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May Day Strong Rally in Syracuse. Photo By Mark Rupert

May CNY Solidarity Coalition/Indivisible Onondaga County Meeting

Sunday May 18, 3-5 PM.

NOTE NEW LOCATION:

University United Methodist Church – 1085 E. Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13210

Please carpool if you can. 

Extend the Public Comment Period for MICRON’s DEIS

(Draft Environmental Impact Statement)

There Are many positive ways that the Micron project will benefit the community. There are also many unanswered questions. We were granted YEARS to decide on the fate of Rt.81’s viaduct through the city.

BUT now we have ONLY 45 days to double-check the details on Micron’s plan. It is our only opportunity to do the kind of review that might have avoided the chemical sewer that ruined ONONDAGA LAKE! Ask for more time to have public hearings that explain or offset existing questions:

• How are the ‘Forever’ chemicals (PFAS) used in the manufacturing process going to be handled?

• How is the water demand going to be supplied?

• How is the energy required going to impact all of us?

• We already have a housing crisis…. Is there a reasonable plan that doesn’t put this even more out of reach for our citizens?

Click Here to Sign 

Vote Like a Tenant Campaign Canvassing: Syracuse Volunteers Needed!

MAY 7, 5:30PM & MAY 11, 3:30PM: Canvassing – The Vote Like a Tenant campaign is canvassing in Syracuse twice weekly to get tenants to the polls in the June election. They need volunteers to help reach and mobilize thousands of tenants to break corporate influence on local elections. Good Cause lease renewal and rent hike protections are on the ballot this June. They are also circulating a petition with the goal of getting 1,000 voters pledged to turn out.

• Sign the Petition

• View upcoming canvasses and sign up at tenantbloc.org/syr

• Also see May 8 Rally/Press conference below.

Tell EPA: Protect our Drinking Water from Dangerous PFAS Chemicals

Don’t Roll Back These Critical Public Health Protections!

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has until May 12th to decide—either side with polluters or move ahead with strong, science-based drinking water standards for PFAS and protect our health

In April of 2024, EPA adopted strong, science-based drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals—limiting the toxic chemicals to the lowest level feasible in drinking water. Regrettably, a lawsuit has been brought by water utilities and the chemical industry, attempting to block this much needed drinking water standard.

Tell the EPA that the public’s health is more important than the chemical industry’s profits. 

Email Members of Congress: Bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia home.

Abrego Garcia was kidnapped and deported by Trump and ICE to a notorious prison camp. The administration has admitted it was an “administrative error” but they are refusing to facilitate his return, in open defiance of an order from the US Supreme Court.

If Trump is allowed to openly defy a court order, no rights are safe. We’re demanding that leaders in both parties use every tool at their disposal to ensure Abrego Garcia is freed and returned to America.

Email Congress members

Speak Up for Electric School Buses in upcoming School Budget Votes

May 20, 2025 is the date for all school budget voting in Onondaga and Madison Counties. Climate Change and Awareness is asking residents to attend board meetings and advocate for budgets, propositions, and candidates who will support purchasing electric school buses to move our districts toward a lower-carbon future.

Why it’s important:

• New York State requires all new school buses to be zero-emission starting in 2027.

• Major state and federal funding is available now to cover up to 100% of costs for clean school buses and infrastructure.

• Learn More Here

Budget hearing schedules and locations for all Onondaga and Madison County school districts

Letters to the Editor

CNY Solidarity Coalition encourages letters to the editor regarding issues affecting us locally and nationwide. We also recommend that letters are written in response to recent articles; these are more likely to get published. Links to these articles will be included each week.

If you’re looking for a subject to write about, here are this week’s suggestions:

• Micron’s impact report is public information. Release it now 

• Trump says he’s renaming Veterans Day to honor World War I victory

Guidelines for writing Letters to the Editor, with a link to previously submitted letters, can be found here.

If you’ve written a letter, whether it’s been published or not, consider  forwarding  a copy to cnysolnews@gmail.com, so that it can be added to our website’s “Opinion” section.

