Winner 2017 Syracuse Press Club Professional Recognition Awards Online Journalism 1st and 2nd Place Breaking News 1st Place Online Journalism Blog 2nd Place Online Photo/Graphics
October 2018
Governor Cuomo Announces New Law Enforcement Actions to Combat Violence in Syracuse
Failure to Identify Assailants Feeds Violence in Our Community
State and Local Law Enforcement to Expand Anti-Gang Operations and Intelligence-Sharing State to Convene Working Group of Local Officials and Community Leaders to Develop Long-Term Solutions
On Tuesday Oct. 16th Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a series of actions by state law enforcement aimed at combatting the recent violence that the City of Syracuse has experienced over the past Mayor Walsh, Chief Fowler several weeks. Initially, New York will expand State Police patrols and operations, as well as increase intelligence sharing and coordination with local law enforcement and other state agencies. Following the implementation of this plan, the state will engage with the region’s community leaders, clergy, law enforcement and elected officials to identify additional long term solutions to not only reduce violence, but address many of the systemic socio-
economic problems that violenceplagued communities face.
leaders and elected officials to determine long-term solutions to combat this violence once and for all. We want to ensure that we reduce these incidents from happening and keep all New Yorkers safe from harm.”
“Protecting the public is the top responsibility of government and I am proud to work with our community partners to address both the immediate and As law enforcement conunderlying caustinues to investigate the es of violence in multiple shootings that our neighborhave taken place over hoods,” Goverthe past several weeks, nor Cuomo said. it is critical that both the “Together, we state and local levels will build a immediately expand Mass Shooting on Midland Avenue stronger and their intelligence sharing, safer New York for all.” and find ways to combine resources and expand operational support with “State Police will partner with local one another. Further, more resources law enforcement to crack down on need to be dedicated to providing the recent violence and gang opera- youth with the services they need in tions in the Syracuse area,” said Lieu- schools to help them not only suctenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “We (Continued on page 2) will collaborate with local community
City of Syracuse Seeks Partner to Provide Sidewalk Snow Clearing Services
Syracuse Stage presents “Possessing Harriet” World Premiere inspired by Local History
for identified high-risk parolees, and launch a 24/7 information portal to field requests on poceed personally, but to stay off the streets and tential gang-involved individuals of interest to away from the influence of gangs and criminal local law enforcement officers and prosecutors. These actions are modeled after the State reactivity. sponse to violence in the Bronx announced in As a first step, New York State Police Troop D will July 2018. provide additional Troopers for 10 patrols, in coordination with Syracuse Police Department, as Local elected leaders well as add one investigator on the Onondaga were on the same Crime Analysis Center and Police Department’s page with these acGang Violence Task Force. This deployment foltions, as they issued lows similar actions taken in Long Issupportive stateland, Rochester, and Albany over the past two ments: years to provide federal and state law enforceSyracuse Mayor Ben ment agencies with access to state intelligence expertise and specialized resources, such as avia- Walsh said, “Reducing tion assistance, to better coordinate operations gun violence in our and inform intelligence-based policing strategies community will take an ‘all-out’ effort in the fight Ben Walsh on multiple against violent fronts, which is why we called on governcrime involving ment and law enforcement at every level gangs and firefor support. We greatly appreciate Goverarms. nor Cuomo working together with us to inAdditionally, the crease safety and security for Syracuse chilNew York State dren and families.” Department of Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney Corrections and Community Supervision will direct Parole Officers in the Syracuse Metropolitan adding, “Governor Cuomo is ensuring that our community has the tools and resources to fight Bureau to monitor parolees for recent gang involvement, impose special conditions to restrict back against the access to high-crime areas as warranted, conduct devastating plague of violence. Thank unannounced home visits and curfew checks to ensure compliance, as well as offer community- you to Governor Cuomo and New based services for recently-released individuals York State for taking as an alternative to gang recruitment. action to help us Finally, the Department will assign an additional prevent further Office of Special Investigations Investigator to the senseless loss.” Syracuse Police Department’s Gang Violence Task State Senator Dave Force. This individual will focus on sharing gang Valesky said, “This intelligence information with local agencies to Dave Valesky curb violence, expand the use of GPS monitoring multi-faceted plan is a step in the right (Continued from page 1)
direction to help end the violence and save lives in the City of Syracuse. By improving communication among law enforcement agencies and increasing patrols across the city, along with other longer-term solutions, we can prevent this scourge of gun violence from happening again. I thank Governor Cuomo for working with the City and County to deliver a comprehensive solu- William B. Magnarelli tion.” Our New York State Assembly delegation is also on board; Assembly Member William B. Magnarelli said, “I thank Governor Cuomo for working with the City and County for taking swift action to quell the sudden increase in violence in Syracuse. Comprehensive action will go a long way to ensuring community safety, expanding anti-gang operations and intelligence sharing services. It will take a holistic, community involved approach to stop this violence and I believe we can achieve that through this plan.” Another delegation member, Assembly Member Pamela Pamela Hunter Hunter states, “The senseless violence that the Syracuse community has seen in recent weeks is absolutely tragic. With these actions, we have both short- and long-term solutions to take guns out of the wrong hands and provide the proper intervention for at-risk youth in our city. I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo, the City of Syracuse, and Onondaga County to provide tangible solutions to this rapidly growing problem.”
