This week, Thom Francis introduces us to Albany-based poet and writer Ian Macks. On March 19, 2019, Ian was the featured poet at the Brass Tacks poetry and spoken word open mic series at The Low Beat in Albany, NY.

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Currently based in the Capitol Region of NY, Ian Macks originally hails from The Bronx. As a youth, Ian was non-verbal for most of his first decade on Earth. This early point of view manifested into Ian's emotional sensitivities on love, loss, racism, and hardship. Now, Ian's distinct voice and literary light shines whenever he takes the stage and performs his work at various open mics and events in the area.

Ian's debut chapbook A Loss and Gain of Comfort was released in 2014 and his full-length poetry collection, Identity Crisis, was published in 2024 by recto y verso editions, inc.

On March 19, 2019, Ian was the featured poet at the Brass Tacks series at The Low Beat.

Albany's second “No Kings” rally on March 28 took place on Central Avenue, primarily between Colvin Avenue and North Allen Street, organized by Indivisible Albany and 10 other organizations that are part of a coalition. An estimated 20,000 demonstrators filled the sidewalks holding signs, ringing cowbells and shouting as the carvan of cars many honking, slowly pass by.

Hudson Mohawk Magazine was there, and Andrea Cunliffe brings you this on site report of the Voices from the NO KINGS 3 Protest.

First, Mark Dunlea covers the No Kings Rally at the State Capitol where protesters advocated against authoritarian rule, wars and immigrants rights abuse.

Then, Sina Basila Hickey talks to some of the attendees of Columbia County Sanctuary Movement’s recent fundraising event.

Later on, Ren Lee brings us coverage from the Fund the Arts rally at the State Capital where arts and culture groups across the state advocated for an increase in arts education funding, and financial support of local arts organizations.

After that, we hear from Ian as they share their immigration journey from the DR as part of our weekly series Everybody Moves.

Finally, Allison Leigh Holt joins us to talk about their involvement in the upcoming International Symposium on Assistive Technologies for Music and Art at RPI

Co-Hosts: Lennox Apudo and Sean Bernyk

Engineer: Kalix Sausville

Several housing acts including the Housing Access Voucher Program and the Rent Emergency Stabilization for Tenants Act are either being discussed in the state senate and assembly or being implemented in pilot programs in the Capital Districts. Bebhinn Francis of the National Union of The Homeless joins us to discuss some of these housing-related bills. Speaks w/ Lennox Apudo

National Union of the Homeless is an advocacy group committed to ending homelessness and poverty. Bebhinn Francis, a member of the Albany chapter joins us to discuss what the group does. Speaks w/ Lennox Apudo.

Millions of Americans marched for No Kings Day on Saturday. In Albany, thousands came out to the Capitol and many carried signs to express their feelings. Moses Nagel was there to record the sentiments contained in the sign art.

In an online group for parents around Hudson, four mothers came together to create a fundraiser for Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM) at the music venue and bar Half Moon in Hudson. In this interview we hear from two of the organizer mothers and from David Quituisaca of CCSM. Report by Sina Basila Hickey.

The CCSM hotline is available 24/7 in English and Spanish. Call 518-291-9386

The Capital Region Flower and Garden Expo has been held by Wildwood since 1988. Wildwood provides services to people of all ages living with autism and developmental disabilities. This year’s event was held at Hudson Valley Community College. We hear gardening tips from Albany Cornell Cooperative Extension, Home Earth Alliance, and Front Stoop Gardens, with a focus on native plants and pollinators. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. https://www.wildwoodprograms.org/ https://homeearthalliance.org/

On Saturday March 28, more than 3000 No Kings protests took place across the country to challenge the Trump’s administration efforts to impose authoritarian rule. Several thousand gathered at the State Capitol in Albany before a second large demonstration on Central Avenue. In addition to speeches from elected officials, the crowd also heard about the fight for immigrant rights, single payer health care, labor rights and opposition to the wars in Iran and elsewhere. We hear from Bob Cohen of Citizen Action, Jim Tierney, Danny Boudreau of Ranked Choice Voting Albany, Karen Beetle of Capital District Border Watch, Matt Oill of Socialist Alternative, Mark Emanation of the Capital District Area Labor Federation, Bryan Paz-Hernandez of the No Kings Collective Albany, Tiffani Silverman, Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado, Jim Sevinsky, and Chris Garramone of the Party of Socialism and Liberation. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

First, Mark Dunlea takes us to the state capitol where 500 protestors rallied against Governor Hochul's push to gut the state's climate law.

Then, we have a recording from Wednesday March 25th Arts Rally in the Senate Gallery.

Later on, we have an interview about Youth Fx’s 17th Annual World Premiere Screening to showcase new films.

After that, Singer-Songwriter Rhis Tivey joins us in the studio to talk about their work as a voice coach.

Finally, Mirai Abe talks to the owner of the Renascent Bookbindery in Troy, Tim James, about his passion, and mission as an educator and bookbinder.