Brother’s troubles inspired SPD Officer Russell to choose law enforcement On her 25th birthday this spring, Syracuse Police Officer Lashonda Russell got a message from her younger brother, Jewuel Hanson. “Happy Birthday Toot,” it read, using the nickname family members lovingly refer to her by.  Excited he remembered her birthday, she messaged him right back, asking: “How’s it going?” He …

Beautification overhaul brings light and allure to homes, park as a welcome to the South Side On a Thursday in September, Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today Southside partnered with Home HeadQuarters’ Block Blitz, Syracuse University alumni and community neighbors to make a visual difference on the South Side of Syracuse.   Community volunteers such as Patrona Jones-Rowser, leader of the Beautification Task …

The almost century-old Nojaim Brothers Supermarket to close this month Nojaim Brothers Supermarket, a fixture on Gifford Street for nearly a century, will close on the Near Westside this month. Paul Nojaim broke the ground-shaking news in a letter he sent to his employees in mid-September. He blamed the decision on financial hardship. The store, which opened in 1919, offered …

In our October print issue, The Stand reports on several recent events, spotlights father Cyrus Lyles and shares rookie police officer Lashonda Russell’s story on her journey to joining the Syracuse Police Department. Russell’s story is part of the larger in-depth journalism project — They Wear Blue — completed by Newhouse students over a four-month period. Officers — and community …

Ten Syracuse women share their stories of how they empower others and inspire unity Women of different backgrounds came together for a photoshoot to display a sense of equality and support that tends to be lacking in our nation today. The photoshoot, which felt like a powerhouse movement, took place at the Guest House, a venue for events, meetings and …

Nominated by Ed Perry Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: Initially, I was terrified. At first I didn’t understand it — she (the mother) still looked normal. Then when her belly started to get big … I was like ‘Uh oh! This is the real deal.’ And I didn’t grasp the concept that I …

Syracuse United Neighbors Celebrate Oct. 4 One of Syracuse’s longest-standing community aid organizations will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a party its officers promise will include music, dancing and raffles. Syracuse United Neighbors — known as “SUN” — works to boost jobs and fight crime, according to its mission statement. “People feel unrepresented and feel that the government is not …

Show honors acclaimed performer and activist Oct. 7 For 35 years on the South Side, the theater company named for one of America’s greatest African-American actors still hews to its original mission, its members said — speaking about social issues through art — just as did Paul Robeson, for whom it is named. The Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company will …

Local fitness trainer encourages working out for emotional well-being A chance encounter three years ago between two men, who both emigrated from predominantly English-speaking nations in West Africa, changed the life of one and reinforced the life mission of the other. In 2014, Ronju Benefu immigrated to America from his home in Ghana. He had no money, no place to …

    In our September print issue, we catch up with Officer Ahmad Mims, who was featured on The Stand’s cover back in 2015. Mims’ story offers a sneak peek at the larger in-depth journalism project — They Wear Blue — completed by Newhouse students over a four-month period. Officers — and community activists — from the project will be published …