefore, the projects name Blueprint 15. Blueprint 15 is a project based on a community building concept that’s been implemented in a number of cities, the degree of success is debatable, depending on whom you speak with and what are acceptable measures of success. Everyone can agree that having concentrated poverty serves no one. Syracuse embarks on the largest overhaul since Urban Renewal and Interstate 81 forever changed the lives of those living in socially-connected, contiguous neighborhoods. These neighborhoods were primarily inhabited by African Americans. In a meeting at Syracuse City Hall on Wednesday February 21st, urbancny.com spoke with a number of officials directly involved with Blueprint 15, participants included; Greg Loh, Director of Initiatives; Sharon Owens, Deputy Mayor; William Simmons Director Syracuse Housing Authority and Margaret (Meg) O’Connell of the Allyn Family Foundation.
tion link click on Executive Director for Blueprint with a presentation at Syracuse University, about 15 – Job Description. how new communities where created, all of them were housing authorities. That is the naDeputy Mayor Owens Sets the Tone tional model partnering with housing authorities “What we see is an opportunity” because they have control over the land. Syracuse Deputy Owens continues, “That presentation sparked a Mayor, Sharon Owconversation, it’s not just about housing, it was ens sought to reasabout commercial development, about amenities sure people who in communities, and the biggest part for them is were taken aback by school, cradle-to-grave education. But particularthe Allyn Family ly early education and elementary education, the Foundation based one in Atlanta had a state-of-the-art high school information as prein it and an elementary school pipeline going sented on SyraDeputy Mayor Sharon Owens through it. So, part of this conversation has been cuse.com, “I want the in concert with the school district, even before Syracuse community to understand that there receivership, King School is in the footprint of are no plans, what we see is an opportunity to what is going on there. And is going to be imcreate a revitalized community, we know what th pacted by whatever the final decision is with 81. the construction of 81 did to the 15 Ward, hence the name reestablishing what everybody So, that presentation of the comprehensive naremembers as a strong, mixed-use community ture of the model really sparked my interest, but with people from every race, ethnicity and reliyou never know, Power Point is fine but when gion, even socio-economic class. And all of the the opportunity came to say, yeah I’d like to see people talking about the 15th Ward talk about it what this looks like, I’d like to be able to say, I in a warm way; all we are doing is considering touched it, I felt it, I talked to people, I got the the possibilities.” gist of what you’re talking about. That’s when I had an opportunity to go down to Atlanta and It has become common knowledge across the country that HUD is no longer funding the type of visit the administrators at the high school, and talk to the students that were there, talk to some housing projects we currently have. The 1938 of the residents who were at Purpose Build…I project is 81 years old and without funds for basic maintenance and repair they (SHA)have to just think a new kind of affordable housing for people is deserving of people. We have to figure come up with creative solutions to what’s become a problem nationwide, how to fund public this out because the model of support from HUD housing. How to maintain public housing when is changing, for what has been the traditional there are no funds allocated for their continued housing project.” use.
Deputy Mayor Owens states “Look at the possibilities for re-development. I’m not asking anyone to trust me; I’ve been in this community working in neighborhoods for thirty years, everything I do is about the individuals in this community. Looking at the possibilities with the individuals who live in the footprint of that highway, All made assurances that nothing is going to hap- and the footprint from Almond all the over to pen until they hire an Executive Director for Blue- Salina, is mind first and foremost. The conversations about 81 for me have not been about powprint 15. The Allyn Family Foundation emphasized their participation as that of a facilitator in ers, they’ve been about the people who lay their this process, and that every aspect is going to be heads down in the shadow of that viaduct.” community driven. The real work is ready to The conversation about Public Housing began begin, for those interested see the job descrip-
Syracuse Housing Authority has been planning this transformation for Years For Syracuse Housing Authority the concept of leveraging their high value real estate has been a part of their future plans as outlined in an urbancny.com interview with Syracuse Housing Authority Director, William Simmons. Major changes are coming to Syracuse Housing Authority regardless of what happens with Interstate 81 At that time the director indicated problems they were having with traditional public housing resources since HUD has reduced support for the nation’s public housing stock. Nationwide, Hous(Continued on page 9)
100 Black Men Brings Morehouse College Glee Club to Syracuse (Syracuse, NY, Feb.
18, 2019) – 100 Black Men of Syracuse Inc. will present an evening with the renowned Morehouse College Glee Club at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Bethany Baptist Church, 149 Beattie St. Support for the Atlanta-based glee club's rare Central New York performance is provided by Syracuse University, CNY Arts and the Rotary Club of Syracuse. Admission is free.
guration, Super Bowl XXVIII, and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Almost from the beginning, the Glee Club members have been the school's official performing ambassadors. The glee club has earned an international reputation through its annual tours and has traveled through Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.
