October 16, 2018 – Urban CNY

News Voices

Governor Cuomo is Guest on Keepin’ It Real with Reverend Al Sharpton

by Urban CNY News
October 16, 2018

Governor Cuomo: “The New York State Republican Party knew exactly what they were doing. They did what Trump was calling for; it was hostile, it was ugly, it was racial, it was sexist and it, once again, headed the extreme elements and headed the hate and fanned the flames of hate, and somehow they believe this inures to their political benefit.” Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo was a guest on Keepin’ It Real with Reverend Al Sharpton. Yesterday, the Governor called on the FBI to investigate incidents involving the ‘Proud Boys’ group following disturbing videos and reports of violence over the weekend and directed the State Police Hate Crimes Unit to coordinate with the FBI and NYPDon thorough investigations into these incidents and any additional acts of violence or discrimination by the group across the state. A rush transcript of Governor Cuomo’s interview is available below: Reverend Al Sharpton: Over the weekend in New York a group called the Proud Boys, invited to the Republican party headquarters—violence erupted. None came out stronger and more fervently about this and the implications than the Governor of the state of New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo. I have him on the live line. Governor, thank you for coming on. Governor Cuomo: Thank you. Thank you for having me, Reverend, and I want to first start by seconding Spike Lee’s comments about your leadership and being out front. I’m not really sure what “brick bats” means anymore, but I got the gist of it. Your voice has been so important, thank you. Reverend Al Sharpton: Well thank you. Talk about brick bats, what they used to be, because you’re not near the same age, is violence. And there was violence at the Republican party headquarters. What are we looking at here, Governor? Governor Cuomo: Well, I think two things, Reverend. First, the incident in and of itself. You have the New York State Republican party invite a group called the Proud Boys. The Southern Poverty Leadership Center says they’re a hate group. They’re a self-proclaimed male chauvinist group, white supremacist group. But they have a long history of violence. They were down in Charlottesville, banned from Twitter. The New York State Republican party invites them to speak in Manhattan. The invitation creates controversy. The Republican club was vandalized before. They bring the speaker in and he was foul and racist and chauvinistic and there was violence afterwards and the police are in the middle of the investigation. Why the Republican party would bring a group that has a history of violence. He was at NYU—New York University—and there was violence after he spoke there. So they knew exactly what they were doing and they brought him in anyway, into this state that you know we have no tolerance for hate speech. We understand the first amendment, we honor the first amendment, but hate speech is not protected speech under the first amendment and we know how to use brick bats in New York. So it was just incredible and malicious by the Republican party. But secondly, what bothers me even more, the same weekend, last weekend, Trump was all over the airwaves talking about how Democrats are bad people and they create chaos and they are a mob. And that same weekend the Republican party in New York does this. Now I think sometimes one and one equals two. I think they are desperate for the midterms, they are trying to fire up their base because they’re afraid of the energy in the Democratic party, the so-called blue wave. The theory that Kavanaugh helped them is a lot of malarkey. The Kavanaugh steamroller, the abuse of Dr. Ford, only further agitated the Democrats and they’re petrified about the midterms and they’re just trying to fire up their base to counter the Democratic turnout that is inevitable. And I think this is how they do it. I think the New York State Republican Party knew exactly what they were doing. They did what Trump was calling for; it was hostile, it was ugly, it was racial, it was sexist and it, once again, headed the extreme elements and headed the hate and fanned the flames of hate, and somehow they believe this inures to their political benefit. Reverend Al Sharpton: Now you, if I’m hearing you right, you’re saying that there was a cynical, political motive that New York Republicans had and even inviting them and paralleling the president saying that there was mob rule on the Democratic side? Governor Cuomo: That’s exactly right. Reverend, you knew what was going to happen when you invited this person and this group the Proud Boys. There’s been violence all across the country every time they appear. You knew what was going to happen when you brought them into Manhattan and you invited them and you previewed it and there was all sorts of outrage that they would be brought in, and the venue was vandalized before—and they still brought him in. They knew what they were doing. Now, we would say how counter-productive. I think if you’re a Republican Machiavellian you say, “no this is firing up our base. This is going to get our people energized because our people are actually motivated and stimulated by this talk.” But I don’t believe it was a coincidence that the President was saying at the exact same time, “Democrats are a mob. Democrats caused chaos. Democrats are bad people.” Look, they have to generate energy among their base, because they know that eventually the bill comes due, and that this President has trampled rights of women, trampled rights of minorities and this November people get to pay back—and you know what they say about payback, it’s a pain in the neck, I think they say, or something like that. Reverend Al Sharpton. Yeah they have several ways they say that sentence. Let me ask you, you’re on nationwide and certainly you’re on the ballot in November, you just

Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Syracuse City-Wide Music Ministry Workshop “Encouraged by Many Participants”

