Syracuse welcomes The Mavericks, Kenny G, and The O’Jays and many others to the International Jazz Festival, June 26 – June 30. By Reggie SeiglerA Friendly Five Columnist Imagine creating a festival based on an early 20th Century African American art form and keeping it so fresh and relevant that 40 years later, the festival celebrating this century-old tradition is …

By Greta Stuckey Early in his life, Tyson Brown recognized his passion for working with his hands. His brother, Thomas Brown, always had a love of client services and working with people. Five years ago, they took the leap and founded TJ Construction and Remodeling LLC. Vision Originally from Utica, New York, the family moved to Syracuse 20 years ago …

By Laura S. Román López Lekia Hill came to Syracuse 11 years ago from her hometown of Yonkers, a city just on the fringe of New York City. The move and adjustment to Central New York was filled with many struggles, Hill said. She fell into poverty and had to overcome hardships to sustain herself and her kids. Despite this, …

Rachel Johnson found healing through a holistic approach. Now, she wants her community to have access to the same services. By Sarah Merke Rachel Johnson’s inner circle expected her to go to college. Johnson, though, wanted a choice, and the thought of college or nothing did not sit well with her.  During her senior year of high school, she entered …

By Greta Stuckey After Shaunna Spivey-Spinner gave birth to a son during the pandemic, the Syracuse native was ready for a change. Spivey-Spinner felt uncomfortable in their body and started looking for ways to get fit. Soon after, Spivey-Spinner decided to make fitness more than a hobby. In 2023, they made their dreams a reality by becoming a personal trainer …

A local public charity has launched a nonprofit bridge loan program to help organizations as they wait for approved government grants.  By Laura Román López  More than half of the nonprofits in New York state experience delays in getting state funds for programs the state has already contracted for. The Central New York Community Foundation hopes its new nonprofit bridge-loan program, …

By Jaden Wilson Bentley Bryant is an ASL-teaching, music-loving, Texas native who brings Syracuse’s deaf community together every Friday evening.   “Deaf Coffee” is a national deaf social event that dedicates itself to providing a safe space for deaf people to socialize. Bryant is the host and creator of Deaf Coffee in Syracuse, which meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at different …

A local nonprofit seeks to empower a new generation of readers through the Book Buddies program, which connects community volunteers, college students and young children through literacy activities in Syracuse schools.  By Laura Román López  Young children line up, lunches in hand, as they wait to be let into the classroom.  They crane their necks to get a better view, …

Breast cancer screening is an important part of a woman’s health, a message experts are pushing in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Learn about programs in the Syracuse area that provide the resources to support you or a loved one. By Sarah Merke Janet Bacon, on a whim, decided to go for a mammogram after a community health worker from …

The Sankofa Doula Collective is striving to improve prenatal and postpartum care through lead awareness in Syracuse. By Sarah Merke After eight months of developing proposals and presenting them to the community, the day had come. On a sunny spring day, Syracuse residents gathered to vote and select the proposal that best served the city’s dire need to tackle lead …