Founded in 1911, the Morehouse College Glee Club has a long tradition of significant public appearances, having performed at Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral, President Jimmy Carter's inau-
Known for its focused stage presence, musical precision, wide-ranging repertoire and distinguished alumni, the club's recording of "I'm Building Me a Home" was used by Morehouse alumnus Spike Lee for the opening credits of his 1988 film "School Daze."
Upstate Medical University offers SCSD families a chance to learn about health care education, careers from two SCSD alumni physicians Syracuse City School District (SCSD) families will have a chance to hear from two SCSD alumni now working as doctors at Upstate Medical University as part of upcoming events to educate students and their parents on careers in health care. The physicians will speak at “Our Kids, Our Future” events March 11 and April 2 at two city high schools.
tations. Students enrolled in the mentoring program are interacting with adults they don’t usually come into contact with, providing a unique opportunity to work on projects with professionals in the health care field, Stehle said. “There’s an expectation for the students to attend all of the mentoring sessions and produce an ‘end-product,’ The events are sponsored by Upstate’s College of while learning how to work with adults and expeHealth Professions as part of the ongoing partrience mentoring beyond their typical classroom nership with the city school district. About a year environment,” she said. ago, the College of Health Professions launched a mentoring program that involves Upstate faculty, The program has proven popular and effective students and clinicians working with students at for Henninger students, Stehle said. Organizers Henninger High School. decided to bring parents into the conversation as well, which is how the inaugural “Our Kids, Our Henninger is the designated city high school for Future” events were created, she said. Parents students interested in medical careers. Currently, are invited to attend with their interested middle there are 12 teams of one Upstate professional and high school students. and two to three Henninger students working (Families from any school district together throughout the school year. The teams are welcome, childcare will be receive guidance as they tackle projects that in- provided and refreshments will volve researching health care specialties and dis- be served.) Once there, parents eases, and researching the types of clinicians that and students will attend separate work in those fields, said Debra Stehle, director programs. of operations for the College of Health Professions. Parents will hear from a panel of Upstate staffers about their proThe student research culminates in formal fessions and from Upstate stupresentations to all Upstate mentors who evalu- dents. Students will rotate among ate, grade and provide feedback on the presen- a series of interactive sessions
demonstrating a variety of health care fields. The events aim to be high-energy, interactive and informative evenings to learn more about what a future health care career might look like for a city student, said Katherine Beissner, PT, PhD, dean of the College of Health Professions. “We hope to create some good feelings about Upstate, that we’re looking out for the best interest of their kids,” Beissner said. “We have all of these opportunities right here in the neighborhood. They can go to school here. They can work here. They can be successful here.” The event’s keynote speakers are George Stanley, Jr., MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Upstate and a graduate of Nottingham High School and Upstate Medical University. Stanley will speak at the event 4:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 11 at the Public Service Leadership Academy at Fowler Auditorium. And Daryll Dykes, MD/PhD, an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and a graduate of Fowler High School and Upstate Medical University will speak at the event 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 in the Henninger High School Auditorium. “For more than a year now, the College of Health Professions has been working with students in the Syracuse City School District to open their eyes to the many opportunities for them here at (Continued on page 11)
Classic tales, world and East Coast premieres and bright new plays meet in Syracuse Stage’s 2019/2020 Season, Taye Diggs Directs “Thoughts of a Colored Man” plays and musicals of our new season were chosen because they tell exciting stories you won’t see, hear or feel anywhere else. And they’re brought to life by amazing actors, directors and designers who’ll conjure all the magic you’ve come to expect from a season at Syracuse Stage.” Adapted by Reginald Rose from his 1954 teleplay, “Twelve Angry Men” is a taut drama that unfolds as a jury deliberates following the trial of a teenager accused of murdering his father. Initially, conviction seems certain. One holdout among the 12 complicates the path to a swift verdict by insisting on careful examination of the evidence, which slowly raises reasonable doubt and simmering tensions among the jurors. With a young man’s Taye Diggs life in the balance, prejudice, passion and human failings collide in the search for truth. Syracuse, NY – Syracuse Stage announced the six Playwright/director James Still directs “Twelve Angry Men,” shows that