On Monday, January 13 the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) rallied at the State Capitol to advocate for a FY25 budget and legislative agenda to protect the rights and ensure the well-being of immigrant New Yorkers. This year, NYIC will campaign to: Guarantee equitable access to a lawyer in immigration court for all by passing the Access to Representation Act and BUILD Act. Ensure state and local law enforcement operates independently of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by passing New York for All (NY4All). Improve access and delivery of language services by advancing the Language Access Expansion Act. Provide greater support to families and children through the passage of the Working Families Tax Credit Act. We hear from Murad Awawdeh of the Coalition; Senator Andrew Gounardes; and Maryam Khaldi of the Arab American Association of New York. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.
After Kamala Harris lost the 2024 election, one narrative was that white women had failed people of color in the struggle against racism. While it is true that a majority of white women voted for Trump in 2024, there is a long tradition of white women fighting racism in solidarity with people of color. Moses Nagel talked with Barbara Smith about a new video that tries to put this history in context.
Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea talks with New York Lawyers for the Public Interest about Governor Hochul’s delays on her cap-trade-and-invest program and why that’s bad news for environmental justice. Then, Sellers Webb joins us in the studio to talk about her experience as a banjo player as well as some of her upcoming events. Later on, Brea Barthel speaks with the executive director of the Troy Public Library in another public library update. After that, Moses Nagel talks to Barbra Smith about a video on the history of white women fighting against racism alongside people of color. Finally, Mark Dunlea provides coverage from the New York Immigration Coalition’s rally at the State Capitol on January 13th.
As the start of Donald Trump’s second term as President of the United States approaches one area of concern and confusion is immigration. Trumps campaign promises include deporting any immigrants without documentation, a group that some estimate is over 10 million. Moses Nagel spoke with Terry Diggory , the co-coordinator of the Saratoga Immigration Coalition about what his group is expecting and preparing for.
In Tuesday's State of the State, Governor Hochul announced that she was further delaying implementation of her cap-trade-and-invest program to put a price on greenhouse gas emissions. Caroline Chen of New York Lawyers for the Public Interest talks to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine why this is bad news for environmental justice.
Inauguration Day is coming up on January 20, 2025 to swear in Donald Trump for his second term as president. Journalist, professor, and Hudson Mohawk Magazine contributor Rosemary Armao answers questions about the inauguration-- including the cost, ethics, separation of church and state, Michelle Obama's snub, and the inauguration speech which lead to a President's death. Armao spoke with Mark Dunlea and Sina Basila Hickey.
With questions and concerns swirling around the upcoming inauguration of a second term for President Donald Trump, Hudson Mohawk Magazine’s Moses Nagel turned to Barbara Smith, a long time activist, feminist, scholar and civil rights leader who formerly served on the Albany Common Council. She was a member of the Combahee River Collective, which is credited with coining the term ‘intersectionality’ as well of the author of books including ‘Home Girls’ and ‘The Truth Never Hurts’.
Matthew Klane, perhaps best known for his poetry around the capital region, has just released his premier musical record "Too Little Too Late." Klane was interviewed by Lily Wright about the sound of his music, finding Jimi Woodul to produce this record, and the influences of poetry. Learn more about Matthew, and find links to listen to the album, at https://www.matthewklane.com/
Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Lennox Apudo interviews a member of physicians about the New York Health Act. Then, Willie Terry brings us recordings from a rally for Robert Brooks who died while incarcerated at the hands of correctional officers. Later on, Blaise Bryant talks about the difficulties that many disabled people face navigating snowy sidewalks. After that, Moses Nagel interviews the co-coordinator of the Saratoga Immigration Coalition about what his organization is expecting from the incoming Trump presidency. Finally, musician Matthew Klane joins us in the studio to discuss his newest album.
On Monday, December 30, 2024, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended a rally for "Robert Brooks," who was beaten to death by correction officers at Marcy Correctional Facility on December 9. The rally took place in front of the New York State Governor's Mansion (138 Eagle Street, Albany, NY). This rally, organized in partnership with local advocacy groups, aims to bring attention to this tragedy and demand accountability. In this labor segment, Willie recorded the comments of various speakers at the rally.
Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea starts us off with an overview of Tuesday’s State of the State address by NY Governor Hochul. Then, we hear from some of the many protestors at the event. Later on, we talk with Rosemary Armao about the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration. After that, Moses Nagel speaks with activist, feminist, scholar and civil rights leader Barbara Smith about Trump’s second term. Finally, Sina Basila Hickey gets the scoop on what’s happening at Albany Center Gallery.
