June 11, 2019 – Urban CNY

Juneteenth: An Important Day in History ‘A Celebration of Freedom Realized’

by Urban CNY News
June 11, 2019

Juneteenth 2019 Ancestral Celebration at the Atrium; Friday, June 15th & Saturday, June 16th, Clinton Square in Downtown Syracuse On June 19th 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to read the Emancipation Proclamation letting slaves know they were finally free. A celebration began as jubilation spread throughout the slave quarters. Every year since then, communities across our nation have celebrated Juneteenth. Syracuse Juneteenth: One of the Nation’s Largest Celebrations! Each year, the Juneteenth Festival is held to acknowledge and educate the community about the importance of Juneteenth, as well as the role that people in the greater Syracuse &Central New York had, and continue to have in achieving and maintaining freedom, equality, and opportunity for our nation’s African American. The festival is an inclusive event transcending racial and ethnic boundaries. The entire community is invited to join in this FREE celebration featuring live entertainment, an educational area, a culturally diverse food court, the Dr. Henry A. Washington Healthy Pavilion, exhibits, and more. There are new shirts, and these are short-sleeve 100% cotton. They have the New York State silhouette, with our Dinka symbols located in Central New York, over the African/Pan-African colors. Our theme, “Celebrating the Survivors of the Journey,” is at the bottom. All sizes are $15. Call 315-436-0388 and ask for Barbara. Syracuse Juneteenth 2019 Ancestral Celebration Syracuse Juneteenth 2019 Ancestral Celebration is being finalized Joining Cora Thomas on stage will be George Kilpatrick & Professor Rick Wright – and Power620 will be in the house!!!! Syracuse Juneteenth 2019 Ancestral Celebration will be honoring the festival’s NIA award recipients: Linda Clark Jesse Dowdell George Kilpatrick Van Robinson Herbert Levens will start roll-call at 5:45p with his drumming team. Live music will be coordinated by our own Danielle Mitchell as she introduces her band of the evening “Daneebelle and Friends” Mel-M Island Eiland (Mel Eiland) has agreed to give us a preview of his NEW music release by performing the inspirational song “OH YEAH!” AND….DJ Showcase will be on the scene closing out the event with dance music!! The event will be catered with a scrumptious dinner by Chef Tommy L Jackson. This special evening is ONLY $25 and with your ticket stub you will also receive a free glass of wine. (Beer & wine will be available to purchase throughout the night) WEAR your African inspired attire & join us at City Hall’s ATRIUM 6pm on Friday, June 14th!!!!

Neighborhoods News

City of Syracuse Mayor and Police Chief provide update on Grace Street Arrest

by Urban CNY News
June 11, 2019

The following is a letter released by the city of Syracuse on behalf of Mayor Ben Walsh and Police Chief Kenton Buckner. To Our Community and Our Officers, One week ago on Grace Street in Syracuse, an arrest occurred that has stirred passionate views and concerns from many people in our community regarding police use of force. We have spoken directly to and met personally with people holding widely different views who have expressed strong opinions and deep concerns. We fully understand the intense interest that accompanies this incident, so we want to provide an update on what the Department is doing. The case has been and continues to be the highest priority of the Department’s internal affairs function, which is handled by the Office of Professional Standards (OPS). Investigators have been reviewing all material and information related to the case and interviewing those involved. Our goal is to be able to provide information on the outcome of the OPS investigation by the end of next week. At that time, we will also share relevant policy documents that apply to such reviews. These include: The new Use of Force Policy which has been updated since Chief Buckner joined the Department seven months ago The Department’s Body Worn Camera Policy which continues to undergo review and revision The City local law on noise or “sound reproduction” under which the original officer intervention occurred Information regarding policies and practices on placing officers on administrative leave State Civil Service Law 50-a which guides the disclosure of information regarding police discipline Training and learning topics that will be point of emphasis for recruits, current officers and citizens In addition to sharing this information with news media, we will make it available online and will also carry any public announcement live on social media. After this process is complete, we will conduct public forums on the use of force, so we can listen to and learn from each other. We will continue to provide training and assistance to our officers, who have an immensely difficult job to do, one that sometimes must involve the use of force. The conversation that has occurred in Syracuse over the last week involves a concern being discussed in communities around the country, but this incident happened in our city. It is the first occasion in the Chief’s tenure for a public dialogue regarding use of force. While ensuring that all matters occur within the bounds of law and due process, it is a conversation we must have and one in which we intend to fully engage. Thank you. Ben Walsh Mayor of Syracuse Chief of Police Kenton Buckner

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Juneteenth: An Important Day in History ‘A Celebration of Freedom Realized’

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City of Syracuse Mayor and Police Chief provide update on Grace Street Arrest

Black Voices