A Highway Runs Through it:
The Hall Monitor:
Khalid Bey: The Un-Common Syracuse Councilor
How Voting is Like Going to Sears or Kmart
Urban CNY Money
by Ken Jackson
and the Future of Interstate 81
Taking Care of your personal business: Understanding Your Social Security Contributions by Barbara Peterson By Ken Jackson
Community: Katko Focuses on Poverty in the City of Syracuse
Running for his third term, Khalid Bey has embodied the persona of the constituent legislator. For anyone who’s observed a Syracuse Common Councilor, they can barely move without someone stopping them. Being positioned closest to the people, they get it all; from job creation to gun violence people expect a lot from their locally elected representatives. Khalid Bey approaches every question with an answer wrapped in a discussion, garnished with a solution. Bey explained how he viewed his tenure on the Syracuse Common Council, “The biggest accomplishment so far and the most valuable thing in my opinion about being elected, is having the opportunity to re-educate and re- acclimate people to the process.”
During his first term in office, Bey took Commissioners of the major departments to meet with constituents in each ward within the 4th Council District; these included: Parks, D.P.W. Code Enforcement and Water; a lieutenant or caption from Police Department and Chief of Staff from the Syracuse City School District. City officials were fielding questions from constituents. According to Bey, ”The constituents who attended appreciated it, especially for people who had been dealing with some issues for a long time, some had been dealing with issues for months, and received deliverables in 2 days. You're not only empowering people, but to slowly restore people’s faith in government representation. “ Khalid stopped for a moment to reminisce about how politics has made an impact on those around him, and what
he’s hearing, “Just yesterday, I was walking through Kirk Park (where I’m a coach) and I ran into three guys I went to high school with we started talking about Government. It was satisfying just to see their excitement when they’re empowered with an understanding of how things work and about opportunities. People don’t think there’s opportunity here.”
Review: Patti Labelle Shuts Down Grandstand in Style
The Role of a Common Council Member Khalid wasted no time, jumping feet first in what he feels his responsibility is as a member of the council. He’s quietly focused on legislation, as he explains, “Our primary responsibility is legislating; constituent services, which is not in the general job description is equally as important. I’ve done some decent pieces of (Continued on page 2)
Health: Stroke Prevention
(Continued from page 1)
legislation that I’m proud of because I think residents see it as a chance to restore the quality of life, and I’m talking about the Disorderly Property Law it was initially for residential properties, we rewrote it to be applicable to businesses also. It was a 100 year old law we stumbled upon”. Bey is most animated when discussing quality of life issues and what he’s proposed to address the issue, “This ‘Disorderly Property Law’ was on the books for over 100 years and therefore it pre-dates the Nuisance Abatement Law. The Nuisance Abatement Law allowed the city to take more aggressive action against properties. However, the original Nuisance Abatement Law to some was deemed not effective enough to deter some of the issues they’re dealing with surrounding not just stores, but problem properties period. “ Adding more detail Bey continues, “For so many years people have been frustrated with nuisance abatement enforcement. We restructured the old Disorderly Property ordinance to fit today. It was initially intended for residential properties we amended it to include commercial properties, obviously to deal with some of our issues around corner stores and similar businesses. This is a different kind of approach, instead of the same old targeting the individual which Police would do anyway if they’re disruptive or committing a crime. It invokes the support of the property owner and makes them responsible for the behavior or activity on their property. It applies to owner occupied properties and well as rental properties.” The Nuisance Abatement Law allowed the city to take more aggressive action against properties however; it required a high standard before the city can act. 4th District Common Council member then dove into policy and the attempt to enforce the law, “The struggle with enforcing Nuisance abatement was the inability to track and capture the violation. You have to have 3 felony arrests afforded to your property in a year. Disorderly Property Law, if your property receives 1 arrest and 2 additional emergency calls. You will get a letter from the Chief of Police requesting a meeting to take corrective action. If the property owner doesn’t comply, they will be taken to court, where there they can be held in contempt. The value of this is it makes Nuisance Abatement enforceable.”