Published digitally monthly online by: URBAN CNY Kenneth Jackson Editor and Publisher 315-807-9022 Walt Shepperd Senior Editor For advertising and editorial: 315-807-9022 kjackson@urbancny.com Online at urbancny.com
Failure to Identify Assailants Feeds Violence in Our Community Acts of violence have takthe lives of others. It’s a delicate balen its toll on Syracuse resance, but if there are no consequences idents. I wonder out loud to crimes that have been committed, if our poverty problem why risk your life, “snitching”? has given birth to a sector If the perpetuators of violence are alof our population that’s lowed to go back to their lives and behopeless, callus and inhavior, no one is safe. If there isn’t creasingly violent. There’s trust between citizens and law enan implicit license to “let forcement, we descend into lawlessit happen, it doesn’t affect ness, which then feeds into the probme.” But as we descend Family members and friends assemble at Emergency Room entrance following shootings lems we face associated with severe into an area with widenpoverty. ing disparities between the haves and the have out retaliation. At this point, being puzzled I nots, conventional tactics aren’t working. reached out for some answers. What I received There has to be a way to improve the lines of was startling, I was told, “look at every stabbing, communication between the Syracuse African We’d be complicit if we didn’t discuss the disshooting or act of violence where there’s no coturbing trend that’s becoming the norm when it operation with the police. In many cases several American community and law enforcement. comes down to reporting a violent crime. Espe- days later, there’ll be another. What people There are cities that have experienced the same cially, in our most challenged African American tit for tat violence cycle we find ourselves in. We aren’t piecing together is the connection beinhabited neighborhoods. tween crimes.” Perhaps that explains the string need to research what actions were taken to combat violence in these respective cities. These of violence that erupts periodically. The agPeople are being shot, stabbed, robbed, and solutions cost money. beaten up; victims of many crimes are not going grieved and parties associated with victims at to report that they’re a victim. And when a crime times resort to “Street justice” resulting in a se- Syracuse has to prioritize finding and impleries of tit-for-tat acts menting creative solutions to a longstanding is reported to law enforceof violence. ment, the victim suddenly challenge. Boston and other forward thinking can’t or won’t speak. Some may categorize cities have implemented initiatives to curb youth violence, gang violence and sought to change the refusing to “tell” on With regularity instead of a atmosphere in which these actions are occurring. someone as, victim saying,” (insert perpe“snitching”, however Praying is fine and is food for the soul. However, trators name here) did it.” silence means being The Police are met with vicwe have to do more than pray. We have to relegated to a neigh- stand, for finding true solutions, not Band-Aids tim, after victim who refuse borhood living in con- that don’t address root causes. And then pray to provide information leadstant fear. Silence ing to the arrest of the culthat these solutions address our core problem means that the shoot- with violence. prit. Instead of a name of an er, stabber or robber arrested protagonist, we’re Our state has resources to expend on large is now emboldened, given this statement, “The absolutely fearless to glittering, gleaming signature projects and yet victim was uncooperative when it comes to the safety and quality of life in continue their purge of civility in our poverty with Officers and Detectives, and refused to proour city, there’s no money. Perhaps, they’ll film a plagued city. vide any information regarding his injury.” movie about our conditions here in Syracuse, Law and Order requires an atmosphere of trust, At the same time, there’s the responsibility of why not, we have brand new, New York State law enforcement and our judicial system to keep financed studio just waiting for customers. where people feel safe to discuss matters withtruly dangerous violent people away from ruining
Fired Dunkin’ Donuts Employee Issues apology Receives “Community Service” Punishment
By Ken Jackson
Sometimes terrible events can become teaching moments for an entire community Incident brings attention to the plight of our homeless population bringing together our communities major advocacy agencies, law enforcement and the public. national implications. As Social Media displayed outrage after a live video that apparently shows a Dunkin Donuts employee berating and then dousing the homeless man with a pitcher of water. The water dousing incident occurred late on Sunday night September 30th. The video has since gone viral. In website searches, “Dunkin Donuts Syracuse Homeless man doused with water” began to pop-up in search engine results. This incident occurred at the Dunkin Donuts location on North Salina Street, Syracuse.
