Upcoming Meetings/Events
A Remembrance of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law Convention
Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, 1:00–2:00 pm Sullivan Street at Seminary Street Join members of the Anti-Racism Coalition of Cazenovia, the Cazenovia Town Board, and other Cazenovia and CNY residents to reclaim the town and village’s historic role in fighting for abolition, freedom, and equality for enslaved people: the Fugitive Slave Law Convention of August 21–22, 1850. We will gather at the site of the apple orchard where the overflow crowd met with great abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass, Rev. Jermain Wesley Loguen, Mary and Emily Edmonson, Angelina Grimke, Gerrit Smith, and others to address enslaved people as their beloved fellows and to oppose slavery. |
|
Questions? Email arccazenovia@gmail.com
|
|
|
Past Meetings/Events
|
Chalk the Walk Farewell to Cazenovia College
Saturday, May 6, 2023 Members of the community joined together in Cannon Park to thank the Cazenovia College community, as the historic institution closed after 199-years. Thank you to H. Grey Social for providing treats for participants. |
|
Student-led Tour/History of the Fugitive Slave Law Convention Sites
October 24 & 25, 2022 This fall Wendy Everard's two AP Language Classes spent time studying the Fugitive Slave Law that occurred right here in Cazenovia August 21-22, 1850. The Cazenovia High School students went on a tour of the local sites and then each selected people, places, and events to research to create their own tour. They then led their tours for members of the community. |
|
Vigil for Those We've Lost
Sunday, May 29|Lakeland Park, Cazenovia
In the time that our small, dedicated group was trying to collect our feelings about the anti-Black tragedy in Buffalo, another young white male decided to attack children in Texas. Like you, like everyone, we were having trouble processing. Therefore, we gathered to grieve together.
Together We Lift the Sky
Mar 13–July 10, 2022
What does it mean to be an abolitionist in 2022? Advocates describe it as both a dismantling and world-building work to create communities that are just and safe, that are free of prisons and police. It's a bold vision that abolitionists say requires complete community transformation and, as Ruth Wilson Gilmore states, "building life-affirming institutions."
This study group, designed by the Abolition Journal, offers a seven-session study group guide for people who are new to abolition. Co-sponsored by ARC-C, HAARC (Hamilton Area Anti-Racism Coalition), and the National Abolition Hall of Fame.
Mar 13–July 10, 2022
What does it mean to be an abolitionist in 2022? Advocates describe it as both a dismantling and world-building work to create communities that are just and safe, that are free of prisons and police. It's a bold vision that abolitionists say requires complete community transformation and, as Ruth Wilson Gilmore states, "building life-affirming institutions."
This study group, designed by the Abolition Journal, offers a seven-session study group guide for people who are new to abolition. Co-sponsored by ARC-C, HAARC (Hamilton Area Anti-Racism Coalition), and the National Abolition Hall of Fame.
How do we educate and raise awareness of anti-racism? How can we create awareness of the pervasiveness of racism?
April 21, 2022
We read and discussed excerpts from American researcher and author Robert Sapolsky and from educator Jane Elliot's A Class Divided. Where does the root of prejudice live? How can we work to confront and challenge the prejudices of our community members, both young and old? No pre-reading is necessary for this meeting; instead, come prepared for some reading, viewing, and discussion during the meeting in order to gain some insight into these questions.
April 21, 2022
We read and discussed excerpts from American researcher and author Robert Sapolsky and from educator Jane Elliot's A Class Divided. Where does the root of prejudice live? How can we work to confront and challenge the prejudices of our community members, both young and old? No pre-reading is necessary for this meeting; instead, come prepared for some reading, viewing, and discussion during the meeting in order to gain some insight into these questions.
Structural Racism, Medical Racism, and Health Inequities: The Work of Dorothy Roberts
|
March 17, 2022
ARC-C member Rebecca Garden, a literature studies scholar and associate professor of public health and preventive medicine, led a discussion of ways in which structural racism impacts communities of color, particularly in the areas of medicine, health, and science. Readings and a video about the work of Dorothy Roberts, a legal scholar, professor, and author to uncover the history of medical and scientific racism helped to inform the conversation. |
Black History Month 2022 Book Group: Stamped From the Beginning
|
February–March 2022
A healthful and hopeful conversation focused on the book Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi. The book takes readers on a journey through the history of race in America. It encourages readers to identify and root out racism in their daily lives in order to embrace empathy, respect, and healing. History and government teacher Kurt Wheeler led Cazenovia High Students in a simultaneous study of the young adult version of the book, co-written by Jason Reynolds, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. |
What Is Critical Race Theory? What Does It Mean for Me?
