Alvin W. Nelson August 22, 2024 Bishop Alvin W. Nelson, 73, of
De Witt, passed away August 22, 2024. Alvin was born in Laurens, South
Carolina on May 3, 1951 to Suff. Bishop Alvin and Dr. Mable Nelson. Alvin
received his associate's degree from Aenon Bible College, and served in
the United States Army as a Corporal. He later retired from Syracuse
University. He was a Pastor at the Greater Holy Temple 1 and 2 in
Syracuse and Utica. Alvin was a loving and caring person. He was always
giving to others, and a great people person. He was a great cook. Most
of all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and God-father. He
was a true man of God and loved the Lord. He was preceded in death
by Father, Suff. Bishop Alvin J. Nelson; Mother, Dr. Mable E. (Pyles)
Nelson; and Sister, Phyllis Nelson. He is survived by his Wife of 53
years, Evang. Lindell Nelson; Son, Mario (Ann Lynn) Nelson; Two
Daughters, Christina (late, Jason Dee) Nelson-Dee, Jacinta Smith; Eight
grandchildren, Kai Stenson-Nelson, Alessia Dee, Jalen Humphrey, Jason
Dee, Jr., Jayda Nelson, Jasmine Nelson, Mario Nelson, Jr., Kiah Edwards;
Sister, Beverly (George) Matos; Brother, Rickie (Antoinette) Nelson;
and many Sister and Brother-in-Laws, Nieces, Nephews, Godchildren, and
Cousins. Family and friends may call on Wednesday, September 4th,
from 11:00am – 12:00pm at Bethany Baptist Church at 149 Beattie St,
Syracuse, NY, where funeral services will be held at 12:00pm. Interment
at Oakwood Cemetery.
By
Johnathan Croyle | jcroyle@syracuse.com
After graduating with honors from a Syracuse high school in 1861, 17-year-old Edmonia Highgate hoped to begin a teaching career in her home city.
She was refused because of her race.
Highgate, the daughter of two former slaves, was undeterred. She would go on to teach in Montrose, Pennsylvania before becoming the principal at a Black school in Binghamton.
In January 1864, she answered the call of the American Missionary Association who was looking for Northern teachers to travel South during the Civil War to set up schools for the emancipated Black population.
“I am strong and healthy,” she wrote in a letter to the Association. “I could labor advantageously in the field for my newly freed brethren.”
Edmonia Highgate
- This image of a school started by the Freedmen's Bureau is an example of the hundreds of school which were set up during and after the Civil War. Hundreds of Northern teachers, Black and white, men and women, went South to educate the newly freed. Edmonia Highgate of Syracuse was one of them. This is from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper. Courtesy of the Library of CongressCourtesy of the Library of Congr
Highgate was assigned to a school in Norfolk in the March of 1864. She taught children during the day and adults at night.
Teachers faced disease and insults and violence from Southern whites. Teachers were threatened and beaten. Some disappeared. Others had their schools burned down.
After just a few months, Highgate was back in Syracuse, mentally exhausted from what she was doing.
She was not totally inactive during her time away.
At the National Convention of Colored Men, held in Syracuse from Oct. 4-7, 1864, Highgate addressed the abolitionist meeting, one of only two women to do so.
According to the convention’s minutes, the 24-year-old was introduced by Frederick Douglass, who was president of the convention.
Its minutes reported:
“The President then introduced Miss Edmonia Highgate, an accomplished young lady of Syracuse. Miss Highgate urged the Convention to trust in God and press on, and not abate one jot or tittle until the glorious day of jubilee shall come.”
In March 1865, she was teaching again, this time in Maryland.
She had to rush to Petersburg, Virginia to be at her younger brother Charles’ bedside after he was wounded in one of the last battles of the Civil War. He died on April 2 and was buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse.
After the war, she was assigned by the A.M.A. to the Frederick Douglass School in New Orleans as a principal.
After rioting in July 1866, which saw Northerners attacked by Southern whites, Highgate was forced out of the city into the Lafayette parish.
In a letter to Rev. M. E. Strieby of the A.M.A., Highgate described what she faced daily while teaching in the South:
“There is more than work for two teachers, yet I am all alone, God has wondrously spared me. There have been much opposition to the School. Twice I have been shot at in my room. Some of my night school scholars have been shot but not killed. The rebels have threatened to burn down the school and house in which I board before the first month was passed.”
Despite the danger, Highgate recognized the importance of her work and the positive impact it was having among the freed Black people.
“The majority of my pupils come from plantations, three, four and even eight miles distant. So anxious are they to learn they walk these distances so early in the morning as never to be tardy. Every scholar buys his own book and slate, etc. They do learn rapidly. A class who did not understand any English came to school last Monday morning and at the close of the week they were reading ‘Easy Lessons.’”
“After the horrible riots in New Orleans in July, I found my heart getting impaired from hospital visiting and excitement so I came here to do what I could and to get stronger corporally, that I might enter fully into carrying light and knowledge into dark places,” she added. “The Lord blessed me, and I have a very interesting and constantly growing day school, a night school, and a glorious Sabbath School of near one hundred scholars.”