will make up the 2019/2020 subscripwhich Syracuse Stage will cotion season: “Twelve Angry Men,” “Disney’s produce with Indiana RepertoBeauty and the Beast,” “The Wolves,” “Amadeus,” “Once” and the East Coast premiere ry Theatre. A star-studded film adaptation was released in 1957. of “Yoga Play.” The subscription season runs Oct. 9, 2019 – June 14, 2020. Director Donna Drake returns to Syracuse Stage for her third consecutive holiday musical with The season will be preceded by an off“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” Previously, subscription production, the world premiere of “Thoughts of a Colored Man,” by Keenan Scott II Drake directed “The Wizard of Oz” and “Elf The Musical.” Co-produced with the Syracuse Univerand directed by TV, stage and film actor Taye Diggs. The play runs Sept. 4 – 22, 2019. The Cold sity Department of Drama, the show will feature spectacular flying effects, sumptuous costumes Read Festival of New Plays returns for a third and lavish sets as befit this beloved season with Octavio Solis as family favorite. The story of how young playwright-in-residence workBelle helps the Beast break an evil spell ing on a new play and nationaland resume his former state as a ly recognized poet Charles Marprince is adored the world over with its tin represented by his new timeless theme of the importance of translation of “Medea.” knowing how to love and be loved. In announcing the season, SyraNine 16- and 17-year-olds make up a cuse Stage artistic director Robgirls indoor soccer team in “The ert Hupp said, “We’re crafting a Wolves.” Over a series of wintry Saturseason of plays and musicals days on an AstroTurf indoor field that celebrate diverse and powsomewhere in suburban America, the erful voices. Our 47th season team members perform their ritual pre brings to life rich stories that -game warm-up. Between stretches Syracuse Stage Artistic Director entertain and delight; it’s a Robert Hupp and pep talks, cajoling and consoling, poignant season of love and jokes and jibes, an eye-opening and loss, of justice and jealousy. sympathetic portrait of nine young women We sought works that make you stand up and emerges, revealing their complexities and confutake notice. Hot off the press or written more sions as they grapple with issues large and small, than 60 years ago, set in a mid-century courtroom, an 18th century royal court, a fantastical near at hand and far away. Through precisely beast’s castle, an Irish bar or a fitness studio, the orchestrated cross talk, crisp overlapping dia-
logue, and some pretty nifty footwork, playwright Sarah DeLappe celebrates these young women as independent individuals: athletes, scholars, daughters, students and friends. A favorite of New York critics and a hit with audiences at Lincoln Center, “The Wolves” is one of the most produced plays in the country. “The scary, exhilarating brightness of raw adolescence emanates from every scene of this uncannily assured first play,” wrote The New York Times. Following his acclaimed performance in “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” (2017), Mickey Rowe returns to Syracuse Stage to take on the role of musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in “Amadeus,” directed by Hupp. Written by Peter Shaffer (“Equus”), “Amadeus” delightfully mixes history and mystery in an imaginative exploration of artistic rivalry in the extreme. On Dec. 5, 1791, Mozart died at the age of 35, cause of death “rheumatic inflammatory fever.” But was the cause of the cause natural? Borrowing from a play by Alexander Pushkin, Shaffer places rival composer Antonio Salieri as prime suspect in the death of the “obscene child” with the preternatural ability. Is there a clue in Salieri’s final composition: “The Death of Mozart – or, Did I Do It?” “Amadeus” enjoyed immense success in London and New York when it was first produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It took the Tony Award for Best Play in 1981. The 1984 film, directed by Milos Foreman, earned the Academy Award for Best Picture and earned F. Murray Abraham Best Actor for his portrayal of Salieri. There have been numerous successful revivals, including recently at its original home The National Theatre in London. Syracuse Stage produced it in 2003 under the direction of Michael Donald Edwards. For the 19/20 production, Syracuse Stage will partner with Symphoria to present a series of related musical events. “‘Amadeus’ has it all: it’s a murder mystery wrapped in a human drama about genius and jealousy; it’s a theatrical tour de force that is as delicious as the delectable Italian confections that haunt Salieri’s dreams,” Hupp said. “I’m thrilled that one of our favorite actors, Mickey Rowe, will return to give life to Mozart, the L’Enfant terrible at the center of our story.” With a book by the brilliant Irish playwright Enda (Continued on page 7)
(Continued from page 6)
Walsh, it is no surprise that the Broadway musical adaptation of “Once” was nominated for 11 Tony Awards and won eight including Best Musical, Best Actor and Best Book in 2012. A year later it also won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. “Once” started as a charming independent film about a jaded Irish busker on the verge of abandoning his songs and a young Czech émigré who rekindles his passion for music and his desire for life and love. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová took Best Song at the 2008 Academy Awards for “Falling Slowly.” On stage, their story springs to life with the spirit and energy of a lively pub music session as the performers serve as cast and band. A tender and surprising love story combines with great songs in a warmly affecting show that understands the power of music to move the human heart. The season closes with comedy and the East Coast premiere of “Yoga Play,” also directed by Hupp. Written by Dipika Guha, “Yoga Play” joyfully skewers that holy grail of marketing directors the world over—authenticity. When the new CEO of high end Jojomon athletic wear (think of something that ends with citrus) learns that their prized lavender scented yoga pants are being made by a manufacturer accused of using child laborers, she goes into full damagecontrol mode and commences a search for a real -deal, reclusive and revered yogi to salvage the company’s image. She succeeds in finding him, but he is not quite what she expected. The fallout proves fertile comic fodder for Guha, who is a rising star and was recently awarded a Venturous Playwright Fellowship by The Lark. “It’s fun to pack surprises into our season and ‘Yoga Play’ is just that: a delightful new comedy to wrap things up,” Hupp said. “Funny, yes, but right on the money, too, as playwright Dipika Guha turns the fitness industry on its ear. You don’t have to be into yoga to relish this send up of the ‘authenticity’ industry.” Directed by renowned artist Taye Diggs, and written Taye Diggs by Keenan Scott II, one of today’s boldest new voices, “Thoughts of a Colored Man” blends language, music and dance into a daringly universal new play. Welcome to the vibrant inner life of being Black, proud and thriving in the 21st century. Set over a single day, this richly theatrical mosaic goes beyond the rhythms of the basketball court and the boisterousness of the barbershop. It sheds brilliant light into the hearts and minds of a community of men searching for their most triumphant selves. And
what they reveal are the deeply human hopes, dreams, fears and sensitivities of all men, all people. As playwright-in-residence at the third annual Cold Read Festival of New Plays, renowned Latino playwright Octavio Solis will share a draft of new work in progress. Solis has written more than 20 plays and has been produced at more than 25 theaters nationwide including Yale Repertory Theater, Mark Taper Forum, Denver Center Theater and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. His memoir “Retablos: Stories From A Life Lived Along The Border” was released in October 2018 and recounts his childhood in El Paso, Texas. Solis served as a cultural consultant on the Disney Pixar film “Coco.” “Writing the American story through a MexiSyracuse Stage Associate Artistic Direccan-American tor & Cold Read Curator, Kyle Bass lens, Octavio Solis has been a singular poetic and daring voice in the American Theater for more than 20 years,” said Syracuse Stage Associate Artistic Director and Cold Read curator Kyle Bass. “I’m thrilled to bring his necessary voice, exciting new work and generosity of spirit to Cold Read.” Martin, who features as the local author in Cold Read’s “Write Here” presentation, lives in Syracuse and is the author of eight books of poetry. His new translation of Euripides’ “Medea” has been published by University of California Press.
“Twelve Angry Men” By Reginald Rose Directed by James Still Co-produced with Indiana Repertory Theatre Oct. 9 – 27, 2019 1954. A teenager is accused of murdering his father. His fate rests with 12 jurors. “He doesn’t stand a chance,” mutters the courtroom guard. As the jurors deliberate, the impulse to quickly convict is thwarted by one holdout, who insists on a close evaluation of the evidence. Slowly, without hectoring rhetoric or even firm belief in the youth’s innocence, he argues the case for further questioning. Then gradually and in different ways, other jurors begin to change their minds, a development that fuels simmering tension and threatens volatile confrontation. Prejudices, passions and human failings collide in a search for truth as a young man’s life hangs in the balance. A taut and absorbing drama as compelling now as when it was written. “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice Book by Linda Woolverton Directed by Donna Drake Choreography by Anthony Salatino Musical Direction by Brian Cimmet Flying Effects by ZFX Inc. Co-produced with the Syracuse University Department of Drama
The 2019/2020 season opens Sept. 4, 2019 and Nov. 22, 2019 – Jan. 5, 2020 runs through June 14, 2020. Subscriptions are on Be our guest for a beloved musical sure to desale now. light the whole family. Spectacular costumes and fantastic sets combine with enchanting songs in this classic story about finding the magic in love. A wicked curse has transformed a young prince into a ghastly Beast. To break the power of this spell and return to his former self, the Beast must learn how to love and be loved. His fate is in the hands of a young woman, Belle, who must guide and teach him before he is lost forever. A tale as old as time to celebrate the holiday season. Anne-Marie Cusson, Paul DeBoy, Erick González and Monica Rae Summers Gonzalez in “Native Gardens,” part of the Syracuse Stage 2018/2019 season. Directed by Melissa Crespo. Scenic design by Shoko Kambara. Costume design by Lux Haac. Lighting design by Dawn Chiang. Sound design and original music by Elisheba Ittoop. Photo by Michael Davis.
