CNY Solidarity Coalition

United in defense of our community and our neighbors

Action Newsletter: April 2 – April 9, 2024

Community Newsletter & Events

April 2, 2024 – April 9, 2024

This country and our community are in crisis and the time to act is now! We cannot sit on the sidelines.

This is a call for the CNY Solidarity Coalition to re-mobilize and refocus our actions on the grave threats that confront our country and community today.

 

In November, 2016, a small group of local CNY residents got together to organize opposition to newly elected Donald Trump and Congressman John Katko. That meeting was the seed that grew into the formation of the CNY Solidarity Coalition in January 2017. It was motivated by the concern of what a Donald Trump presidency would mean for social, economic, racial and environmental justice in the United States. That concern turned out to be totally justified, and, during  Trump’s term, the Coalition was active, especially in opposing Katko and supporting progressive Congressional candidates such as Dana Balter. Now, four years later, John Katko has been replaced with a  Congressman, Brandon Williams, who, by all measures, is far more dangerous than John Katko to the values embraced by the Coalition and other progressive organizations in Central New York. Even more concerning is the prospect of a second Trump term as President. The details of the actual threat to democracy itself posited by a second Trump term are so well known that it is not necessary to elucidate them here.

 

As critical as the national election is, there are also local issues that affect the quality of life for many of the people who live in Central New York’s disadvantaged communities. Some of these issues are:

 

Environmental, Climate, and related concerns; Micron

Election 24; NY22 and National

State legislative issues

I81 and Syracuse; Racial Justice

Immigrants’ rights

Lead dangers and tenants’ rights

Support for unions

Housing

Health care

This is of course a partial list and focused on local issues. We also recognize and support the groups working on critical national and international issues such as the war on the Palestinians.

Look for more details in the CNY Solidarity Newsletter over the next weeks. We will schedule an in-person meeting to start the process of organizing for action to save our country and serve our community.  We’ll keep you posted.

 

Action Alerts

Sign the Petition Calling on the Syracuse Common Council to Pass a Ceasefire Resolution 

Syracuse Peace Council as part of the ‘Cuse Ceasefire Coalition, is asking people take the following actions in order to pressure the Common Council to  pass the ceasefire resolution:

  1. Sign the petition as soon as possible. Use this link CeasefirePetition 

  2. Write a letter to or call your Common Council members asking them to support the ceasefire resolution you can use this link to find out what district you live in and then to this link to find who your Common Council representative is and their contact information.  

Here is a sample letter but if you can, use your own words. 

Dear Councilor [fill in Councilor Name],  

I am writing to you as a Syracuse resident in your district to request your vote in favor of a resolution in support of the growing international demand for a total and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. 

Since October 7 there have been nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced and over 31,000 brutally killed, including 12,400 children. An additional 60,000 have been injured with over 8,000 still buried under the rubble, due to Israel’s incessant and indiscriminate bombing. These circumstances, combined with the absence of basic humanitarian aid such as food, clean water, and medicine are creating a rapidly deteriorating situation of hunger and disease. The United Nations has warned that famine, an “entirely man-made disaster” according to UN Secretary General António Gutteres, is imminent in Northern Gaza. 

A ceasefire is the only way to deliver the humanitarian aid needed to address the crisis. Every day that we remain silent, casualties rise and conditions deteriorate. The Palestinian residents of the City of Syracuse as well as their friends and community members ask you to pass a ceasefire resolution in Syracuse. Please take a firm and unequivocal stance and acknowledge the growing international demand for a ceasefire based on the principles of love, respect, and the preservation of all human life.

Thank you,

Name ___________________________Address_____________________________

 

Micron written comments to Army Corps by April 4

celrb-micron.public.comments@usace.army.mil or by mail to:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District

Attn: Ms. Margaret Crawford

7413 County House Road

Auburn, NY 13021

 

Articles of the Week

“The Worst of What Humanity Is Capable Of”: Pediatrician Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan on What She Saw in Gaza

Before October 7, Gaza had 36 hospitals. Now only two are minimally functional, and 10 are partially functional, according to the United Nations. The rest have shut down completely after either being shelled, besieged and raided by Israeli troops, or running out of fuel and medicine. Israel’s assault has killed over 32,500 Palestinians, including over 14,000 children, and wounded nearly 75,000.

Read it on DemocracyNow!

 

 

What Are Reparations And What Could They Look Like In New York?

What Are Reparations And What Could They Look Like In New York?

A New State Commission Will Study The Impacts Of Slavery On Black New Yorkers

From Lanessa Chaplin at NYCLU:

The NYCLU believes to have an equitable New York, we must address the past. We must address slavery and the impacts that linger today. We understand that these impacts although historically have directly targeted Black people, are affecting all New Yorkers and we cannot achieve equity without repairing those harms.

