Hudson Mohawk Magazine

The Rhythm of Rebellion is a podcast hosted by singer and artivist Taína Asili featuring interviews with leading social change performing artists across genres, exploring the strategies they are using in their art to bring justice and healing to their communities and our world. Moses Nagel, who has edited season 2 and 3 of the podcast hosts a look back at some of the best interviews of the year and talks with Taina about making the podcast together and in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

Danny Killion of Weathered Wood in Troy creates beautiful objects with collected materials from the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. Killion spoke with Marshall Hildreth and Sina Basila Hickey about the process of collecting, his relationship with the rivers, and having a business in Troy. Learn more at https://www.weatheredwoodtroy.com/

In place of today’s Hudson Mohawk Magazine programming, we bring you this talk by best-selling author, foreign correspondent, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges. He addressed the Middle East crisis with a talk titled "The Genocide in Gaza" on December 6, 2023 at The Sanctuary for Independent Media in North Troy NY.

Find the full video recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly6lfhOxTe0

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine:

We begin with Mark Dunlea’s report on the ordinance the City of Albany is considering to protect children from tobacco sales.

Then, Andrea Cunliffe reports from the "Communities Not Cages" NY Capital Rally which calls for prison sentencing reform.

Later on, Jacob Boston takes us along to talk with guests at the Interfaith Peace & Justice Holiday events where he spoke with guests to the event about community, love, and Santa.

After that, we speak with Danny Killion of Weathered Wood in Troy about creating beautiful objects with collected driftwood.

Finally, Taina Asili speaks art, dance, and activism with Edisa Weeks for this week’s The Rhythm of Rebellion interview.

On December 14, 2023, at the NY State Capital, the Center for Community Alternatives organized a rally with lawmakers and advocates calling for prison sentencing reform. With the approach of the 2024 legislative session, New Yorkers are calling for The Second Look Act, The Eliminate Mandatory Minimums Act, and The Earned Time Act as top priority.

Groups argue that mass incarceration is ineffective and costly and suggest that the billions of dollars spent on incarceration could go to education, housing, healthcare, community-based anti-violence and restorative justice programs.

Find more info: communityalternatives.org

Hudson Mohawk Magazines Andrea Cunliffe reported from this event

The City of Albany is considering an ordinance to help protect children from tobacco sales. Among other things, it would restrict how close new stores selling tobacco products can be to a school. Jeanie Orr of the Capital District Tobacco Free Communities discusses the ordinance as well as overall efforts to reduce the use of tobacco. WIth Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On today’s episode, Taína Asili delves into a captivating conversation with Edisa Weeks, a renowned choreographer, educator, and the founder of the multicultural dance company Delirious Dances. Edisa’s artistic journey is a profound exploration of dance, liberation, and community engagement. Edisa's artistic vision extends beyond traditional performance spaces. Her artistic vision transcends traditional performance spaces as she actively involves communities, employing dance as a powerful tool for both personal and collective liberation. Through her groundbreaking projects, including the recent masterpiece "3 Rites," Edisa orchestrates a unique fusion of movement, inviting participants to intimately connect with their environments and histories. Throughout this episode, Edisa generously unveils the intricate methodology behind her work, providing profound insights into their deeper purpose.

Listen to the full episode at RhythmofRebellion.com or wherever podcasts are streamed.

More info about Taína Asili at TainaAsili.com

More info about about Edisa Weeks at deliriousdances.com

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine:

We begin with Mark Dunlea speaking with Blair Horner, executive director of NYPIRG, about redistricting after a decision by the State Court of Appeals.

Then, we’ll air Part 8 of The Struggle Continues round table discussion hosted by Willie Terry.

Later on, Mark Dunlea sits down with Rich Ring, a botanist with the NY Natural Heritage Program, to discuss how the season impacts local plants.

After that, Sina Basila Hickey chats with Jon Elbaum, executive director of the Troy Savings Music Hall about the year they had.

Finally, Andrea Cunliffe heads over to the Troy Farmers Market to see what goodies they have for the holiday season.

In a 4 to 3 decision, the state’s Court of Appeals agreed with the Democrats to give the bipartisan redistricting commission the opportunity to redraw lines for the 20024 Congressional elections. Last year, the courts found that the legislative adoption of Congressional and State Senate lines, viewed as heavily favoring the Democrats, failed to meet the standards laid out in a new constitutional provision, resulting in a lower Court redrawing the lines. The new lines elected enough additional Republicans to swing control of the national House away from the Democrats. Blair Horner of NYPIRG discusses the potential impact of the court's decision with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall had a good year, says Executive Director, Jon Elbaum. He spoke with Sina Basila Hickey about the moments that made this year memorable and what's still to come in the calendar.