Tag Archives: Syracuse

South Side native uses his storytelling talent to inspire the community Growing up on the South Side near Midland Avenue, Quindell Williams developed a unique relationship with many in the community, which allowed him to understand the broader image of the stories he covers. Depending on the individuals involved and the type of stories he covers, whether it be crime …

County officials stress the financial, ecological and social importance of planting trees In a new report, “State of the Urban Forest,” Syracuse officials estimate the city saves nearly $1 million a year through trees absorbing rainwater runoff that would otherwise overflow the sewer system. The report lays out several benefits that trees provide to the city, including improving the air …

Start It course inspires students who have a wide range of creative entrepreneurship ideas

Famed Ethiopian filmmaker Haile Gerima visited Syracuse in April 2003 to screen his motion picture, “Sankofa,” which he directed 10 years before. Its plot revolves around an African-American model named Mona. The initial scenes show her doing a fashion photo shoot in Ghana, where she runs into the Divine Drummer, who encourages her to return to the African roots of …

Initiative works to make low-income homes environmentally friendly Tanesha Keene had lived in a collapsing and lead- contaminated home on Marguerite Avenue with her two sons, 10 and 2, since August 2015. Without a working furnace and little insulation, the family lacked protection in winter. The basement contained asbestos and a hazardous tangle of electrical wiring that reduced energy efficiency …

Rashawn Sullivan is on a path to redemption after killing another South Side teen in 1997

Former Henninger star Ray Seals honored with Hall of Fame induction A star in Syracuse’s constellation of athletes, Ray Seals — a former defensive end in the National Football League — has won new recognition for his on-field achievements by being inducted into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in October. “I’ll never forget when we were young,” said …

Mentor starts youth and family program after personal experiences Ed Mitchell Jr. is the founder/director of TEAM A.N.G.E.L. mentoring and youth development program. While growing up, Ed, fondly known as “Lil Ed,” was a regular participant in community-based programming focused on family. It was both supportive and life changing for him. The family community programming proved to be instrumental in …

Downtown library’s photography club meets monthly and is open to all interested teens Central Library hosts a monthly Teen Photography Club, which currently has three members: Dashawn Harry, Louis Gonzalez and Zacqueline Baldwin. Photos that the teens took during the group’s first meeting in October were inspired by quotes from “The Double Bind,” a book by Chris Bohjalian. The book …

Candlelight vigil provides hope for people to overcome drug addictions Twenty-five people pressed themselves against the walls of a dimly lit storefront downtown, attending a vigil to mourn those who recently died from heroin and opioid overdoses. Ryan Barone, who works for the nonprofit ACR Health, set the mood — sad but still hopeful. “Right now, someone is picking up …