Workforce Development There have been recent reports that Syracuse’s poverty rate among African-American has risen at an alarming rate. What can the Syracuse Common Council do to address this crisis? Bey talks about investing on the people, “There’s no way to improve our city's financial health absent an improved workforce. The governor and president both are calling for municipalities to be more self-sufficient. In order for cities to get stronger they need to improve their workforce.” Sounding fiscally conservative, he weighs in on the current financial health of the city of Syracuse, “We’ve been guilty of corporate welfare. We’ve been heavily dependent on state and Feds, to the point where when they pull the money out, we can’t function anymore.” “Quality of life, is the ultimate goal overall. No matter whether you’re talking about jobs, reduction in crime, nice neighborhoods, or snow removal, you’re talking about quality of life; that’s the crux of the issue. As an elected official, if it’s not your intent to improve quality of life and leave money in your constituent's pocket, then you’re in the wrong business. If you’re a banker, you don’t get into banking to lose your clients money. They hire you to make adequate investments. “He continues explaining the impact of Syracuse’s high number of tax exempt properties, “56% of our properties are non-taxable which means 44% are carrying the load” The Case for Empowering Local People Bey echoes the concerns his constituents have about Syracuse and the use of public money. His solution is to invest directly in residents who are in need of a job, “The best use of public money is worker responsive training, because you (the people) are the government's resource of revenue. We have a habit of putting Band-Aids over open wounds. We seek new talent without dealing with existing talent. We ignore people who are committed to living here, they can’t get jobs and opportunity, but you want to attract new people; it’s like putting a new roof on a termite infested house. The house is still falling down; you have to deal with the crux of the issue. We have to empower the people who live here and plan to remain here.” This year each District Councilor was allotted 7,000 from CDBG funds; an idea suggest by Bey during last year's budget discussions. Other Councilors simply added money to existing CDBG recipients. Bey took his funds and requested that the Administration write an RFP which he believes Rural Met-
ro may have won, to train 10 people. Bey hopes that this effort will produce a match by another agency which will net 20 jobs. Bey pivots to numbers describing Syracuse’s dire economic situation, “Last year in 2014, we were 3 points higher than the state average in unemployment at 8.9., that’s about 12,500 people unemployed. Our per capita Income rate for 2014 was $17,600. I know it sounds simplistic you’ll never get everyone into the workforce, but you only need a 3% reduction to see a real change. Image if we were able to get 12,500 people jobs and paid them at the then per capita rate of $17,600, that would have been $226 million in taxable income. This would have produced 18 million in revenue, which happens to have been our city's budget deficit last year. “ Bey’s solution to our greatest challenge in our city’s history is to be innovative, concentrate our efforts on job creation and worker education, “The greatest thing we can do to improve our city, is improve the conditions of its people. If I can make you and your family sustainable, our city would eventually become sustainable. “ While upbeat about the city’s future, Bey recognizes the public’s frustration and desire for quick solutions, “We don’t have the patience for incremental victories. That’s what we don’t have, absent that we’re in trouble.” Giving one example, Bey has proposed restructuring the workday for some city workers, “some people have become experts at squeezing a 7 to 8 hour work day into 4 hours. What's left undone during the day then becomes work for overtime pay. By reconfiguring their workday, the city would reduce overtime costs to the taxpayer.” Khalid Bey has a saying, “If we see different, we'll think different, and we'll be different. If those elected see Government differently, then it would be different. Public office is not your badge or means of validating your existence. “
Published monthly by: URBAN CNY Kenneth Jackson Editor and Publisher 315-807-9022 Walt Shepperd Senior Editor Urban CNY 105 Rann Ave. Syracuse, NY 13204 For advertising and editorial: 315-807-9022 kjackson@urbancny.com Online at
urbancny.com
There’s a reason people don’t participate in the voting proIn the Syracuse City School District, 9 of 10 students cess, the politics has become sterile and impersonal. in grades 3-8, do not meet New York State Standards Traditional political “patronage” a system of rewardin English Language Arts and math. That’s a 90% fail- ing participation by “the party faithful” has eluded ure rate, what does this portend for future high school African-Americans. Robbing disaffected residents the graduation numbers? experience of knowing a neighbor, cousin or friend who obtained employment by being a good “foot solIf you’re poor and live in Syracuse you may not have a dier” for either political party. car. The corner store you shop in sells, “loosies” and resembles a shell of its former tidy well-maintained An elected official in Syracuse earns more in their part past. You’re afraid to send your child around the -time job than at least 35.7% of those attending Syrablock, because someone was shot there last weekcuse City Schools. And the voter feels no benefit from end. Lit candles, Teddy bears and ribbons mark the participation. He’s a Black male, his son can’t find a spot. job, and his own employment status is tenuous. His socio-economic infrastructure has collapsed, his finanIf it snows and you have a baby stroller, forget about cial water main is busted and his nephews’ guts are leaving your block since pathways to your only source spilling over the pavement in gunfire drawn blood. of sustenance are obstructed by snow and ice. You have no car, therefore the errands that most people can While increasing access to the voting process is a laudaccomplish in 20 minutes, take you 3 hours on the bus able cause, results as seen by the “man on the street” between transfers and waiting. are negligible. He can’t afford to shop at the mall, if he’s a teen he has to worry about whether he can be Your son, who’s always been a good kid, can’t get a safe, traveling from one side of town to the othpart-time job because opportunity in Syracuse for the er. Some young people can’t go on the east side; some “underclass” has dried-up like a California raisin. We can’t go on the north side, without fear of territorial have the most diverse elected government in Syracuse encroachment and a violent response. Their world has history. Even with this newly minted, “diversity” none been reduced to 10 square blocks. And we gasp in of the politicians are paying attention to root causes of shock when they shoot each other. our dysfunction as voters in a Democracy. When you live in a truncated world with reduced reAfrican-American Syracuse residents entrapped in our sources, having increased access to voting isn’t the most challenged neighborhoods are fed up, feeling problem. The fundamental problem is finding a reason powerless and frustrated as Syracuse rises; their life to participate, especially when your election choices raft is taking on water. are between, “Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dumber.” Let me offer this observation. The poor and marginalLet’s make it even more graphic, voting is like going ized no longer care about politics or voting, if constant to either Sears or Kmart, both owned by the same struggle and a difficult existence is the hallmark of company and they both suck. your daily life, what are you voting for?
