Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Richard Sleeper talks to Lawyer and Author Glen Hodge About His New Book by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Jacob Boston Talks to new CiTi BOCES SYNERGY Teacher Ms. Gorman about her beginnings as a teacher, the untold truths about teaching, and her work connecting students like Jacob with organizations like The Sanctuary

First, Elizabeth” EP” Press reports from the Troy City Council meeting on March 5th on Flock license plate cameras in the city. Then, CiTi BOCES SYNERGY Teacher Ms. Gorman joins us in studio to talk about the art of teaching Later on, we hear about the event “Run, Hide, Fight” a Youth Storytelling Workshop coming to the Sanctuary on March 21 in collaboration with WMHT Public Media. After that, Richard Sleeper interviews with Glen Hodge, author of Finally, Niyani Holt speaks to Rosemary Armao about her experiences building trust across diverse communities through authentic narratives in journalism. Hosted By: Ember, Jacob Boston, Richard Sleeper | Produced By: Jacob Boston

Using the short PBS documentary "Run, Hide, Fight: Growing up Under the Gun" as a prompt, multi-disciplinary artist D. Colin will lead a storytelling workshop exploring the power of personal stories in building connection, sharing our humanity, and leaving an impact. This event is taking place at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on March 21, from 2-5pm. Mara Drogan, Director of Community Engagement & Education at WMHT Public Media spoke with Sina Basila Hickey about this event for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Using the short PBS documentary "Run, Hide, Fight: Growing up Under the Gun" as a prompt, multi-disciplinary artist D. Colin will lead a storytelling workshop exploring the power of personal stories in building connection, sharing our humanity, and leaving an impact. This event is taking place at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on March 21, from 2-5pm. D. Colin spoke with Sina Basila Hickey about this workshop and the power of storytelling for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Monday March 16th, 2026, The Ravi Shankar ensemble will perform at The Egg in Albany. Curated by Sukanya and Anoushka Shankar, The Ravi Shankar Ensemble is a multi-generational collective of world class musicians dedicated to the masterful compositions and enduring legacy of the uniquely legendary musician, Ravi Shankar. In their debut tour, the ensemble presents a special program featuring visual elements from Ravi Shankar's archives alongside a dynamic selection of Shankar's soul-stirring music. The concert is a recent production by Schirmer Theatrical of Wise Music Group. Among the musicians is world renowned sitarist Shubhendra Rao, who was the late musician's youngest disciple, spoke with HMM about the ensemble, the upcoming concert, and his relationship with his guru.

Rosemary Armao reflects on her experiences shaping authentic narratives within journalism and building trust across diverse communities. She discusses how journalists can foster meaningful relationships with the communities they cover, and why trust is foundational to ethical storytelling. A focused conversation within a broader dialogue on media and identity. Reported by Niyani Holt.

In the open comment period, at the March 5, 2026 Troy City Council Meeting, there were some 45-minutes of community concern and questions about the Flock Safety cameras that are installed throughout the city. Now, according to a News10 article, "the Troy City Council will make a decision on which company to work with when their two-year agreement with Flock Safety ends at the end of the month." Today we air some excepts from a few community members who spoke at the March City council Meeting starting with Deidre Shea.

Sunshine Committee is a new album from poet Matthew Klane. The sound is playful and energetic with a range of interesting sounds and skilled musicians. Matthew Klane joins Sina Basila Hickey and Marrow on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine for a live interview all about the new album.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us to a rally for immigrant legal services and protection. Then, Willie Terry shares excerpts from a panel discussion of The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle. Later on, the TripleE's return with H Bosh Jr. interviewing entrepreneur Flerida Santana Johnas. After that, we're joined live by musician Matthew Klane to discuss his new album, Sunshine Committee. Finally, Carolyn Tennant interviews Shubhendra Rao about The Ravi Shankar Ensemble's Debut tour, and their upcoming Concert in Albany.