“The Wolves” By Sarah DeLappe Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson Co-produced with the Syracuse University Department of Drama Performed in the Storch Theatre
Subscription Season
SHOW DETAILS
Jan. 22 – Feb. 16, 2020 Enter a world you think you may know. The Wolves are a girls soccer team. The nine players (Continued on page 8)
beloved indie film. Guy has been busking on Dublin’s Grafton St. for too long. He’s ready to chuck are 16 and 17 years old. Over a series of wintry his music and forget the girlfriend who relocated Saturdays on an AstroTurf indoor soccer field to New York. Girl is an émigré from the Czech somewhere in suburban America, they perform Republic with a tangled personal life, a passion their ritual pre-game warm-up. Between stretch- for music and a belief in Guy and his songs. It’s a es and pep talks, cajoling and consoling, jokes complicated business this love. It doesn’t always and jibes, an eye-opening and sympathetic por- turn out as expected. Sometimes, that’s ok. trait of nine young women emerges, revealing Nominated for 11 Tony Awards and winner of their complexities and confusions as they grapple eight, including Best Musical, “Once” is a warmly with issues large and small, near at hand and far affecting show that understands the power of away. Through precisely orchestrated cross talk, music to move the human heart. snappy overlapping dialogue and some pretty “Yoga Play” nifty footwork, playwright Sarah DeLappe celebrates these young women as independent individuals: athletes, scholars, daughters, students and friends. “The scary, exhilarating brightness of raw adolescence emanates from every scene of this uncannily assured first play,” wrote The New York Times. (Continued from page 7)
“Amadeus” By Peter Shaffer Directed by Robert Hupp
By Dipika Guha Directed by Robert Hupp
Co-produced with the Syracuse University Department of Drama
May 27 – June 14, 2020
March 11 – 29, 2020 Mickey Rowe (“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time”) returns to Syracuse Stage to take on the role of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in this contemporary favorite about artistic rivalry and suspected murder. Antonio Salieri has pledged his life to God in exchange for success as a composer. Yet the music that most captures God’s voice comes not from Salieri, but from the prodigy Mozart. Could jealousy have driven Salieri to murder this “obscene child” who is unworthy of the musical genius he possesses? On the eve of his own death, Salieri reveals his final composition: “The Death of Mozart – or, Did I Do It?” Well, did he or didn’t he? An enticing and enjoyable theatrical experience enhanced by a variety of musical events in partnership with Symphoria.
“Once” Book by Enda Walsh Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
April 15 – May 3, 2020
In association with Brian Moreland Associate directed by Shannon Stoeke Sept. 4 – 22, 2019 As the sun rises on an ordinary day in New York, seven men are about to discover the extraordinary. Directed by renowned artist Taye Diggs, and written by Keenan Scott II, one of today’s boldest new voices, Thoughts of a Colored Man blends language, music and dance into a daringly universal new play. Welcome to the vibrant inner life of being Black, proud and thriving in the 21st century. Set over a single day, this richly theatrical mosaic goes beyond the rhythms of the basketball court and the boisterousness of the barbershop. It sheds brilliant light into the hearts and minds of a community of men searching for their most triumphant selves. And what they reveal are the deeply human hopes, dreams, fears and sensitivities of all men, all people.