Addressing the many harms slavery caused is no simple task. But we are strongest when all our communities have the resources they need to thrive. We are in full support of the formation of the Reparations Taskforce and hopeful the commission will put us on a path towards understanding the legacy of slavery and building a shared appreciation across all communities of both the need for and the righteousness of reparations.

This is critical for building a more equitable and stronger New York. To learn more about our position, read a blog that I had the pleasure of co-authoring with the incomparable Executive Director of New York Civil Liberties Union, Donna Lieberman

 

Read it on NYCLU

 

 

 

Syracuse Immigrant and Refugee Defense Network serves as an ‘ally’ for community

With increased immigration law enforcement activity in 2017, the Workers Center of Central New York and the Syracuse Peace Council held a community-wide meeting — an initiative to understand how they could support Syracuse’s immigrant and refugee community. From that meeting, attendees created a group dedicated to responding to community members’ urgent legal immigration matters. 

Now known as the Syracuse Immigrant and Refugee Defense Network, the volunteer-led organization works for immigration justice, and is a project of WCCNY, an organization focused on economic and workplace justice. 

Read it in The Daily Orange

 

 

Some current  relevant articles on Central Current Here

  • Syracuse University clerical workers announce intention to unionize 
  • A message from Central Current’s new executive director Maximilian Eyl
  • Remembering Larry Hoyt
  • Deficient and negligent’ care may have led to the death of infant born at Onondaga County jail, state watchdog says

 

 

 

The Great Lakes Are Under Threat. A New Film Tells the Story of the Fight to Save Them.

The Line 5 pipeline has leaked over 1 million gallons of oil to date and threatens the Great Lakes

Bad River” chronicles the Wisconsin-based Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s fight to have the Line 5 oil pipeline removed and protect their home, Lake Superior, and all the Great Lakes from catastrophic contamination. Earthjustice has helped the Band fight a proposal to reroute the pipeline through their traditional lands. 

Read the Article on EarthJustice

Read the Article on EarthJustice

 

 

Event Calendar

Presidential Primary Election 

Election Day: Tuesday, April 2, 2024: 6am – 9pm

 

Community Foundation Listening & Networking Events

The Central New York Community Foundation’s new President & CEO, Melanie Littlejohn, wants to hear from you! Join us in the conversation surrounding Central New York’s shared future.

Enjoy some light fare and networking with Melanie and fellow community members. Participants may share their insights on the region’s biggest strengths, opportunities and needs, as well as ask pertinent questions.

FREE to attend, but space is limited. Please register for only one of the four event sessions. Two tickets available per registration.

EVENT INFORMATION

  • March 26, 2024 – Salt City Market | 3:00-5:00 PM (near capacity)

  • April 3, 2024 – Community Folk Art Center | 5:30-7:30 PM

  • April 10, 2024 – South Side Innovation Center | 5:00-7:00 PM

  • April 18, 2024 – Arts at the Palace (Madison County) | 4:30-6:30 P

Register Here

 

Onondaga County Legislature Session

Tuesday, April 2 at 1pm

401 Montgomery St, Room 407

See action alert above. Arrive before 1pm if you would like to make a public comment. 

 

Syracuse Citizen Review Board Week April 2024

The Citizen Review Board (CRB) was created to ensure an open citizen-controlled process for reviewing grievances involving members of the Syracuse Police Department (SPD). Join us for CRB Week! We will be celebrating with events from April 2-5, 2024. 

 

March For Accountability

Tuesday, April 2 at 12pm at From Dunbar Center To City Hall Steps
Join us as we march for legislation change that would provide us with more authority with police oversight. We will march from Dunbar Center to City Hall, beginning at 12:00pm. Shuttle service back to Dunbar Center after the march will be offered based on availability. Let your voice be heard!

 

Community Open House

Wed April 3 10am – 5pm at 300 State St, Fl5, Syracuse

We invite you to our new space for an information session about the CRB and our mission. Light fare will be served for breakfast & lunch.

 

Social Media Campaign – Virtual

Thursday, April 04 @Syracusecrb #Crbweek

 

Community Outreach Day 

Friday, April 5 Three Locations Tbd

 

Details on Facebook 

 

Two Environmental Storytelling CNY Events

https://envirostorycny.com/about 

United States Poet Laureate Emeritus Juan Felipe Herrera. Learn more about Herrera’s work, Latiné environmentalism, and the Chicano/a Literary Movement in our latest ESS Learning Guide

 

Wednesday, April 3, 5:30 – 7pm: Crafting Poetic Futures

La Casita Cultural Center, 109 Otisco St., Syracuse, NY.

Herrera leads a creative writing workshop for students of all ages. He will discuss how his own poetic work connects with environmental concerns while pointing us toward methods of communal storytelling and repair. 

