This is an independently organized cultural gathering honoring Haitian Heritage Month with a raising of the Haitian flag at City Hall. Masks are required as well as socially distancing; all are encouraged to wear red and/or blue.

The city of Syracuse in cooperation with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County will conduct a tick bite prevention virtual workshop from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 20, via Webex. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about how to reduce the possibility of tick bites through personal protection, habitat management and cultural controls. The program will also provide information on the types of ticks that exist in Central New York and the habitats they prefer. To attend, login at bit.ly/tickbitepreventionworkshop.

The NYCLU will hold a community meeting on I-81 from 1 to 3 p.m. May 22 at the Faith Hope Center, 1029 Montgomery St. The event will include refreshments and music.

Syracuse Strong's minor league football season opener for 2021 is 7 p.m. May 22  at Sunnycrest Field.

For Mental Health Awareness Month, this panel discussion will examine what the transition into the post pandemic world might look like for families, teachers and individuals with disabilities?  It will address the concerns, support and resources needed as people re-think this next phase of the pandemic.

The Pan African Community of Central New York (PACCNY) will hold a Zoom Celebration for African Liberation Day – “The COVID-19 Pandemic and Global Africa" — from 1 to 3 p.m. May 29.

The Greater Southside Homeowners Association and community partners will launch a pop up Fish Fry June 4. The menu will also include grilled fish as an option, corn on the cob, tater tots and lemonade and ice tea. Order are take out; limited seating will be available. This will be a recurring event every Friday, held from noon to 7 p.m.

A Flea Market, organized by the Greater Southside Homeowners Association, will be held the first and second Saturdays of each month, with the kickoff event held Saturday, June 5.

Ecothot, a volunteer group committed to increasing city beautification, will hold bi-weekly cleanups in Syracuse. Residents are welcome and encouraged to participate. The first event is a kickoff of the city's Adopt-a-Block program and is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 5, with Mayor Ben Walsh at McKinley Park, 351 W. Newell St.

Sankofa Saturdays will offer an urban market space for Black-owned businesses bi weekly starting Saturday, June 5. The market will feature food, music, art, natural products, head wraps, African apparel and more. Contact Pat at (315) 876-1887 for more information.