She returned to New Orleans in 1867 but resigned her position after she publicly spoke out against the school board after it proposed “segregated public school system”
Highgate said she would “rather starve than stoop one inch on that question.”
In 1868, she became a collection agent for the A.M.A in Mississippi.
She continued teaching but also became a public speaker to help raise funds.
At a speech at the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, she told her audience that their work was “not yet half done; and if it is not thoroughly done, it will have to be done over again.”
She also toured cities telling her story in a speech entitled “Five Years Among Southern Loyalists.”
Her lecture was a triumph.
“Syracuse born and educated, we may all have pride in her accomplishments,” the Daily Standard said on Nov. 15, 1869. And said the local hall where she would speak that night “should be filled to hear her recital of an experience that must be full of interest to all.”
“Miss E.G. Highgate was one of the most earnest teachers among the free millions of the South,” the Anti-Slavery Standard wrote.
The New Orleans Republican said Highgate “possesses wonderful eloquence,” and The Pilot of Jackson, Mississippi said she was a “thoroughly educated lady and a very charming speaker.”
Edmonia Highgate
Maireid Conner and Gary Weinstein stand at the grave of Edmonia Highgate (unmarked) in Oakwood Cemetery in June 1988. Syracuse Post-StandardSyracuse Post-Standard
The extraordinary life of Edmonia Highgate was tragically short.
On Oct. 17, 1870, the Syracuse Daily Journal reported about the “mysterious death” in the city a few days before.
The paper said a woman calling herself Sarah Darling who had checked into a boarding house at 67 Taylor Street in Syracuse. She later complained of not feeling well.
A doctor called Chase was summoned who gave her some medicine. The woman improved but then died.
The woman’s belongings were searched, and it was discovered that she was Edmonia Highgate.
A coroner’s investigation said the teacher, activist, and speaker had died after a botched abortion.
She had begun an affair with a married white man, a poet named by the name of John Henry Vosburg, whose wife had been sent to a mental institution.
Her funeral was held on Oct. 18, 1870, at Syracuse’s Wesleyan Church.
“The acquaintance of the family and circumstances of her death attending her death, drew a large audience, filling the house to its utmost capacity,” the Daily Standard said. “At the close, the vast assembly joined in file to take a last look of her who has thus untimely been called away.”
Highgate was buried in an unmarked grave besides her brother at Oakwood.
On June 18, 1988, a marker to her was placed at her grave on Syracuse’s first observance on Juneteenth.
Edmonia Highgate
A photograph of Black activist and teacher Edmonia Highgate’s grave in Oakwood Cemetery. The tall marker to the left is her brother Charles. In 1988, a group, The Friends of Edmonia Highgate, led by Mairead Connor, Gary Weinstein and Myriene Jones raised $800 to place a headstone on Edmonia’s unmarked grave. Onondaga Historical AssociationOnondaga Historical Association
Read more
After breaking records at Syracuse University, Bernie Custis becomes first pro Black quarterback
Syracuse’s first Black resident paid $80 for his own freedom, helped dig the Erie Canal
Louis Alexander Johnson October 12, 2019 Louis Alexander Johnson, 89, of Syracuse passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, October 12th, at home with his wife by his side. He was one of the founding members of Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, where he served on the Deacons Board. He was formerly employed at General Motors for 29 years. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Margaret and Robert Johnson, one sister Joyce Francis, one brother Joseph Johnson and his former wife, Helen Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Betty C. Johnson of Syracuse; three children, Anna Johnson of Buffalo, NY, Lois Johnson Rackmill (Barry) of Cleveland, OH and Alex Johnson of Syracuse; four stepchildren, Yolanda Jackson of Syracuse, Gregory Kinlow of New York City, NY, Pamela Stewart (David) of Rochester, NY and Bishop Carl Clark (Melissa) of Syracuse, NY; six grandchildren; a host of other loving relatives and friends. Calling hour will be Thursday 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, 347 Cortland Avenue with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Please sign the guestbook at syracuse.com/obits
Former Mayor Dies After Long Standing Illness
Contracted Cold in New York Last December and Never Recovered - Responsible for City Ownership of Skaneateles Water and New City Hall - Prominent Socially and Politically.
William B. Kirk, twice mayor of the city of Syracuse, and the man to whom Syracuse is indebted for one of the greatest benefits ever gained to this commonwealth - the bringing of Skaneateles water here - died at his home, No. 820 James street, at 12:30 o'clock this morning. the members of his immediate family were at his side when the end came.
For several months Mr. Kirk has been in feeble health, and his death was not unexpected, although it came suddenly at the last.
His last public appearance was in December when he went to New York to be present at a hearing given by a sub-committee of the Democratic State committee in the contest for State committeeman from this county. A number of Syracuse politicians were heard in the interests of their friends, Mr. Kirk having been one of them.
The weather at the time of his journey was intensely severe and Mr. Kirk contracted a cold, which developed into pneumonia and his condition was considered serious. He recovered up to a certain point, however, but was so weak that he was unable to leave the house. For more than a month he had been confined to his room.
