Hudson Mohawk Magazine

No Kings Collective Albany joined with Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Delmar Indivisible to hold a protest on Saturday, June 20th, against the proposed data center at the old Kenwood Convent in Albany's South End. The rally took place outside of the offices of the City of Albany Planning Board at 200 Henry Johnson Boulevard. Speakers raised issues such as excessive energy demand, water impacts, noise, military uses, and higher electric costs. We hear from Pippa Bartolotti of Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Bryan Paz Hernandez of the No Kings Collective, and Ellie Burhans among others. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

This episode of the Hudson Mohawk Magazine we are celebrating Juneteenth! In this special, you'll hear some of our archival stories on what Juneteenth is, what this holiday means to some, and stories centered around trauma and resilience. First we hear from Willie Terry on the origins of Juneteenth. For our second segment, Willie Terry interviews Marcus Nix on what Juneteenth means to him. For our third segment, we hear from Shawn Young and Jamaica Miles, founders of the Schenectady Civil rights group All of Us, who speak with Arthur Butler, Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission of Schenectady County, on the human rights of blackness. For our fourth segment, Cathy Silber speaks with Dr. Sonja Ann Miller on Juneteenth and trauma. Lastly, we hear from Mehki King who spoke with Raei Bridges, the creator of Black and Wild, to discuss how crucial nature is and how it's important to have a safe community for people of color to connect with nature.

MC Mundy is a local producer and rapper with an upcoming concert in at No Fun in Troy. He joined Jacob Boston in the HMM studio for another interview about producing music, his summer tour, and getting local hip hop artists under the same roof.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Sina Basila Hickey introduces the Sanctuary's new development and communications director, Zilpa Odour. Then, Willie Terry Brings us to the 55th annual conference of the NYS Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian legislators. Later on, H Bosh Jr. interviews Rachel and Miki Conn about an upcoming Juneteenth event on another episode of the Triple E's. After that, Local MC Mundy joins us in the studio ahead of his upcoming performance at No Fun. Finally, Mark Dunlea talks to Patrick Nelson one of the candidates for the Democratic Primary for the 44th Senate District.

Starting on Friday, June 19, at Vale Cemetery's African-American Ancestral Burial Ground, the Hamilton Hill Arts Center's annual Juneteenth celebration will honor freedom, history, and the lives of those who came before us. The celebration continues on Saturday, June 20, at Central Park in Schenectady, featuring art, music, cultural performances, food vendors, family activities, and more. H. Bosh Jr. sat down with Miki and Rachel Conn to learn more about the event and what attendees can expect during this community celebration. The event is free and open to the public. More information can be found here: https://hamiltonhillartscenter.org/juneteenth

Patrick Nelson is running in the Democratic Primary for the 44nd Senate District, which includes Saratoga County, the City of Schenectady, and Niskayuana. He will face Sarah Rogerson in the primary on Tuesday June 23rd for the Democratic Party line to face incumbent Jim Tedisco in the general. He is a Stillwater village board member, His endorsers include the NY Progressive Action Network and Our Revolution. He is a biochemist and graduate of RPI. Patrick talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

The Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent, Willie Terry, covered the “The NYS Association of Black and Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative 55th Annual Conference on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Albany Hilton Hotel. In his labor segment, he recorded presentations by Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs and Syracuse Mayor Sharon F. Owens at a workshop entitled “The BlackPrint 2026.” Part 1.

ON June 1st 2026, Jacob Boston took a trip to Troy Central Little League for their game against Rensselaer Little League. He spoke with members of both leagues about the history of Troy Central, the impact local sports has on community, and the joys of using sports as a vehicle to give kids both lessons and memories that will last a lifetime.

In December 2025, Bolivian president Rodrigo Paz took office, and it was almost immediately that protest started taking place with Bolivian public transportation workers beginning a strike against a 100% fuel price increase. Local author, scholar, and professor of Latin American History Elena McGrath speaks about what is taking place currently, what connections cit has to the Bolivian Revolution of 1952, and how it relates to what's happening in the US. McGrath spoke with Sina Basila Hickey about this, and in part one she spoke more about her recent book “The Limits of Revolution: Worker Citizens in a Bolivian Mining City.”

