When New York State approved funds for the I-81 overpass in 1956, they were likelywarned of the suffering it could cause. Political rhetoric and slick promises, however, helped Syracuse City officials and development firms latch on. They demolished the 15th Ward, a close-knit and vibrant black community, and built the highway that would divide Syracuse for over 60 years. I-81 has been the monolithic cause of concentrated poverty in Syracuse, which is now the worst in the nation among Blacks and Latinos. As I-81 reaches the end of its functional life-span, we have a chance to rectify a historic blunder. Instead, some are more excited to repeat mistakes.

Senator John DeFrancisco will hold a press conference today at 11:00 am about thefuture of I-81. At his back are suburban special interests, who believe their commutes hold priority over the livelihoods of those struggling in the city. DeFrancisco, along with Assembly Member William B. Magnarelli and others, have long solicited for a "tunnel" solution to the I-81 problem. Tunnel projects are notoriously expensive: Boston's flew 21.4 billion dollars over budget. More importantly, a tunnel would divide the city once again, and offer no just solution to Syracuse. 

Attend the Press Conference and demand the "Community Grid" option, supported byACTS, the Moving People Transportation Coalition, and experts across Syracuse. Explain to DeFrancisco and his colleagues that this option would stimulate local business and preserve traffic mobility. Remind our representatives that I-81 was a mistake that can never be repeated again. 

The “Unity Day: Community Engagement” is an event for everyone to learn about Trauma, Gun Violence, and Health and Education. This day is far more than just informative sessions, however. Sponsored by the Snug and Soy Program, the Unity Day event is meant to build friendships between people who value social justice and the well-being of Syracuse.

There will be free food and a DJ Showcase at the event, along with a kickball tournament for some friendly competition. With all the demanding work done by the ACTS Community, a day filled with fun and relaxation is more than deserved. Let’s get out and enjoy the Summer heat while it lasts! For more information call 315-415-0995.

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HELP NEEDED:  For those who want to undertake an active role in the event, we have an opportunity for you! ACTS has had a table for each of the previous “Unity Day” events this summer, and will reserve a table once again for Friday, August 4th. Volunteers are needed to man this table, and will engage with the grassroots community about the importance of voter registration. Among other things, table volunteers will survey residents from the South Side of Syracuse to discover which issues affect them most. Voter registration forms will be provided, and the goal will be to get more of our neighbors involved in the political discussions of this city. For inquiries or information, email ACTS President Dave Babcock at: dave.babcock21@gmail.com

The Syracuse Peace Council will be hosting the annual Hiroshima Day Family Picnic in remembrance of the nuclear attack at Hiroshima as well as working towards a nuclear free world. We will be hosting peace games, crafting, lantern floating and Nia and Salsa classes for kids and adults! Food will be provided by With Love Restaurant, Wegmans and others. Bring a dish to share if you please. Hope to see you there! 

On Nagasaki Day, members of the Syracuse community will be remembering and dedicating themselves to preventing nuclear terror in a solemn procession downtown. The procession will feature puppets and props symbolic of both the atrocities of nuclear war and our pledge to a nuclear free world. Gather in Hanover Square at 11:30am, the procession will begin at 12pm.  If your organization has a banner, you may display it in the procession to show your commitment, or carry the artistic and symbolic props we supply for the event.

"The A-Bomb and Humanity" is a set of 40 panels which depict in photographs and drawings the reality of human suffering created when the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed by atomic bombs at the end of World War II. In an effort to promote peace and move public opinion towards the elimination of nuclear weapons, a survivors’ (Hibakusha) organization produced the panels and Japanese consumer co-op unions have shared them throughout Japan and the world. We must work for a nuclear free future if we are to have a future at all.

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SU Professors David Driesen and Sarah Pralle will talk about the Trump administration, environmental policy, the Paris Climate Agreement, and more. The event is free to the public.