On Tuesday, March 10, the Campaign for Access, Representation, and Equity for Immigrant Families (CARE4IF) Coalition held a rally at the New York State Capitol's Million Dollar Staircase in support of the Access to Representation Act (ARA) (S141/A270) and the Building Up Immigrant Legal Defense (BUILD) Act (A2689/S4538) They also caledl for a $175 million for immigration legal services and infrastructure, a figure that was included in the budget resolutions of both houses. The Access to Representation Act would be the first of its kind in the nation, guaranteeing immigrants facing deportation the right to legal counsel in New York State and ensuring they have a fair chance to fight for their freedom. We hear from Jahaira Roldin of NY Immigration Coalition; Senator Liu and Jackson; Assemblymember Cruz; Senator Serrano; and Assemblymember Gallagher

In this episode of The TripleE'S, Flerida Santana Johnas discusses her work in Albany and her role in shaping the city's economic growth through real estate development and community-focused investments. She also shares insights about her newest venture, Olive & Oregano, a 24-hour restaurant near MVP Arena that blends Dominican and Greek flavors while providing convenient takeout, delivery, and catering options for the community. The conversation highlights how her projects—from development initiatives to launching new businesses—aim to contribute to Albany's downtown revitalization and create opportunities for local residents. H Bosh Jr brings you this interview

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Troy4Black Lives “Faith and Freedom” Black History Month Program, entitled “The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free.” In this labor segment, Will recorded the panel discussion on the program theme, “The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle. "This is Part 1 of that discussion.

Jazz/ Latino, Inc. presents, “Sounds of the Americas” this Saturday, March 14 at Union College. This concert is a musical journey across the Americas. José Cruz, President of Jazz/Latino, inc. spoke with Benno Greene and Mark Dunlea.

First, we hear about a rally for immigrant rights, tax the rich and climate justice. Then, we get a perspective on the war in Iran for Leila Zand, an Iranian-American activist and scholar. Later on, journalist Rosemary Armao discusses the role of narratives in storytelling. After that, Jose Cruz of Jazz Latino Inc previews the upcoming concert on March 14 at Union College “Sounds of the Americas.” Finally, political anchor Susan Arbetter talks about local journalism and American democracy Hosts: Mark Dunlea; Benno Greene Engineer: Joan Eason

Leila Zand is an Iranian-American activist and scholar who works with the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Code Pink, and the United National Anti-War Coalition. Leila, who grew up in Iran, talks about the US' war with Iran with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine

The A.M.E. Zion Church is the oldest Black church in Rensselaer County, and this church is just a few blocks up from the Sanctuary. The current senior pastor Reverend Victor Patterson and Rev. George Smith-Whitfield spoke with Sina Basila Hickey.

A Music Dialogue: Bamboo Meets Brass on the Silk Road is a program inspired by the Silk Road, a historic era when artistic traditions from East and West met. This program is coming to The Egg on March 22, presented by Asian Arts New York. Wei Qin, President of Asian Arts New York, and Jiangnan Liu, a musician who plays the Pipa, spoke with Sina Basila Hickey and Caelan McPherson. https://asianartsny.org/events

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on the Glen Falls Town Hall meeting where Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pat Ryan spoke. Then, we have an interview about “A Music Dialogue: Bamboo Meets Brass on the Silk Road” which is coming to The Egg and presented by Asian Arts New York. Later on, March 10 is Harriet Tubman Day, and we have an interview by Lovonia Mallory with Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black on her book about Harriet Tubman. After that, we get our weekly comedy interview, this week Juan Pantaleon talks with Craig Nesler, a local stand up comedian. Finally, Thom Francis introduces us to Howard Kogan & Malcolm Willison who read their poems at the Up The River, Issue Three launch event.