How Voting is Like Going to Sears or Kmart We’re rightfully hand wringing over low voter turnout numbers in New York State. Regardless of our fixation on national politics, nothing has greater impact on our daily lives than the local voting machine. Garbage collection, street repair, funding of our failing schools, economic development policy, and this list goes on and on. But many people, especially the poor and minorities have established a pattern of voting heavily in the presidential election year, sitting out mid -term and local plebiscites. In 2014 only 28% of New Yorker’s even bothered to show up at a polling site. Mayor Stephanie A. Miner stood with activists and local elected officials in front of Southwest Community Center, unveiling a series of measures that would effectively bring New York State in line with 33 other states, allowing increased access to early voting. Mayor Miner outlined three proposals aimed at easing voter registration and increasing voter turnout. The proposals includes, allowing a 20 day early voting period, “permanent” inclusion on the Absentee Ballot list and Universal Voter Registration at age 18. Obviously, I’m flinging this skipping a stone over the crony filled moat of “voter access” to ask a question. Why vote? If you live in a city where 37% of your neighbors are living in poverty and your prospects for employment are low? The poor and under employed witnessed the construction of gleaming monuments to conspicuous consumption (Destiny USA Mall), and watched condominiums downtown rising faster than a child’s test score.
Lions and Tiger and Gangs, Oh My!
wanted to be in. I had the free choice of staying home and I did.”
“Charles” then piles on, “Come on with the spike in violence in all the upstate cities this year who didn't “There’s going to be gang vio- “Sick my a** said one Facebook thread, “the concert fear this. I did. Hell yes. Did it turn out to be unfoundlence at the New York State was cancelled due to gang activity, I know because I ed, yes. Great, but you can't deny the possibility. Better Fair!” Social media buzzed heard it from a reliable source, they’re lying”. It didn’t to be safe then regret the obvious signs that lead to September 1st when it was an- stop there the story took on a life of its own as others public shootings ala columbine or movie theaters. And nounced the Snoop Dogg repeated the missive, as if an insecticide laden plane yes I live a full life I just keep myself away from cerwould not be able to perform had flown over us expelling a fragrance-free toxic gas tain situations. It's worked well so far” on September 3rd due to illthroughout the Central New York area. While “Kristen” summed up most reactions to the conness. Well known Hip Hop Another social media post from “Sara” reflected what cert, “It was a great show! I've not personally seen sensation Nas appeared as a many were saying, “I have a 21 year old son. There is such a large crowd for an act. Today was a great addilast minute replacement. Howplenty of rap music being play at my house. I even tion to the Fair and a success in the books.” ever, the damage was already have my own favorites on my iPod. I simply didn’t go done. What should have been a larger than usual to the fair last night because there were rumors flying As a former State Fair employee those rumors over the crowd was subdued, only 57,000 people attended on around, an increased police presence, I’ve been to sim- years kept the New York State Fair an almost Lilly September 2nd, it was estimated that a near record ilar events where there was a stabbing in the past. Call white event until recent years. As a management perbreaking 37,000 people packed the Chevy Court venme whatever you like, I didn’t feel it was a situation I son I had to deal with the racism inside the institution ue. by Ken Jackson
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Gospel Music Workshop (GMWA) 2015 “Rocked”
The 47th Annual National Convention was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 25-August 1, 2015. Thousands were in attendance attending workshops, nightly musicals, classes galore, showcases and networking with the gospel music industry. The GMWA was founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland. His vision and mission was to provide ha a platform where fledgling artists, young and old, could come together, perform, study and preserve the rich heritage of gospel music.
They are encouraged to carry this information back to their respective jurisdictions to share with their churches and organizations.