After attending Flock Safety's 'Drones as First Responders' sales pitch at the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office, Dierdre Shea shared her response.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea has an interview with State Senate candidate Sarah Rogerson. Then, we have part 2 of an interview with scholar and author Elena McGrath about the current unrest in Bolivia and how it relates to our current unrest. Later on, we hear more about the work of the Visibility Brigades with Rosemary Armao. After that, Jacob Boston has a story about the Troy Central Little League. Finally, Willie Terry has a segment with the late Alice Green on Juneteenth. Co-hosts: Mark Dunlea and Benno Greene

We are thrilled to introduce you to the Sanctuary's Development and Communications Director, Zilpa Oduor (she/her). Coming with a background in project management, grant writing, and in International Relations-Economics, Zilpa brings a rounded skillset to this position with a big passion for justice work.

1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture documents the discovery of the biblical mistranslation that started the anti-LGBTQ+ movement 80 years ago. Taylor Philippi, Collar City Pride board member and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ and interfaith communities, joins Hudson Mohawk Magazine to discuss the film. You can join us for the film screening at the Sanctuary for Independent Media on June 25th from 7 pm - 9 pm. Register today at www.mediasanctuary.org

Sarah Rogerson is facing off against Patrick Nelson in the Democratic Party primary on June 23rd for the right to challenge James Tedisco in November in the 44th Senate District (Saratoga County, City of Schenectady, Niskayuna). Sarah is an Albany Law School professor and immigration attorney with over 20 years of experience in public-interest law. She is the founding director of Albany Law School's Immigration Law Clinic and currently leads the Edward P. Swyer Justice Center. She also served on the Niskayuna School Board, contributing to initiatives such as electric bus conversion and safe firearm storage. She also has the Working Families Party line. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

New York Capital District activists Christine Primomo and Darlene Stott talk about the logistical, artistic and political challenges of fighting MAGA with messages plastered on bridges and overpasses. The Visibility Brigade organizers say non-violent protest works and combat the right-wing talking point that only old white women are out in the streets.

In this episode of Albany Comedy Corner we interviewed Bri Morrison and Alanna Gill for their show at Helderberg Meadworks in Troy. Not only did we talk about the show and venue, we also chatted about the growing comedy scene and the inclusion of more women into the space.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, we hear Mark Dunlea's interview with Ron Deutsch about a new Industrial Development Authorities(IDA) reform that stalled in Albany. Then, Sia Patel reports on how Ualbany students are coming up with strategic ideas to foster a strong sense of community. Later on, we hear students at Troy Middle School talk about experiences of bullying and LGBTQIA+. After that, it is time for Albany Comedy Corner this with week Tyler Artis welcome Bri Morrison and Alanna Gill for upcoming comedy show in Troy NY. Finally, Thom Francis welcomes Ulster County Poet Laureate Mike Jurkovic . Hosts: Sina Basila Hickey and Caelan McPherson Engineers:Caelan McPherson

Global Performance + Sound Lab's Human + Computer Relations artist cohort visited the Sanctuary campus. In the radio studio were Viet Le, Gentle Mothh, Kayva Yang, Alex Chang. They spoke with Sina Basila Hickey.

The Bolivian “worker citizens” were crucial for the Bolivian Revolution of 1952. Scholar, professor, and author of “The Limits of Revolution: Worker Citizens in a Bolivian Mining City” Elena McGrath, wrote this book based off of field work, oral interviews, and extensive archival research. This part 1 of the interview focuses on the book and the Bolivian Revolution. Tune in to part 2 for a look at current events in Bolivia. Interview by Sina Basila Hickey.

Thom Francis welcomes Ulster County Poet Laureate Mike Jurkovic. Mike was the featured reader, promoting his chapbook Eve's Venom, at Poets Speak Loud on Monday, October 27, 2014. +++++ Poets Speak Loud was a poetry open mic series hosted by Mary Panza that began at The Lark Tavern in January 31, 2005 - the same night that that legendary local poet, environmentalist, activist, and “grandfather of the Albany poetry scene” Tom Nattell passed away. In 2010, a fire destroyed the longtime Albany establishment, forcing the open mic to find a new home. Not long after, Poets Speak Loud rose from the ashes and began its run at McGeary's in downtown Albany until COVID-19 brought the series to its end. Over the years many poets and spoken word artists from the Capital Region, Hudson Valley, and beyond were featured at Poets Speak Loud. On October 27, 2014, poet and writer Mike Jurkovic took the stage. Mike Jurkovic was named 2025 and 2026 Ulster County Poet Laureate. He has published poetry, prose, and music reviews globally with little reportable income. Jurkovic's 5 full-length poetry collections include Buckshot Reckoning (Luchador Press, 2023), mooncussers (Luchador Press, 2022) AmericanMental (Luchador Press, 2020); haiku collections Monet's Bamboo (CAPS Press, 2025), and Blue Fan Whirring (Nirala Press, 2018). He is the president of Calling All Poets reading series, which is celebrating 26 years in the Hudson Valley. You can find his reviews online at All About Jazz and lightwoodpress.com. He hosts NuJazzXcursions every Monday night at 9:00 am on WVKR-91.3FM Vassar College.  Local poet Dan Wilcox posted on his blog about MIke's reading: Mike Jurkovic has been reading around a lot lately, promoting his new chapbook Eve's Venom (Post Traumatic Press, 2014), which I'd already bought, but it is always fun to hear Mike read. He began with some poems not in the book with minimal introduction, because his poems often tell a story, cynically pondering the world around him, such as a poems about being stopped at a traffic light next to “the dwarf Morpheus,” or “Crows Gathering at the Grey Sky,” or “Andy Martin's American Letter.” Then to poems from Eve's Venom, some read without the titles, …the hysterical “Bio-Hazard,” “Yearbook,” … In the past Mike would wander the room performing his poems, tonight he stuck pretty close to the mic, his poems doing the wandering.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from a community Anti-Zionist shabatt held by Albany Jewish Voice for Peace. Then, Sina Basila Hickey talks with Elena McGrath the author of “The Limits of Revolution: Worker Citizens in a Bolivian Mining City” about the book and what motivated her to write it. Later on, Gaheul Yi talks with Jinah Ahn the owner and founder of Sunhees Farm and Kitchen a Korean farm and restaurant about her experience as a business owner. Finally, Erin Blanding talks with Dr. Shereka Banton about her experience as a scientist in the Biomedical Engineering space and the racial inequities and disparities in the medical field.

On Friday June 12, Albany Jewish Voice for Peace held a community anti-Zionist Shabbat, coming together as a community to share food, commit to radical solidarity and intersectionality, to support a free Palestine, and to build a Jewish community not centered on or dependent on Israel or Zionism. JVP was heartbroken to see the legal structures that have enabled Black political representation, and access to public space for trans people, being deconstructed by a fascist movement. This month service honored the resilience, leadership, and sumud of Black, Trans, Queer, Disabled, and Indigenous voices in our movements for liberation here at home, and in Palestine. The D'var was led by Jeid Ebanks, a Black and Queer Capitol District nurse and activist who shared reflections and poetry from her time volunteering in the West Bank and Gaza. At their dinner, we talked to Professor Larry Wittner, Ava Agree, Lanny Wilson, Branda Miller, and Jeid Ebanks. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Industrial Development Authorities (IDAs) exist to give local officials the ability to promote economic development by awarding tax breaks to companies. Critics contend that many of the projects fail to deliver on promised job creation and push for greater accountability for performance. Ron Deutsch of New Yorkers for Fiscal Fairness and Reimagine Albany talks to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the largely unsuccessful efforts to enact reforms in the recent legislative session.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage on the upcoming 2026 Food Summit in Albany. Then, Gaheul Yi talks to UAlbany Democrats about what it means to be politically engaged on the campus today. Later on, Lavender brings us a piece on a walk for Autism safety and awareness. After that, Producer Lu Buoy joins us in the studio to talk about his upcoming performance at No Fun. Finally, Willie Terry continues his coverage from the NYS Asian American and Pacific Islander Summit AI For All. Co-Hosts: Jacob Boston, Richard Sleeper | Producer: Jacob Boston

Local producer Lu Buoy joins us in the studio to talk about the art of producing, musical inspiration, and his upcoming performance at No Fun.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea speaks with Blair Horner of New York Public Interest Research Group about the recently concluded NYS legislative session. Then, Willie Terry Interviewed Dr. Henry Zhu at the NYS Asian-American Pacific Islander Summit. Later on, we have another episode of 518 Rising Stars with H Bosh Jr. and Elijah Jackson. After that, Sina Basila Hickey and Ren Lee reflect on the Sanctuary's 2026 event season. Finally, Thom Francis features three LGBT poets to honor pride month - Elizabeth Gordon, Nancy Klepsch, Tim Verhaegen.

The 2026 Food Summit will take place on Tuesday June 16 at the Albany Capital Center. This year's summit has three themes: Strengthening the Safety Net; Food as Medicine; and, Ending Hunger Through Action. We talk with Natasha Pernicka of the Food Pantries for the Capital District and Mark WInne, author of The Road to a Hunger Free America. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On this interview of 518 Rising Stars with H Bosh Jr. Deacon Elijah "Eli" Jackson shares his journey as a standout student-athlete, community leader, and graduating senior earning both his diploma and associate's degree in Mathematics and Science while inspiring others though leadership, faith, and service.

The NYS Legislature has adjourned for the year, just a week after finally passing the state budget which was due April 1. Blair Horner of NYPIRG provides an overview of the productivity of the state leigslature, including the far from transparent process the Governor used to weaken the state's climate law. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Friday, May 08, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the "NYS Asian American and Pacific Islander Summit AI For All" at Albany Empire State Plaza. The New York State AAPI Summit is an annual landmark legislative event uniting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) legislators, community organizations, advocates, and activists from across New York. In this labor segment, part two of two, Willie had a chance to interview one of the participants, Dr. Henry Zhu, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Brooklyn, NY. He is the founder of the private practice  Mind-Body Wellness and also practices as part of the clinician team at Behavioral Health of New York (BHNY).

On Friday, May 08, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the "NYS Asian American and Pacific Islander Summit AI For All" at Albany Empire State Plaza. The New York State AAPI Summit is an annual landmark legislative event uniting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) legislators, community organizations, advocates, and activists from across New York. In this labor segment, part one of two, Willie had a chance to interview one of the participants, Dr. Henry Zhu, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Brooklyn, NY. He is the founder of the private practice  Mind-Body Wellness and also practices as part of the clinician team at Behavioral Health of New York (BHNY).

Sources of Power review 2026 by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Today on Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we hear a report from the ICE Out of Albany protest on Tuesday. Then, we cover the June 5th Naska protest by Palestinian Rights groups at the federal O'Brien Building. Later, Rosemary Armao explores the controversy surrounding data centers. After that, we hear about Peace at the Table, which shares true stories of how peace and understanding are nurtured by sharing food. We finish with a segment from our archives with Shia Overby, a doula from Troy, Hosts: Mark Dunlea; Benno Greene Engineer: Joan Eason

Peace at the Table is a project founded by chef Jeff Marden where people can submit their own stories of their relationship to food in order to nurture connection with others and the healing that can come from a good meal. Sina Basila Hickey speaks with Marden about what inspired him to start this project, its goals, and its effects. https://peaceatthetable.world/

Greg Creft gets to sit down with the main organizer behind the Capital Regions Funniest Comic for his upcoming show "Comedy Tsunami". We also take a moment to talk about how being a parent has had an impact on his stand-up. Ryan Shipley will be on the Comedy Tsunami show with Brad King, Shawn Barnes, Keith Prince, Will Johnson and Blake Whitbeck at the Albany Stadium Restaurant & Bar on June 12th, 8 pm.

Historian and feminist Ellie Burhans of Albany has recently taken on a new role, demonstrating against and decrying energy and water hogging data centers. One has been proposed for an old convent property in Albany, and it is one of nearly 30 such centers proposed in the state of New York despite growing concern over how many resources go into centers to support AI and crypto mining. New York may well soon become the first step to embargo new centers for a pause of a year, but Burhans and others say they will not just sit around and see what happens.

Student Association President at the University at Albany, Trevor Pettit, discusses the importance of fostering a strong sense of community within the campus and shares strategic ideas for connecting UAlbany students more meaningfully with the broader Albany County community.

On Tuesday June 9, Capital Region Border Watch and Capital Region Sanctuary Committee held a protest at Lark and Madison in Albany calling to get ICE out of Albany. They were protesting ICE's brazen kidnapping of community residents, including a 4 year old recently seized on her way to school and deported to Venezuela. We hear from, among others, Karen Beetle of Border Watch, Fred Pfeiffer; Senator Pat Fahy; Assemblymember Gabriella Romero; Melanie Pores; and Victor Anderson. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Tandra La-Grone of In Our Own Voices talks with us about this year's BIPOC Pride festival. Then, Mark Dunlea has a report on a forum hosted by Break the Bond Campaign who talked with two of the candidates for NYS Comptroller. Later on, we hear from some artists of the Global Performance + Sound Lab cohort during their visit to The Sanctuary for Independent Media. After that, it is time for the Albany Comedy Corner this week Greg Creft who talks with Ryan Shipley about the Comedy Tsunami happening on June 12th. Finally, Thom Francis welcomes poet Don Levy who shared his work at the 2024 Word Fest Open Mic. Hosts:Lavender and Caelan McPherson Engineer: Caelan McPherson

With over 30 years of advocacy for the BIPOC LGBTQI+ community, Tandra LaGrone has been on the front lines fighting for equal housing opportunities, access to HIV testing and prevention measures, domestic violence, after-school programs, and so many more vital human rights initiatives. Lavender and Caelan McPherson talk with Tandra LaGrone, executive director of In Our Own Voices to learn more. https://ioov.org/

Thom Francis welcomes poet Don Levy who shared his work at the 2024 Word Fest Open Mic at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts on April 27, 2024. +++++ The Word Fest first took shape in 2001 as a one-day open mic in Thatcher Park, bringing together poets from across the region to share their work. Over the years, it has expanded into a week-long celebration of poetry and spoken word, incorporating workshops, poetry slams, performances, and its signature open mic event. After a break since 2019, the Word Fest Open Mic made its highly anticipated return on Saturday, April 27, at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts. The evening showcased powerful performances from featured spoken word artists and a dynamic lineup of open mic participants. In today's episode, we are thrilled to highlight Don Levy, a long-time area poet and former host of many open mics in the 90s and early-2000s, At the event, Don read a new piece, “My Queerness,” and some old time favorites such as the once-televised “Lobsters at the Grand Union.”

On Monday June 8, Break the Bonds invited the three Democratic primary candidates for NYS Comptroller to answer questions on the role of the comptroller, their positions on Israel Bonds and fossil fuels, and other questions related to fiscal responsibility and ethical investment. The forum also covered investment strategies related to the military-industrial complex, affordable housing, and other issues that are relevant to working people. Drew Warshw and Raj Goyle participated. We hear from them on the issues of Israeli Bonds and climate.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea speaks with Flo Perez and Gary Bowitch of Earth Law Center about the center's work in converting the “New York Green Amendment” into meaningful local policy. Then, Bebhinn Francis speaks with Lennox Apudo about the REST Act being added to the State Senate's agenda. Later on, Hugh Johnson joins the show to talk about local weather. After that, Urbano Llano (Yanos) the owner of the restaurant Salsa Latina talks to Mirai Abe about his migration story from Peru to the Capital District. Finally, Quinn(she/her) speaks with Nik Pepmeyer about her experience being trans and how parents can support their trans kids

Tracy Schober is the executive director of Autism Society Greater Hudson Region (ASGHR), which serves the autistic community across 21 counties in New York state. Correspondent Lavender spoke with Tracy about their services and events. On June 28th (2026), ASGHR is having a Walk for Autism & Safety Awareness from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at Dutchess County Fairgrounds. You can register for the event at https://asghr.org/event/walk-for-autism-safety-awareness/. To get support and take advantage of their services, visit https://asghr.org/contact-us/.

Hugh Johnson joins the show to talk about local weather. Co-Hosts: Sean Bernyk and Lennox Apudo Engineer: Kalix Sausville

A conversation with UA Democrats on student political engagement, campus organizing, and creating space for student voices at the University at Albany.

In 2021, New Yorkers voted overwhelmingly to amend the state constitution with what became known as the “New York Green Amendment” (NYGA): “Each person shall have the right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment.” The Earth Law Center works with municipalities and community leaders to help translate this constitutional right into meaningful local policies. Flo Perez and Gary Bowitch discussed the Center's efforts with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Alizabeth Claudio, an Albany native, found herself homeless in the winter of 2025. She shares her story, detailing her resilience while going through this difficult period, the experiences of other unhoused people, and her ideas on reforming housing assistance programs across the country. Lennox Apudo reports.

First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from a forum held by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace to discuss the proposal for a new data center to be built in Albany. Then, Sina Basila Hickey talks with Dr. David Borton about the gas crisis in the 1970s and alternative energy. Later on, Willie Terry continues his coverage from the National Union of the Homeless "Summer Cookout" in Albany. After that, Jacob and Liz talk to hip hop legend and Capital Region resident Billy Waring. Finally, we hear about the shift drag performers went through during the COVID pandemic. Co-Hosts: Jacob Boston, Richard Sleeper | Engineer: Jacob Boston.

Gas prices are up, but what happens when gas supply is critically limited? In this next interview we get some insight from the gas crisis of the 1970s from Dr. David Borton. He remembers that time, and it influenced his directions towards solar energy. He spoke with Sina Basila Hickey.

Hip hop legend, Capital Region resident, and New York Knicks super-fan Billy Waring,is known most notably for writing the iconic song "Basketball" for Kurtis Blow in 1984,. Waring joined Jacob and Liz at the Hudson Mohawk magazine studio.