by Dr. Joan Hillsman
October 16, 2018

People gathered from across the city of Syracuse, New York and beyond to attend the “City-Wide Music Ministry Workshop” that was held at Bethany Baptist Church, where Rev. Phil Turner is pastor. The Joan Hillsman’s Music Network, Inc. (JHMN, Inc.), collaborated with Bethany and was open to volunteers, supporters, and all who wanted to gain information to share with their existing organizations. Presenters shared their experiences and knowledge on many subjects that could apply, not only to music ministry, but to all walks of life. Many may have embedded in their mind that the information would be only pertinent to those who are active in music in worship. It was much more. The aspects gained from music itself may be applied to everyday life skills in the workplace, organizations, and the church. It is often stated that “music is a universal language.” This has been proven to be true in many instances. It can attract people of all cultures, ages and boundaries”, states Dr. Hillsman, music educator and historian. Music is: math, science, social studies, technology, physics, and the list goes on. This was the third presentation of this kind sponsored by JHMN and Syracuse representatives. The purpose was to gather information that would produce effective results in the community, therefore, motivating them to strengthen positive values through the arts, exposure, and connecting with resource persons. Topics and presenters shared a great deal of information that can be taken back to their communities. They included subject matter on the following and more, such as The Importance of Music in Worship The Singing Voice/ The Instruments Use of technology/microphones (Sound Ministries) Importance of Communication and Conversation Developing Positive Leadership Skills Music for Youth and adults Choir Decorum Music In the Scriptures Guides for establishing an effective music department Unity, Team Work, and Group Effectiveness Conflict Management Knowing your purpose and assignment Seek Guidance from God Love and R-E-S-P-E-C-T for all Diversity/Sign Language/Inclusion The testimonials of the workshop and its effectiveness were highly applauded. The evaluations also gave suggestions for future sessions. Rev. H. Bernard Alex, Victory Temple was one of the Keynote clinicians, which was his second appearance for the City-Wide Workshop. Other renowned presenters included, Host Pastor Phil Turner, Bethany Church and committees, Facilitator, Ruby Linzy, Brian Moore, Robert Short (MM), Andrew Young, New Generation Group from Africa, Combined Youth Groups, Syracuse Chapter Gospel Music Workshop of America (SGMWA) and many other organizations, musicians, individuals and friends.

News

Outraised Three-to-One by Balter, Incumbent’s Cash Lead Shrinks

by Urban CNY News
October 16, 2018

According to the Dana Balter campaign, Congressman John Katko, the two-term incumbent reported lackluster fundraising for the 3rd quarter this afternoon, failing to break the half-million dollar mark. Democratic challenger Dana Balter has filed her report showing over $1.54 million raised over the same period in over 44,000 contributions averaging just $35. More than 96% of contributions to Balter’s campaign were under $100 – a stark contrast from Katko’s corporate- and PAC-heavy report. At the end of June, Katko’s cash on hand advantage was $1.5 million. Now, that’s shrunk to under $50,000 as the Congressman spent heavily to try to defend his record. Comparing the reports: Almost 70% of Katko’s total raised came from Political Action and other authorized committees, against just 13% for Balter’s total raised. Balter raised 12 times more than Katko from donors who gave under $200. By individual contributions alone, Balter outraised Katko’s entire effort more than two-to-one. Katko also had some interesting spending over the last three months: $76,636 in “temporary staffing services” over 9 transactions $1,116.83 for private air service in July And $450.19 at Hamptons Limousine Katko’s full report can be viewed here, and Balter’s can be viewed here. Dana Balter is a lifelong educator whose commitment to dignity and access for everyone began early when she helped her brother stand up to bullies who targeted his cognitive disabilities. She returned to her family roots in upstate New York when she enrolled at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School in 2003. Most recently, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses there in citizenship, public policy, administration, and democracy. Dana began her campaign in her living room in Syracuse’s Outer Comstock neighborhood. That campaign has grown into a massive grassroots movement committed to showing up, listening, and standing up for the people of central and western New York.

City Scuffle News

The City of Syracuse Announces its Participation in “Startup in Residence” Program to Address Civic Challenges

by Urban CNY News
October 16, 2018

Challenge Areas Include Permit Transparency, Security Deposit Loans, Trauma Response, Snow-Covered Sidewalks, Trash and Debris Data Syracuse, N.Y. – The City of Syracuse posted five civic challenges that it plans to address through its participation in the Startup in Residence (STIR) program. The challenges include permit transparency, security deposit loans, trauma response, snow-covered sidewalks, and trash and debris data collection and optimization. “We worked alongside our city departments to identify concerns and propose challenges that need innovative or unique solutions that startups are most equipped to develop,” says Adria Finch, director of the Office of Accountability, Performance, and Innovation. “These challenges also coincide with larger city initiatives, such as our team’s work on housing stability and the municipal sidewalk snow-clearing pilot.” This program also complements the City’s strategic planning process that began earlier this year, when the mayor and department heads developed a mission statement aiming to position the city as a model of innovation, deliver high quality customer experiences, and provide proactive and efficient service. The City would like to invite local startups to participate in the Startup in Residence program. Startups can apply online at StartupinResidence.org to address one of the challenges posted by the City of Syracuse or another partner in the network. Through the program’s collaborative framework and streamlined procurement process, startups have the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the challenges identified and to close a contract with a government agency. The City of Syracuse is one of 31 government partners participating in the Startup in Residence program. Since 2014, nearly 50 startups from around the world have provided technology solutions to cities including San Francisco, Miami, and Houston. Previous projects in the program have included working on issues such as streamlining the foster care application process, smart sensors on trash cans, homeless health services, volunteer engagement tools, and developing tools to assess the damage in the aftermath of an emergency like an earthquake or flooding. Startups can go to StartupinResidence.org to apply for one or more of the 80+ challenges posted by the Startup in Residence network of government partners. What is STIR: Startup in Residence (STIR) connects startups with government agencies to develop technology products that solve real civic challenges through a 16-week program. Run by City Innovate, STIR is now in 31 cities across the US and has worked with nearly 50 companies. See all the 2018 STIR team partnerships here. To learn more about Startup in Residence visit: https://startupinresidence.org.

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Governor Cuomo is Guest on Keepin’ It Real with Reverend Al Sharpton

Syracuse City-Wide Music Ministry Workshop “Encouraged by Many Participants”

Outraised Three-to-One by Balter, Incumbent’s Cash Lead Shrinks

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The City of Syracuse Announces its Participation in “Startup in Residence” Program to Address Civic Challenges

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Black Voices