Some of the departments and divisions are Academic, Evangelistic, Quartet, Youth and Young Adult Divisions, Liturgical Dance and Drama, Daily Bread (Renowned Sermonic Sessions), Recording Industry Showcases, Gospel Recordings/Mass Choir, Solo Artists, Exhibits, Men and Women’s Recordings, and much. Chapter Representatives and Assistants from The organization has grown tremendously to include across the country play a major role in support and local, national, and international membership and par- guidance of the GMWA. ticipants. Bishop Albert Jamison, Sr. is the Chairman See www.gmwanational.org for detailed inforof the Board of Directors. There are many divisions mation. The Workshop’s Board and Planning meeting of the workshop that come together for this powerful experience. It was a bastion of cronyism and nepotism. Black people were culturally excluded from the New York State and from the outside. Most acts booked for Chevy Fair until recent years. You wanna argue the fact? Court who were African-American, had to be a charter Don't, I was the lone Black management personnel member of AARP. there. It took a year before they realized I wasn't a parking attendant. New York State had ignored the fact the millions of African- Americans live in NY State. The fair itself Kudo’s to the Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner, who had become a side show. I personally had to work immediately booked a replacement act that didn’t diswith former Director, Peter Cappuccilli to remove a appoint. From all accounts, Nas put on a stellar perforJames E. Strates Show carny for calling a black child mance and it was a safe enjoyable evening. Waffner sambo. Strates Shows promised he would be gone that also has engaged the Syracuse African-American day. (Continued from page 3)
convenes in March of each year to plan for the Annual Conference during the summer. Collegiate Night, “Gospel Goes to College” is held during the Board Meeting, Dr. Joan Hillsman, National Collegiate Chair, Dr. Kevin Bond, Co-Chair. Colleges and universities come together to perform, fellowship, and share their gospel repertoire. The GMWA collaborate and partner with Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar, Thomas A. Dorsey Convention and most recently The Stellar Awards. Bishop Jamison states that “We are better together than apart! Become a member and get involved. Yes, it’s true, stated Board Member, Dr. Kevin Bond, “GMWA Rocks”! Come join us! community in what will be the future of the New York State Fair. But with change comes fear. As Franklin Roosevelt stated at the height of the depression, “There’s nothing to fear but fear itself”. Never illustrated so well than in a classic scene from The Wizard of Oz, fear feeds upon itself, who can forget the chant, “Lions and tiger and bears, Oh my”. In Syracuse, we’ve replaced that chant with the obvious, “lions and tiger and gangs, oh my! Lions and tiger and gangs, oh my! Lions and tiger and gangs, oh my! What next, rumors of flying monkeys? -Jackson
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Urban CNY
Money
Taking Care of Your personal Business: Understanding the Basics of Your Social Security Contributions by Barbara Peterson Over a lifetime many Americans contribute substantial amounts to Social Security, especially when the portion contributed by the employee is matched by the employer.
ings will not appear. For example, if your earnings totaled $95,000 in 2004, the statement will show only $87,900 because earnings more than that, were not subject to the FICA tax that year. If your records do not agree with the SSA, contact your local office as soon as possible. Disability benefits require that the disabled person have a minimum number of quarters of coverage as a contributor to Social Security. This is very critical factor for people who have long periods of unemployment or those who have periodic employment in the non-profit sector or abroad.
efit is 75%. For persons born after 1959, the full retirement age is 67 and the reduced benefit is 70%. Full Retirement Age
Year of Birth FRA 1938 65 & 2 months 1939 65 & 4 months 1940 65 & 6 months 1941 65 & 8 months 1942 65 & 10 months 1943 – 1954 66 Quarters of Coverage, or what are now called Credits, 1955 66 & 2 months are also detailed on the Social Security Statement sent 1956 66 & 4 months to you before your birthday or on request. This aspect 1957 66 & 6 months 1958 66 & 8 months of coverage is very critical for people who are close 1959 66 & 10 months to, but may not have met or exceeded the minimum requirement. It might make it practical for you to con- 1960 & later 67 Have your accumulated earnings been properly creditsider part-time employment in a FICA covered firm. If In addition to receiving retirement benefits yourself, ed to your account at the Social Security Administraa former employer has failed to report your earnings, your spouse and children may qualify to receive paytion? If they have not, your monthly Social Security or perhaps the record was never posted to your acments. The monthly payments they receive will be Benefits at retirement may be less than the amount to count, it will take a long time to have your records based on your full basic benefit. A spouse must meet which you are entitled. revised. The time to be doing this is when you are one of the following conditions to receive payments. Social Security Benefit payments change from one well, and there is no pressure. For this reason, we Spouse is 62 or older when you retire (Or the spouse taxpayer to the next depending on different factors strongly encourage you to audit all adult accounts must be at least 60 at your death.). Or your spouse is including retirement age and the specific amount of every three years. Be sure to ask for both the amount caring for a child receiving benefits. This child must earnings credited to each taxpayers account. We know of coverage as well as the quarters of coverage. either be under 16 or, if disabled, up to age 22. that the computer age has reduced the number of erThe amount of benefits received