Syracuse University’s group The Black Syracuse Project (BSP) is in the process of putting on “Black & Banned” a Community Read-Out events series in coordination with Banned Books Week, a week that annually celebrates the freedom to read. Banned Books Week originally started in 1982 due to a sharp increase in the amount of books that were challenged in schools, …

In a matter of minutes, the 7-Eleven at the corner of South Avenue and Valley Drive transformed from business as usual to a standing ground on an issue timeworn to the community and its residents — safety. More than 100 community leaders and residents, seemingly spent by exclusion and violence, gathered to say they won’t stand for the assault that …

PRPAC’s season premier set in the South Side When Ryan Johnson-Travis wanted to create a play based on the lived experiences of people that his actors knew, a beauty salon on the South Side seemed like the best setting. But when talking with his mother, whom he says is always his inspiration, she urged him to set it in a …

In Onondaga County, more than 10 percent of adults, or 32,000 people, do not have any type of health insurance and nearly 15 percent, or 51,000 adults, said cost prevented them from visiting a doctor in 2008 – 2009, according to the New York State Expanded Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Report from that period. And these high numbers of …

New director of the YWCA teaches life skills to keep girls heading on the right path One look at Fanny Villarreal’s kitchen, and it’s clear that the mother of two is proud of her kids. Their artwork and examples of good grades line the cabinets, with more added every day. “My sons are the light of my life, very active, …

Local activist Phil Prehn got his start as a student protester As Phil Prehn drove down Interstate 90 from Syracuse to Albany for a concert, he had the radio playing full blast. He was gearing up to see his favorite artist, Bruce Springsteen. “I’m not saying he’s a god, but maybe a prophet,” Prehn said. Prehn has been to more …

New building set to open later this month It has been six years in the making, but the Eat to Live Food Co-Op has finally scheduled its highly anticipated opening for late September.  The co-op will be located at 2323 South Salina St. and is projected to be open and operating six days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 …

The Rev. David Tanyhill supports, champions their successes Ashley Noel was sitting beside her mother in the red pews of the church she grew up in but had left for years. She never expected what happened to her one Sunday morning during service. The pastor called her out to come before the congregation. “I was so shocked I didn’t know …

Farm Fresh Moble Market works to bring healthy food and education to communities When you walk through the doors of a small side room of the Villa Scalabrini Apartment complex, you’re welcomed with a double surprise: a table filled with colorful fruits and vegetables and a warm and welcoming smile. Virginia Diane Turner holds her arms open wide to greet …

The Stand currently has two openings for community members to join our Board of Directors. Board members meet every other month for two hours on a Saturday morning. Members discuss story suggestions, events, advertising opportunities, workshop offerings and any questions or concerns.