A fully-staged premiere of a Society for New Music's commissioned opera with a 10-piece chamber ensemble and music by Mark Olivieri and libretto by Kyle Bass will premiere Oct. 17 at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church.

Born in the segregated south, Libba Cotten was a singer/songwriter whose "Freight Train," written when she was 11, is still performed by internationally-renowned artists today. Married at 15, Libba was "discovered" at age 60 by the folk music world. She spent the last 20 years of her life in Syracuse, during which time she toured nationally and performed regularly at the now STEAM at Dr. King Elementary School. She was declared the first "living treasure" of Syracuse and won a Grammy at 93.

Tickets for this special opera performance are $20 regular, $15 seniors/students and free for ages 18 and younger.

Part one will be a discussion that explores how historical conventions have brought Syracuse to its current housing issues. Presenters will guide participants through the history of how individuals living in Syracuse’s 15th Ward have been impacted by redlining, federal policies on “urban renewal” and unwritten rules on housing discrimination. Balancing first-person accounts with expert historical and legal background, this discussion will share the stories of Syracuse neighborhoods thriving in spite of implicit segregation, resistance to their destruction in the name of economic development and the dispersal of community homes to make way for I-81.

Kofi Antwi, author of "Tidal Wave" (Kattywompus Press, 2020), will share personal work and lead a generative writing workshop for adults and young people. Contact Patrick Williams for more more information.

Each Wednesday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will hold a food pantry for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

Natasha Alford, Nottingham High School alumna, vice president of digital content for The Grio and a CNN political analyst, returns to her hometown of Syracuse to hold a town hall talk for the community. This event is free and open to all.

Each Friday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will provide fresh foods for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

This year’s breakfast will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, using a hybrid virtual and in-person model. The theme is “Revive” and just as the boys who make up the Building Men Program have adjusted to new difficulties of social distancing, so must this program's annual breakfast. The breakfast will feature virtual presentations for attendees to enjoy from their homes, along with a small in-person program and activities, including inspiring stories from the young men.

The People's AME Zion Church will hold free grocery giveaways this fall. The giveaway will include fresh produce, meat along with groceries or dairy items. Those walking to the church may want to bring a cart, as boxes may be heavy. Food is available while supplies last and provided by People's AME Zion Church, the Food Bank of CNY and Abundant Life Christian Center.

The SUNY Upstate University Department of Geriatrics will host a healthy aging gathering called “Seasons of Change," in collaboration with Syracuse Community Connections and Healthy Neighbors Partnership to offer education on healthy living and aging, memory health and opportunities to participate in other Department of Geriatrics events. Gifts and prizes for seniors who attend will be provided, while available. Geriatrics is a medical specialty dedicated exclusively to providing high quality, patient-centered care for older adults.

Iain Haley Pollock, author of "Ghost, Like A Place" (Alice James Books, 2018), will read selections and lead a generative writing workshop for adults and young people.  Contact Patrick Williams for more more information.