On Tuesday January 14, 2025, Governor Hochul delivered the annual State of the State address. There was a massive showing of state police. The climate group Planet over Profit did briefly block an entrance to the speech as part of the campaign to get the New York Power Authority to up their goal for building new renewables from 3.5 GW to 15. Other groups protested against nuclear power; called for the state to divest from Israel bonds; supported single payer health care; demanded justice for Robert Brooks, who was killed by prison guards in Utica; opposed mandatory vaccines; and, showed support for the Medical Aid in Dying Act. We hear from Laura Shindell of Food and Water Watch opposing the push by Governor Hochul to build more nuclear plants; Pippa Bartolloti as part of the protest over New York State’s support for the attacks in Gaza; and Dr. Oliver Fein of Physicians for A National Health Program. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.
On January 14th various climate groups including Citizen Action of New York went to the capitol during Governor Hochul's State of the State to protest against the governor's push for nuclear energy and to urge her and her government to embrace renewable energy. Lennox Apudo speaks with Ethan Gormley of Citizen Action of New York on the state's renewable energy policies and how the governor and her government could chart a new path to cleaner energy in New York.
On January 14th members of the Physicians for a National Health Program went to the New York State Capitol during Gov. Hochul's State of the State to advocate in favour of the passage of the New York Health Act which would provide affordable health care for all New Yorkers. Lennox Apudo talks with Dr. Steve Auerbach, retired NY physician, on the potential impacts of the New York Health Act on the state's health sector and the health outcomes of New Yorkers.
Albany Center Gallery (ACG) has not slowed down for the winter. Having just finished their member's showcase, they are already getting ready for the next show plus workshops, collaborations, and more. Sina Basila Hickey spoke with Executive Director Tony Iadicicco to learn more. https://albanycentergallery.org/
Today on Hudson Mohawk Magazine we focus on disability stories, produced by Blaise Bryant.
Last year The College of St. Rose closed its doors after 100 years in Albany. The buildings that made up its campus in the Pine Hills neighborhood of Albany were recently bought at auction by the Pine Hills Land Authority. Moses Nagel spoke with David Banks, a lecturer on geography and planning at the University at Albany and author of The City Authentic about what to expect from the redevelopment.
Hear about some changes afoot at Troy Public Library from Tim Furgal, the Executive Director, in an update on his first 6 weeks on the job. He announces slight tweaking in the hours fror the main branch and Lansingburgh branch, scheduled to go into effect on 2/10. Tim notes a number of staff vacancies to be filled. He also discusses outreach efforts, including attending about 20 community events so far and anticipating a similar number in the next few weeks. Patrons are invited to stop by his office hours at the main branch on the last Friday of each month, and in Lansingburgh on the 2nd Friday of the month. Meanwhile, remediation efforts for the part of the Lansingburgh branch damaged by flooding months ago are stalling, but expected to resume soon. And upcoming work on the HVAC system in the main branch will allow for air conditioning in the summer. An important point not in the audio: Library Advocacy Day is scheduled for February 5th at the Legislative Office Building. Let lawmakers know you support your public library! For more details, visit www.thetroylibrary.org. To find other libraries in New York State, see https://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/libs/#Find. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.
Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, We start off with Moses Nagel speaking with David Banks, a lecturer on geography and planning at the University at Albany, about what may be expected with the redevelopment of the former College of St. Rose campus in Albany. Then, Paul Stewart talks with me about happenings at the Underground Railroad Education Center, including a “Construction Job Fair” on January 22nd to recruit companies and trade apprentices to help with building a new interpretive center. After that, retired National Weather Service meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins us for our weekly look at climate and his weather forecast which will include understanding those dreadful LA fires. Later on, Chloe Whitaker tells us about lots of cool events coming up at the Troy Public Library’s main branch. Finally, Andrea Cunliffe speaks with Patrick W Berry about ‘MEND,’ a journal that celebrates the lives and creative work of incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and those impacted by the criminal justice system.
Hear about happenings at the Underground Railroad Education Center in Albany, plus a bit of background on how the organization researches and presents the history of 19th-century African-American abolitionists. Paul Stewart, UREC co-founder, also updates us on progress towards building a new Interpretive Center, including a "Construction Job Fair" on January 22nd, 6pm-8pm, at the Arbor Hill / West Hill library, to encourage minority-owned and women-owned businesses to sub-contract on the building, and to tell people interested in learning a trade about apprenticeship opportunities. Tours of the existing Stephen & Harriet Myers residence at 194 Livingston Avenue can be scheduled by appointment. For more information, visit undergroundrailroadhistory.org or call 518-621-7793. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.