Hundreds of New Yorkers joined a rally at the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 10, organized by Invest in Our New York, Make the Road New York, and NY Renews. Their shared demand: Gov. Kathy Hochul must deliver a budget that protects New Yorkers from predatory ICE agents and billionaires, makes polluters pay for global warming , and makes long-term investments in our state's future. We hear from the event organizers from Make the Road and Working Families Party; Assemblymembers Sarahana Shrestha, Jessica González-Rojas, Emily Gallagher, and Senator Michele Hinchey, along with Dawn Wells-Clyburn of PUSH Buffalo and Faiza from ALIGN. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Thom Francis introduces us to Howard Kogan & Malcolm Willison who read their poems at the Up The River, Issue Three launch event on April 12, 2015 McGeary's in Albany, NY. +++++ For over 15 years, the Albany Word Fest was a sure sign of spring. Taking place every April to celebrate National Poetry Month, the Word Fest featured readings, open mics, workshops, and more to showcase the poets and writers in our area. The Up The River launch event was an annual tradition, kicking off the week of poetry and spoken word with the contributors of latest issue of the literary journal reading their work. This week we will hear from two poets who shared their poems at McGeary's on April 12, 2015. Howard J. Kogan is a poet and retired psychotherapist. His poems have appeared in Still Crazy, Occupoetry, Poetry Ark, Writer's Haven, Farming Magazine, Literary Gazette, Pathways, and Up the River. His book of poems, Indian Summer, was published in 2011. Malcolm Willison is a manuscript editor and teacher who has been writing and publishing poetry for quite a long time in and sometimes about New Orleans, Key West, New York City and upstate New York, and other places around the world. You can access all eight issues of Up The River by going to uptheriverjournal.com.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Food & Water Watch has released a statement calling for a moratorium on the construction of AI data centers. Mark Dunlea talks with Eric Weltman. Then, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from the March 5th Troy City Council meeting during which the city passed the Good Cause Eviction Law. Later on, we welcome back retired National Weather Service Meteorologist, Hugh Johnson. After that, we have Everybody Moves, our weekly series that profiles the migration stories of members of our community. Finally, we hear from Dr. Emilly Obuya speaking with Sophia Cahillane as part of the Women in STEM series. Co-hosts: Sean Bernyk and Lennox Apudo, Engineer: Kal

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage on the Troy City Council after the city of Troy opted into the Good Cause Eviction Law. Then, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage on the Green New Deal with Howie Hawkins. Later on, Sina Basila Hickey and Caelan McPherson bring us coverage from the Black History Youth Breakfast in Troy. After that, Rev Victor Patterson and Rev George Smith-Whitfield talk about the AME Zion Church and its history. Finally, You'll hear a segment on the first-hand experience of someone experiencing fasting for Ramadan for the first time. Co-host: Richard Sleeper, Co-host and engineer: Jacob Boston

On Sunday March 8th, Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pat Ryan held an overflowing Town Hall meeting in Glens Falls. Congressmember Elise Stefanik, who has represented the area, has been unwilling to host such Town Hall meetings to hear from constituents, apparently out of concerns over protests. Many of the comments at the meeting focused on the present wars in Iran and Gaza, access to health care, and corporate control of the media. We hear part of the opening statements by AOC and Ryan.

Food & Water Watch has released a letter that makes a compelling, urgent case for a nationwide moratorium on the construction of new AI-driven data centers. In New York, more than 100 community and faith groups signed on to a letter calling for a three-year moratorium. Eric Weltman, senior organizer for Food and Water Watch, talks to Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

The EcoAction committee of the Green Party of the US will hold an open discussion on Monday March 9 at 8 PM ET about its ecosocialist Green New Deal proposal, which it first promoted in 2010, and how to push the GND in the current political climate. At the NYS Capitol. Governor Hochul is making a major push to weaken the state's climate law and goals. Howie Hawkins, the initial author in the US of the GND and 3 times the Green Party candidate for Governor, talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. Register for the Webinar at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pUIrd74MSYaTbTL8puc7Yg

On Thursday, March 5, after years of community organizing, the City of Troy opted into the state's Good Cause Eviction Law. The law however is expected to be vetoed by Mayor Carmella Mantello, with the Council then needing to override it. The law offers important protections for tenants in some rental housing. Landlords cannot evict tenants or refuse to renew their leases without a valid reason. The law also lmits the size of annual rent increases to 5% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is less. However, the law only applies if your landlord owns 11 or more housing units. We hear from several tenants and landlords at the council meeting, followed by Mayor Mantello, and council members Noreen McKee and Greg Campbell-Cohen. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Ta-Sean Murdock is the Executive Director of Albany's Center for Law and Justice. He has concerns about the state of the city's Common Council and Community Police Review Board, and is calling on them to regain the public's trust. Murdock spoke with Sina Basila Hickey and Doug Bierend for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine: First, Elizabeth EP Press reports on the community concern about Flock license plate recognition cameras in Troy. Then, Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry interviews Charles Jenkins—the President of the NYC Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and a member of the Transport Workers Union Local 100. Later on, we will speak with Albany Center for Law and Justice Executive Director Ta-Sean Murdock about his letter written to the Albany Common Council and the Community Police Review Board. After that, This Friday at The Sanctuary for Independent Media is healing day, and we will hear about what that experience is like. Finally, we hear about Shane Burley, a freelance journalist, organizer, activist, and the author of “Fascism Today: What it is and How to End It.”