Destiny Odom, I’m protesting the ignorance of the employee who dumped water all over that homeless man who was just sleeping and trying to charge his phone, he could have been better trained better to handle the situation and I want him fired”
Jordyn Murray, “I’m here for the exact same reason she is, I just want the guy fired. It was absolutely rude and uncalled for, he wasn’t doing anything, bothering anybody, guy already has to walk home and he poured cold water on him. It’s As people from offices to corner stores; in Syra- cold outside, there’s no compassion for other cuse the video was being shared, you could hear people.” snickering in the background. The following video is what set off the firestorm criticism regard- Forrest Vohs, “There’s no compassion, no concern for his health or well-being, no concern for ing the incident and the employees inthe community overall, obviously. That behavior volved; Dunkin Donuts on North Salina Street has no place in it and he shouldn’t be working in Caught on Video Pouring Water on Homeless it as well. That’s the basis of it. “Nothing wrong Man with Dunkin as a franchise location” Vohs adds Dunkin Donuts employee dumps water on Online, people began a campaign, calling the he’s immediately backed up by Murray and Dunkin Donuts phone simply saying, “Fix this!” Odom echoing the separation between the franhomeless man The cause picked up momentum when Al-Amin chise and the employees. Destiny continues, Muhammad of We Rise Above the Streets, went “The employee who was with him shouldn’t While painful to the victim and producing a vis- live on Facebook as the community activist asked have encouraged the whole situation and ceral reaction by those who viewed the video of questions regarding the treatment of a homeless should’ve stopped it.” the water pouring incident, the Syracuse comperson. Muhammad has asked for the manager As the day progressed more became known munity came together, engaging in a conversaand is simply saying “if there is not a response, tion about the plight of the homeless in Syrawe will call for this Dunkin Donuts to be boycott- about the “homeless man” named, Jeremy Dufresne victimized by the cruel attack. His family cuse. It also illuminates just one of several chal- ed.” In later interviews, Muhammad has asked lenges workers face in those establishments, that the implicated employees not be fired, but spoke out regarding his homelessness and condition. Horrified by what was done, an aunt said he handling situations involving people who’ve cho- corrective action should be taken. was charging his phone so he could call his sen to respite at a table in a coffee shop. After suspending the suspected employees seen mother; and that relatives have offered him a Those who frequent some of these locations will and heard in the video, the Walak Group local place to stay. recognize those individuals as part of the culture Dunkin’ Donuts franchise decided to fire the staff Advocates for the homeless have connected with of an establishment. Most people pass by the involved in the incident. Jeremy Dufresne and his family. The hope is that homeless in these situations, perhaps not noticProtestors this could be a new beginning, a sense of hope ing. These images arrived after being publicly humiliated. have become as frespontanequent as a group of Late afternoon on Monday October 1st a stateously, at senior citizen men ment was issued by The Wolak Group, which the hanging out at local Northside owns the Dunkin’ on North Salina Street in SyraMcDonald’s, nursing cuse. Donkin that $1.00 cup of Donuts “Dunkin’ has been a part of the Syracuse comcoffee as they chat continuing munity for many years, and as the franchisees with their friends. sporadical- who own and operate the North Salina Street Dunkin Donuts on ly through- location, we were extremely disturbed by the North Salina Street out the behavior of our employees captured in the vidfaced a problem with Destiny Odom, Jordyn Murray and Forrest Vohs day.
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City of Syracuse Seeks Partner to Provide Sidewalk Snow Clearing Services Serviced Areas to Include 20 Miles of Predetermined City Streets with High Vehicular and Pedestrian Activity
Syracuse, N.Y. – The City of Syracuse issued a Request for Proposals on Friday, Sept. 21 to select a contractor to offer sidewalk snow clearing to a predetermined network of city streets. The RFP is now available on the City’s website at http://www.syracuse.ny.us/PurchaseRFP. Proposals will be accepted until Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. The Office of the Mayor, Department of Public Works (DPW), and the Office of Accountability, Performance, and Innovation (api) presented snow safety plans for winter 2018-19 at the Syracuse Common Council Public Works Committee meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 19.
The City’s plan includes a pilot program for municipal sidewalk snow removal, which focuses on priority areas around the city. Under the program, the City will clear snow from sidewalks on about 20 centerline miles of roadway, or approximately 40 total miles of sidewalk, that see high vehicular and pedestrian activity. The RFP specifies that the contractor shall utilize proper snow clearing equipment that is operated by trained personnel to remove snow, ice, or hardpack from sidewalks, corners, and crosswalks located within the municipal Right-of-Way. It also states that the contractor must: have proven experience with providing winter maintenance services show capability to deliver, with resources and financial backing All project inquiries can be directed to the pro-
Help Support Dunbar Association's 100 Year Anniversary!! with the World Premier of “Possessing Harriet” Please join Iheart Media-Power620, Urban CNY/ urbancny.com and my family on November 3rd at Syracuse Stage as we Celebrate: *Syracuse's OWN award-winning playwright KYLE BASS with the WORLD PREMIER "professional" play "Possessing Harriet"
***This special event is the Saturday before Election Day (Tuesday 11/6) and will serve as a reminder to Get Out and Vote!!!!!!!