by your spouse will rors in the tabulation of earnings. Mistakes are bound So, How much will I receive? vary depending on certain conditions, such as age and to happen. So, what’s a hard working person to do? Your retirement benefits are based on your average prior employment. If you plan to retire soon and have For starters, you can make sure you’re getting the wages, price indexed to reflect the income level and proper credit for your account by receiving a copy of purchasing power they represented when earned. The always earned the maximum covered earnings, the estimated monthly benefits you and your spouse will your Social Security earnings record periodically. government will eliminate several years of low earnreceive depends on inflation and the increase in averings and average out the rest. There is a special formuThe Social Security Administrative headquarters loage wages. These benefits may increase yearly. Howla applied to ‘average earnings’ to calculate your basic cated in Baltimore, Maryland has a special mailer of ever, the automatic escalation of benefits is subject to your recorded earnings that it will send automatically benefit amount. review by Congress. If there is sufficient pressure, this to you three months before your birthday. If you reThe basic benefit amount is used to figure the actual increase may be delayed, reduced or eliminated. It is quest it, they will furnish you with a statement that monthly amount you receive. The payment can be best to plan assuming a level benefit. includes all covered earnings credited to your account more or less than the basic benefit, depending on your If eligible for two, one receives the larger benefit. from 1937 through present. There is a posting time lag full retirement age (FRA). The benefit payments are However, a person may not receive both. For examof six months to one year at the SSA. Depending on geared toward the normal retirement age of 65 if you your age, your statements will be broken down as fol- were born prior to 1938. This normal age will gradual- ple, a wife who has worked will be eligible for a spouse’s benefit as well as the benefit accumulated on lows: ly be increased to 67. Eventually, all people retiring her own work record. However, she will receive only Earnings for each recent year postings have been com- before age 67 will receive reduced benefits. the larger amount. pleted; total earnings from 1952 to present; and total Age 62 is the earliest retirement age to receive retireearnings from 1937 to 1951. ment benefits. However, electing to begin benefits at Barbara Peterson is owner of CBC Associates collecthis age will reduce your basic benefit permanently. tion agency and founder of Peterson Sewing School. When you receive the statement, be sure to compare She is a Certified FDIC Money Smart Instructor as How much your benefit will be reduced for early rethe figures against copies of your old W-2 forms or well as a Certified FDIC Train the Trainer Instructor. tirement depends on your age when the benefit begins income tax returns. Remember, only earnings that Barbara also has over 25 years credit and collection were subject to Social Security tax will appear on this and how many months younger you are than your full experience. retirement age. For example, for persons born 1943 – record. If you worked for a non-profit organization that did not participate in Social Security, those earn- 1954 the full retirement age is 66 and the reduced benThese contributions, the government refers to them as contributions. The word ‘contributions’ sound as though it is voluntary. These so-called contributions are actually required taxes. These contributions are made by over 100 million workers, either weekly or monthly. When we begin to think about it more, that is slightly over 2 billion records of dollar amounts that are matched my names and account numbers. And they are tallied each and every year. Our hats off to the Social Security Administration, they do a good job of keeping track of these very important records. But what happens when the records are not correct?
2015 Westcott Fair Sunday, September 20, 2015 Announces Its Line-Up of Music and Dance Syracuse, NY – The 24th Westcott Street Cultural Fair on Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. held in the 500 block of Westcott St. brings an impressive lineup for fans of local music and dance. The Fair’s mission is to promote a strong sense of community among the diverse people who live and work in the Westcott neighborhood and to increase awareness of the attractiveness and viability of Westcott as a great place to work, shop, socialize and play. The Main Stage, once again sponsored by WAER and located in the Dorian’s parking lot on Westcott Street, will present local favorites like Master Thieves, Latinfem-folk-fusion act Dos XX, and New Orleans-style brass band Second Line Syracuse, Brownskin Band headlines, bringing infectious soul to the Main Stage. The Dell Street Multicultural Stage features eclectic sounds from around the globe, starting with Keyna Hora Klezmer Band, followed by The Causeway Giants, reggae, soul and dub band Root Shock, gospel music by Voices of Syracuse and West African drumming and dancing by Adanfo.
Be sure to swing over to the Beech St Belly Dance stage near Casa de Cuse (formerly Abdo’s). Along with the always entertaining mix of local belly dancers, this year the stage opens with Syracuse Community Choir, which is celebrating it’s 30th year anniversary.
Appearing on the Westcott Street Acoustic Stage are Diamond Someday, Easy Ramblers, Amanda Rogers, Swing This!!, and The Pale Green Stars. Tim Herron will close the stage. The Harvard Dance Stage, located in the community lot in front of the Wacheva Cultural Arts Studio, features a diverse line-up: the Butler-Sheehan Academy of Traditional Irish dance, the Bassett Street Hounds, Alegre Flamenco, ODESA Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Kalabashh Caribbean Dance Troupe, La Familia de la Salsa, and a range of performances from Wacheva’s own dancers and drummers.
