BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Sanctuary For Independent Media - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Sanctuary For Independent Media REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20200308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20201101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220617T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220617T220000 DTSTAMP:20251021T191410Z CREATED:20220504T185943Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T191410Z UID:10001608-1655492400-1655503200@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:"Witness\," a documentary with filmmaker Masood Haque DESCRIPTION:Please join us for a screening of Witness\, a documentary film about the Aref-Hossain case\, with filmmaker Masood Haque. The screening is followed by a panel with Lynne Jackson\, Kathy Manley and Larry Rulison. This event is part of iEAR Presents! and co-sponsored by Project SALAM (Support and Legal Advocacy for Muslims)\, Coalition for Civil Freedoms\, Capital District Coalition Against Islamophobia\, and Muslim Solidarity Committee. \n\n\n\n***Please note that for everyone’s safety\, we are following Covid protocols that include requirements that all attendees show proof of vaccination or a recent test for entry\, and wear a mask. We will notify ticket holders if the protocols change. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks a local pizza shop owner and the Imam of an Albany mosque found themselves at the center of an elaborate FBI sting operation. A convicted felon was sent undercover to lure the young men into a criminal plot as part of a plea bargain. They spent most of the next twenty years in prison while their accuser went on to a prominent role in the 2018 Schoharie limousine crash. Witness explores the difficult balance between civil liberties and security with a searing look at the impact of the War on Terror on everyday life. \n\n\n\nWitnessDoc.com \n\n\n\nJoin us before the film screening for the Be The Media! workshop: “The Struggle to Tell Your Story\,” with Masood Haque \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWitness touches on a host of contemporary issues\, ranging from the War on Terror to the balance between civil liberties and security. Most importantly\, it examines the idea of due process. In pursuit of security\, the American legal system is turned upside down. In cases involving terrorism\, there is an almost automatic presumption of guilt based on fear\, which is then exploited by prosecutors\, who portray ordinary people as dangerous threats to safety and security. Thus\, the jury system becomes an extension of law enforcement. Juries feel obligated to convict heavily bearded Muslim men with exotic\, unpronounceable names because of their implicit faith in law enforcement and the FBI\, and because of their fear that by acquitting\, they might let a real terrorist go free. \n\n\n\nWitness also grapples with the idea of preemptive prosecutions\, used against hundreds of Muslims. Orwellian in its conceit\, preemptive prosecutions target those deemed dangerous by engaging them in a variety of fictional plots and stress-testing their ideology in the quest to “prevent the next one.” Thus American law enforcement uses fear once again\, this time to undermine long-standing\, cherished legal principles. Ultimately Witness asks the question: How far are we willing to go to create the illusion of safety for ourselves? \n\n\n\nWitness also examines the role of media in becoming an arm of the government’s disinformation campaign. Even though the print media acquitted itself well in the coverage of this case\, asking critical questions that often earned the wrath of the prosecution\, local television news reporters bought the government’s contrived story hook\, line\, and sinker. These reporters parroted the government’s often-dubious claims as fact\, thus becoming a tool for manipulating public sentiment. The day the story broke\, several reporters were told by FBI agents that the initial sheet of charges would outline the men’s involvement with terrorist organizations\, yet in the actual court documents there was no mention of such connections––leaving some reporters to wonder on air what had happened to these nefarious ties.  Check out more about the story here. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMasood Haque: Producer/ Director\n\n\n\nMasood Haque graduated from NYU and subsequently received his MFA in documentary film production from CUNY. He has produced and directed several award-winning short form documentaries\, including Stranger in Paradise which won the top prize at City Vision Film Festival and the jury prize at Jackson Heights Film Festival. Witness is his first feature documentary.  \n\n\n\n\n Listen to the interview:\n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Masood Haque on Creating the Film “Witness”\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nAfter the film screening Masood Haque will be joined in a Q & A with:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLynne Jackson is a community activist\, and will be the moderator for the panel. Lynne Jackson is a breast cancer survivor who has lived in Albany\, New York for more than 40 years. She makes her living as a computer consultant\, worked with Save the Pine Bush for more than 35 years\, volunteers to work on the issue of preemptive prosecution of Muslims and gives presentations on these issues. She lives in the South End of Albany with her husband\, Daniel W. Van Riper and two cats. \n\n\n\nHear the story: Jackson of the Muslim Solidarity Committee on “Witness” Documentary Film \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKathy Manley is a criminal defense attorney\, speaking as Yassin Aref’s attorney. She is the Legal Director of the Coalition for Civil Freedoms and the President of the Capital Region Council of the New York Civil Liberties Union. She is also a founding member of Project SALAM. Her main emphasis is criminal defense and constitutional rights. She concentrates on appeals\, and has written many winning briefs before a variety of courts.\, and has received several awards for her work.  \n\n\n\nHear the story: Manley Discusses “Witness” Film on Aref-Hossain Muslim FBI Sting \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLarry Rulison has been a reporter for the Albany Times Union since 2005. Larry’s reporting for the Times Union has won several awards for business and investigative journalism from the New York State Associated Press Association and the New York News Publishers Association. As a journalist\, he has written about the informant\, Shahed Hussain\, the 2018 Schoharie limousine crash and the connections between the 2 cases. \n\n\n\nHear the story: Larry Rulison On Aref-Hossain Case \n\n\n\n\n\n\n Additional interviews: \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Reshifting the Narrative with Leena Al-Arian of CCF\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Yassin Aref’s Daughter on Experiencing His Arrest\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Aref-Hossain Case Showed Need for Muslim Support Network and Database\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsored by iEAR Presents! and the School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Sciences at Rensselaer\, made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of The Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/witness-a-documentary/ CATEGORIES:Screening ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/rsw-800cg-true.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220617T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220617T180000 DTSTAMP:20240820T004548Z CREATED:20220516T185957Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240820T004548Z UID:10001609-1655485200-1655488800@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Be The Media! workshop: The Struggle to Tell Your Story\, with "Witness" director Masood Haque DESCRIPTION:Join us for the Be The Media! Workshop The Struggle to Tell Your Story\, as Witness Director Masood Haque breaks down the process of creating his documentary about the Aref-Hossain “sting” case.  \n\n\n\nLearn from Haque as he shares the challenges and sacrifices that had to be made in order to create this documentary. He will focus on strategies to humanize documentary subjects and giving voice to individuals and communities that have been othered. \n\n\n\n***Please note that for everyone’s safety\, we are following Covid protocols that include requirements that all attendees show proof of vaccination or a recent test for entry\, and wear a mask. We will notify ticket holders if the protocols change. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWorkshop participants can stick around for the 7pm film screening of Witness. \n\n\n\n\nFilm Screening\n\n\n\n\nSponsored by iEAR Presents! and the School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Sciences at Rensselaer\, made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of The Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/be-the-media-workshop-with-witness-director-masood-haque/ CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/rsw-1300h-800-4.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220507T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220507T210000 DTSTAMP:20230213T181220Z CREATED:20220326T203920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T181220Z UID:10001340-1651950000-1651957200@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:"Outta The Muck" Film Screening with Ira McKinley & Bhawin Suchak DESCRIPTION:A fiercely self-determined family in the deep south resists despair with love in this unique narrative of Black achievement. \n\n\n\n\nFilmmakers Ira McKinley and Bhawin Suchak screened their film “Outta The Muck” for a hometown crowd at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on May 7\, 2022 in Troy\, NY. This is the Q&A that followed the screening. \n\n\n\nwww.mediasanctuary.orgouttathemuck.com \n\n\n\nFamily\, football and history come to life in an intimate portrait of the Dean family\, longtime residents of the historic town of Pahokee\, Florida. As we take a journey back home\, with filmmaker Ira McKinley\, to the land of sugarcane\, he reconnects with his niece Bridget and nephew Alvin and explores their shared family history that spans seven generations. Told through stories that transcend space and time\, “Outta The Muck” presents an intimate portrait of a community that resists despair with love\, remaining fiercely self-determined\, while forging its own unique narrative of Black achievement. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBHAWIN SUCHAKDIRECTOR/PRODUCER/DOP/EDITOR \n\n\n\nBhawin is an educator\, filmmaker\, and founding member/co-executive director of Youth FX\, a media arts organization focused on empowering young people of color in Albany\, NY and around the world by teaching them creative and technical skills in film and digital media while supporting self-determined communities of emerging artists. Bhawin also co-directs NeXt Doc\, a year-round fellowship program that exists to amplify the voices of documentary filmmakers of color between the ages of 20-24 years old. Bhawin is the co-director\, producer\, cinematographer and editor of Outta The Muck (2022)\, a feature length documentary supported by ITVS\, JustFilms\, Sundance\, and Southern Documentary Fund. He previously co-directed\, The Throwaways (2014) with Ira Mckinley\, and Free To Learn (2004). \n\n\n\nIRA MCKINLEYDIRECTOR/PRODUCER/WRITER \n\n\n\nIra McKinley is a filmmaker and activist and the director/producer of the award-winning documentary The Throwaways. Born in Upstate New York he is now based in South Florida where Outta The Muck is set. Ira started his activism in the 1980’s when he participated in Act Up in Ithaca\, NY. During the winters of 2007/2008 he started a Homeless Arts Showcase in Northampton\, MA’s Pulaski Park which was inspired by his fifteen years being homeless himself. Ira is the recipient of the 2014 ACLU Carol S. Knox award\, 2013 MLK Storytelling + Activist Award from Siena College\, 2009 Northampton Arts Council’s Emerging Filmmaker Award\, and was the 2009 Producer of the Year for Northampton Community Television. His current film Outta The Muck tells the story of his family roots in Pahokee\, FL and is being produced with support from ITVS\, JustFilms\, Sundance\, and Southern Documentary Fund. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsored by iEAR Presents! and the School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Sciences at Rensselaer\, made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of The Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Team:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBHAWIN SUCHAKDIRECTOR/PRODUCER/DOP/EDITOR\n\n\n\nBhawin is an educator\, filmmaker\, and founding member/co-executive director of Youth FX\, a media arts organization focused on empowering young people of color in Albany\, NY and around the world by teaching them creative and technical skills in film and digital media while supporting self-determined communities of emerging artists. Bhawin also co-directs NeXt Doc\, a year-round fellowship program that exists to amplify the voices of documentary filmmakers of color between the ages of 20-24 years old. Bhawin is the co-director\, producer\, cinematographer and editor of Outta The Muck (2022)\, a feature length documentary supported by ITVS\, JustFilms\, Sundance\, and Southern Documentary Fund. He previously co-directed\, The Throwaways (2014) with Ira Mckinley\, and Free To Learn (2004). \n\n\n\n\n\nIRA MCKINLEYDIRECTOR/PRODUCER/WRITER\n\n\n\nIra McKinley is a filmmaker and activist and the director/producer of the award-winning documentary The Throwaways. Born in Upstate New York he is now based in South Florida where Outta The Muck is set. Ira started his activism in the 1980’s when he participated in Act Up in Ithaca\, NY. During the winters of 2007/2008 he started a Homeless Arts Showcase in Northampton\, MA’s Pulaski Park which was inspired by his fifteen years being homeless himself. Ira is the recipient of the 2014 ACLU Carol S. Knox award\, 2013 MLK Storytelling + Activist Award from Siena College\, 2009 Northampton Arts Council’s Emerging Filmmaker Award\, and was the 2009 Producer of the Year for Northampton Community Television. His current film Outta The Muck tells the story of his family roots in Pahokee\, FL and is being produced with support from ITVS\, JustFilms\, Sundance\, and Southern Documentary Fund. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDARIAN HENRYPRODUCER\n\n\n\n\n\nTRACY RECTORPRODUCER\n\n\n\n\n\nSAM POLLARDEXECUTIVE PRODUCER\n\n\n\n\n\nRead the VARIETY article\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nWORKSHOP\n\n\n\n\nRegister for the Be The Media! workshop before the film screening from 5pm-6pm on May 7. \n\n\n\nJoin documentary filmmakers Bhawin Suchak and Ira McKinley as they breakdown the process of their project Outta the Muck. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/outta-the-muck-filmscreening/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Screening ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Outta-The-Muck-Press_poster2-sq.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220507T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220507T180000 DTSTAMP:20230213T181304Z CREATED:20220404T171808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T181304Z UID:10001607-1651942800-1651946400@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Be The Media! "Outta the Muck": Documentary Process from Vision to Completion DESCRIPTION:Join documentary filmmakers Bhawin Suchak and Ira McKinley as they breakdown the process of their project Outta the Muck. From idea development through production through post-production through getting it out there\, they will share how they navigated the documentary process to realize their vision. The Be The Media! workshop will include the filmmakers listening to participants’s documentary ideas and sharing strategies for realizing your documentary dreams. \n\n\n\nSponsored by iEAR Presents! and the School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Sciences at Rensselaer\, made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of The Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Team:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBHAWIN SUCHAKDIRECTOR/PRODUCER/DOP/EDITOR\n\n\n\nBhawin is an educator\, filmmaker\, and founding member/co-executive director of Youth FX\, a media arts organization focused on empowering young people of color in Albany\, NY and around the world by teaching them creative and technical skills in film and digital media while supporting self-determined communities of emerging artists. Bhawin also co-directs NeXt Doc\, a year-round fellowship program that exists to amplify the voices of documentary filmmakers of color between the ages of 20-24 years old. Bhawin is the co-director\, producer\, cinematographer and editor of Outta The Muck (2022)\, a feature length documentary supported by ITVS\, JustFilms\, Sundance\, and Southern Documentary Fund. He previously co-directed\, The Throwaways (2014) with Ira Mckinley\, and Free To Learn (2004). \n\n\n\nIRA MCKINLEYDIRECTOR/PRODUCER/WRITER\n\n\n\nIra McKinley is a filmmaker and activist and the director/producer of the award-winning documentary The Throwaways. Born in Upstate New York he is now based in South Florida where Outta The Muck is set. Ira started his activism in the 1980’s when he participated in Act Up in Ithaca\, NY. During the winters of 2007/2008 he started a Homeless Arts Showcase in Northampton\, MA’s Pulaski Park which was inspired by his fifteen years being homeless himself. Ira is the recipient of the 2014 ACLU Carol S. Knox award\, 2013 MLK Storytelling + Activist Award from Siena College\, 2009 Northampton Arts Council’s Emerging Filmmaker Award\, and was the 2009 Producer of the Year for Northampton Community Television. His current film Outta The Muck tells the story of his family roots in Pahokee\, FL and is being produced with support from ITVS\, JustFilms\, Sundance\, and Southern Documentary Fund. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nFilm Screening\n\n\n\n\nStick around after the Be The Media! workshop for a film screening of Outta the Muck with the filmmakers at 7pm. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/be-the-media-outta-the-muck/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/M13A3301.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220507T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220507T140000 DTSTAMP:20240126T135703Z CREATED:20220223T170421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240126T135703Z UID:10001291-1651924800-1651932000@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Plant & Tree Swap DESCRIPTION:Join us for a plant & tree swap at Collard City Growers garden\, 3337 6th Ave. in North Central Troy! \n\n\n\nwhat: an opportunity to share plant abundance!  \n\n\n\nhow: bring your extra seedlings / saplings and trade with someone else for something new – perennials\, annuals\, house plants\, anything goes! \n\n\n\nwhy: a nice excuse to hang out in the garden with other families\, meet some new plants and people\, and celebrate Andrew Lynn’s birthday! \n\n\n\nThis is an event for the community and gardeners to get together and exchange seedlings for the season. Stop by to pick up some seedlings that you might want for your garden\, drop off any extra flats that you don’t have room for\, or just come on over to hangout and say hi 🙂 \n\n\n\nAnd remember\, all plants that you give and take are FREE! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn a nutshell – we’d love to see you whether you have plants or not\, so come say hi! Wear a mask and practice social distancing whenever possible. If it rains\, we can gather in the hoop house.As always\, there’s lots of work to do\, so if you’re in the mood for garden chores – we got you covered! me ke hau ʻoli\,azure’ – christian – ember – thasos\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to brush up on the vibe of this project – you can listen to us kūkākūkā on WOOC last year.  URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/plant-tree-swap/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Community Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/PlantSwap-01.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220422T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220422T133000 DTSTAMP:20230213T182553Z CREATED:20220313T030049Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T182553Z UID:10001595-1650630600-1650634200@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:We're All Living in the Estroworld DESCRIPTION:Join us for this virtual session of the series BioArt Talks @CBIS\, presented in conjunction with RPI’s Center for Biotechnology\, the ARTS department & the School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Sciences\, and the Sanctuary’s NATURE Lab.  \n\n\n\nHow do bodies queer at the molecular level? How is this queering inextricably tied to industrial capitalism? Combining body and gender politics and environmental toxicity\, we begin to unpack the concept of “open source estrogen\,” the underlying premise that hormonal molecules are ubiquitously all around us – available for us to hack\, mutate\, and become-with. Through this process of unboxing their molecular mystique\, we see that even in our sublime sea of toxic molecules\, it is still a sea of co-mattering. With our extractive tools we can see only the tiniest picture in the macro cosmos of space and time. But perhaps this is all we need to transmute the traumas of our old world into the new. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary Maggic (b. Los Angeles\, ’91) is a nonbinary artist working at the intersection of hormones\, body and gender politics\, and ecological alienations. Maggic frequently uses “biohacking” as a xeno-feminist practice of care that potentially demystifies invisible lines of molecular biopower. Completing their Masters in the Design Fiction group at MIT Media Lab\, they received the Prix Ars Electronica Honorary Mention in Hybrid Arts (2017) for the project “Open Source Estrogen” and a 10-month Fulbright research award in Yogyakarta\, Indonesia (2019). Maggic is a current member of the global network Hackteria – Open Source Biological Art\, the tactical theater collective Aliens in Green\, the Asian feminist association Mai Ling Vienna\, as well as a contributor to the radical syllabus project Pirate Care and to the online Cyberfeminism Index. maggic.ooo/ \n\n\n\n\n\nSee all BioArt Talks @CBIS here\n\n\n\nBioArt Talks @CBIS are an online series of one hour lunchtime presentations given by internationally recognized bioartists. Bioartists work with biological materials\, consider bioethics\, and look at the materiality of biosystems and the technologies used in biotechnology and scientific research. These artists cover a broad range of fascinating topics including research into lost environmental microbial systems\, cognitive states of mind and behavior\, biomechanical prototyping of assisted device design\, colony-building with non-humans\, and queering hormone disruption. The BioArt Talks @CBIS artists include: Orkan Telhan\, Heidi Boisvert\, Aisen Caro Chacin\, Anna Lindemann\, and Mary Maggic. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/were-all-living-in-the-estroworld/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Speaker ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/MARY-MAGGIC-anatomestinysmall.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220419T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220419T210000 DTSTAMP:20230213T183044Z CREATED:20220109T041958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T183044Z UID:10001062-1650394800-1650402000@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Ending the Prohibition of the Mind: A Mushroom Symposium DESCRIPTION:Join us as we explore the movement to decriminalize psilocybin\, the challenges faced\, and the way forward. This virtual event aims to connect local proponents to a larger movement\, and give participants information\, advocacy tools\, and connections to pursue advocacy in this area. Co-sponsored by Collar City Mushrooms and the Peoples Health Sanctuary. Watch the recording below; see the Zoom chat here! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPsilocybin\, the naturally occurring compound found in “magic mushrooms\,” was banned by the federal 1970 Controlled Substances Act. It was classified as a Schedule I controlled substance that has “no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”  \n\n\n\nWithin the past ten years however\, research from institutions like NYU\, Johns Hopkins\, Imperial College and others have consistently demonstrated psilocybin’s ability to help treat conditions like depression\, anxiety\, OCD\, substance dependency\, and many others. \n\n\n\nThis research has propelled a grassroots movement to decriminalize psilocybin starting in the late 2010s\, with Denver\, Colorado becoming the first city to do so in May 2019. Other cities have followed suit\, such as Oakland and Santa Cruz\, CA\, Washington\, D.C.\, and Somerville and Cambridge\, MA. There are now more than 100 cities and close to a dozen states\, including New York\, considering either decriminalization or legalization of psilocybin. \n\n\n\nLike any movement to change laws\, there are several factions with often complementary but sometimes competing strategies and arguments. This panel will seek to discuss some of these issues\, such as: \n\n\n\n\nShould psilocybin use be limited to strictly medical use\, especially considering how expensive and ineffective our current healthcare system is?\n\n\n\nWhat are the differences between medical use\, therapeutic use\, and adult use?\n\n\n\nWho will have access to psilocybin? Who will be allowed to start psilocybin-related businesses?\n\n\n\nShould the movement to decriminalize psilocybin be a part of the broader movement to decriminalize all drugs?\n\n\n\nHow can we honor the cultural value of psilocybin to indigenous peoples who have been using psilocybin for centuries\, and preserve peoples’ ability to use the substance in its purest form found in nature; while others claim concern over quality control and dosage and pursue efforts to extract psilocybin and turn the substance into a commercially-produced “medicine”? \n\n\n\n\n….and many more. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nGuest Speakers include:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDee Dee Goldpaugh\, LCSW\, psychotherapist\, educator\, activist \n\n\n\nDee Dee Goldpaugh\, is a psychotherapist\, educator\, and activist in Woodstock\, NY. Dee Dee specializes in Psychedelic Integration Therapy with a focus on LGBTQIA+ people as well as survivors of sexual trauma. They are a member of the Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy team at the Woodstock Therapy Center and they are the Community Integration and Support Director of the Hudson Valley Psychedelic Society. Dee Dee has taught and published widely on psychedelics and mental health\, sexuality\, and trauma. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHadas Alterman\, attorney\, Plant Medicine Law Group \n\n\n\nHadas is an Israeli-American attorney\, born in Jerusalem and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hadas advises companies on matters of regulatory compliance\, corporate transactions\, policy advocacy\, strategic planning\, governance\, and dispute resolution. She was the Policy Director of NYMHA\, an organization that she co-founded that successfully lobbied for the introduction of a New York bill to decriminalize psilocybin. She is a Board Member of the American Psychedelic Practitioner’s Association and a Founding Board Member of the Psychedelic Bar Association. Hadas serves on the Equity Subcommittee of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNoah Potter\, consultant\, Legal Market Strategies \n\n\n\nBrooklyn-based Noah Potter is a psychedelic policy consultant who joined the psychedelic legalization movement in 1993. He writes the blog Psychedelic Law. He has worked to call attention to the racial disparities of drug law enforcement\, and in 2020 co-founded an advocacy group dedicated to psychedelic law reform in New York. He has advised the Decriminalize Denver campaign\, and advocates immediate\, safe\, and equitable (affordable\, culturally-relevant\, and non-exploitative) access to a psychedelic experience for anyone anywhere who could benefit from it. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDmitri Mugianis\, activist\, musician\, poet\, writer\, and psychedelic practitioner \n\n\n\nDimitri Mugianis is an activist\, musician\, poet\, harm reductionist and writer with over two decades of experience as a frontline harm reduction worker and psychedelic practitioner. He is a co-founder of Cardea. Dimitri’s story and work have been featured in numerous media outlets including The New York Times\, Village Voice\, Rolling Stone\, NPR’s This American Life\, VICE HBO\, The Daily Beast\, and Crimetown podcast. He was the subject of the 2009 documentary “Dangerous with Love” by Michael Negroponte. He has written for Chacruna\, Salon\, The Guardian\, and Jacobin. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPamela Jackson\, Founder and Director\, Psychedelic Sisterhood \n\n\n\nPammy Jackson is the founder and executive director of the womxn-led\, not-for-profit organization\, The Psychedelic Sisterhood. Pammy started The Psychedelic Sisterhood to provide womxn with a safe space to discuss\, learn\, and share experiences about the healing power of psychedelics and reclaim the association of medicinal plants as their original indigenous source; offering an inclusive environment to thrive and grow.The Psychedelic Sisterhood also collaborates with like-minded organizations for psychedelic advocacy and to support drug policy reform. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLinda Rosenthal\, NYS Assemblymember\, sponsor of A6065 \n\n\n\nAssemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal represents the 67th Assembly District\, which includes the Upper West Side and parts of Hell’s Kitchen. Since taking office in 2006\, Assemblymember Rosenthal has passed more than 140 laws that have helped to improve the lives of all New York State residents. In 2021\, Assemblymember Rosenthal passed legislation into law establishing a medication assisted treatment program for people battling a substance use disorder in state and local correctional facilities. She also is the sponsor of legislation to authorize safer consumption sites throughout New York State\, a cause she has championed since 2016. Assemblymember Rosenthal sponsors two bills related to psilocybin: A6065\, which would decriminalize psilocybin by removing it from the list of scheduled substances; and A7928\, which would establish the psychedelic research institute and the psychedelic substances therapeutic research program charged with studying and providing recommendations regarding the use of psychedelic substances in the treatment of addictive disorders\, depression\, post-traumatic stress disorder\, end-of-life anxiety and other pertinent outcomes. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPat Burke\, NYS Assemblymember\, sponsor of A8569 \n\n\n\nPat Burke hails from Buffalo and was first elected to represent the 142nd Assembly District in 2019. Assemblymember Burke’s notable legislative accomplishments include a ban on microbead plastics\, a repeal of Sunday Blue Laws\, a million-dollar emergency fund created to combat the opioid crisis and the formation of the Erie County Broadband Committee. He also introduced legislation that would make the pharmaceutical industry pay its fair share to keep our local drinking water free of medical waste\, and not pass the burden onto taxpayers. Assemblymember Burke sponsors A8569\, a bill that would amend the public health law to allow for the medical use of psilocybin in a tightly controlled set of circumstances. \n\n\n\n\n\nModerators:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorinne Carey\, co-moderator \n\n\n\nCorinne Carey is a lawyer and a political and public affairs strategist who takes on bold public health initiatives backed by sound evidence and human rights principles. Her policy work is grounded in her long history in the harm reduction movement. She founded and directed the Harm Reduction Law Project\, and has also worked for Human Rights Watch and the New York Civil Liberties Union. She serves as the state director for Compassion & Choices in New York\, and also works as a political & public affairs correspondent for the Hudson Mohawk Magazine. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAileen Javier\, co-moderator \n\n\n\nAileen Javier is a Community Health Worker\, an Outreach Educator\, and a family advocate. She is passionate about fomenting community health by supporting and empowering people to successfully navigate the local social and health care system. Aileen collaborates with the Sanctuary for Independent Media’s NATURE Lab on its newest initiative: the People’s Health Sanctuary\, and she is also a radio producer for the Hudson Mohawk Magazine\, producing news segments on housing and local health resources. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n Listen to Interviews:\n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Intro to Ending the Prohibition of the Mind: a Mushroom Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Noah Potter on Psilocybin Legalization\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Psilocybin to Increase Wellbeing and Reduce Suffering\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Veterans Group Advocates for Access to Psychedelic Therapy\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Expanding Access to Psychedelics\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Why Harm Reduction is Important When Legalizing Drugs\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Psychedelic Sisterhood ED Pammy Jackson Speaks About Psilocybin Mushrooms\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n New York Bill Would Decriminalize Psilocybin\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n The Theraputic Value of Psilocybin and Society’s Understanding of “Drugs”\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n\nSponsored by\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCapital Region Harm Reduction Roundtable\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSuggested Background Reading: \n\n\n\nThree Bills Seek to Shift Psychedelics Policy in New York State by Noah Daly in Lucid News (March 23\, 2022) \n\n\n\nCould Magic Mushrooms Become the Next Marijuana? by Tyler Wetherall in the Albany Times Union (December 15\, 2021)  \n\n\n\nNoah Potter’s blog\, PsychedelicLaw.com\, particularly this article: Psychedelic legalization now \n\n\n\nPsychedelic Markets of the Future\, by Noah Potter  \n\n\n\nWhat About “Those” Mushrooms? by Avery Stemple\, Collar City Mushrooms \n\n\n\nThe “Equity Elephant”: Why Psychedelic Mutualism and Cooperatives are Crucial for an Accessible Future by Colin Pugh in Psychedelics Today (April 19\, 2021) \n\n\n\nGlobal Coalition Launches Push To Reschedule Psilocybin Under International Rules\, by Kyle Jaeger (January 11\, 2022)  \n\n\n\nCosmic Queries – The Fungus Among Us with Merlin Sheldrake\, podcast with Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson (July 21\, 2021) \n\n\n\nA Conversation with Robin Divine\, founder of Black People Trip on the Psychedelics Today podcast (August 10\, 2021) Psychedelic Exceptionalism and Reframing Drug Narratives: An Interview with Dr. Carl Hart\, by Sean Lawlor in Psychedelics Today (February 18\, 2020) \n\n\n\nThis Bicycle Day\, Celebrate Albert Hofmann’s Psychedelic Discovery. by Mary Jane Gibson in Rolling Stone (April 19\, 2020) URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/mushroom/ CATEGORIES:Panel Discussion ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/magic-mushrooms-1024x576-1.jpg LOCATION:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/mushroom/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220415T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220415T133000 DTSTAMP:20230213T183225Z CREATED:20220313T025311Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T183225Z UID:10001596-1650025800-1650029400@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Evo Devo Art DESCRIPTION:Join us for this virtual session of the series BioArt Talks @CBIS\, presented in conjunction with RPI’s Center for Biotechnology\, the ARTS department & the School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Sciences\, and the Sanctuary’s NATURE Lab.  \n\n\n\nAnna Lindemann will present her work as an Evo Devo Artist. In her creative work\, Anna combines animation\, video\, music\, and performance to explore the emerging field of evolutionary developmental biology (Evo Devo). Her work seeks to uncover narratives within rigorous scientific research\, to visualize biological processes in novel ways\, to define new artistic creative processes modeled on biological processes\, and to examine the human emotion and subjectivity behind scientific research. As part of her talk\, Anna will highlight several Evo Devo Artworks including The Colony\, an art-science performance about sisterhood and the evolution of social life in humans and ants. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnna Lindemann calls herself an Evo Devo artist. Her work as an animator\, composer\, and performer explores the emerging field of evolutionary developmental biology (Evo Devo). Anna graduated magna cum laude with honors from Yale with a BS in Biology before receiving an MFA in Integrated Electronic Arts from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Digital Media & Design department at the University of Connecticut where she has pioneered courses integrating art and science. Anna has presented her Evo Devo Art at such venues as the Imagine Science Film Festival\, New York\, NY; ISEA\, Vancouver\, Canada; KLI Institute for Theoretical Biology\, Klosterneuburg\, Austria; EvoMUSART\, Parma\, Italy; Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center\, Troy\, NY; SCINEMA International Film Festival\, Australia; The State Darwin Museum\, Moscow\, Russia; The Franke Program in the Science and Humanities\, Yale University; The ATLAS Center for Media\, Art and Performance\, University of Colorado Boulder; MATA Festival\, New York\, NY; Istanbul Fringe Festival; SEAMUS. She is the recipient of a Connecticut Artist Fellowship and her animation work includes commissions from the USS Constitution Museum and Boston Cyberarts. www.annalindemann.com    \n\n\n\n\n\nSee all BioArt Talks @CBIS here\n\n\n\nBioArt Talks @CBIS are an online series of one hour lunchtime presentations given by internationally recognized bioartists. Bioartists work with biological materials\, consider bioethics\, and look at the materiality of biosystems and the technologies used in biotechnology and scientific research. These artists cover a broad range of fascinating topics including research into lost environmental microbial systems\, cognitive states of mind and behavior\, biomechanical prototyping of assisted device design\, colony-building with non-humans\, and queering hormone disruption. The BioArt Talks @CBIS artists include: Orkan Telhan\, Heidi Boisvert\, Aisen Caro Chacin\, Anna Lindemann\, and Mary Maggic. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/evo-devo-art/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Speaker ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Lindemann_The-Colony_animation-still_migration.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220408T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220408T133000 DTSTAMP:20230213T183414Z CREATED:20220312T012408Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T183414Z UID:10001594-1649421000-1649424600@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:BioArt + Assistive Device Art: Transformation of Ability and Perception\, the Plasticity of the Mind\, and Human Expansion DESCRIPTION:Join us for this virtual session of the series BioArt Talks @CBIS\, presented in conjunction with RPI’s Center for Biotechnology\, the ARTS department & the School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Sciences\, and the Sanctuary’s NATURE Lab.  \n\n\n\nGlowing rabbits\, ears on arms\, female human sperm are artworks that apply scientific methods and technology to explore and sculpt living systems. BioArt and Assistive Device Art are contemporary art practices that incorporate biological sciences and assistive technology as a form of artistic inquiry into biosystems and the human condition. Seeing through your tongue\, listening to music through your teeth\, navigating space through sonic vision\, are examples of interfaces that are functional and assistive\, yet can serve as interactive portals to gain new cross-modal perceptual abilities. Bio-artworks aesthetically and conceptually apply materials and methods from bioengineering\, health sciences\, synthetic biology\, and medicine\, generating work that deals directly with these bio-fields’ socio-cultural implications. The convergence of expertise necessary to create these artworks is a platform to generate discussions and new directions for research between health practitioners\, bioethicists\, and artists to envision alternative biofutures that are humanistically\, socially\, and aesthetically conscious and concerned. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Aisen Caro Chacin is an artist and the medical prototyping lab lead at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She holds a BFA in sculpture and a minor in visual studies from the University of Houston (UH)\, where she is an Affiliate Faculty of New Media Arts. She has an MFA in Design and Technology from Parsons\, The New School\, NYC\, where she was an Adjunct Professor of Physical and Creative Computing. She created a framework for assistive technology and Device Art while attaining her Ph.D. in Human Informatics at the University of Tsukuba\, Japan. She is the Chair for LASER Houston\, a series of art and science talks sponsored by Leonardo\, IAST\, and Transart Foundation for Art and Anthropology\, and she is also a Board Member of the Medicine and Media Arts Program at UCLA. Her work lies within the intersection of art\, science\, and technology\, with a focus on new media art\, human-computer integration\, medical devices\, sound art\, and Assistive Device Art. She has presented and exhibited at Ars Electronica\, Cite du Design\, TEI\, NIME\, NYC Museum of Art and Design\, The New York Hall of Science\, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston\, World of Haptics\, SXSW. www.aisencaro.com/ \n\n\n\n\n\nSee all BioArt Talks @CBIS here\n\n\n\nBioArt Talks @CBIS are an online series of one hour lunchtime presentations given by internationally recognized bioartists. Bioartists work with biological materials\, consider bioethics\, and look at the materiality of biosystems and the technologies used in biotechnology and scientific research. These artists cover a broad range of fascinating topics including research into lost environmental microbial systems\, cognitive states of mind and behavior\, biomechanical prototyping of assisted device design\, colony-building with non-humans\, and queering hormone disruption. The BioArt Talks @CBIS artists include: Orkan Telhan\, Heidi Boisvert\, Aisen Caro Chacin\, Anna Lindemann\, and Mary Maggic. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/bioart-assistive-device-art-transformation-of-ability-and-perception-the-plasticity-of-the-mind-and-human-expansion/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Speaker ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Eurus@Aisen-Chacin.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220402T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220402T140000 DTSTAMP:20230213T183938Z CREATED:20220223T170208Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T183938Z UID:10001290-1648900800-1648908000@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:CCG Tree Day: Pruning Workshop with More Trees Arborists DESCRIPTION:Join the arborists of the More Trees Arborist Collective for a workshop in the urban forest. Learn to identify common opportunist species of urban trees\, discuss different techniques and objectives of pruning\, when to remove trees\, when to plant trees and help the crew manage the Sanctuary’s fledgling reforestation projects.  \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nMeet at Freedom Square \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHudson Mohawk Magazine interviewed Christian Grigoraskos\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore Tree Arborists \n\n\n\nMore Trees Arborist Collective is a worker-owned cooperative of ISA-Certified Arborists and support crew who work to provide environmentally conscious tree care for residential\, municipal\, and commercial clients throughout the Hudson Mohawk Region. We identify\, assess\, and mitigate tree risk while encouraging the preservation and planting. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/ccg-tree-day-pruning-workshop-with-more-trees-arborists/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Community Event,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/grower-workshop.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220401T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220401T210000 DTSTAMP:20230213T184924Z CREATED:20220216T211217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T184924Z UID:10001530-1648839600-1648846800@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita | SUBA Trio DESCRIPTION:Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita | SUBA Trio featuring percussionist Gustavo Ovalles are coming to the Sanctuary for the CD release of SUBA Trio\, presented in cooperation with The Egg Performing Arts Center. \n\n\n\n\nThrough the music we bring a message of peace\, hope and unity. When everything around us falling apart\, the one thing we have inside ourselves is a divine connection with our inner voice. \nOmar Sosa\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Atlantic Ocean separates Cuba and Senegal\, the respective birthplaces of piano virtuoso Omar Sosa and kora maestro Seckou Keita\, a distance diminished by their shared ancestral connection to Africa. When the pair met in 2012\, Seckou loved Omar for his musical spirituality\, whilst Omar saw in Seckou a rare ability to collaborate but not lose his identity. Their debut album Transparent Water (2017) was hailed as ‘beautiful\, rhapsodic… spiritual’ (Songlines) and ‘mesmerising\, evocative and sophisticated’ (World Music Central). \n\n\n\nSosa has released over 30 albums during an incredible career that has included nominations for seven GRAMMY or Latin GRAMMY awards; Keita is a multi-award winner\, most recently as the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the Year (2019). Recorded during lockdown and released in October 2021\, Sosa and Keita’s second album SUBA is a hymn to hope\, to a new dawn of compassion and real change in a post-pandemic world\, a visceral reiteration of humanity’s perennial prayer for peace and unity. Joining Omar and Seckou in the studio and for live performances is the inimitable Venezuelan percussionist Gustavo Ovalles. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHear our interview with Omar Sosa \n\n\n\n\n\nSix-time GRAMMY-nominated Cuban composer and pianist Omar Sosa is one of the most versatile jazz artists on the scene today. He fuses a wide range of jazz\, world music\, and electronic elements with his native Afro-Cuban roots to create a fresh and original urban sound – all with a Latin jazz heart. Mr. Sosa’s latest recording\, Calma\, reached the Billboard charts in February 2011\, and his previous CD\, Ceremony\, receive an ECHO Jazz Award in Germany in June 2011 His recent CD\, Afreecanos\, explores the African roots of traditional musics throughout the Diaspora\, using modern jazz harmonies and the latest audio technology. The Afreecanos ensemble fuses the folkloric with the contemporary\, the ancestral with the urban. Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune recently commented that “Cuban pianists often tower over their peers. But within this elite class of pianists\, few have been more stylistically adventurous than Omar Sosa. Though deeply schooled in jazz improvisation techniques\, Sosa always has pushed beyond jazz orthodoxy. https://omarsosa.com \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeckou Keita has arguably become the most influential and inspiring Kora player of his generation\, an exceptional and charismatic musician and a modern global citizen\, with seven centuries of tradition and heritage expressed through his music. Described as a ‘griot (praise singer)\, composer\, djembe master\, virtuoso and pioneer’\, Seckou Keita is a rare type of musician\, seated in tradition whilst constantly pushing the boundaries of his art.   A true master of the kora – a 22 stringed West African harp – Seckou\, from the Casamance art of the ancient kingdom of Gabou in Southern Senegal\, was a childhood prodigy\, born of a line of griots and kings. Cissokho\, his mother’s family name\, gave life to his talent; Keita\, his father’s\, gave him royal blood.   Seckou has graced the international stage since 1996\, earning worldwide acclaim for his kora playing; appearing with a host of respected artists of artists including Salif Keita\, Paul Weller\, Bassekou Kouyate\, Damon Albarn… https://www.seckoukeita.com \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConcert photos at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on April 1\, 2022\, by Sina Basila Hickey. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso see Rudy Lu’s photos for Nippertown URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/omar-sosa-seckou-keita/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:African Music,Jazz Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/TW-Trio-6-photo-by-Alicia-Carrera.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220401T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220401T133000 DTSTAMP:20230213T185043Z CREATED:20220312T011915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T185043Z UID:10001593-1648816200-1648819800@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Embodied Intelligence & the Future of the Performing Body DESCRIPTION:Join us for the second event in the virtual series BioArt Talks @CBIS\, presented in conjunction with RPI’s Center for Biotechnology\, the ARTS department & the School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Sciences\, and the Sanctuary for Independent Media’s NATURE Lab. \n\n\n\nDr. Heidi Boisvert will discuss current empirical research methods and insights emerging from the Limbic Lab\, which employs biometrics\, machine learning and predictive models to isolate effective narrative ingredients across various mediums of expression. Boisvert will share how this research informs the creation of bio-adaptive\, networked dance and mixed reality theatre performances that interrogate how our bodies carry intergenerational trauma\, are surveilled\, controlled\, and spun out of balance by our dependence upon technology and speculate on future bodies.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHeidi Boisvert\, TED Resident. May 13\, 2019. New York\, NY. Photo: Ryan Lash / TED\n\n\n\n\n\nHeidi Boisvert (PhD) is an interdisciplinary artist\, experience designer\, creative technologist\, and academic researcher who interrogates the neurobiological and socio-cultural effects of media and technology. Simply put\, she studies the role of the body\, the senses\, and emotion in human perception and social change. Boisvert is currently mapping the world’s first media genome\, while taking great care with its far-reaching ethical implications. She founded futurePerfect lab\, a creative agency and think-tank that works with social justice organizations to design playful emerging media campaigns to transform the \n\n\n\npublic imagination. She also co-founded XTH\, a company creating novel modes of expression through biotechnology and the human body. Presently\, she is working with David Byrne on Theater of the Mind\, a new immersive theater piece. Boisvert is an Assistant Professor of AI & the Arts at the University of Florida. She is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Norman Lear Center\, a research affiliate in the Open Documentary Lab at MIT and a member of NEW INC’s Creative Science track. www.heidiboisvert.com/ \n\n\n\n\n\nSee all BioArt Talks @CBIS here\n\n\n\nBioArt Talks @CBIS are an online series of one hour lunchtime presentations given by internationally recognized bioartists. Bioartists work with biological materials\, consider bioethics\, and look at the materiality of biosystems and the technologies used in biotechnology and scientific research. These artists cover a broad range of fascinating topics including research into lost environmental microbial systems\, cognitive states of mind and behavior\, biomechanical prototyping of assisted device design\, colony-building with non-humans\, and queering hormone disruption. The BioArt Talks @CBIS artists include: Orkan Telhan\, Heidi Boisvert\, Aisen Caro Chacin\, Anna Lindemann\, and Mary Maggic. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/embodied-intelligence-the-future-of-the-performing-body/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Speaker ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/HEIDI-BOISVERT-2_radicalsignsoflife.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220325T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220325T133000 DTSTAMP:20230213T185235Z CREATED:20220312T010954Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T185235Z UID:10001592-1648211400-1648215000@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Where Do Gardens Come From? And Where Do They Go? DESCRIPTION:Join us for the first of the virtual series\, BioArt Talks @CBIS\, presented in conjunction with RPI’s Center for Biotechnology\, the ARTS department & the School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Sciences\, and the Sanctuary’s NATURE Lab initiative. \n\n\n\nOrkan Telhan will present the outcomes of an ongoing research project that is centered on an investigation in Istanbul’s historical gardens and how they endure social\, environmental\, and political challenges over 1500 years. The talk will feature artworks and scientific research that intend to foreground the less-visible aspects of the gardens\, discussing the roles gentrification\, immigration\, nationalism\, and the climate crisis in shaping their meaning in the public imaginary. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrkan Telhan investigates critical issues in cultural\, environmental and social responsibility. Telhan is Associate Professor of Fine Arts – Emerging Design Practices at the University of Pennsylvania\, Stuart Weitzman School of Design. He holds a PhD in Design and Computation from MIT’s Department of Architecture. He was part of the Sociable Media Group at the MIT Media Laboratory and a researcher at the MIT Design Laboratory. Telhan is a co-founder of Biorealize and the head of foundry engineering at Ecovative. Telhan’s individual and collaborative work has been exhibited internationally in venues including the Istanbul Biennial (2013)\, Istanbul Design Biennial (2012\, 2016\, 2021)\, Milano Design Week\, London Design Week\, Vienna Design Week\, the Armory Show 2015 Special Projects\, Ars Electronica (2007\, 2017)\, ISEA\, LABoral\, Archilab\, Matadero Madrid\, Architectural Association\, the Architectural League of New York\, MIT Museum\, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit\, the New Museum of Contemporary Art\, New York\, the Philadelphia Museum of Art\, the Walker Art Center\, and the Design Museum\, London. www.orkantelhan.com/ \n\n\n\n\n\nSee all BioArt Talks @CBIS here\n\n\n\nBioArt Talks @CBIS are an online series of one hour lunchtime presentations given by internationally recognized bioartists. Bioartists work with biological materials\, consider bioethics\, and look at the materiality of biosystems and the technologies used in biotechnology and scientific research. These artists cover a broad range of fascinating topics including research into lost environmental microbial systems\, cognitive states of mind and behavior\, biomechanical prototyping of assisted device design\, colony-building with non-humans\, and queering hormone disruption. The BioArt Talks @CBIS artists include: Orkan Telhan\, Heidi Boisvert\, Aisen Caro Chacin\, Anna Lindemann\, and Mary Maggic. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/where-do-gardens-come-from-and-where-do-they-go/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Speaker ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/A0754R5_StudioMajo_r.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220310T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220310T203000 DTSTAMP:20230213T185426Z CREATED:20220216T210412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T185426Z UID:10001529-1646938800-1646944200@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Direct Air Capture: False Climate Solution? DESCRIPTION:Join us for a virtual town hall and learn about Direct Air Capture. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER\n\n\n\n\nThis virtual event will begin with an overview of the Carbon Dioxide Removal Leadership Act (A8597/S8171)\, now pending in the NYS Assembly and Senate. Presentations by our speakers\, June Sekera (policy scholar)\, Visiting Scholar at the New School University\, New York\, and a Senior Research Fellow at Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center; and  Jim Walsh Policy Director for Food & Water Watch and Food & Water Action\, will be followed by a Q&A. We’ll then end with a Call to Action! \n\n\n\nActivists charge that the Carbon Dioxide Removal Leadership Act (A8597/S8171)\, now pending in the NYS Assembly and Senate\, would generously subsidize the Direct Air Capture technology that they characterize as a false “greenwashing” solution. Comments from environmental experts opposing this bill: \n\n\n\n\n“Let’s be clear that any government support for carbon capture or direct air capture is a FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDY.“ \n-Stanford University professor Mark Jacobson\, PhD\n\n\n\nCarbon Engineering pilot plant in Squamish\, B.C. featuring Direct Air Capture technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere. \nCC image by Stephen Hui\, Pembina Institute\n\n\n\nDIRECT AIR CAPTURE (DAC) is a costly mechanical-chemical method of carbon capture and storage that critics charge is unproven\, dangerous and energy-intensive. They say DAC would likely require a massive build-out of pipelines to transport CO2 and that it is an unwise public investment that diverts resources and attention from real solutions. \n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJune Sekera is a Visiting Scholar at the New School University\, New York\, and a Senior Research Fellow at Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center. Her review article\, “Assessing Carbon Capture: Public Policy\, Science and Societal Need” was published in Biophysical Economics and Sustainability (October 2020).   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFood and Water Watch Policy Director\, Jim Walsh oversees campaigns to ban fracking\, end water privatization\, and push back on fossil fuel industry-backed false solutions to the climate crisis. Jim works with Food & Water Watch’s policy experts and national allies to develop and implement campaigns to mobilize the public and educate decision makers on strategies that support the development of a better food system\, a safe and livable climate and support safe and clean public water for all. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe moderator for the event is Barbara Heinzen\, PhD\, Clean Air Coalition of Greater Ravena Coeymans \n\n\n\n\n\nCo-Sponsors\n\n\n\nThank you to our co-sponsors: Clean Air Coalition of Greater Ravena Coeymans\, Clean Air Action Network of Glens Falls\, Beyond Plastics\, People of Albany United for Safe Energy\, Food & Water Watch\, Green Education and Legal Fund\, and NATURE Lab and People’s Health Sanctuary with The Sanctuary for Independent Media. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/direct-air-capture/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Community Event,Panel Discussion ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/StephenHui_PembinaInstitute.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220303T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220303T210000 DTSTAMP:20230213T185803Z CREATED:20220111T225042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T185803Z UID:10001327-1646334000-1646341200@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Digital Ofrenda / Altar with Minerva Hernández / Bioscénica and IONE DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the new moon of March and the coming of the light\, as you join us in this virtual healing event featuring an artist talk\, live digital ritual and meditation. \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\nWe welcome Minerva Hernández Trejo with Bioscénica\, along with artist/healer IONE\, in the third in The Sanctuary for Independent Media’s latest virtual series of artist residencies\, “Art and Ecology: In the Spirit of the Suffragettes.” This event is designed as a healing ritual for People’s Health Sanctuary\, part of a year-long inauguration of our new NATURE Lab Urban Environmental Arts & Education Center. \n\n\n\nThis virtual event will begin with an artist presentation by Minerva Hernández Trejo\, followed by a live ritual performance by Minerva and colleagues broadcast from Mexico City to our live zoom audience\, and completed by a healing meditation by IONE. \n\n\n\nWe chose this artistic ceremony to celebrate new moon of Pisces\, a time of beginnings. We mark the spring\, and a new year\, setting intentions for where we want to put our energies.  We focus on the five elements: water\, color/ fire\, wind/air\, earth/body\, spirit. Our overriding intention is healing — our planet\, our bodies — in this event and future events. \n\n\n\n\n\nMoon in the night sky just after the New Moon during the waxing crescent towards becoming full again.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArt & Ecology: In the Spirit of the Suffragettes\n\n\n\nMinerva Hernández Trejo is the third in The Sanctuary for Independent Media’s latest virtual series of artist residencies\, “Art and Ecology: In the Spirit of the Suffragettes.” \n\n\n\nInaugurating our new NATURE Lab Urban Environmental Arts & Education Center\, this event is designed as a healing ritual for People’s Health Sanctuary’s new home on the second floor. This NATURE LAB residency program is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts\, for women artists offer creative calls to action for ecological justice and survival of Planet Earth.  \n\n\n\nThe century-old suffragette message gives voice to inequities\, and our struggle for the environmental health of our local\, national and global communities. \n\n\n\nParticipating Artists\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMinerva H. Trejo \n\n\n\nMinerva H. Trejo is a transdisciplinary artist. Her work revolves around collective memory\, the relationship between body\, technology\, science\, poetry and vitality. She studied Photography and Cinematography in Brussels\, Belgium. She is an honorary member of the National System of Creators since 2010 and is part of the Art and Science research and creation group of the UNAM. She currently directs the transdisciplinary Bioscénica company\, dedicated to creating\, developing and producing proposals that combine arts\, sciences and technology. http://bioscenica.mx \n\n\n\nListen to Minerva’s interview for Hudson Mohawk Magazine: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · Digital Ofrenda / Altar Event with Minerva Hernández\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGéraldine Eguiluz \n\n\n\nGéraldine Eguiluz is a multi-instrumentalist (voice\, guitar\, trumpet\, percussions) improviser\, composer\, musicologist\, as well as poet and painter. Born in Mexico in 1969\, citizen of the world and multi-lingual\, she grew up in Bogota\, Lisbon and Paris. She discovered herself as a musician from adolescence and deepened her practice until today. She signs her latest album Mexihcah Bones (2021) on the label Corne de Brume.  Géraldine Eguiluz’s work is in constant transformation\, cultivating new connections between individuals\, communities and institutions\, while making her unique contribution to the world. http://geraldineeguiluz.com \n\n\n\nListen to Géraldine’s interview for Hudson Mohawk Magazine: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · Digital Ofrenda / Altar Event with Geraldine Eguiluz\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMyriam Beutelspacher Alcántar  \n\n\n\nTransdisciplinary artist\, teacher and researcher. Master in Technology and Aesthetics of Electronic Arts. Co-founder of Bioscénica\, Digital Body and Transdisciplinarity. She researches digital performance from an arche-machine logic to configure thermodynamics relationships. Curator of the International Meetings of Performing Arts\, Science and Technology\, “Efusion: code and production of meaning”; “Liveness: prosthetics\, gesture and metaphor” and LabCET Epigenetics. has been part of several academic research groups in Latin America. Recently served as Director of Academic Development at the National Arts Center. http://m-y-r-i.net \n\n\n\nListen to Myriam’s interview for Hudson Mohawk Magazine: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · Digital Ofrenda / Altar Event with Myriam Beutelspacher\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEurídice NaVi \n\n\n\nA communicologist\, alchemist and amateur anthropologist\, she produces video dance\, craft beer and healing potions from herbalism. \n\n\n\nShe works in the dissemination of traditional Mexican music and sound experimentation and directs a home project for the conservation and protection of the Axolotl\, a species declared in danger of extinction. \n\n\n\nShe remains active as a transdisciplinary artist\, performer\, choreographer and dance teacher. Collaborator of Bioscénica\, digital body and transdiscipline since 2018. www.bioscenica.mx \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIONE \n\n\n\nIONE is an author/playwright/director and improvising text/sound artist. Her numerous publications include the memoir\, Pride of Family; Four Generations of American Women of Color\, a NY Times Notable Book\, Spell Breaking 1 & 2Anthologies of Women’s Mysteries. and Listening in Dreams!  She is playwright and director of Njinga the Queen King\, the Dance Opera Io and Her and the Trouble with Him\, The Lunar Opera; Deep Listening For_Tunes\, collaborations with composer Pauline Oliveros (1932-2016) IONE and Oliveros’ The Nubian Word for Flowers\, A Phantom Opera. premiered in November 2017 -Pocket Edition at NYPL for the Performing Arts-Lincoln Center.2020 IONE is former Artistic Director of Deep Listening Institute\, Ltd. and Founding Director of the Ministry of Maåt\, a not- for- profit organization emphasizing women’s spiritual and educational wellbeing. A specialist in dreams and the creative process\, IONE facilitates retreats world-wide. www.Ionedreams.us \n\n\n\nListen to IONE’s interview for Hudson Mohawk Magazine: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · Digital Ofrenda / Altar Event with IONE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Listen to Hudson Mohawk Magazine interviews about this event:\n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Digital Ofrenda / Altar Event with Minerva Hernández\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Digital Ofrenda / Altar Event with IONE\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Digital Ofrenda / Altar Event with Geraldine Eguiluz\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Digital Ofrenda / Altar Event with Myriam Beutelspacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Digital Ofrenda / Altar Event with Eurídice NaVi\n \n \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n Altars and the Transformative Power of Creating Art with Nancy Weber\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis event is supported by the National Endowment of the Arts\, as well as a collaboration between the iEAR Presents series with support from RPI’s ARTS department and School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Science\, and from the New York State Council for the Arts/ NYSCA\, with The Sanctuary for Independent Media and People’s Health Sanctuary. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/digital-altar-with-minerva-hernandez/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ritual33.