A community member had no idea that Flock Safety cameras have been installed in Troy, NY since 2023. Once Dierdre Shea noticed one in her neighborhood, she started researching these Automated License Plate Readers. Now, she is speaking out and hopes you will join her at the March 5, 2026 Troy City Council Meeting. Reporting by Elizabeth "EP" Press

On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the NYS Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators held its 55th Annual Legislative Conference at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York. One of the featured events was the Labor Luncheon, held in the ESP Convention Center. Labor Correspondent Willie Terry covered the event, interviewing Charles Jenkins—the President of the NYC Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and a member of the Transport Workers Union Local 100—who also received the “Excellence in Service Award.” During their conversation, Willie discussed the “No Kings Protest” scheduled for March 28, 2026, and gathered Charles's insights on the current labor movement. This is part two of Willie's labor report on the conference.

Tonight on Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we start off with the February 27th state budget hearing on taxes. Then, we discussed Iran with the 9/11 Families for a Peaceful Tomorrow. Later on, Rosemary Armao discusses how the media coverage of East Asia differs from the reality of average residents. After that, We have an interview with teacher Derek Bull conducted by Skidmore students from the Saratoga Digital Labor History Archive Finally, we hear about a recent protest against ICE at SUNY Albany. Hosts: Mark Dunlea; Benno Greene Engineer: Joan Eason

September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows strongly condemns the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran, the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the use of the military to force regime change. While we stand with the citizens of Iran in support of their civil society efforts to promote democracy within their nation and end the violation of Iranians' human rights, we are deeply concerned that any transition forced by the American and Israeli governments does not hold the interests of Iranian citizens as primary. Group co-founder Colleen Kelly talks to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

ACIC_03-03-2026 by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

World traveler Stella Roque, a year into wandering through India, Thailand and Nepal, has found a world full of. neighborly people willing to help and listen. She talks with Beyond the Brink Podcast host Rosemary Armao about how the media -- full of reports about war. and terrorism -- mischaracterizes what she actually has found on the ground. The. bad people, she maintains, are in the minority. Hers is a voice of hope and optimism at a time of spreadig violence.Nepa

On February 26, SUNY students held a rally to demand a sanctuary campus at UAlbany. A large group of students and faculty came out to register their concern about ICE operating on campus and to ask the University administration to act to protect the community from persecution by federal immigration enforcers. Paul Stasi is an English professor and the president of the campus chapter of the United University Professionals union: UUP. He addressed the rally and spoke to Moses Nagel about what he saw as the aims and demands expressed there.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine: First, Mark Dunlea tells us about the weakening of climate laws in New York State. Then, we hear a speech from Mayor Mantello of the City of Troy at the recent “We Are The Inventors!” Youth Black History breakfast. Later on, we hear about Dr. Christine Daniels, a cell biologist with research experience in cancer, immunology, molecular biology and stem cell biology. After that, Juan Pantaleon introduces new co-hosts and this next evolution of the Albany Comedy Interview Corner series. Finally, Thom Francis brings us Next Up to the Mic and highlights Melissa Anderson at Mojo's Cafe .

On February 27, the state legislature held the last of its public hearings on the state budget, this time on taxes. We hear from Emily Eisner of the Fiscal Policy Institute and Brahvan Ranga of the Invest In Our New York campaign. We finish with testimony from Feb. 11 by NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

This week, Thom Francis welcomes Melissa Anderson to the outdoor stage at Mojo's Cafe for a special reading celebrating poets and writers from the Hudson Valley Writers Guild and two online journals on October 5, 2024. +++++ Between publishing her poetry, performing her work on stage, and running Slam Euphoria, Melissa Anderson is a force in the local poetry community. On a beautiful fall afternoon in 2024, Melissa was joined by poets and writers from the HVWG, Hobo Camp Review, and Trailer Park Quarterly at Mojo's Cafe in downtown Troy. Melissa is a writer, artist, and craftsman. Now a furniture maker by trade, she has worked variously in theater, the fine arts, and leather production, all of which influence her poetry. Like the constellations, she sees poems as navigational, both records of the past and maps forward to the future. Her poetry explores the beauty in the banal and how the things we make help define who we are and the places we call home. Her first collection of poems, Dogstar Poems, was published by Main Street Rag in November 2024. Renowned poet Jared Singer said of Dogstar Poems, “Mellisa Anderson's first book of poetry is an elegy for all she has lost and a treasure map to what she hopes to find. Using clever metaphor and a love for the small moments she invites her reader with her and shares all she has found. She reminds us that simple doesn't mean easy and even winter, even death is finite.”