Cold Read: A Festival of Hot New Plays
Playwright-in-Residence Octavio Solis Joan has a big problem. Recently named CEO of Write Here Featured Author Charles Martin athletic-wear giant Jojomon—think high-end Curated by Kyle Bass brand that’s part 60s one-hit wonder and part citrus fruit—she even more recently learned that April 1 – 5, 2020 a BBC investigative team is about to expose her Bangladeshi manufacturer of lavender scented yoga pants as an exploiter of child labor. Suddenly, Jojomon’s family of customers is all atwitter with accusations of inauthenticity. Only one solution will do— find a reclusive and revered yogi to serve as a spokesman and restore the company’s allimportant claim to authenticity. They find him all right. The rest is 90 minutes of side-splitting comedy. The East Coast premiere of a timely new comedy by Dipika Guha, a talent to watch who was recently awarded a Venturous Playwright Fellowship by The Lark. Off-Subscription: A Cold Read World Premiere Event
Based on the motion picture written and directed “Thoughts of a by John Carney Directed by Mark Cuddy
Parsinen
Colored Man” By Keenan Scott II Directed by Taye Diggs
The exuberant spirit of a lively pub session (what Music composed by the Irish call craic) meets an out-of-the-ordinary Madison McFerrin love story in this irresistible musical based on the Choreography by Jenny
County Executive Ryan McMahon Applauds County Legislature for Supporting Countywide STEAM School cuse City School District, OCM STEAM School.” McMahon continued, Boces and New York State in “Thank you to my partners in the Counthe creation of a Countywide ty Legislature for their support and I STEAM school. The school look forward to now working with our would be located at the historrepresentatives in Albany to make this ic Central High School in downproject a reality. We are all in this totown Syracuse and be open to gether and providing our children from students across the County. across the County with this opportunity STEAM school to provide new & critical educaThe current plan calls for 60% County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II is simply the right thing to do.” tional opportunities for students throughout of the students to come from County the City of Syracuse and 40% from the rest of the Onondaga County and Central New York is home to many companies looking to grow and expand. County. Syracuse, N.Y. – County Executive J. Ryan The list includes SRC, Anaren, Hill Rom and many McMahon, II applauded the County Legislature County Executive McMahon said, “If our commu- more. In order to secure new growth, our private for their vote today in support of a Countywide nity is going to remain competitive, we must sector partners must see we have the workforce Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math have a workforce that has the skillsets employers they need. This is as much about jobs and eco(STEAM) School. The vote was unanimous. are seeking. The County Legislature took an im- nomic growth as it is about providing our chilportant step today in recognizing that fact when dren with the education they need and deserve. Our community has a generational opportunity they expressed their support for a Countywide to be a partner with the City of Syracuse, Syra-
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ing Authorities have scrambled to come up with solutions to an ever growing problem. The Allyn Foundation facilitated Simmons and members of SHA’s board member visits to Atlanta for an opportunity to see East Lake, a location where, according to supporters, this concept has been successfully deployed.
them have done it for Purpose Built in other communities. But they’ve done them all over the country, in terms of having mixed income housing and working with public housing developments. Because it’s a very, very complicated process, especially when you have a fully leased development, how you handle residents. Public Housing, it’s very different than the way people are treated when they’re living in housing and market forces come and remove them.”
the level of Syracuse’s part of the comparison? And, is it appropriate to compare a program that is successful in communities that have populations of a few million to Syracuse’s 144,000 residents? Will employment status and/ or criminal record prevent inclusion in the new community? Cautious Concern Expressed
The list of Blueprint 15 Board of Directors has been released, they’ve yet to meet. When approached about this project some were oblivious Syracuse Housing Authority Director Sim- to any specifics. mons outlined what the Syracuse Hous- One board member expressed concern and dising Authority are tasked with prior to closed on the condition of anonymity that, “ the making any major changes to Public project in other parts of the nation has transHousing, Simmons states, “This is Public formed communities, but where I’ve been, There were information- Syracuse Housing Authority Housing, HUD’s not going to let you walk they’ve also pushed people out, armed with al events that discussed Director Bill Simmons all over folks, those days are long gone. vouchers these public housing residents disapPurpose Built and the You gotta have a temporary relocation plan, no pear as they’re replaced by new, higher income role this innovative concept can play in the rede- matter how temporary it may be, that it’s satisvelopment of SHA properties, according to Sim- factory to Fair Housing, Civil Rights groups. It’s a people who can afford market rate housing.” mons, “From there the board said, ‘yeah, let’s In an effort to let people determine for themlong process ahead of us, and approval from combine this effort, that’s going to take what we HUD before they finance any demolition of pub- selves, see the links below for information want to do here, in terms of mixed income and on Purpose Built initiatives across the country. lic housing.” new housing and make it a holistic kind of development, whereby it creates pathways out of The ink is still dry on this proposal, members of Purpose Built website under its Network : Purpose Built poverty for people because of the education and the Syracuse Common Council and others have gone on Allyn Foundation funded informational Syracuse Community members have made the wellness component.’” junkets to learn more about this project. trip to Atlanta Eastlake site: Atlanta Eastlake – “The approach was to get a master developer on Purpose Built Community board that could start to plan this stuff out, have More Questions than Answers Members of the SHA board visited the New Orlethe community engagement with the stake holdThere are more questions than ans site: New Orleans – Purpose Built Community ers, employees and residents. answers regarding Blueprint 15, And really start laying out a for example; are there any cities Deputy Mayor, Sharon Owens visited (nonreal plan for the neighborfunded) while in Florida the Orlando the size of Syracuse, with similar hood, and having master desite: Orlando – Purpose Built Community demographics that have emveloper on board that has braced this public housing trans- All of these visits were made in order to experidone these kinds of things in formation? Are there cities exence the location and talk to the people who other communities, some of periencing extreme poverty at live there.
