Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Lex Figuereo, one of the founders of Saratoga Black Lives Matter, talks with Moses Nagel about the recent elections in Saratoga, the trial of Daryl Mount and other issues Saratoga BLM is highlighting right now.

A crowd of 250 chanted for a ceasefire and liberation of Palestine at a peace rally at the State Capitol on Saturday, Nov 18. The lead organizers were Students for Justice in Palestine and the UAlbany chapter of Youth DSA. Protestors braved chilling winds to support the call for an end to the assault on Gaza by Israel. Speakers in mixtures of grief and anger condemned both the genocide taking place in Gaza and the US role in financing and promoting it. The groups marched to Congressmember Paul Tonko's office to demand that he support a ceasefire. Last week, more than 100 protestors staged a die-in and a reading of the 10,000 killed in Gaza, many children. Speakers represented the Palestine and Muslim communities, Jewish Voice for Peace, Youth DSA, the Palestinian Rights Committee, and many others. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. (this is the full version)

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine:

We begin with Mark Dunlea's coverage of the newly signed Clean Slate Act.

Then, Elizabeth (EP) Press brings us an interview about a bill that would offer reparations for slavery in New York State.

Later on, Sina Basila Hickey gives us a look into how Friendsgiving will be celebrated at Cafe Euphoria.

After that, Brea Barthel gives us a preview of the events happening at the Troy Public Library in November and December.

Finally, for this week’s The Rhythm of Rebellion segment, Taina Asili interviews Ivelisse Diaz about the world of bomba.

The Governor has signed the Clean Slate Act into law, making over 2 million New Yorkers eligible for automatic sealing of their criminal records, making it easier for them to access jobs and various services. For misdemeanors, a person has to wait at least three years after serving their sentence and completing their parole or supervision. For certain felony crimes, the wrongdoer has to wait at least eight years. Lukee Forbes of the Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition talks to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the importance of the new law.

If the limited one-dimensional representation of Indians at Thanksgiving bothers you, hear about four books for young readers that offer different, broader perspectives on indigenous peoples. Carol Roberts, head of Young People's Services at Troy Public Library, suggests four books, each by an indigenous author. "Encounter" (Brittany Luby, ill. Michaela Goade, 2019) reimagines Jacques Cartier's initial visit to what is now Canada from the perspective of a native person, animals, and even the moon, in a beautiful picture book. The non-fiction book "Indigenous Ingenuity: A Celebration of Traditional North American Knowledge" (Havrelock and Kay, ill. Fuller, 2023) compiles information on native scientific discoveries, with activities suggested for exploration. "Rez Ball" (Byron Graves, 2023) is a young adult novel of a teenage boy living on a Chippewa reservation in MInnesota who loves basketball, graphic novels, and dating. And "We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga" (Traci Sorrell, ill. Frane Lessac, 2018) weaves a history of the Cherokee people, with a "syllabary" of many Cherokee terms. For more details, visit www.thetroylibrary.org. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry held a RoundTable Discussion entitled “The Struggle Continues” with Freedom Fighter and Civil Rights icon Mukasa Dada, aka Willie Rick, who coined the slogan “Black Power.” The Part-time correspondents Carlos Dufflar and Angel Martinez also joined the discussion.

Carlos is a poet and was involved in the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign, and Angel Martinez, Son of Carlos, is a Professor of History at Hunter College in New York City—part two

Capital District Border Watch (CDBW) is holding a fund-raising dinner and

educational event on November 19 to benefit asylum-seekers and other

migrants in Capital District area hotels. There will be food, music, educational activities, speeches from asylum seekers, and more. Karen Beetle of CDBW spoke with Vinny Damapoleto and Sina Basila Hickey about the upcoming event.

Celebrate Asylum, Sunday, November 19 5:00 until 7:30

First Lutheran Church Albany, 181 Western Avenue

Dinner reservations are required by Thursday, Nov. 16. Phone or text Victor

at 207-590-5148. For more information contact Carrie Kuehl, CDBW at [email protected]

Friendsgiving is an important tradition for many that has been gaining traction over the years. Cafe Euphoria is offering a Friendsgiving menu and event, and Alaska spoke with correspondent Sina Basila Hickey about food community, and menu.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine:

We begin with an interview about the upcoming celebration for asylum.

Then, Mark Dunlea chats with Tom Morrissey of Lights Out Norlite.

Later on, Willie Terry hosts a Round Table discussion entitled “The Struggle Continues.”

After that, Moses Nagel sits down with Barbara Smith and Bill Fletcher ahead of their event “How to Talk About Ukraine.”

Finally, Andrea Cunliffe interviews David Graham of the Albany County District Attorneys’ Office.

Breaking Cycles of Harm and Violence from the Peoples Campaign for Parole Justice held an event on Tuesday. November 14, at the Oakwood Community Center. Hudson Mohawk Magazine's Andrea Cunliffe reports from this celebration of crime reduction and the successes of formally incarcerated New Yorkers and impacted families.

She speaks with David Graham Community Justice and Outreach Manager from the office of the Albany County District Attorney