Last but not least, the fair has plenty to offer in the way of children’s entertainment with hands-on activities all day long near Petit Library. The Kids Stage will showcase a variety of engaging acts, including Elks Pride Drum Line, Music Together, Storytelling with Vanessa Johnson, Professor Klutzo, African drumming with Savana Juvanais and Nottingham High School’s Meadowbrook Harlequins.. Kids’ Races will be held at 2:50, with free registration available on-site starting at 12:30. Awards will follow the races. The Westcott Street Cultural Fair is a volunteer effort organized by Westcott Area Cultural Coalition. Major sponsors include WAER, CNYArts and the City of Syracuse/UNSAAC. All performances are free and open to the public For more information, visit the fair’s website at www.westcottstreetfair.org or visit us on Facebook.
National Baptist Convention USA Celebrating 50 Golden Years at Syracuse Gala October 2nd The Northeastern District Baptist Association, an auxiliary to the Empire Missionary Baptist Convention a full supporter and affiliate of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., will be celebrating our 50th Golden Celebration! This black tie event that will draw persons from throughout the Central New York area and our supporters from New York State will be held October 2, 2015 at Sky Armory, the event is a Black Tie Gala. Admission: Donation $50 Sponsorship Opportunities
$100.00 Full Page Ads (Black and White) $ 50.00 Half Page Ad (Black and White) $ 25.00 Quarter Page Ad (Black and White) $ 15.00 Patron
The event organizers are asking for your support by taking out an ad in their 50th Gala Journal, sponsorship will display continued support in the Northeastern District Baptist Association, in Memorial, in Celebration, or to advertise your Business or Service.
For Corporate Sponsorship, Tickets, & Reservations call Rev. Dr. Alex at 315-474-4213 or Sis. Natalie Roane 315-254-3085 for additional information.
God’s Peace and Good Journey!
Sharon Contreras, tour's schools on the first day of classes for the 2015-2016 school year Grant Middle School Sharon Contreras, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Syracuse City School District takes a selfie of herself with sixth graders Misiana Padilla, left, Angelina Clarke, and Jennifer Story during a tour of Grant M.S. on the first day of classes for the 2015-2016 school year. Contreras had purchased the cell phone the previous day and had to be shown how to operate the device’s camera by a classmate of the girls. She also visited Henninger H.S. and Dr. Weeks Elementary School. Photo by John Berry
Dr. Weeks Elementary School At the end of her last tour of three schools on the first day of classes for the 2015-2016 school year, Sharon Contreras, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Syracuse City School District, gives high fives to a class on their way to lunch at Dr. Weeks Elementary School. Contreras also visited Henninger High School and Grant Middle School. Photo by John Berry
Entertainment Review Patti Labelle Shuts Down Grandstand in Style 50 year career. “I hear this is the last show at the grandstand!”, as the audience roared. In a performance that lasted over 1 ½ hours the Grammy Award winning performer dazzled the audience with her set that included songs from various periods of her decades on stage.
It was a crowd that was diverse as they come, with every age and demographic group represented. That indicates the fan base Patti Labelle has built over her
Some songs were known so well by the audience you could hear the Grandstand sing along. Her selections mostly ballads covered her post Labelle “glitter-rock” days; she changed direction as a solo artist to traditionThe venue will soon be torn down, to make way for al R & B. the 50 million dollar extreme makeover of the New Perhaps the highlight of the show was when she sang York State Fairgrounds. On September 3rd Patti Lathe monster hit from the 1970’s, Lady Marmalade. belle “tore the place down” with her powerful perforPatti invited several men including Syracuse’s own mance, making the last show at the Grandstand a Rev. H. Bernard Alex to sing with her on stage. One memorable one. -urbancny.com entertainment
The Jackson’s Performance: Heart Break “Motel” That rumbling sound you heard Saturday night, September 5th about 8:30 pm wasn’t an earthquake, but the body of Pop icon Michael Jackson spinning in his grave. The Jackson’s took the Chevy Court stage, for a packed house. The audience, expected an exciting show from one of the most influential groups in pop music. And of course there’s the ghost of Michael, who looms over their show like a missing note or instrument. What fans got unfortunately, was a group that is a shadow of its former self. The Jackson’s were once famous for their syncopated moves, tight harmonies and the ability to put on Croaker Sack a dazzling well produced show. Unfortunately, all of those elements were missing from their performance at New York State Fair’s Chevy Court.
by one, they took the mic; Rev. Alex of course displayed his vast range. But the show stopper was a fan named Brian, who wowed the audience by his voice belting out on command from Patti, various times in several octaves. He remains on stage performing a duet of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Patti Labelle and Brian trading those famous notes riff by riff. “I told my mother I would do this!” He gushed as he paid homage to Patti, even imitating her now famous Patti Labelle “butterfly” dance.
form their signature dance move, a move that strikingly, resembled snow shoveling in Syracuse. In a lame attempt at resurrecting Michael, the audience was treated to the Jackson’s leading the crowd in a sing-a-long, “Hee, Hee” and “Woo” pause, “Woo” .
The band was excellent when given the freedom to just groove, but it was the brothers Jackson who are in Mid-way through the performance, The Michael Jackdesperate need of getting their grove back. Marlon son & the Jackson Five tribute film appeared on the couldn’t carry a combination of notes in a “croaker big screen, giving the brothers an undeserved break. sack”, period. Tito and Jackie did the heavy vocal lifting and it wasn’t enough. Jermain’s presence was definitely missed, since he would have filled some of the obvious vocal holes in their presentation. And as for dancing, Marlon channeling his best Michael Jackson dance moves as he tried in vain to be exciting. They missed a golden opportunity to bond with local people when asking everyone to per-
Katherine Jackson discussing her son’s, pictures of Michael as various stages in his life and the famous introduction by televisions most popular television host, CBS’s Ed Sullivan. For just a short time while watching the film, we remembered what once was and will never be, another Michael Jackson. The show wasn’t without its highlights, the magical moment of the night came when the audience joined in to sing, “I’ll Be There”. Just for a moment, the large Chevy Court crowd forgot this was not the show they expected, and knew this was about as good as it was going to get. Songs like, Wanna Be Startin’ Something, were non- starters and their rendition of Heartbreak Hotel should be renamed, Heart Break Motel.
Dunbar Association’s Open House September 26th Syracuse, New York – The Dunbar Association, Inc. is Black students attending Syracuse University who ployment agency. The staff and volunteers also having an Open House event to let the community were from a literary group called The Paul Lawworked to increase housing opportunities for know that the Dunbar Center is open for programming rence Dunbar Society African Americans in Syracuse. In the 1950’s, and services. Special guest appearance by the following; Roosevelt Bouie, Live music from Melissa Gardiner and the Second Line Brass Band, HIV Health Info provided by NBLCA, Free Blood Pressure checks by the Syracuse Area Black Nurses Association, Cooking demonstration by Chef Will Lewis, Samples from Puddinglicious, Giveaways and more! All are welcomed! Saturday, September 26th (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at the Center
Dunbar Center: A History of Community Service Dunbar Association, Inc. of Syracuse, New York is one of the few African-American Settlement Houses still operational today. The advent of the twentieth century brought notable changes to the Black community of Syracuse. The population grew slowly as opportunities for employment expanded. Black men came to work in a munitions industry. But as employment opportunities broadened discrimination grew more overt. In this setting in 1918, an ex convict, Jimmy LaGrin, conceived the idea of providing recreational activities to Black youth in an effort to keep them from criminal activity. He created a recreational program under the auspices of the AME Zion Church and became acquainted with
Once established, the Dunbar Association, Inc. (a.k.a. Dunbar Center) was maintained as a recreational, social, and cultural center for the individuals of African descent living in the city of Syracuse. Incorporated in 1935, Dunbar was the core of the 1930’s black community and served many functions throughout its history. As the first settlement house in Syracuse, over the course of eight decades, the agency served as one of Central New York’s access gateways for migrating blacks and was a major resource center for fulfilling community needs. It assisted local Blacks in the improvement of their socio-economic conditions by the development of educational, vocational, recreational, cultural and social programming and opportunities.
when Syracuse faced a violent outbreak of polio, the center played a vital role in helping to erode the poor health status of the community. Dunbar provided visibility for a Black community residing in a predominately White society, and acted as the community’s voice for equitable social change. Prior to moving to its present location, Dunbar’s first sites were at 711 and 720 East Fayette Street from 1920 to 1926. The second home was 308 South McBride Street from 1926 -1940 and later at 950 Townsend Street from 1940-1964. The present location, 1453 South State Street, was dedicated on November 14, 1964.
Dunbar, a community-based and communityowned organization is a multi-purpose entity that The agency filled the gaps created by the division provides a continuum of offerings. After a brief of the color line and was a preserver of the Afri- hiatus, the organization has reopened and is havcan American culture. The community used the ing an open house to celebrate Saturday, Sepcenter for social events including dances, youth tember 26th (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at the Center logroups, club meetings, and weddings. During cated at 1453 South State Street, Syracuse NY World War II, the organization was used as a training center and em-
2015 Primary Election Results: Common Council, NYS Assembly, Commissioner of Education These are results of the 2015 primary Election held Councilor-at-Large (DEM) (Vote for 2) September 10, 2015. The winners of the primary ElecCity of Syracuse: 86 of 86 100.00% tion move on to the General Election which will be reported: held on November 3, 2015. The election results conBallots: 4,644 tained herein are an unofficial tally of election results prepared in accordance with Section 9-126 of the New York State Election Law. Official election results Gary Morris Sr 1,582 20.30% will be compiled and made available by the Onondaga (DEM) County Board of Elections in accordance with section Helen D Hudson 9-214 of the New York State Election Law no later 3,635 46.64% (DEM) than twenty-five (25) days after the election.