Ms. Mary Philanthropy would like to be a part of Dunbar Association’s Annual Election this HUGE celebration by donating a portion of its Day Breakfast proceeds from this event to Dunbar, in honor of Dunbar Association will be hosting an Dunbar Association's 100 Years Anniversary!! Election Day Breakfast at its Center It has not been an easy journey BUT they are still for a small fee from 8:30 -10. active in the community with many activities. What a Blessing!!! Your $40.00 support on 11/3 (which includes a pre-reception, entertainment and the play) will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your time and certainly hope you can make it to Syracuse Stage on November 3rd!
ject manager and director of operations Corey Driscoll Dunham at 315-448-8005. For PDF of Quadrant Color Map click on the following link Sidewalk Map – QUADRANT COLORS 92518
Syracuse Stage presents “Possessing Harriet” World Premiere inspired by Local History Possessing Harriet’ is the story of an enslaved young woman and her escape to freedom “Possessing Harriet” also marks the return of director Tazewell Thompson, who served as Syracuse Stage’s artistic director from 1992 – 1995. Thompson said he is pleased to be returning to Syracuse Stage to direct this production. He said “Possessing Harriet” is a play for “our time, filled with friendship, loyalty, courage, hope, and doing the right thing for a culture not your own, attributes that are missing across the country today.”
Syracuse, NY – Syracuse Stage continues the 2018/19 season with a world premiere production “Possessing Harriet,” Oct. 17 – Nov. 4. Written by award-winning local playwright and Syracuse Stage associate artistic director Kyle Bass, the 90-minute drama, commissioned by Onondaga Historical Association, draws inspiration from a slice of 19th century Central New York history concerning a young enslaved woman named Harriet Powell.
With the local connection so prominent in the play and production, Syracuse Stage has scheduled five post-show discusHarriet Powell were the same age when they sions featuring representatives met, 24. Young women of their time, in very different circumstances, I wondered, what would from the theater and the OnonRobert Hupp I want to hear them talk about? How would that daga Historical Association. go?” Tickets are now available In addition to being the same age, Powell and Cady had “virtually the same skin complexion,” Bass explained. Powell was known as the “Fair Lady Fugitive,” an irony that adds complexity to Bass’ account of their meeting.
at www.SyracuseStage.org, by phone at 315443-3275 and in person at the Box Office. “Possessing Harriet” By Kyle Bass
Powell was enslaved to a family named Davenport, originally from Central New York who had relocated to Mississippi. In 1839, Powell accompanied the Davenports on a return visit to Syracuse. While staying at a hotel called Syracuse House, Powell met a free black man named Thomas Leonard. With Leonard’s help, Powell slipped away from the Davenports and connected with local abolitionists, including Gerrit Smith, who facilitated her escape to Canada. It was from Smith’s home in Peterboro, New York, that Powell embarked on the final leg of her journey to freedom.
“Elizabeth Cady, free white women, an uncomDirected by Tazewell Thompson monly educated woman for her time, and Harriet Commissioned by Onondaga Historical AssoPowell, enslaved,” he said. “Oh, how different ciation their lives. Oh, how different their dilemmas.”
“Possessing Harriet” focuses on the brief and perilous time that Powell hid from slave catchers at Smith’s home. History records that while there, Powell met Smith’s young cousin, Elizabeth Cady, later Elizabeth Cady Stanton, outspoken advocate for women’s rights. The details of that meeting, though, are scant, a brief mention in Stanton’s autobiography. In “Possessing Harriet,” playwright Bass imagines their conversation in dramatic terms.
While Syracuse Stage has previously produced world and national premieres, “Possessing Harriet” represents an important step in a revitalized artistic interest in developing new work at the theater. Stage is billing “Possessing Harriet” as a “Cold Read World Premiere Production,” named for the “Cold Read Festival of New Plays” introduced last season. “Possessing Harriet” had a reading as part of the “Cold Read” series last season. “Cold Read” continues in the current season in March 2019, with author Larissa FastHorse featured as the playwright-inresidence.
Kyle Bass “That was the starting point,” Bass said. “Elizabeth Cady and
Presented by Nancy and Bill Byrne
“Possessing Harriet” takes place in real time. Bass described it as a play that unfolds in “three conversations and two arguments” among four characters. At times, Smith and Leonard join Powell and Cady in the attic hideout. As night falls and the slave catchers draw closer, Powell is forced into a reckoning with the emotional consequences of her decision.
Special Events Oct. 17 Pay-What-You-Will Performance @ 7:30 p.m. There will be 76 tickets available for whatever price patrons wish to pay. Pay-what-you-will tickets must be claimed in person at the Box Office on the day of the performance, subject to availability. The Box Office opens at 10 a.m. and will remain open until the start of the show. There is a limit of two tickets per person. Oct. 19 Opening Night Party (free for ticket holders) Join the cast for a post-show celebration with live music presented by CNY Jazz, featuring Scott Dennis, food and drinks. Oct. 20 Post-Show Discussion with Onondaga Historical Association (free for ticket holders)
“We are so proud and excited to present this Dive deeper into the true events that inspired world premiere as the second show in our sea“Possessing Harriet” in a post-show discussion son,” said Syracuse Stage Artistic Director Robert with Sally Roesch Wagner, Ph.D., executive direcHupp. “This is an important story to tell today for our community and our world.” (Continued on page 7)
(Continued from page 6)
tor of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation, immediately following the 8 p.m. performance. Oct. 21 holders)
Prologue at 1 p.m. (free for ticket
An intimate, pre-show discussion with “Possessing Harriet” actors one hour prior to curtain. Prologues will be held in the classroom in room 141.
with historian Norman K. Dann immediately following the 8 p.m. performance. Oct. 27 holders)
Prologue at 2 p.m. (free for ticket Meet the Playwright (free for ticket holders)
An intimate, pre-show discussion with “Possessing Harriet” actors one hour prior to curtain. Prologues will be held in the classroom in room 141. ASL Interpreted Performance at 3 p.m. for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Syracuse Symposium Panel Discussion (free and Meet the Playwright (free for ticket holders) open to the public) Immediately following the 2:00 pm matinee, in A conversation and Q&A session with playwright Kyle Bass following the 8 p.m. performance. conjunction with the Syracuse University Humanities Center’s Syracuse Symposium, Stories, Syracuse Stage will host a panel of educators, scholars, and artists whose work reflects the importance of storytelling identities in the American narrative for a conversation that will focus around slave experience and other related questions and ideas. Panelists include Kyle Bass, “Possessing Harriet” playwright; Christian DuComb, associate professor of theatre, Colgate University; John Ernest, English Department chair and professor, University of Delaware; Joan Bryant, associate professor, African American Studies, Syracuse University; and Tazewell Thompson, director, “Possessing Harriet.”
to curtain. Prologues will be held in the classroom in room 141.
Oct. 28 Poetry & Play at 1 pm (free for ticket holders)
This reading series connects the literary arts to the work on stage. Vanessa Johnson and Georgia A. Popoff will share original works that have been prompted by the themes, ideas and images in “Possessing Harriet.” Johnson is a Griot, which is a storyteller in the West African tradition, whose work focuses on social justice, including telling the stories of the enslaved and abolitionists who fought against slavery in the United States. Popoff is an educator, arts-in-education specialist, “Comstock Review” senior editor, Downtown Writers Actor Talkback (free for ticket holders) Center Workshops Coordinator, and coA Q&A session with the actors following the 7 author of a teachers’ p.m. performance. The talkback will be held in text on poetry in K-12 the Archbold Theatre. classrooms. She has Oct. 24 Wednesday @ 1 Discussion (free three poetry collecfor ticket holders) tions, most recently, “Psalter: The AgnosJoin Gerrit Smith scholar and abolition expert tic’s Book of Common Norman K. Dann for a special Wed@1 lecture. Curiosities” (Tiger Dann is the author of several books on Gerrit Bark Press, June Smith, including “Practical Dreamer: Gerrit Smith 2015). and the Crusade for Social Reform,” which was released at the Underground Railroad History Oct. 31 Dinner Conference where Dann was the keynote speak- & Show ($50, includes er. dinner and show admission) The lecture will begin at 1 p.m. in the Archbold Theatre. Enjoy a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. with fellow Open Captioning at 2 p.m. Performance for pa- theatre lovers in the trons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Sutton Pavilion. Seasonal fare prepared Oct. 25 Happy Hour at 6 p.m. (free for by Phoebe’s Restauticket holders) rant followed by great Enjoy complimentary light fare from local restau- theatre. rants, half-priced drinks and $5 drink specials at Nov. 1 Prothe bar. logue at 6:30 Oct. 26 Post-Show Discussion with Onon- p.m. (free for ticket daga Historical Association (free for ticket hold- holders) ers) An intimate, pre-show Dive deeper into the true events that inspired discussion with “Possessing Harriet” in a post-show discussion “Possessing Harriet” actors one hour prior
A conversation and Q&A session with playwright Kyle Bass following the 7:30 p.m. performance. Nov. 2 Last CallThe Syracuse Stage bar will remain open after the show. Patrons will have the opportunity to mingle with the cast and crew of “Possessing Harriet.” Post-Show Discussion with Onondaga Historical Association (free for ticket holders) Dive deeper into the true events that inspired “Possessing Harriet” in a post-show discussion with Gregg Tripoli, executive director of Onondaga Historical Association. Nov. 3 Audio Described Performance at 3 p.m. for patrons who are blind or visually impaired. Open Captioning at 8 p.m. performance for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Nov. 4 Open Captioning at 2 p.m. performance for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Syracuse University Athletics Takes Next Step to Create New Stadium Experience
The familiar pillow-top dome will be replaced with a suspended roof system, upgrades will be in place by fall 2020 This week, Syracuse University Athletics will take another important step as it seeks to advance its multi-year plan to invest $118 million to create a new stadium experience on its main campus.
