Dr. Sharon Brangman and Upstate Geriatrics begin outreach to educate Syracuse’s elders on healthy living, medical resources By Rebecca Meluch Leaves scattered across the parking lot of Syracuse Community Connections and became trapped underneath the bottoms of cold plastic chairs that were laid out for attendees at Seasons of Change, an event organized to bring older Syracuse residents together to …

Project will improve access to creek by Seneca Turnpike

How one family changed the perception of mental health in the Black church By Darian Stevenson Marquis Neal-Eure ends his voicemail message with the words “Stay blessed and remember, protect your mental health.”  In using those words, he brings together his two passions: His faith in God, and his fight to destigmatize mental health issues in the Black community. Throughout his …

Nonprofit program available to help residents buy first homes By Sarah Dolgin Denise Welch loves her house. She has her own sidewalk, her own driveway and her own fence. Not only does she own her home, but she also owns four additional properties on Baker Avenue. Five years ago, owning a home was nowhere on her radar, because as a …

By Eddie Velazquez Syracuse city officials and local public health education leaders announced the creation of a new outreach program Thursday focused on encouraging hard-to-reach and at-risk residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine. To create the CARES for COVID-19 response program, the city — in partnership with the local Center for Healthcare Workforce Development — was awarded nearly $600,000 in …

By Reggie Seigler Neva Pilgrim and the Society for New Music produced an opera called “Libba Cotton: Here This Day,” based on the life folk musician Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten, who lived in Syracuse’s South Side. The performance was staged Sunday, Oct. 17, at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church (TMBC), located a couple blocks from a statue and park dedicated in the …

Natasha Alford will next speak Oct. 20 in public appearance

Pilot program partners with high school media students, hires grant-funded educator

Membership is open to area teens By Brittany Miller Last February, Courtney Mauldin and Marcelle Haddix announced sign ups for the first cohort of Breedlove Reader, a book club meant to inspire Black girls. After its success, the pair now seek applicants for a second cohort. Breedlove Readers is intended for girls ages 14 to 18 years old. The club’s …