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pieces of the report to review, this summary of each section provides a glimpse into the information gathered and how it’s organized. Each section provides maps and data supporting their conclusions. We will provide a different story that deal with the numbers and their impact on future policy making decisions in the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.
trated poverty within the city and eroded the city’s tax base. One’s race was key in the era of redlining. A black individual or family moving into a neighborhood would immediately lower its ranking perpetuating racial segregation.10 Syracuse was entrenched with redlining practices.
The 1937 residential security map for the City of Syracuse, on Page 9, shows that the highest ranking green areas included such neighborhoods as Dewitt, Meadowbrook, Sedgewick, and Facts Strathmore.11 By contrast, the red areas consisted of the Near Westside and the former By 1950, 93% of all black people in Syracuse lived Fifteenth Ward; the lowly ranked yellow areas in the Fifteenth Ward where rents were inflated consisted of villages bordering the city such as, by 20%-40%. Mattydale, Nedrow, Solvay, and East Syracuse.12 Decades later these red and yellow areas are still Between 1950 and 1960 the black population increased by 144%. This growth was due largely struggling to recover from the effects of redlining. to certain social trends playing out nationally.
The Interviews We wanted to hear from people about the construction trades and how to build equity within them. To accomplish this we conducted 20 interviews with 30 leaders including local government officials, community leaders, workforce developers, financial institution leaders, developers, academics, union representatives, and union and non-union construction workers. These leaders revealed four common themes which are: Intentionality; direct and indirect pressures; education and training; and overcoming barriers to win a construction bid. Conclusion – A Call to Action
Creating racial equity in the construction trades cannot be accomplished by any one player. To city leaders failed to build new affordable hous- Current State of the Syracuse Workforce be successful, there must be collaborative action ing to replace that of 1,000s of black people that As areas of Syracuse are re-developed, city resi- to reduce racial disparities within the construcwere destroyed during urban renewal. tion trades through an assembly of local and dents remain entrenched in both poverty and state government officials, construction developDue to its close proximity to the central business limited opportunity. Half of the city’s workforce ers, unions, workforce developers, community leaves the city for employment in mostly lowdistrict and its label as a “slum” by the city’s stakeholders, and city residents. This team wage work. Meanwhile, two-thirds of the jobs prominent white leaders in the 1960s, the should come together now to build a racially diFifteenth Ward was not only targeted for clear- within Syracuse are performed by suburban verse workforce who will have equal opportuniance by urban renewal, but also for construction commuters. Perhaps three-quarters of those commuters are white. No matter where city resi- ties to work on the I-81 Viaduct Project and othof the I-81 Viaduct under the Federal Highway er good paying construction jobs in the Syracuse dents work, the majority still do not receive Act of 1956. area. enough income to reach the United Way’s the white population in Syracuse decreased by benchmark of a “survival wage.” Regardless of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic 20% from 1950-1970 and then dropped 50% bePolicies Addressing Equity on Construction Pro- status all Syracuse residents deserve an opportween 1970 and 2010. At the same time, the tunity to enter the construction trades and bring black population exploded from 4,500 to 42,000 jects and the Trades generational wealth back into the city. With this Leveraging the skills of local workers, and the fundamental premise, it is time for our region to The latest US Census Bureau data estimates that diversity of minority-owned businesses is constrengthen its resolve to create racial equity in Syracuse is 50.5% white and 49.5% minority strained under current conditions. As a state-led, the construction trades. while Onondaga County, as a whole, is 76.7 % but federally-funded project, the I-81 Viaduct white and 23.3 % minority. Black residents are The Urban Jobs Task Force and Legal Services of Project will utilize the Disadvantaged Business 29% of the city’s population and 11.8% of the Enterprise (DBE) model for incorporating socially CNY end their report with a summary that county’s. Of that 11.8%, 75.7% live in the city reads: and economically disadvantaged enterprises. Potential Limitations of an I-81 PLA Exclusionary However, DBE restrictions may actually exclude “Our Racial Equity Impact Statement presents Economic Development: Unless leaders of New some New York State-approved Minority and strong evidence that racial inequity is deeply York State get behind the community on local Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) rooted within the construction trades of central worker training, hiring, and long-term employfrom fair participation. New York, and racial disparity exists on construcment, any PLA is unlikely to be sensitive to the tion projects. Until these disparities are addestructive history of I-81 within, and upon, the Racial Diversity on Large Scale Municipal dressed, Syracuse’s minority residents will not Projects in the Syracuse Area Syracuse community. have access to the well-paying