Democratic candidates for Syracuse mayor’s race face off in 1st debate

The candidates vying for the Democratic line in the Syracuse mayor’s race faced off Wednesday in the first debate of the election cycle. Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, Common Councilor Pat Hogan and Common Councilor Chol Majok all made their case to follow Mayor Ben Walsh, who is serving his final term as mayor.

Read it on Central Current   |   Sign up to Vote by Mail Here

ICE raids wrong Oklahoma home, seizes life savings and leaves family ‘traumatized for life’

An Oklahoma mother and her daughters, all U.S. citizens, were reportedly subject to a violent and humiliating raid by federal immigration agents last week, despite allegedly not being the intended targets of the operation.

Read it on The Independent

Some women having trouble getting REAL IDs due to ‘confusing’ issue

REAL ID, also known as “Real ID,” is a new form of identification that is required beginning May 7, 2025, to fly in the United States. New York state also offers an Enhanced ID, or Enhanced driver’s license, which is accepted for Real ID purposes on flights as well as crossing land and sea borders to and from Canada and Mexico. Some women are having trouble getting REAL IDs and Enhanced driver’s licenses due to a simple reason: Marriage.

Read it on Syracuse.com

One hundred days in, Donald Trump faces a problem: he can rage, but he can’t govern

He says it’s the “best 100-day start of any president in history”, but you can file that along with his boast about crowd sizes and his claim to have won the 2020 election. In truth, the first three months of Donald Trump’s second presidency have been calamitous on almost every measure. The single biggest achievement of those 100 days has been to serve as a warning of the perils of nationalist populism, which is effective in winning votes but disastrous when translated into reality.

Read it on The Guardian

Nearly 290,000 Gaza children on ‘the brink of death’ amid Israeli blockade

More than 3,500 children below the age of five years “face imminent death by starvation”, Gaza’s Government Media Office (GMO) has said, adding that some 70,000 children are being hospitalised in the enclave due to severe malnutrition amid more than two months of total Israeli blockade.

Read it on Al Jazeera

The Reality Of Project 2025

Tracking The Implementation Of Project 2025 And How To Fight Back

From Red Wine and Blue

Donald Trump has put many of Project 2025’s authors in top-level positions in his administration and they’ve already started implementing it. But these plans are still deeply unpopular. So, now we’re keeping track of what they’re doing and holding them accountable. 

Check out our site to see how!

Onondaga County Legislative Session

Tuesday, May 6 at 1:00pm

401 Montgomery Street, Room 407 Court House

County Executive Ryan McMahon is back for $27 million of our taxpayer money to give to OCIDA to purchase more property for corporations. OCIDA has already spent more than $30 million of taxpayer money buying land for Micron. This is currently tied to amending the 2025 county budget giving $5 million for the county’s housing initiative program and $1 million for using AI to support county operations. These proposals should at least be separated to be voted on individually. Please attend this county legislative session to give a public comment or email your public comment to OnondagaCountyLegislature@ongov.net 

View Details of Amendment Here (page 70)

The Attacks On Reproductive Freedom You Haven’t Heard About

Tuesday, May 6, 7:30 pm

Red Wine & Blue Zoom event  

Hear from the founder of “Abortion, Every Day” and feminist author Jessica Valenti. She will break down the legal, political, and cultural efforts being used to erode access to abortion and reproductive healthcare at the state and local level. Learn what is happening, what is at stake and what we can do to fight back.

Register Here

BANNED BOOK CLUB: BRAIDING SWEETGRASS

Wednesday, May 7, 7:30 pm

Red Wine & Blue Zoom event  

“Braiding Sweetgrass” is a nonfiction book by Robin Wall Kimmerer. In this book, she explores and celebrates our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world, touching on issues relating to colonialism, environmentalism, and climate change.

Register Here

How To Talk About Class Divides And Why It Matters Now

Thursday, May 8, 7:30 pm

Red Wine & Blue Zoom event  

Extremists have been able to exploit class divisions and use culture wars to win elections and deepen distrust in our communities. Join to hear from legal scholar and social critic Joan C. Williams, whose latest book Outclassed, does a deep dive into this issue and gives us helpful advice on how to talk to others and begin to build connections and understanding. 