 

Thursday, April 4, 6 – 7:30pm: Cruel April Poetry Reading 

La Casita Cultural Center, 109 Otisco St., Syracuse, NY.

In connection with the annual Point of Contact (POC) Cruel April Reading Series, Juan Felipe Herrera will read newly commissioned work featured in POC’s Corresponding Voices publication. 

 

 

Utility Debt Relief Public Open House

Friday, April 5. 12 – 2 PM – 716 Hawley Ave, Syracuse, NY 13224

Event by NYS Senator Rachel May

 

Tired of high energy costs? We’ve got you covered! Discover various debt relief options and programs designed to slash your energy bills. Hands-on assistance with your applications completely free of charge. Discover potential debt relief options and connect with programs aimed at slashing your energy bills. Don’t forget to bring along:

  • Your recent utility bill

  • A valid form of identification

  • A copy of your benefits award letter from HEAP, SNAP, SSI, or other

  • public assistance programs (if applicable)

  • Proof of income if you haven’t applied for HEAP or SNAP yet

 

Info Here

 

Small Business Entrepreneurship Workshop

Saturday, April 6th and Saturday, April 13th, from 10AM -2PM.

Syracuse, 4926 Onondaga Rd, Syracuse, NY 13215, USA

Would you like to start or grow your own business?

Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Inc. and Tap Roots Fields will host a Small Business Entrepreneurship class. If you are a current small business owner or if you want to start a business, this 2-day class is a must!

 

Register Here

 

Homeowner? Renter? You are invited!

Saturday, April 6th – 11 AM – 12:30 PM

FAHNN Indoor Winter Market in the Valley Plaza 

4141 S Salina St, Syracuse NY  (between Dollar General & CitiTrends)

We are discussing available energy assistance and home improvement programs and we want your input!

Enjoy snacks, learn about available programs, and give us insight into what barriers you face in getting your home more energy efficient.

 

EnergySmartCNY.org

 

Sofía Luz Pérez’s solo exhibition, “My Shadow is My Teacher.”

Sat., April 6, 6-8 PM

ArtRage Gallery505 Hawley Ave, Syracuse, NY, United States, New York 13203

Sofía Luz Pérez is a Mexican American artist born in Austin, Texas and raised in central New York. Her work often depicts ancient feminine archetypes while referencing self-portraiture, bringing together the ancient wisdom of her pre-Colombian cultural heritage with her present-day self. 

 

 

Save the Dates

Press Work as a Tool For Liberation

April 11 and 17; 5-7 PM

Syracuse Peace Council | 2013 E Genesee St, Syracuse

Join the Syracuse Peace Council for a two-part workshop- empower yourself and your group to create press campaigns for your issue of interest, engage in ethical and accurate information sourcing, and learn about the news industry and the current state of reporting.

 

Both sessions will include facilitated exercises, toolkits to bring to your groups, and presentations from guest speakers. This is an opportunity to practice press work with other local movement builders and organizers.

 

More Details on Syracuse Peace Council

 

Eyewitness Gaza: A Surgeon’s Perspective on the Medical and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

April 11th at 7pm

ArtRage Gallery, 505 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13203

Light refreshments will be served

 

Dr. Mohamed Elfar will share personal images and the story of his time treating wounded Palestinians in Gaza. Dr. Elfar is a fellowship-trained and board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He completed his surgical residency and became a general surgeon in Egypt prior to relocating to the US.

 

 

Twentieth Annual Symposium on Energy in the 21st Century

April 12, 2024 – 8am – 2pm

Gateway Building, Suny ESF Syracuse

 

Bringing Together Corporate, Labor, Environmentalists & Government 

Working Together Toward A Renewable Energy Future 

More Information & Registration:  https://energy21symposium.org/

 

 

Islamophobia, the War on Terror, and the Rhetoric of State Violence

Friday, April 12, 3:30 – 6 PM

Syracuse University campus, in the I-3 Center in Newhouse 3

Come participate in a lecture and conversation with scholar and activist Maha Hilal, who will be leading us in discussion on “Islamophobia, the War on Terror, and the Rhetoric of State Violence.” 

 There will be plenty of time to mingle, connect with community, and stay fueled!

Hosted by the South Asian Critical Feminists Working Group, funded by the CNY Humanities Corridor.


Register Here

 

Earth Emergency! Climate Change Film Series & Discussion

Sunday, April 14: 3:00 – 5:30 pm –  304 E. Genesee St. Fayetteville

This revealing film examines how human activity is setting off dangerous warming loops that are pushing the climate to a point of no return – and what we need to do to stop them. With captivating illustrations, stunning footage and interviews with leading climate scientists as well as support from Greta Thunberg, “Earth Emergency” adds the missing piece of the climate puzzle. If you care about the next generation you want to see these films! Refreshments provided. Max.  audience 30 people. Pre Registration is required.  Any questions contact: pwirth2@verizon.net or call 315–476-3396.