construction jobs Data demonstrating the current racial composi- that will become available through the I-81 ViaHistory of Racial Discrimination in Syration of local construction projects was missing in duct Project and beyond. cuse our research. To fill that gap we collected data Redlining made minority-populated areas, such from five construction projects in the Syracuse This is not an acceptable path for our city. After as Syracuse’s Ninth and Fifteenth Wards, easy all we have presented before you, we of course area: targets for urban renewal schemes. Indeed, urhave a call to action as we aren’t in the business ban renewal and construction of the I-81 viaduct The Hancock Airport Renovation Project; of playing respectability politics with people. were critical factors in the destruction of 75% of The Lakeview Amphitheater Project; Many of the people in this very room either have the homes and apartments of black Syracuse the power or work for and are representing a residents. Compounding this injustice, discrimi- The New York State Fair Exposition Center; person who has the power and resources to natory real estate practices shunted these resibegin building racial equity within our construcThe I-690 Teall Avenue and Beech St. Design dents almost exclusively into one location: tion trades in time for I-81. Build Project; Southside neighborhoods. The Joint School Construction Board Phase II Pro- To be clear, building racial equity within the conBy 1970, using I-81’s expedited transportation, struction trades is not all about minorities, it’s ject. white flight took hold in the city causing concenabout everyone.”
Plumbers & Steamfitters Recruit Apprentices Syracuse, NY (January 30, 2019) The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Plumbers & Steamfitters, Local Union #267, will conduct a recruitment from April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020 for five to 10 plumber and steamfitter apprentices, five to 10 pipefitter apprentices, and five to 10 heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanic, the New York State Department of Labor announced today. Please note that the five to 10 openings listed for pipefitter, plumber and steamfitter and heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanic apprentices represent the total number for two recruitment regions – the Central and Southern Tier regions.
Must attest in writing that they are Must have reliable transportation to and from physically able to perform the work of various work sites and related instruction clasthe trade, which may include: ses.
Working with sharp objects, hazardMust participate in an interview, if selected. ous machinery, and possible exposure Must pass a drug screening, at the expense of to loud noises and respiratory irrithe sponsor, at the time of appointment. tants. Must provide military transfer card or discharge Prolonged standing and walking. form DD-214, if applicable, after selection and Repeated squatting and/or bending. prior to indenture.
Working in severe weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
Must take and pass the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test.
Working in confined spaces.
Working in wet and muddy conditions.
Lifting and/or moving heavy objects and equipment.
For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or Local Union #267 at (315) 4636344.
Applications can be obtained and submitted, in person only, at Local Union #267, 107 Twin Oaks Working off of ladders and scaffolds at variDrive, Syracuse, NY, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ous heights. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. Must reside within the jurisdiction of Local Union #267, which includes the counties of Cayuga, The Committee requires that applicants: Chemung, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Schuyler, and Tompkins. Must be at least 18 years old. Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Proof will be required after selection and prior to indenture.
Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status.
Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Must have a valid driver’s license. Apprentices Sponsors of programs are required to adopt may be required to drive company vehicles. affirmative action plans for the recruitment of Proof will be required after selection and prior to women and minorities. indenture.
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Upstate and in the broader health care field,” Beissner said. “This event will help bring their parents into the conversation, to better understand their student’s future path and potential. “And to hear from two Upstate doctors who are both Syracuse City School District graduates is incredible. They are proof that students can excel right here at home.” Krystal Ripa, director of special admissions programs at Upstate, is involved in the program’s activities along with the SCSD and its staff. Stehle and Beissner work with Susan H. Centore, program director for SCSD, and Bob Leslie, director of career and technical education at SCSD. Ongoing programs include the mentoring program; the Medical Education for Diverse Students (MEDS) program; and the Reading Buddies program with Dr. King Elementary School. Upstate also worked with the Syracuse City School District and Onondaga Community College to create a full-color brochure called “Your pathway to a career in health professions,” which helps students select middle and high school classes that lead to two-year, four-year, and graduate degree career pathways at a variety of state schools as well as Upstate. Families interested in attending one of the “Our Kids, Our Future” events should send an email to RSVP@Upstate.edu.