My family and I attended the No Kings protest on October 18th in Syracuse and the turnout & response was amazing. It filled my heart with hope and love seeing our community speak out against what is happening in our country. Protesting is just one way our community shows up and I wanted to take a moment to share what I have been up to since No Kings.
Monday – National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
October 19 – 25 was National Lead Poisoning Prevention week and community organizations and governments held multiple events about the importance of preventing lead poisoning.
I attended a flag raising at city hall in Syracuse and heard comments from Mayor Walsh about how Syracuse is addressing the lead crisis. A Tiny Home for Good is collaborating with Families for Lead Freedom Now building a Lead Freedom House for families to stay while the lead is removed from their own homes. This project is funded by donations and a grant by State Senator Rachel May. Oceana Fair from Families for Lead Freedom Now spoke about the urgency of the work ahead preventing lead poisoning by continuing to remove the lead from our community.
Wednesday
I attended a Lead 101 Lunch & Learn which was hosted by the LeadSafe CNY Coalition’s Education, Engagement and Testing Committee at Syracuse Community Health. Dr. Hobart led a discussion on the impact of lead poisoning on children’s health and what we can all do to create safer, healthier environments. Hearing the cases he has treated was eye opening. There are a lot of steps in getting children tested, finding the source of lead poisoning and getting treatment.
Did you know? 1 in 4 households in Onondaga County struggle to afford essentials like housing, child care and transportation.
Friday
I stood in solidarity with union members at Central Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center who are fighting for a new union contract that includes fair wage increases, and childcare assistance. In order for patients to get the best care, employees need to be valued so they can provide that care. They can’t do that if they are overworked due to short staffing and living paycheck to paycheck.
Saturday
I attended SOFSA’s Food Justice Gathering, a day-long, annual convening of anyone who eats, grows, loves or works with food in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and Onondaga Nation. This was the first year I attended this gathering and I am looking forward to getting more involved with SOFSA’s mission. The day was full of intention, healing, creativity and being active in your community.
Whether it is rallying on the streets with thousands of Central New Yorkers or learning about the amazing work people are doing to help our community and create a better future. All these events fill my heart with hope and love. I too will continue the fight for a better Onondaga County.
Please remember to use your voice and vote in this year’s election so we can bring all this energy into county government. Thank you.