Thursday January 20, 2022
A conversation to understand Critical Race Theory, a wedge issue and a legal framework for understanding the relationships between race, racism, and power and what it might mean for each of us and for our schools.
A conversation to understand Critical Race Theory, a wedge issue and a legal framework for understanding the relationships between race, racism, and power and what it might mean for each of us and for our schools.
Art & Activism "Walkshop"
August 26, 2021 | Stone Quarry Hill Art Park
Exploring the ways that art can impact social change with Laura Knieser Reeder, ARC-C member and art educator
Exploring the ways that art can impact social change with Laura Knieser Reeder, ARC-C member and art educator
Cazenovia's First Pride Parade
|
June 19, 2021
ARC-C members marched in the parade that was part of Cazenovia’s first Pride Fest, where Koy Adams, VP of Blackcuse Pride gave a talk about Pride and the Juneteenth holiday. @cazenoviapride |
Meeting the FreeThem Walkers
May 31, 2021 and June 3, 2021
|
ARC-C members greeted the FreeThem Walkers, a group of abolitionists shedding light on modern-day human trafficking, during their stop at the National Abolition Hall of Fame in nearby Peterboro and at Harriett Tubman’s gravesite in Auburn, N.Y.
|
|
Book Discussion: 100 Years of Lynchings
May 20, 2021
In a deep and meaningful guided discussion of 100 Years of Lynchings by Ralph Ginsburg (Black Classic Press), participants not only engaged in historical reckoning, but also in personally reflecting on the legacy of racial terror in the United States, from historical lynching to contemporary deaths of unarmed black men and women.
Cazenovia’s History as a Predominantly White Village
March 25, 2021
Although Cazenovia often tells its history in relationship with its beautiful lakeside landscape and its colonial founders, the stories of how Cazenovia came to be, and to remain, a predominantly white village have not yet been told. ARC-C members Matthew Potteiger and Rebecca Garden presented their scholarly insights to help us imagine what might go into the work of commissioning a history that might inform a more complete accounting of Cazenovia, from its Haudenosaunee origins to today.
In preparation, we read juxtaposed and related narratives—of Cazenovia and of Syracuse — Potteiger's excerpt on Cazenovia's history in "Writing Home" from his 1998 book, Landscape Narratives and Garden's 2020 chapter "Structural Violence and Community Violence: Stories of Syracuse."
In preparation, we read juxtaposed and related narratives—of Cazenovia and of Syracuse — Potteiger's excerpt on Cazenovia's history in "Writing Home" from his 1998 book, Landscape Narratives and Garden's 2020 chapter "Structural Violence and Community Violence: Stories of Syracuse."
Guest Speakers: Clifford Ryan and Montes of OG’s Against Violence
January 28, 2021
|
Clifford Ryan has prevented dozens of shootings, stabbings, and physical fights. He does this by stepping into the middle of disputes and offering moments of consideration: Is it worth it? Think of the outcomes. Is this the appropriate response right now? A lifelong Syracuse resident and founder of OG’s Against Violence, Ryan is trained in de-escalation, conflict resolution, mental health first aid, trauma awareness, suicide prevention and intervention. He is a strong advocate against police brutality and racism in his community, but he also fights to put an end to violence within what Clifford calls his “village.” Now, for the first time, he is ready to train others to help him do more.
Mike Montes, the OG's board president, ran for sheriff of Onondaga County in 2018 and is a naval officer. They two shared the story of how their unique partnership is making Syracuse a safer home for so many. |
Media Discussion: Thirteenth and The Case For Reparations
September 30, 2020
Thirteenth by filmmaker Ava Duvernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans.
“The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Two hundred fifty years of slavery. Ninety years of Jim Crow. Sixty years of separate but equal. Thirty-five years of racist housing policy. Until we reckon with our compounding moral debts, America will never be whole.
“The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Two hundred fifty years of slavery. Ninety years of Jim Crow. Sixty years of separate but equal. Thirty-five years of racist housing policy. Until we reckon with our compounding moral debts, America will never be whole.
Chalk The Walk
September 20, 2020
Approximately 80 members of the community and students at Cazenovia College chalked messages of hope and solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement on the walkways of our village.
|
|
“Practicing Our Inner Dialogue Before It Becomes An Outer Dialogue”
September 16, 2020
Reverend Jeanne Hansknecht gave an in-depth overview of principles and practices for engaging in respectful and productive conversations. In providing a deep reflection on Black Lives Matter and the importance of seeing and celebrating our Black family, friends, and neighbors, she reminded us of Ubuntu: I am, because We are. Her talk covered concepts such as: “what out-voice means”; the power of story; the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; responding instead of reacting: using our words; using our sphere of influence; and changing the narrative. She also told her story of meeting Nelson Mandela!