The stadium has proven to be a hub of economic the University is moving forward with the proactivity in our region and I am so excited to see ject.” the many ways a new stadium experience will As part of the transformation, the University will contribute to Central New York’s future.” invest more than $6 million in comprehensive On Tuesday, Oct. 9, several Syracuse University In fact, the University’s economic impact was Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related representatives will appear before the City of defined in a 2017 study prepared by EMSI, a firm accessibility upgrades. Syracuse Planning Commission to formally prethat has worked extensively with educational Among the improvements being made are a new sent its roof replacement application. This latest institutions around the world, modeling and action follows the University’s May 14 anquantifying the impact institutions have on their accessible entrance, updating the current elevator, five ADA electric door operators, the installanouncement, as well local and regional tion of closed captioning software and the addias several months of economies. tion of accessible seating, as well as other accesengagement and According to that sibility updates. Some of these updates have alconsultation with its study, the economic ready been made or are currently underway. partners in the City impact within Ononof Syracuse and OnIn addition to the new fixed roof and improved daga County generatondaga County. ed by travel and tour- accessibility, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, added Wi-Fi capabilities and a vertically “As an alumnus, a ism connected to hung scoreboard are among the enhancements fan and director of events at Syracuse Artists rendering of renovated facility visitors will begin experiencing in fall 2020. Other athletics, I am confiUniversity exceeds phase one features include the installation of air dent that our fans will experience Syracuse Uni- $140 million annually. Further, those events— versity athletics in a way they never have bethe majority of which take place at Syracuse Uni- conditioning, new accessible restrooms and new fore,” says Wildhack. “What’s particularly exversity’s stadium—support more than 3,200 lo- concessions space. These features are expected to be completed by fall 2022. citing is that a transformed stadium benefits so cal jobs. many constituencies, including our studentVisit http://campusframework.syr.edu for proathletes, our students, faculty, staff, fans, visitors “The new roof structure presents a new era on the Hill,” says Mayor Ben Walsh. “We’re pleased gress updates, photos and more. and the greater Central New York community.
City of Syracuse Hosts Return of “Spooktacular” at Burnet Park Syracuse, N.Y. – “Spooktacular,” an annual Halloween celebration sponsored by the City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation, and Youth Programs, returns to Burnet Park with plenty of tricks and treats for two weekends this October.
p.m. each day. Admission is free. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For those who prefer treats to tricks, there’s a Halloween Carnival, with games and activities for children up to the age of 16. Treats will be awarded.
Burnet Park is located at Coleridge Avenue and This event will held Oct. 19 and 20, Burnet Park Drive. The event will be held rain or and Oct. 26 and 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 shine.
Syracuse Police Arrest 15 year-old for Possession of a Stolen Handgun on Palmer Ave. Syracuse, N.Y. – On Monday October 15th, 2018 at approximately 9:00 PM, Detectives from the Syracuse Police Department Gang Violence Task Force observed a male acting suspiciously in the 200 block of Palmer Avenue. Detectives were patrolling that area specifically in response to the increase in violence and shots fired calls in the area.
The Detectives observed the male trying to avoid them by going onto a front porch of a residence on that street. Upon speaking with the male, the Detectives noted continued suspicious actions by the male, including not knowing who owned the property he was on.
Detectives charged a 15 year old male with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd degree, Criminal Possession of Firearm and Criminal PosAs a result of this investigation, Detectives recov- session of Stolen Property in the ered a loaded .22 caliber Ruger semi-auto hand- 4th degree. The male was later lodged at gun from the male. The handgun was secreted Hillbrook Detention Center. Due to his age, his inside the front waistband of his pants. The identity will not be released.