 

 

 

Twentieth Annual Symposium on Energy in the 21st Century

April 12, 2024 – 8am – 2pm

Gateway Building, Suny ESF Syracuse

 

Bringing Together Corporate, Labor, Environmentalists & Government 

Working Together Toward A Renewable Energy Future 

More Information & Registration:  https://energy21symposium.org/

 

 

Human Trafficking in CNY: Fostering Awareness & Understanding.

Focus Greater Syracuse – April Focus Forum. Online Zoom

April 19, 2024; 2:05-1:00 PM

 

 This virtual event brings together two experts who are passionate about increasing awareness, detecting possible victims, and providing services to those in need. A moderated Q&A session will follow the panelist introductions. Register today to join us for this free, virtual FOCUS Forum and to submit your questions for the patients.

Panelists

Elisa Morales, Executive Director, Spanish Action League of Onondaga County 

Erin Bates, Deputy Director of Operations, McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center

Register

 

Financial Literacy: Scams and Fraud

Monday, April 22, 11 AM – 12 PM

Soule Branch Library – Onondaga County Public Libraries 101 Springfield Rd, Syr., NY, 13214

 

Join us for an educational presentation by Kenda Carfagno, Financial Wellness Officer at Visions Federal Credit Union, about how to identify common scams and fraud and what you can do to avoid becoming a victim. Particularly useful for senior citizens and other populations vulnerable to scams, the presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. Registration is encouraged; see the link below or see a staff member for assistance.

Register here

 

 

Holly Near in Concert

Tuesday, April 30 @ 7pm, Plymouth Church, 232 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse 123202

Part of the proceeds benefits the Syracuse Community Choir.

Tickets online 

More info: Community Choir website

 

Ongoing Events

SYRACUSE  STREET HEAT

Syracuse Street Heat is just one, very unencumbered way to work for peace and social justice. We’re part of a decades-long grassroots tradition here, in Ithaca and elsewhere. We stand out and stand up for what we stand for. 

A handful of us stand at busy intersections, for 45 minutes at rush hour, pivoting to the traffic with hand-held signs. We want to get the public thinking about issues often underrepresented in the media. We’re there weekly in almost all of Syracuse’s weather (we seldom cancel). Bring your own sign – or use one of ours. No meetings or committees, so participation time is minimal (yay!) Our Team:  Ann, Dick, Ed, Geoff, Jim, Julienne, Les, Leslie, Peter…. 

To learn more, call Ann or Ed: (315) 478 4571.      

FIRST & THIRD TUESDAYS OF THE MONTH…4 TO 4:45 P.M. (Killer Drones)

Across from the main gate of Hancock AFB, home of the 174th Attack Wing of the NYS National Guard  training Reaper drone operators. 6000 East Molloy Road.

 

EVERY FRIDAY…4 to 4:45 p.m. (“CEASE FIRE NOW”, etc./ Palestine solidarity)

A handful of us disperse along the sidewalk with our signs at the very busy intersection of Erie Blvd East and East Genesee St. (across from the DeWitt fire station; park in the nearby mini mall lot.)

 

EVERY  SATURDAY…9 to 9:45 a.m. 

(range of issues: racism, Palestine solidarity  anti-war, anti-war, etc.)

Across from the Syracuse Regional Market, 2100 Park  St. at the 81N Liverpool/Park St. exit. Park in the Market lot on the north side of Park. You can use one of our signs or bring your own.

        

 

 

Donate to the CNY Solidarity Coalition

CNY Solidarity Coalition contributes regularly to local progressive organizations: Syracuse Peace Council, National Action Network, & Urban Jobs Coalition. We also make occasional donations as needed to other local groups. We depend on your donations for this. 

 

Donate Online through PayPal

 

Mail donations to: 

CNY Solidarity Coalition

P.O. Box 6137, Teall Post Office, 226 Teall Ave., Syracuse NY 13217

 

Our Committees

To sign up for each of the committee mailing lists, contact the person listed. 

Indivisible Onondaga County: Contact: Deborah Rose: dcurryrose@gmail.com

Climate Justice: Contact: Dick Kornbluth dick@dickkornbluth.com

SLAT (State/Local Action Team) Contact: Peter McCarthy – pmccar1100@gmail.com  

Beyond War and Militarism: A joint committee of CNY Solidarity Coalition and the Syracuse Peace Council. Contact: Ron Van Norstrand: ron@vannorstrandlaw.com

 

Elaine Denton

Peter McCarthy

Coordinating Committee

CNY Solidarity Coalition

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