In recent months Governor Hochul has indicated that she wants to weaken the state's climate law (CLCPA). The state is not on track to meet the goals for using renewable energy for electricity or cutting greenhouse gas emissions. She claims that the world has changed since the climate law was adopted, including the impact of COVID. Her administration last week issued a 3 page memo citing significant cost increases to comply with the climate law. The memo has been harshly criticized by environmental groups who called it purposely misleading and contradictory to the state's previous statements. Groups are holding press conferences around the state to urge lawmakers not to give in to Hochul., including one at the Capitol on Wednesday, March 4. Eric Wood of NYPIRG discusses the situation with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On February 28th at 8:30pm at the Hilton Garden Inn the Youth Black History Month Breakfast took place in this segment you will hear from Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello giving a speech at the event.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from the protest held at Townsend Park in Albany to protest the joint US and Israel airstrikes in Iran. Then, Sephora Quinones talks with musician Angie Medina about what it means to get musically recognized? Later on, Sina Basila Hickey and Ren Lee of The Sanctuary for Independent Media joins us on air to share what they have planned at the Sanctuary this season. After that, we have our weekly series Everybody Moves. This week we hear from Sena as she shares her immigration journey from Germany to the Capital District. Finally, Mickey Dobbin of Troy Area Labour Federation joins us in the studio to discuss some of the initiatives that the group is currently working on.

Everybody Move Series: Migration Stories from our Community. This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Ian from the U.S. via the Dominican Republic.

Everybody Move Series: Migration Stories from our Community. This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Kaila from the U.S. via Haiti

Everybody Move Series: Migration Stories from our Community. This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Holly from the U.S.

Everybody Move Series: Migration Stories from our Community. This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Sebastian from Puerto Rico.

On Saturday February 28, the US and Israel began bombing Iran, resulting in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as killing several hundred citizens, including over 100 at a girl's school. The attacks came a day after the Trump administration reported that Iran had shown surprising flexibility in negotiations over its nuclear program. Iran has launched missile attacks against Israel and the numerous American bases in neighboring Middle East countries. Congressional Democratic leaders, who helped delay a vote on a War Powers Act until after the attacks, have primarily complained about the process used to launch the war and the lack of clear goals and reasons for the assault. Widespread protests against the US military actions have broken out across the country and globally. Several hundred gathered on Sunday in Townsend Park in Albnay. We hear from Tom Ellis and Eyad Alkurabi of the Palestinian Rights Committee, the lead sponsors of the event. We also hear from Peter LaVenia of the Green Party and Ricky from the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

Everybody Move Series: Migration Stories from our Community. This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Sena from Germany.

Japanese Food Education with Alexis Agliano-Sanborn by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from the New York for All Coalition's press conference held in support of the New York For All Act Then, Alexis Agliano-Sanborn joins us to talk about Japan's food education program and school lunch for elementary school students. Later on, Sina Basila Hickey talks to RPI's Center for Deep Listening's inaugural Artist-in-Residence Erik DeLuca about deep listening. After that, Brea Barthel brings us a segment on getting musical instruments to kids Finally, Ellie and Jesse talk about fermenting food scraps before you throw it in the compost heap. Co-Hosts: Richard Sleeper, Ember | Producer: Jacob Boston

On Wednesday, February 25, the New York for All Coalition and allies, held a press conference at State Capitol in support of the New York for All Act . The Act would prevent collusion by local governments with federal immigration authorities, ensuring immigrants—regardless of status— can live and work without fear . We hear from Cassandra Bocanegra, New York Immigration Coalition, Senator Andrew Gounardes and Zellnor Myrie, Jesus a farmworker and Senator Michelle Hinchey. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.