The Dunkin Donut controversy has sparked new awareness of the plight of homeless people in eo. It not only violated our written policies, but the Syracuse community, their challenges and goes against our core values as an organization– efforts that are being made to reach the most which include creating a welcoming and hospita- vulnerable living in of our city. This unfortunate ble environment and treating everyone with dig- incident has bought together Dunkin’, the city, nity and respect,” the Syracuse police department, John Tumino of the homeless outreach In My Father’s Kitchen “The employees involved in the incident have and Al-Amin Muhammad of We Rise Above the been terminated, and we will be contacting the Streets. individual in the video to apologize for the negative experience,” the statement continues. “We Perhaps this is the beginning of a new awareness also intend to work with local advocates to make among the general public, what it means to be sure that our employees are better educated as homeless. We now have awareness that there to how to engage with homeless individuals and are agencies and people who work every day to where to direct them in the community for apease the plight of the homeless our most vulnerpropriate assistance.” able. As a community there appears to be an overall consensus that this should not be hapA Horrified Community Responds pening, and by working together we can prevent incidents like this from happen in the future. A local business Glazed and Confused donated 1,000 donuts to Syracuse homeless shelters to- The outpouring of support for Jeremy Dufresne day. Paul Valenti and his wife Sarah were so has been tremendous, a Go Fund Me page set up touched by what occurred that they decided to on his behalf has raised over $19,000 within days make the donation. This isn’t the first time the of posting. company has been engaged in sharing, Glazed and Confused has a tradition of giving back to ArtRage Gallery has scheduled an event for Saturday October 6th The gallery presents a special the community. evening with Syracuse’s Mark Horvath, founder District Attorney William Fitzpatrick has stated of Invisible People an innovative storytelling orthat those who were involved could be charged ganization changing the way we think about peowith harassment. However, the District Attorney ple experiencing homelessness. Everyone talks said he will defer to Dufresne before taking any about social media’s potential to democratize action. and empower those less fortunate. Invisible Peo(Continued from page 4)
handgun had been previously reported stolen from Fulton, N.Y. Detectives also confirmed with the homeowners that they did not know the male, or why he was on their property.
ple: Video Storytelling with Mark Horvath October 6, 2018 – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM This embarrassing viral video has sparked action by Dunkin Donuts, as their franchisees committed to working with Above the Streets, a homeless advocacy group in its Saturday October 10th weekly sandwich distribution. Former Dunkin Donuts Employee Receives Community Service The former Dunkin Donuts employee identified as Shakeen Robbins has appeared on video, issuing an apology for his actions. “I would like to apologize … to let him know I never viewed him as a lesser person. Let us try to figure out how to work through it.” Working with Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick’s Office, in a deal approved by Dufresne, Robbins must serve 75 hours of community service to an agency that works with the homeless. “I hope Mr. Dufresne receives the help he needs, that Mr. Robbins has learned a serious life lesson and that all of us approach the problem of homelessness with a starting point of dignity and respect for all people”, Said Fitzpatrick.
Onondaga Community College Receives Federal Grant to Better Serve Low-Income Students Onondaga Community College announced that it has been awarded a five-year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education under Title III. The grant, which was awarded under Title III’s “Strengthening Institutions” section, helps institutions expand their capacity to serve low-income students.
of OCC’s firsttime students are identified as low-income.
Onondaga Community College will be able to better support the many students in our community who begin their higher education at OCC before pursuing a four-year degree.”
“I am tremenOCC’s project, Guided Pathways to Success dously proud of (GPS), extends the college’s work on structured this milestone. Pathway Maps; common first-year learning outOur collective comes; a structured non-academic support sysfocus over the tem and intake processes; advising; and accelerpast few years ated pathways to completion for developmental OCC’s Title III application docuhas been to students. Each of these interventions are wellmented the economic recovery identify redocumented in research to increase student replan developed by the Central New search-based tention and degree completion. York Regional Economic Development Council best practices from across the country and to OCC serves a diverse body of nearly 10,000 cred(REDC) that includes bring these practices to OCC. This prestigious it students each year. The college improving educational grant extends OCC’s proud misoffers 45 associate degree programs attainment as a central sion of serving local students and including Business, Health Professions, strategy to address per- offering degrees and credentials STEM (science, technology, engineersistent poverty. The that meet the needs of local eming and math), and the liberal arts. OCCity of Syracuse is ployers,” said OCC President CaC’s workforce development division ranked as the sey Crabill, Ed.D. also offers an array of non-credit train29th poorest small city ing programs through partnerships in the U.S. and has the U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), whose office worked to help sewith local employers. highest concentration OCC President Dr. Casey Crabill cure the grant said, “I’ve proudly of poverty among AfriU.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) The GPS Project will be led by a small advocated in Washington for our can American and Hispanic residents in the nadedicated project team supported by local community colleges, and tion, and more than 50% of children in the City faculty and staff from across the college. Impleof Syracuse live in poverty. Nearly three-quarters supported an increase in funding for Title III in mentation begins immediately and will continue the recent omnibus package. With this award, through 2022.
