Open Stages was born from the same grief and isolation, and the natural human instinct to gather. Now it's become an annual ritual in Park Slope and a reminder that music not only uplifts everyone, but unites us, too.
"The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is CUNY's top priority. That's why, over the past two years, the University has invested $850 million in our facilities, completing or advancing more than 100 projects."
Videos circulating on social media show Ossé approaching police officers during the protest and questioning their actions as they detained another demonstrator. Moments later, officers are seen grabbing the councilmember, forcing him to the ground, and placing him in handcuffs.
"We are focusing on individualized specific treatment, so people are moving away from the criminal justice system completely," said Deanna Logan, director of the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice.
Hector Sierra, 51, was arrested for fare evasion and possession of a controlled substance. He fell ill while in custody and was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
"For LGBTQ+ and women in particular, I think we were kind of never given an opportunity to have a safe space to come to, or know of a safe space where they could say, 'You know what? I'm not feeling safe today. Paddy's is up the street.'"
In 2021, New York state finally voted to legalize recreational marijuana. Under the law, the first 150 licenses granted by the state would be issued to 'justice-involved' people who had previously been convicted for marijuana offenses.
"We have other options, and other people do want us, but we have to find the right space, because we've been very lucky with this space. But the most important part is to find a place where we can continue all week long, where the school buses can come in and not disturb the neighbors, and be safe. So that is the biggest challenge."
Sabahs are made entirely by hand from 100% leather in either Texas or Turkey—two regions with distinct yet deeply rooted relationships to the material. The result is a shoe that varies subtly from pair to pair, even within the same size.