Register Here

Vote Like a Tenant

Thursday, May 8, 2024-11:00 am EST

Syracuse City Hall, in front.

Syracuse is 61% tenants and has some of the nation’s highest rent hikes, but City Council sided with slumlords when they voted 5-4 against Good Cause in February. On May 8, a coalition of tenant, labor, and community organizations and leaders will announce a citywide campaign in collaboration with the NYS Tenant Bloc to win a pro-tenant City Government in the June 24 election.

Community members are asked to join to hold signs and lend voices for the Vote Like a Tenant campaign.

NYS Tenant Bloc

Syracuse Tenants Union

1199 SEIU

New York Civil Liberties Union, CNY Chapter

CNY Solidarity Coalition

City Auditor Alex Marion

Free Paper Shredding sponsored by Assemblyman Magnarelli

Saturday, May 10, 9am-12pm

Destiny USA pink lot (off Solar St.), Syracuse NY

Residents can bring their confidential papers to be shredded at no charge. Five box limit per vehicle. Boxes should be medium-sized and easy to lift (measuring roughly 10″ x 12″x 15″) to keep attendees and staff safe from lifting injuries.

 Personal records from a household such as medical documents, bank information, tax documents and other items containing account numbers or private details

Sign up Here 

ArtRage:  Re-sist! Tie Dye Workshop with Vanessa Johnson

Saturday, May 10, 10am-12pm

505 Hawley Ave., Syracuse NY 13203

Be ready to get messy and play in buckets of color in this fun family workshop exploring Creative Tie Dyeing and Resist Methods! Children 10+ welcome to attend with an adult. Free. 

Register Here

Jewish Voices for Peace Speakers

Saturday, May 10th @6pm 

Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Social Justice Small Group

17 Williams St. Auburn NY 13021. 

Speakers from the Syracuse chapter of Jewish Voices for Peace. The church and this event is open to all. The speakers will cover topics such as Antisemtism, Zionism vs. Anti-zionism, Christian Zionism as well as sharing their stories from the perspective of Holocaust survivor descendents.

CCAA Presentation: New York State 2025 School Budget Vote

Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00pm

Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave, Manlius

Climate Change Awareness and Action (CCAA) is hosting a panel discussion and open  forum focused on understanding this year’s school board propositions and budget votes, and how these decisions directly impact the future of electric school buses in our communities.  Following the discussion, we’ll dive into the next steps for local action and how you can get involved in shaping cleaner healthier transportation for our students.

Switching to electric school buses isn’t just a smart financial decision – it’s a critical step for sustainability, helping to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions and build a healthier future for our children and our planet.

We welcome everyone to attend and ask questions, and be part of the growing movement toward a cleaner future. Attend in person or on Zoom: Register for Zoom link here

Protecting Our Families: Environmental Health And The I-81 Construction

Thursday, May 15, 2025 @ 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Dunbar Center, 1453 S. State St., Syracuse, NY 13205

Community Panel

Join us for a community panel and town hall to discuss the start of construction on I-81, what comes next, and how we can protect our families and communities.

ArtRage: In the Center of the Crossroads

Now through Saturday, May 24

Wednesday through Friday 2-6 pm; Saturday 12-4 pm

Artist Talk with Vanessa Johnson Wednesday April 23 at 7 pm

505 Hawley Ave., Syracuse NY 13203

Standing in the Intersection Between Racism, Climate Change, and Memory. A Fiber Art exhibition by Vanessa Johnson.

More Information

ArtRage: In the Center of the Crossroads

Now through Saturday, May 24

Wednesday through Friday 2-6 pm; Saturday 12-4 pm

Artist Talk with Vanessa Johnson Wednesday April 23 at 7 pm

505 Hawley Ave., Syracuse NY 13203

Standing in the Intersection Between Racism, Climate Change, and Memory. A Fiber Art exhibition by Vanessa Johnson.

More Information

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America

Now through Friday, May 30 10 am – 5 pm

Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center, 6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool, NY  

A dynamic traveling multimedia exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution, in partnership with the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA), exploring the history, principles, and ongoing evolution of American democracy, from the revolution to today’s challenges and conversations.

More Information

ArtRage:  “Patchwork People” Storytelling with Vanessa Johnson

Thursday May 15, 7-9 pm

505 Hawley Ave., Syracuse NY 13203

Hear Tales Told in Cloth by Griot Vanessa Johnson! Ms. Johnson will pass around her touchable Fiber Art Creations! You are invited to bring a quilt from home to share its story with the audience. Free. 

More Information

League of Women Voters Annual NYS Legislative Breakfast

Friday May 16, 2025, 7:30 – 9:30 am

The Collegian Hotel, 1060 E. Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13210

$30 breakfast buffet with moderated discussion.

Scheduled to be in attendance: Senators Rachel May and Chris Ryan, and Assemblymembers Will Barclay, Pamela Hunter, John Lemondes, Bill Magnarelli, and Al Stirpe.

More Here

GreeningUSA’s Annual Meeting

May 16, 2025 9am-12pm

CNY Community Foundation Philanthropy Center Ballroom, 431 East Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13202

The featured program at the 21^st Annual Meeting will be a conversation with Melanie Littlejohn, Executive Director of the CNY Community Foundation. Ms. Littlejohn’s organization has been named as “lead intermediary” by Micron and the Department of Commerce CHIPS For America program and will “mobilize the regional workforce ecosystems necessary for supporting both the construction and facility workforces.”

Register Here

Free Paint Recycling sponsored by Assemblyman Stirpe

Saturday, May 17, 7:30am-12:30pm

DMV Parking Lot, 5800 East Taft Rd, N. Syracuse NY 13212

Paint must be in original container with original label and not leaking!

Accepted: Oil-Based Paint, Acrylic & Latex Paint, Sealers, Stains, Shellacs, Lacquers, Varnishes & Urethanes.

Not Accepted: Spray Paint, Paint Thinner, Solvents, Drywall Mud, Driveway or Roof Sealer, Cleansing Agents, Roof Patch, Adhesives.

Sign Up Here

Training for Nonviolent Direct Action

Saturday, May 17, 10 am – 4 pm

University United Methodist Church, 1085 E Genesee St, Syracuse (entrance and parking on University Ave.)

Planning and carrying out effective nonviolent direct actions requires thoughtful planning and preparation. To support people considering such actions, the CNY Solidarity Coalition is offering training for nonviolent direct action led by two young adult trainers with significant training and action experience in the United States and internationally.

The training will include exercises, roleplays and information sharing to help prepare people to participate in nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience. Participants are asked to commit to the full six hours of the training, which will include lunch. The space will be open starting at 9 am for warm ups, meditation, movement and singing. The training will start promptly at 10 am.

$20 registration fee covers lunch

Childcare will be available onsite

Register Here

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.      

2025 Spring, Summer, And Fall Schedule

Year round: Every  Friday afternoon. 4   to 4:45 pm   justice for Palestine; no more U.S.  funding Israeli genocide;  U.S.: stop terrorizing  families in Gaza; and so on.

West sidewalk of the intersection of Erie Blvd. East Genesee St, Dewitt (across from the Fire Dept.)

Beginning first Saturday in April: 4/5/25

Every Saturday 9 to 9:45 am with a variety of issues : anti-militarism, racism, Palestine genocide, Anti-nuke, climate disaster, etc.

Across from the main entrance to the Syracuse regional market, 2100 park st    

Stay in touch for anti-killer drone actions at Hancock National Guard Base

upstatedroneaction.com                           spc@peacecouncil.Net 

Watch past meetings about Micron, Good Jobs Town Hall, Rallies and more on our YouTube Channel.

 

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: Tom Keck

Climate Justice: Contact: Dick Kornbluth

SLAT (State/Local Action Team) Contact: Peter McCarthy  

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

 

Elaine Denton

Peter McCarthy

Coordinating Committee

CNY Solidarity Coalition