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220117T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220117T163000 DTSTAMP:20230213T190712Z CREATED:20210824T160053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T190712Z UID:10001019-1642428000-1642437000@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:MLK Celebration 2022: "Labor and Community United for Social Justice" DESCRIPTION:We invite you to join the virtual Martin L. King Celebration “Labor and Community United for Social Justice.” Over the past years\, dynamic MLK programs have been led\, in person at the Sanctuary and virtually\, by community organizers and organizations! This trend with the focus of organizing labor and community united in Troy will continue in 2022! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrganizations leading and participating in this event include: NAACP Troy Branch\, Team HERO\, Troy Coalition of Black Leaders\, Coalition of Black Trade Unions\, United Ordained Church-North Central\, Coalition of Labor Union Women\, Equality for Troy\, Troy Sanctuary Campaign\, NYCLU\, Troy DSA\, Solidarity Committee of the Capital District\, Collectiveffort\, Troy Area Labor Council\, 5th Avenue AME Zion\, Civil Service Employees Association\, New York State Public Employees Federation\, Capital Region Labor Council for Latin American Advancement\, Shades of Cocoa\, One Troy\, Justice Center of Rensselaer County\, Capital Region Poor People’s Campaign\, and People’s Health Sanctuary. \n\n\n\nFeaturing:  \n\n\n\n\nTroy Community/ Labor Organization speakers\n\n\n\nRoundtable discussion: Candidates of Color\, Rensselaer County\, 2021\n\n\n\nArchival videos and live poetry\n\n\n\nCalls to Action! \n\n\n\n\n\n“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is\, ‘What are you doing for others?’” \n– MLK Jr.\, 1957\n\n\n\nEvent MC: Deacon Jerry Ford (Team HERO; Vice President\, NAACP Troy Branch) \n\n\n\nMultiple speakers representing diverse community organizations in Troy will respond to MLK’s Call for Alliances for Inter-sectional Justice\, around the key issues: Racial Justice and Civil Rights\, Labor Justice and Community Organizing\, Health Justice/Environmental Justice/Economic Justice and The Next Generation. \n\n\n\nSpeakers include:  \n\n\n\n\nTerry Melvin (Coalition of Black Trade Unionists)\n\n\n\nWillie Terry (Coalition of Black Trade Unionists)\n\n\n\nRenée Powell (NAACP Troy Branch #2182-B)\n\n\n\nReverend Hunter (5th Avenue AME Zion Church)\n\n\n\nRev. Charles Burkes (United Ordained Church)\n\n\n\nAdam Pelletier (Troy Area Labor Council)\n\n\n\nDebra Garrett (Shades of Cocoa)\n\n\n\nAileen Javier (People’s Health Sanctuary at The Sanctuary for Independent Media)\n\n\n\nJess Bennett (Friends of the Mohicantuck)\n\n\n\nDan Lyles (Collectiveffort)\n\n\n\nDavid Banks (Troy DSA)\n\n\n\nNoreen Mckee (Justice Center of Rensselaer County)\n\n\n\nSiobhan Burke (Troy Sanctuary Campaign)\n\n\n\n\nRoundtable featuring Candidates of Color who ran for public office in Troy in 2021: \n\n\n\n\nGwen Wright (Candidate for Rensselaer County Executive)\n\n\n\nD. Colin (Candidate for City Council – District 1)\n\n\n\nSteven Figueroa (Candidate for City Council – District 2)\n\n\n\nKiani Conley Wilson (Candidate for City Council – District 5)\n\n\n\nMarketa Edwards (Candidate for City Council – District 6)\n\n\n\nShawntell Mills-Sanchez (Candidate for Rensselaer County Legislature\, District 4)\n\ndiscussion moderated by Daquetta Jones\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPoetry by:  \n\n\n\n\nD. Colin\n\n\n\nIan Macks\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpecial thanks to event organizers Renée Powell\, Adam Pelletier and Willie Terry!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKEYNOTE SPEAKER:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReverend Terrance Melvin \n\n\n\nRev. Terrence L. Melvin holds the second highest office in the New York State labor movement – Secretary-Treasurer of the 2.5 million members\, New York State AFL-CIO. In May 2012\, at the 41st International Convention of the CBTU\, Mr. Melvin was elected unanimously as the organization’s new president\, succeeding William (Bill) Lucy\, who had held the position since he co-founded CBTU in 1972. Mr. Melvin has focused on developing lasting ties between labor\, religious organizations and community partners.  In December 2008\, he spearheaded the development of the NYS AFL-CIO Community Outreach Department which he oversees the day to day operations.Amongst his various Labor and community roles\, Mr. Melvin is a man of devout faith and spiritual belief. He is an ordained Baptist Minister.  He serves as Associate Minister and Assistant to the Pastor at Second Baptist Church\, Lackawanna\, New York. \n\n\n\n\n\nEVENT MC:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeacon Jerry Ford \n\n\n\nDeacon Jerry Ford\, a husband\, father and leader; has seen his share of trauma and adversity. He lost his mother and father at a young age. He was raised by a loving aunt\, but found himself in the streets looking for the love he never received from his parents and eventually ended up in prison. After his 3rd prison stint\, he saw himself on a path toward life in prison or death. Finding strength in faith\,  Deacon Ford was able to make a 180 degree turn and now his story of resilience and hope is impacting communities across the nation. He currently serves as the Vice President of the NAACP Troy Branch. He also started a nonprofit organization named Team H.E.R.O about 10 years ago. H.E.R.O. standing for Helping Everyone Recognize Opportunities which focuses on youth mentoring\, character and leadership development and linking families to resources. He has been recognized both locally and nationally for his service to the community\, most notably winning  the Maytag Dependable Leader Award. This award is only given to 11 individuals across the nation.  \n\n\n\nListen to Hudson Mohawk Magazine’s interview with Deacon Jerry Ford: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · Jerry Ford talking about Troy NY MLK2022 Commemeration\n\n\n\n\n\nMORE INFO ABOUT PRESENTERS: (in progress)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDaquetta Jones  \n\n\n\nDaquetta Jones is the former Deputy Commissioner for Administration with the New York State Department of Civil Service and Executive Director of the YWCA of the Greater Capital District. Throughout her life’s work she has proven herself to be a change agent and activist for Black Liberation\, Human Rights\, Womxn’s Rights\, and Racial Justice and Equality. Daquetta has earned and received numerous accolades and honors including: Albany Business Review’s Women Who Mean Business Award\, was named as one of the 40 Under 40\, the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society Change Maker Award\, and many others. Daqetta will be moderating the roundtable discussion featuring Candidates of Color who ran for public office in Troy and Rensselaer County in 2021. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGwen Wright \n\n\n\nGwen Wright has spent most of her career in public service. She recently retired as the executive director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV)\, a position she held for years. She was with the agency for over 27 years. Prior to joining OPDV\, Ms. Wright was the executive director of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence a statewide non-profit domestic violence advocacy organization. \n\n\n\nMs. Wright has served on many non-profit boards of directors throughout her career. Currently\, she is on the board of directors of Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood and the Center for Women and Government in Civil Society. She is past president of both In Our Own Voices and the Pride Center of the Capital Region. She is the mother of three adult children and has four wonderful grandchildren. She has been a resident of Schodack since 2001. \n\n\n\nListen to Hudson Mohawk Magazine’s interview with Gwen Wright: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · MLK Celebration 2022: Candidate Gwen Wright\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarketa Edwards \n\n\n\nMarketa Edwards is a community activist that wants to give a voice to the voiceless. She is the Executive Director of the Community Rising Project. The Community Rising Project is dedicated to the advancement of Boys and Men of Color who have been directly impacted by trauma and their involvement in the criminal justice system. Marketa is a Mother\, Grandmother\, and community organizer who ran for City Council in Troy in 2021.arketa Edwards \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShawntell Mills-Sanchez \n\n\n\nShawntell came to the Capital Region in 1994 to attend the University of Albany. Upon graduation\, Shawntell remained in the Capital Region where she has worked in the human services sector for over 20 years. She started her career at Albany County Department for Children\, Youth and Families. She moved on to continue her focus on child welfare policy & practice in a non-profit organization. Like many working women with expertise in her field\, Shawntell pursued career advancement and experienced challenges along the way. She obtained a master’s degree in education and started her own small business by combining her knowledge of information technology and child welfare programs. She now provides her expertise & services to the NYS Office of Children and Family Services as a consultant. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nD. Colin \n\n\n\nOriginally from Bridgeport\, CT\, D. Colin is a poet\, actor\, and visual artist living in Troy\, NY. As a multidisciplinary artist\, she aims to inspire\, empower and educate through poetry\, paint and performance and is passionate about cultivating space for stories\, healing and community. She is the author of Dreaming in Kreyol and Said the Swing to the Hoop. She is also a Cave Canem\, VONA and New York State Writers Institute fellow with degrees in English and Africana Studies. D. Colin is a board member of The Sanctuary for Independent Media. \n\n\n\nListen to Hudson Mohawk Magazine’s interview with D. Colin: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · MLK Celebration 2022: Artist D. Colin\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIan Macks\, poet \n\n\n\nIan Macks is a 28-year old poet from Troy\, New York. His long-awaited debut full-length collection\, Identity Crisis\, is due to be announced this spring on recto y verso editions\, inc. His poetry has recently been chosen for publication in Hypersaturation Magazine and BigCityLit literary journal. You can get at him and read his work on Instagram @imacks22 \n\n\n\nListen to Hudson Mohawk Magazine’s interview with Ian Macks: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · MLK Celebration 2022: Poet Ian Macks\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRenee Powell\, President of the NAACP Troy Branch \n\n\n\nRenee is president of the NAACP Troy Branch since 2019.  The 21st century goal of the NAACP is to build Black political power to end structural racism to put end to race-based discrimination. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdam Pelletier\, MLK 22 Celebration Organizer \n\n\n\nAdam Pelletier is the President of the Troy Area Labor Council (AFL-CIO)\, which represents approximately 10\,000 working people in Troy and Rensselaer County. He has been involved in labor union and social issue advocacy and organizing in the Capital District for the last 10 years. He has been known to upset people in positions of power. Adam is a graduate of Clarkson University and veteran with prior active service in the United States Marine. He is also a member of the Troy Democratic Socialists of America and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3343.  \n\n\n\nListen to Hudson Mohawk Magazine’s interview with Adam Pelletier: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · Interview With Adam Pellitier MLK2022 B\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWillie Terry\, Coalition of Black Trade Unions\, Troy Area Labor Council\, MLK 22 Celebration Organizer \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nListen to Hudson Mohawk Magazine’s interview with Willie Terry: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · Willie Terry Wants More Education Around MLK’s Legacy and Labor\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nRev. Charles Burkes\, United Ordained Church-North Central \n\n\n\nRev. Burkes is currently the Pastor of United Ordained Church-North Central Troy. He is the former Director for the Albany County Veterans Services Bureau where he was responsible for serving veterans in the 17 cities and towns in Albany County. His duties included assisting veterans\, their spouses\, and their dependents navigate the process while seeking eligibility for VA benefits and returning to civilian life. In 2014\, Rev. Burkes was also nominated and confirmed to the Citizen’s Policy and Complaint Review Council. Rev. Burkers is a graduate of the Sage Colleges and is a Vietnam era Veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps from 1974-1978. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReverend Hunter\, 5th Avenue AME Zion \n\n\n\nRev. Xavier Hunter is the pastor of the Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church in Troy\, NY. Finishing his first year here in the Troy Community he has hit the ground running in leading the church and becoming a part of the Troy and Capital area community. Pastor Hunter is a native of Buffalo\, NY  and has become a unique orator who is able to convey the truth of God’s word clearly\, compellingly and in a way that makes the word come alive to his congregation. An out of the box thinker\, teacher\, and preacher\, who believes in out of the box worship and praise! Combining his business experience and leadership with God’s direction\, his ministry has grown and most importantly helped grow the kingdom of God. Rev. Hunter is currently finishing his Master’s of Divinity at Northeastern Seminary in Rochester\, NY. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAileen Javier\, People’s Health Sanctuary \n\n\n\nAileen Javier is a Community Health Worker/ Outreach Educator/Family Advocate. She is passionate about fomenting community health by supporting and empowering people to successfully navigate the local social and health care system.Previously\, Aileen has worked as a Community Outreach / Family Advocate in Massachusetts. She is part of the People Power at the Sanctuary because she believes in the Sanctuary’s Mission: “We use art and participatory action to promote social and environmental justice and freedom of creative expression.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDavid Banks\, Troy DSA \n\n\n\nDavid A. Banks is the chair of Troy DSA’s defund police working group and a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Geography and Planning department at University at Albany\, SUNY where he is the director of the Globalization Studies program. He is also a proud delegate to the Troy Area Labor Council\, and the Officer for Contingents of the Albany chapter of United University Professions (UUP). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDebra Garrett\, Community Organizer \n\n\n\nDebra Garrett holds an A.A.S. in Medical Administration and B.S. in Health Science  She currently works at the NYS Comptroller’s office and at TRIP as a community capacity builder.  Ms. Garrett has also held positions with CEO and St. Peter’s Partners in the past.  She currently serves on boards for the Troy Drug Free Coalition\, the Ark After School and the Oakwood Community Center.  Ms. Garrett volunteers in many local organizations throughout Troy including School 2 and Troy Prep.  She previously served on the Troy City Council for District 2 and loved helping the community.  Ms. Garrett founded\, Shades of Cocoa\, a group empowering black and brown young girls.  She also created the Parent Speak Advocate organization to support parents with school policy.  Ms. Garrett resides in Troy with her husband\, LT\, and their four children who all attend Troy Prep. \n\n\n\nHear Hudson Mohawk Magazine’s interview with Shades of Cocoa \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · Shades of Cocoa\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDan Lyles\, Collectiveffort \n\n\n\nDr. Dan Lyles is the VP of Operations and Research at Collectiveffort is has been a faculty member at Rensselaer Polytechnic institute for 5 years. He is a Sociologist of Scientific Knowledge and Institutions and received his degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic in 2016. At RPI\, he focuses on raising engineering students awareness of the unique opportunities they have to use engineering knowledge and skills to change the world for the better. At Collectiveffort\, he focuses on cooperative governance\, project management and using the immense power of shared resources to develop community resources and assets. He is pursuing his introductory Professional Project Management certificate in 2022. In his spare time\, he likes to organize community organizations and foundations.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNoreen McKee\, Board Member\, League of Women Voters and the Justice Center of Rensselaer County \n\n\n\nAs a board member of the League of Women Voters and the Justice Center of Rensselaer County\, Noreen McKee has fought successfully to bring early voting into the heart of downtown Troy to provide equitable access to early voting for minorities and low income voters. She is also on the board of directors of Unity House and a member of its advocacy committee\, which is “dedicated to giving voice to the voiceless by shining the spotlight on the injustices suffered by the poor and the racial inequality that fuels poverty. \n\n\n\nListen to Hudson Mohawk Magazine’s interview with Noreen McKee: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · Is Democracy Dying in Rensselaer County? with Noreen McKee\n\n\n\n\n\nMore interviews by Hudson Mohawk Magazine: \n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · “The Strategy Comes Out of Struggle” Says Leon Van Dyke of The Brothers\n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · PEF Union and MLK Civil Rights talk with Wayne Spence\n\n\n\nMediaSanctuary · Labor Organizing Around MLK Day\n\n\n\nMORE INFO ABOUT CO-SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS (in progress)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNAACP Troy Branch #2182-B \n\n\n\nThe National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a civil rights organization in the United States\, formed in 1909 as an interracial endeavor to advance justice for African Americans by a group including W. E. B. Du Bois\, Mary White Ovington\, Moorfield Storey and Ida B. Wells. \n\n\n\nThe NAACP’s mission in the 21st century is “to ensure the political\, educational\, social\, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination”. National NAACP initiatives include political lobbying\, publicity efforts and litigation strategies developed by its legal team.  The group enlarged its mission in the late 20th century by considering issues such as police misconduct\, the status of black foreign refugees and questions of economic development. Its name\, retained in accordance with tradition\, uses the once common term colored people\, referring to those with some African ancestry. Contact: TroyNYNAACP@gmail.com. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can view our MLK Holiday Labor and Community Celebration from 2021 below: URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/mlk-2022/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Community Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/MLK22-v2-sq-plain-01.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20211218T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20211218T170000 DTSTAMP:20211223T155011Z CREATED:20211213T174705Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211223T155011Z UID:10001296-1639843200-1639846800@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Light Coming Out of Darkness: Holiday Interfaith Justice and Peace Circle at Freedom Square DESCRIPTION:View the gallery of photos from this event\n\n\n\n\nJoin us on Saturday in a circle of light. Together we will light candles and look to the future. Bring your wishes for light\, justice and peace\, as we reflect on current times and come together with sacred intention\, embracing all religions and beliefs. \n\n\n\nThis community event is organized with co-sponsors Team H.E.R.O.\, Troy Central Little League\, NATURE Lab and People’s Health Sanctuary… \n\n\n\nFeel free to bring decorations for our community tree and altar\, messages and memories. \n\n\n\nAll are welcome! Please wear a mask \n\n\n\nCheck out a past Holiday Interfaith Justice and Peace Community Celebration at Freedom Square with the following video: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nH Bosh Jr.\, Uncle Mac & Jerry Ford Share Holiday Memories with the Sanctuary URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/tree-lighting-light-coming-out-of-darkness/ LOCATION:Freedom Square\, 35 5th Ave\, Troy\, NY\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Community Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screenshot_2019-12-13-North-Central-Troy-Justice-and-Peace-Holiday-Celebration-The-Sanctuary-for-Independent-Media.png GEO:42.754030225802;-73.681172076926 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Freedom Square 35 5th Ave Troy NY 12180 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=35 5th Ave:geo:-73.681172076926,42.754030225802 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20211112T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20211112T220000 DTSTAMP:20230213T191325Z CREATED:20211110T214649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T191325Z UID:10001222-1636743600-1636754400@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:"Not Going Quietly" w/ filmmaker Nicholas Bruckman and panel discussion DESCRIPTION:Join us for a virtual film screening of “Not Going Quietly” with filmmaker Nicholas Bruckman\, followed by a panel discussion. \n\n\n\nThe event begins with a quick introduction by filmmaker Nicholas Bruckman\, then we will screen Not Going Quietly. Following the film\, a personal message by Ady Barkan and brief Q&A with Nicholas will lead into a discussion led by People’s Health Sanctuary moderators Aileen Javier and Corinne Carey with panelists: Tracey Corder\, ACRE (Action Center on Race and the Economy); Ursula Rozum\, Campaign for NY Health; Julia Solow\, Hand in Hand (The Network of Domestic Employers); Scott Desnoyers\, health care activist. \n\n\n\n\nCLICK HERE FOR VIDEO DOCUMENTATION\n\n\n\n\n\nOn December 18\, 2017\, approximately 70 protesters against the GOP Tax Bill were arrested while staging a ‘die-in’ in the rotunda of the Rayburn House office building. One of the arrestees was health care activist Ady Barkan\, who is living with ALS. Barkan said the GOP tax bill’s cuts to Medicaid will put his and 13 million other American’s life at risk. (Photo by Michael Nigro)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA rising star in progressive politics and a new father\, 32-year-old Ady Barkan’s life is upended when he is diagnosed with ALS. But after a confrontation with powerful Senator Jeff Flake on an airplane goes viral\, catapulting him to national fame\, Ady and a motley crew of activists ignite a once-in-a-generation political movement called “Be a Hero.” Together\, they barnstorm across the country and empower people to confront their elected officials with emotional\, personal stories to demand healthcare justice\, and Ady holds groundbreaking interviews with Joe Biden\, Kamala Harris\, Bernie Sanders\, and Elizabeth Warren.  Through his journey\, Ady discovers that collective action and speaking truth to power offers hope for his family and millions of others. \n\n\n\nView Democracy Now! clip of “Not Going Quietly”: Paralyzed with ALS\, Ady Barkan Continues Fighting for Medicare for All \n\n\n\nThis event is a collaboration between the iEAR Presents series with support from RPI’s ARTS department and School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Science\, and from the New York State Council for the Arts/ NYSCA\, with The Sanctuary for Independent Media and People’s Health Sanctuary. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nhttps://www.notgoingquietlyfilm.com \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNicholas Bruckman produced the feature film VALLEY OF SAINTS\, which won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for an Independent Spirit award. The film was released on Netflix and was a New York Times Critics Pick. \n\n\n\nHe previously directed the feature documentary LA AMERICANA\, which won the best documentary prize at the NY and LA Latino Film Festivals. The film broadcast worldwide on networks including PBS\, National Geographic\, and Al Jazeera. \n\n\n\nNicholas Bruckman is the director of NOT GOING QUIETLY\, his latest film about 32-year-old Ady Barkan’s life. \n\n\n\nNicholas’ work has received support from foundations including the Fledgling Fund\, Cinereach\, NYSCA\, NYFA\, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. He is the founder and CEO of People’s Television\, a New York and D.C.-based branded & original content company. \n\n\n\n\n\nPANEL \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTracey Corder\, Campaign Director – Policing and Incarceration\, ACRE (Action Center on Race and the Economy) \n\n\n\nTracey is a Deputy Campaign Director for ACRE ‘s Policing work. She comes to this work after serving as a social worker\, electoral campaign organizer and political strategist. \n\n\n\nHer most recent position as Director of Federal Action and Racial Justice at Center for Popular Democracy worked to advance direct action as a tactic to advocate for progressive legislation on housing\, immigration\, voting rights\, climate and policing. \n\n\n\nTracey serves on the Advisory Board of Be A Hero\, the Steering Committee of Black Womxn For and is a trainer for the Birddog Nation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUrsula Rozum\, Co-Director\, Campaign for NY Health \n\n\n\nUrsula Rozum\, a Syracuse native\, is an organizer building people power to win healthcare for all with Campaign for New York Health. In 2012\, she was the Green party candidate for Congress. She likes bicycles and growing vegetables.Busy-bee organizer in Syracuse\, NY. \n\n\n\nThe pandemic is exposing the weaknesses of the current healthcare system and why we must create a system that guarantees care for everybody. The New York Health Act (A5248a/S3577a) will provide comprehensive\, universal health coverage — including long-term care — for every resident of New York.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nScott Desnoyer\, healthcare activist \n\n\n\nScott Desnoyers says his son died because of $20 and Amy Sterling Casil was charged $50\,000 after her baby died – they are among many Americans sharing their stories about the health system. \n\n\n\nDaniel was 29 when he died. He killed himself after failing to get his medication refilled because he missed a $20 premium he was not aware of. \n\n\n\n“I promised his siblings and him at the funeral in front of everyone that I was going to make our lawmakers look me in the eye and see the consequences of their decisions\,” shares his father\, Scott Desnoyers. a loving father who lost his son and became a Medicare-for-All activist. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJulia Solow\, Lead NY Caring Majority Organizer at Hand-in-Hand: The Network of Domestic Employers \n\n\n\nJulia’s passion for organizing comes from a long legacy of organizing in her family\, personal experiences of struggle and amazing mentors along her journey. She first got involved in movement work when social work professors in college introduced her to immigrant rights leaders fighting for the DREAM Act in 2010. Since then\, Julia has been organizing in solidarity with working class people of color-led movements and power organizations on efforts to address gentrification\, living wages for farm workers and drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants in New York State\, among others. Prior to her work at Hand-In-Hand\, she has had the privilege of working at AFL-CIO National Headquarters in DC\, Community Voices Heard in New York and as an Americorps VISTA in Cleveland\, Ohio. Julia has a Masters in Social Work from CUNY Hunter College. She is bilingual in English and Spanish \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAileen Javier\, co-moderator \n\n\n\nAileen Javier is a Community Health Worker/ Outreach Educator/Family Advocate. She is passionate about fomenting community health by supporting and empowering people to successfully navigate the local social and health care system. She worked as a Community Outreach / Family Advocate in Massachusetts. At the Sanctuary Aileen collaborates in the NATURE Lab’s newest initiative: Health Autonomy Clinic and she is working on radio production for WOOC 105.3 FM publishing pieces on local health resources. Aside from the radio production\, she helps plan and organize events and distribute flyers\, she is ready to help in any way that she can. In the near future she will do community outreach for the HAC. \n\n\n\nShe enjoys dancing\, buying from local businesses and farms\, meditation\, yoga\, hiking and living a healthy lifestyle. She loves talking and meeting new people. She is part of the People Power at the Sanctuary because she believes in the Sanctuary’s Mission “We use art and participatory action to promote social and environmental justice and freedom of creative expression.” \n\n\n\n – From Aileen: The Sanctuary For Independent Media is My Tribe and my Second Family. I am honored to be part of such a Great  Organization! I Love You Guys! See what Aileen has done with the Sanctuary \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorinne Carey\, co-moderator \n\n\n\nCorinne Carey is a political & public affairs strategist taking on bold public health initiatives backed by sound evidence & human rights. Carey is the campaign director of Compassion & Choices New York. Compassion & Choices improves care\, expands options and empowers everyone to chart their end-of-life journey. \n\n\n\nCompassion & Choices’ award-winning video features the groundbreaking filmmaker Hammer urging New York lawmakers to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act. “My cancer is incurable … I will reach a very debilitated state\,” she says in the video\, in which she notes that she suffered through more than 100 chemo treatments for ovarian cancer over 12 years before entering hospice in late 2018. “I would so much like to be able to manage my own death by choosing the time and the person I’d like to have with me so that I can die in comfort and with compassion and not in pain and morphine-drugged.” Hammer died on March 16\, 2019\, at age 79 in her Manhattan home without access to this gently dying option. In February\, Oscars in Memoriam honored her for her legacy as an experimental filmmaker. Watch the entire award-winning video of Barbara Hammer urging New York lawmakers to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act. \n\n\n\nCorinne Carey is a radio producer with Hudson Mohawk Magazine on WOOC 105.3 FM.  \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nCO-SPONSORS \n\n\n\nBe A Hero Fund \n\n\n\nBe A Hero takes on the impossible fights. Big money. Special interests. Powerful politicians. We’ve taken them all on– and won. \n\n\n\nThe Be A Hero team is led by Ady and co-Executive Director Jamila Headley. Together with a group of committed organizers\, Ady and Jamila are fighting for a more just health care system in the United States. \n\n\n\nFour months after the birth of his son Carl\, Ady Barkan was diagnosed with ALS. Confronting his own mortality\, Ady decided to spend his remaining time fighting to transform America’s health care system so that it guarantees all of us the care and dignity we deserve and lifting up stories of incredible heroism in the face of injustice. \n\n\n\nJamila is an impact-focused leader and an accomplished advocate for healthcare\, racial\, and disability justice. She thrives at the intersections of strategy and implementation\, building organizations and movements at the global and local levels\, and caring for the individuals in them. \n\n\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the brokenness of our healthcare system\, and the time is ripe for transformational change. But in order to win\, we must build a powerful movement and we can’t do it without you. Join our fight today! \n\n\n\nNY Health: Healthcare for Every New Yorker \n\n\n\nThe New York Health Act [A.6058/S.5474] will provide comprehensive health care for every New Yorker. You and your healthcare provider of choice will work to keep you healthy—New York Health pays the bill. You will never have to fear going without coverage again—especially in the middle of a deadly pandemic.  \n\n\n\nOver the last year\, tens of thousands of New Yorkers died\, lost income\, fell behind on rent\, and struggled to pay medical bills. Meanwhile\, private health insurance corporations made record profits. The COVID-19 pandemic puts everyone at risk\, but Black\, brown\, and low-income New Yorkers carry the greatest burden of exposure\, with disproportionately more serving as essential workers and disproportionately fewer having access to healthcare. \n\n\n\nWe need a legislative agenda of compassionate care to heal from this pandemic. That’s why we partnered with allies in the housing justice and decarceration movements to release the Compassionate New York Agenda. This is a road map to saving lives and billions of dollars by providing guaranteed healthcare\, stopping unjust evictions\, and reducing the number of people behind bars and harmed by the criminal and immigration systems. We reject the austerity agenda\, and call for a movement based on compassion and care to drive the legislative agenda in New York. \n\n\n\nJoin us in building the movement to win universal\, guaranteed healthcare — and more. Check out ways to get involved in passing the New York Health Act! URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/not-going-quietly/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Community Event,Panel Discussion,Screening,Speaker ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/NotGoingQuietly.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20211112T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20211112T173000 DTSTAMP:20230213T191456Z CREATED:20211110T214747Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T191456Z UID:10001223-1636734600-1636738200@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Be The Media! Workshop: "Building a Media Business While Staying True to Your Activist Roots" w/ filmmaker Nicholas Bruckman DESCRIPTION:Join us for a workshop on creative entrepreneurship and activism\, and how to build a career in the arts while staying true to your principles. Learn how you can intentionally avoid a traditional film path\, and take your storytelling skills and translate to what matters! \n\n\n\nActivist Ady Barkan and filmmaker Nicholas Bruckman\n\n\n\n\nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER\n\n\n\n\nFilmmaker and CEO Nicholas Bruckman will show samples of his work\, including feature films and short form storytelling or companies and social justice organizations. Nicholas talk about how he began his career in independent feature length film\, and his discovery connecting artistry\, activism and storytelling to have an impact in the world. \n\n\n\nAt the intersection of being a CEO and social justice filmmaker\, he’ll provide guidance for people starting their career in documentary film and video production and the intersection with small business. He will share his personal experiences building People’s Television\, a 17-person production studio that emphasizes stories for social change\, and strategies for branding\, sustainability and entrepreneurship. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNicholas Bruckman produced the feature film VALLEY OF SAINTS\, which won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for an Independent Spirit award. The film was released on Netflix and was a New York Times Critics Pick.He previously directed the feature documentary LA AMERICANA\, which won the best documentary prize at the NY and LA Latino Film Festivals. The film broadcast worldwide on networks including PBS\, Nationa Geographic\, and Al Jazeera. \n\n\n\nNicholas Bruckman is the director of NOT GOING QUIETLY\, his latest film about 32-year-old Ady Barkan’s life. \n\n\n\nNicholas is the founder and CEO of People’s Television\, a creative studio that produces award-winning independent films as well as digital and broadcast content for the world’s leading brands and organizations. \n\n\n\nThrough People’s TV\, Nick regularly directs films for brands including Greenpeace\, Facebook\, and Dropbox. His work has been supported by Sundance\, Film Independent\, the Sloan Foundation\, the IFP Cannes Producers Fellowship\, and the International Documentary Association. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nThis event is a collaboration between the iEAR Presents series with support from RPI’s ARTS department and School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Science\, and from the New York State Council for the Arts/ NYSCA\, with The Sanctuary for Independent Media. URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/be-the-media-workshop-building-a-media-business-while-staying-true-to-your-activist-roots-w-filmmaker-nicholas-bruckman/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Nicholas-Bruckman-People-Television.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20211029T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20211029T170000 DTSTAMP:20241203T171357Z CREATED:20210910T164025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241203T171357Z UID:10001022-1635519600-1635526800@www.mediasanctuary.org SUMMARY:Tony Cokes in Conversation DESCRIPTION:Please join us for an online presentation with American artist Tony Cokes. \n\n\n\nThrough a rigorous analysis of images and language\, Tony Cokes dissects the often-obscured power dynamics at work in the cultural and political representation of histories of Blackness\, class\, and the war on terror. \n\n\n\nThis event is a collaboration between EMPAC and the iEAR Presents series with support from RPI’s ARTS department and School of Humanities\, Arts and Social Science\, and from the New York State Council for the Arts/ NYSCA\, with The Sanctuary for Independent Media as Community Co-sponsor. \n\n\n\nThe talk will be followed by a Q&A with the artist. \n\n\n\nHear the Hudson Mohawk Magazine interview with Tony Cokes \n\n\n \nMediaSanctuary · Tony Cokes Contradicts Cultural Associations with Sound\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTony Cokes’ distinctive artworks and installations center on videos that foreground textual statements\, often overlaid onto colorful monochromatic backgrounds with pop\, punk\, and electronic music soundtracks. Quoting language from across the political spectrum—from philosophical statements to news\, art criticism\, advertising\, and song lyrics—Cokes mixes linguistic\, visual\, and sonic oppositions in a pared back approach that refuses the easy desire for a spectacular image. Shot through with wry humor and the aesthetics and upbeat music of popular culture\, the videos project unstable meanings that deconstruct how we receive and read images. \n\n\n\nTony Cokes makes video\, installation\, print\, sound\, and other works that reframe appropriated texts to reflect upon capitalism\, subjectivity\, knowledge\, and pleasure. Cokes deploys sound as a crucial\, intertextual element\, complicating minimal visuals. He has shown works internationally at venues including Tate Modern\, and CCA Goldsmiths\, London; Centre Georges Pompidou\, Paris; Museum of Modern Art\, and Whitney Museum\, New York; ZKM\, Karlsruhe; REDCAT\, and Hammer Museum\, Los Angeles; Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona; Schinkel Pavillion\, Berlin; ICA\, Philadelphia; Stedelijk Museum\, Amsterdam; MMK Frankfurt; and La Cinémathèque Française. Cokes has screened works in festivals including the Berlin Biennale X; RuhrTriennale 2019\, Essen; Rotterdam International Film Festival; Rencontres Internationales Paris/Berlin/Madrid; and the Oberhausen Short Film Festival.  He is a Professor in the Department of Modern Culture and Media at Brown University\, Providence\,RI. His work is represented by Greene Naftali\, New York\, Hannah Hoffman\, Los Angeles\, and Electronic Arts Intermix (EAI)\, New York. \n\n\n\n\n\nFunding has been provided by the Electronic Film and Media area of the New York Council on the Arts. \n\n\n\nEMPAC \n\n\n\nhttps://empac.rpi.edu/ URL:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/tony-cokes-in-conversation-2/ LOCATION:The Sanctuary\, 3361 6th Ave\, Troy\, 12180\, United States CATEGORIES:Community Event,Speaker ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mediasanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/MJ_but-also-of-the-seductions_-1536x1099-1-1024x733-1.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR