Mary Lee Hodgens, associate director of Light Work, will moderate a virtual conversation and Q&A with Aaron Turner from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18. For the past seven years, Turner has been making "Black Alchemy." This photographic series and soon-to be-book published by Sleeper Studio uses still life, abstraction, appropriation, and occasional painting to reflect the complex historical representation of Black identity and culture.

The Narratio Fellowship is an annual intensive storytelling and leadership program aimed at providing resettled refugee youth with the tools and resources to share their stories on their own terms with local and global audiences. Under the guidance of 2020 Narratio Artist-in-Residence Ana Vîjdea, this year’s class have developed six short-form autobiographical documentaries that offer intimate and powerful glimpses into their lives, identities and memories—from epic journeys to daily routines. This virtual event marks the inaugural public screening of the Fellows' films, which will be followed by a discussion of the power of storying lives through film.

Say It Loud! and celebrate Black History with hosts Black Artist Collective and the Community Folk Art Center. The event will feature spoken word poetry, comedy and some of Syracuse's finest Black performing artists. Register online at the link provided.

New York Times best-selling author Mateo Askaripour aims to empower people of color to seize opportunities for advancement, no matter the obstacle. His first novel, Black Buck, takes on racism in corporate America with humor and wit. He will discuss the book and his process as a writer.

A community forum on The Citizen Review Board and Syracuse Police Department's police reform/reinvention draft plan will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, virtually.

The city of Syracuse will hold a Public Safety Committee meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, via WebEx. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Syracuse Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Plan.

WebEx Meeting Link: https://syrgov.webex.com/webappng/sites/syrgov/meeting/download/5fe0c5a4033b472e9a437f064935a893?siteurl=syrgov&MTID=m2451bf0b062119813d9822627263157c

If prompted, password is: FcVN2cimq86

Dial-In Option: 1-408-418-9388. Access Code: 129 765 4186.

Onondaga Votes! is comprised of people from numerous groups who are interested in increasing voter turnout and participation on the South Side of Syracuse since 2017. Organizers invite anyone who is interested to attend the March 11 Zoom meeting to join to help brainstorm ways of communicating and supporting greater civic engagement in the upcoming primary and general elections. This year’s election is important as it includes elections of city mayor, city council, Onondaga County Legislature and more. For meeting information, call or text Mary Cunningham; leave your email or contact information at (315) 475-5526 after 3 p.m. to be part of the Zoom call.

In his first solo museum exhibition, local artist and activist Jaleel Campbell brings his collection of work stemming from the exploration of his family history to the Everson Museum of Art.  Everson curators Steffi Chappell and Garth Johnson will sit down with Campbell to discuss his creative process and inspirations. Must pre-register to receive Zoom link.

The Creators Lounge and Black Artist Collective in partnership with The Mercantile Market will host the Black Creatives & Culture Market, a weekend-long event featuring 10 Black creatives and Black-owned businesses including All Things Lushious, Amaranth Press & Bindery, The Black Citizens Brigade Vtng. Clothing Co., ThasRed Home Decor, 210 Teas, Mastermind Urban Wear and more. The public will be able to discover and shop local Black artists at the COVID-19-safe market held noon to 5 p.m. on both March 20 and 21.