Steven P Thompson (DEM)
2,542
32.61%
Write-in
35
0.45%
Total
7,794
100.00%
Khalid Bay COUNCILOR-District 4 (DEM) (Vote for 1)
COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION (DEM) (Vote for 4)
City of Syracuse: reported: 86 of 86
Pamela Hunter Member of Assembly 128th TFV (DEM) (Vote for 1)
Assembly 128: 64 of 64 reported: Ballots:
100.00%
3,558
100.00%
Ballots:
4,644
Max Ruckdeschel (DEM)
1,885
12.68%
Mark D Muhammad (DEM)
2,993
20.13%
Rita Paniagua (DEM)
2,235
15.03%
Katie Sojewicz (DEM)
3,008
20.23%
Michelle Mignano (DEM)
2,120
14.26%
Dan Romeo (DEM)
2,557
17.20%
David M Stott 614 (DEM)
17.82%
Write-in
68
0.46%
Pamela J 1,820 Hunter (DEM)
52.81%
Total
14,866
100.00%
Jean Kessner
1,004
29.14%
Write-in
8
0.23%
Total
3,446
100.00%
General Election will be held on November 3, 2015
City Council District 04: reported:
19 of 19
Ballots:
1,092
Khalid Bey (DEM)
638
61.11%
Mary A Nelson 400 (DEM)
38.31%
Write-in
6
0.57%
Total
1,044
100.00%
100.00%
Mark D. Muhammad
Katko Focuses on Poverty in the City of Syracuse Congressman Spends Day Meeting with Organizations Committed to Fighting Poverty SYRACUSE, NY – As part of his continued focus on combating poverty in Central New York, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) on September 14th, visited several organizations and community outreach groups that provide meals and nutrition aid, human services, educational and literacy outreach, and homelessness assistance programming. “As Central New York’s Representative in Congress, I’ve made it a priority to raise awareness and focus on finding solutions to the devastating rate of poverty in our community,” said Rep. John Katko today during a visit to the First English Lutheran Church Food Pantry in the City of Syracuse. “That’s why I’m spending today visiting some of the many excellent organizations in Central New York committed to helping individuals and families in our community rise out of poverty.”
of any major upstate New York city with a graduation rate in Syracuse city schools below 50 percent.
sufficiency,” concluded Rep. Katko. “I’m proud to stand beside some of these organizations today to help them in their work to help end multi-generational pov“Poverty hurts all of Central New York – not just those erty and create a stronger Central New York.” who live it every day. This is an epidemic that requires our entire community’s attention,” continued Congressman John Katko represents the 24th CongresKatko. “We need to create strong educational and job sional District, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuopportunities so that individuals living in poverty can ga, and Wayne Counties and a portion of Oswego take steps into personal achievement and economic County. For more information, please visit https:// stability.” katko.house.gov or www.facebook.com/ RepJohnKatko. In addition to visiting the First English Lutheran Church Food Bank, Congressman Katko has stops planned today at Meals on Wheels of Syracuse, Catholic Charities, and will end the day serving a meal at the Samaritan Center.
“There is no question that there is work to do in Washington to help effect positive change, but service organizations throughout our community are on the front lines Since taking office in January, Rep. Katko has priorieach day helping to put inditized poverty and education in our community, noting viduals and families living in that Syracuse has one of the highest child poverty rates poverty on the path to self-
Crouse Hospital Provides Support for Winston Gaskin Walk for Wellness and Stroke Prevention programs provided by 100 Black Men of Syracuse, Inc. For more information, call the group’s office at 315/443-8749 or website, 100blackmensyr.org. The walk is being held in honor of Winston Gaskin, Syracuse’s first African-American pharmacist, and his many contributions Get your feet thumping and your with registration from 8:30-9 to our community. The burden of heart pumping to improve your a.m., at the park, bounded by stroke is greater among Blacks health and raise awareness about Roberts Ave., Crossett St. and than in any other group. In fact, preventing stroke during the 2015 Onondaga Ave. not only do African-Americans Winston Gaskin Walk for Wellhave almost twice the risk of firstness and Stroke Prevention on There is a $10 event registration ever stroke compared with CaucaSaturday, Sept. 26, at Upper On- fee for adults that includes a walk sians, but those 35 to 54 years of ondaga Park in Syracuse. The t-shirt. All funds raised at the age have four times the relative walk is scheduled for 9-11 a.m., event benefit health and wellness risk for stroke.
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