Illustrator Mike Curato, Syracuse University Alumnus, at Ed. Smith K-8 School for Book Reading and Illustration Demonstration Syracuse University Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service and Ed. Smith K-8 School Co-Host Author and Illustrator Mike Curato, Syracuse University Alumnus, for Book Reading and Illustration Demonstration
Second graders in Syracuse City School District’s Ed. Smith School enjoyed an interactive presentation by Curato. Students received newly purchased and personalized copies of Curato’s books. Syracuse University Literacy Corps tutors, trained to support literacy skill development, will promote use of the books.
‘19, Amy Lewis ‘19, and Francesca Ortega ’20 to support book reading and distribution during the event.
Housed in Syracuse University’s Mary Ann Shaw Center, the Syracuse University Literacy Corps is an engaged learning experience for Syracuse University students. Students are trained as tutors to improve literacy skills in urban school and community-based settings. Each year, over 150 SyraCorps Council, Syracuse University Literacy Corps’ cuse University Literacy Corps tutors engage in leadership body, conducted fundraising efforts to 20-25,000 hours of tutoring, learning valuable support the purchase of the books. Corps Council lifeskills and simultaneously acting as academic member Luz Perez ’20 was joined by Syracuse support for students in the Syracuse City School University Literacy Corps tutors Vanessa Ramlal District. The Shaw Center supports Syracuse Uni-
versity’s mission to engage students and faculty by providing institutional leadership for experiential learning through community engagement in order to enhance academic learning objectives, research and the student experience. Mike Curato connected with the Shaw Center for this event, as he still holds fond memories of his experience as a Syracuse University Literacy Corps tutor during his undergraduate years as an illustration major at Syracuse University. Curato visited Ed. Smith School library to engage with the second graders in the book reading and illustration demonstration from 9:50-10:30AM today, Friday, October 12th. There is no video allowed during the presentation but interviews and footage available before and/or after the book reading and illustration demonstration.
The Center of Hope International Hosts Third Annual Business and Economic Empowerment Summit Encouraging A Culture of Entrepreneurship for Minorities Begins with the Minority Business Economic Empowerment Conference (MWBEES) (Syracuse, New York) The Center of Hope International, Inc., led by Syracuse Bishop Ronald B. Dewberry will host its third annual business and economic empowerment summit on October 20, 2018 at the Marriott Syracuse in Syracuse New York from 8 am – 5 pm. The daylong conference focusing on entrepreneurship and economic empowerment will include workshops, breakfast and luncheon speakers, and networking opportunities. “We are excited to feature a diverse list of local and national presenters who are all focused on the importance of building sustainable business enterprises,” stated Bishop Dewberry, MWBEE Conference founder, Senior Pastor of New Life Temple of Praise, and the CEO & President of Center of Hope International, Inc. Dewberry adds, “Syracuse is emerging as a city of opportunity and innovation. It is important that minorities and women embrace entrepreneurship as a foundation for personal and community wealth.” The Conference is open to all. Conference Presenters include: The Honorable Ben Walsh, Mayor of Syracuse, New York Dr. John Hope Bryant, CEO Operation Hope Sonia Booker, National Known Real Estate & Wealth Expert Zibu Masotobe, International Business Speaker (South Africa) Jorge Villar, Marketing Advisor and President/ Founder of RME360
Build to Work Program (B2W) Hosts Job Fair at Marriott Downtown Syracuse October 26th
Angel Rich, Inventor/CEO, The Wealth Factory Alexis Spight, Recording Artist The cost to attend is $75.00 and $25.00 for students with Student IDs. To register and learn more about the conference and presenters please visit http://cohi-inc.org/mbees2018/ or call (315) 469-1106. About The Center of Hope International, Inc.: The Center of Hope International, Inc., is a not-for-profit, 501(c) 3 organization, established to assist the most needy and vulnerable members of our community by promoting solutions for empowerment, self-sufficiency and sustainability, to promote economic and entrepreneurial development, financial literacy, and business acumen for diversity and inclusion. Learn more at http://cohi-inc.org/about-2/. . ###
On Friday October 26th Jubilee Homes in partnership with various employers are hosting a job fair at the Downtown Marriott Hotel, 100 E. Onondaga Ave. between the hours of 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. Jobs in retail, hospitality, food service, construction technology and much more. For additional information contact, Twiggy Billue, Program Coordinator; Jubilee Homes Build to Work Program, 315-428-0070 or Email jhbuild2work@gmail.com online at www.jubilee -homes.org