Born in Syracuse.
Mr. Kirk was born in Syracuse on June 6th, 1850, and was the son of William B. Kirk, a Lafayette wagon maker, and his wife, Sarah Garfield, a relative of President James A. Garfield. The elder Kirk was one of the early settlers of Onondaga county and accumulated a large amount of property. He came to Syracuse and purchased the John Garrison tavern on the site of the present Kirk block at the corner of South Salina and West Fayette street and invested a considerable part of his money in New York Central stock. In 1869 the first Kirk block was built.
William B. Kirk, jr., was educated in the schools of Syracuse and early in life developed strong intellectual powers and an aptitude for business. Upon the death of his father, Mr. Kirk succeeded to the management of a very large estate and took an active interest in politics. He was an ardent Democrat and labored zealously to promote the interests of the Democratic party. For many years he had the active cooperation in the management of the affairs of his party of Henry J. Mowry and William A. Beech, two of the most prominent Democratic leaders of Syracuse. Mr. Kirk, backed by their influence, was made Democratic State committeeman for this district, serving two terms.
In 1888 Mr. Kirk was made the Democratic candidate for Mayor and was elected. He was re-elected mayor in 1889, and was nominated for a third term in February, 1890, but was defeated by William Cowie, now postmaster of Syracuse.
Mr. Kirk's administration of the office of Mayor was characterized by energy, broad-minded intelligence and a service to the city of Syracuse of inestimable value. He was a progressive chief executive and took an active part in promoting public improvements and in developing the street railway system of the city. His greatest public service, however, was exerted to the securing of the grant of Skaneateles water for Syracuse. He was ably assisted in his efforts by Henry J. Mowry and other public-spirited and progressive citizens, including Bishop P. A. Ludden, who made a powerful speech at a public meeting held in Shakespeare hall in favor of securing the Skaneateles water supply.
Named Water Board.
The Legislature in 1888 gave the Mayor power to appoint a board of water commissioners and the city election at a special election in June, 1889, voted a bond issue of $3,000,000 to secure the Skaneateles water.
The first water commission appointed consisted of E. B. Judson, Alexander H. Davis, W. H. Warner, P. B. McLennan and W. K. Niver. Other water commissioners subsequently appointed were James B. Brooke in 1891, W. H. Warner in 1892, Charles Hubbard in 1893, P. B. McLennan in 1895 and Henry J. Mowry in 1896.
Mayor Kirk also took a leading part in promoting the building of a new city hall for Syracuse. The Legislature in May, 1888, authorized the bonding of the city for $300,000 to erect the new building, giving the Mayor authority to designate four commissioners to have charge of the building of the new edifice.
Mayor Kirk appointed as such commissioners Henry J. Mowry, John Dunn, jr., August Falker, and E. F. Holden. The new City Hall was completed in 1891, while William Cowie was mayor. Mr. Kirk was retained as city hall commissioner after he had retired from the office of mayor. The City Hall was built inside of the appropriation and a surplus of several thousand dollars was turned over to the city by the commissioners.
Under Mr. Kirk as mayor charter amendments were made giving the Mayor power to appoint a commissioner of public works and a corporation counsel.
Mr. Kirk in recent years had been urged to accept the Democratic nomination for mayor, but declined to yield to the solicitation of his friends. He was a large owner of real estate and always labored zealously to promote the interests of Syracuse. His holdings in the southern part of the city were very large, including the Kirkwood driving park, which for many years was a popular racing track. The city has recently acquired a portion of Kirkwood park for park purposes.
Owner of Kirk Block.
His most notable real estate possession was the Kirk block at South Salina and West Fayette streets, which was erected by him. Mr. Kirk became one of the sureties on the bail bond of Col. John F. Gaynor for $40,000, and the bond was forfeited. The government has not yet collected on the bond, liability for which was denied by Mr. Kirk.
At the age of 29 years Mr. Kirk married Miss Rose Poole of Liverpool. About twenty years ago they removed to the family residence on James street hill, which they have since occupied.
Mr. Kirk leaves, besides his widow, two daughters, Miss Rose Poole Kirk of Syracuse, Mrs. Ralph S. Heilman of Sharon, Pa., and three sons, William B., jr., Henry M. and Donald G. Kirk of this city.
Mr. Kirk was prominent in Masonic and social circles. He was a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and was affiliated with the B. P. O. Elks, the Shriners, and several fishing and hunting clubs, including the Picton Fishing club of Canada.
Mr. Kirk was an affable, courteous and popular gentleman, who was held in high esteem by his fellow citizens and a large circle of strong personal friends.
Mr. Kirk, while unostentatious in his charities, yet gave liberally in many quarters. Until his son went to his office last winter to take charge of his father's business, none of the family had the slightest idea of the extent of Mr. Kirk's benefactions, or the number of poor families who were practically his pensioners.
The funeral will take place from his home, No. 820 James street, on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, the Rev. Dr. Samuel S. Calthrop, pastor emeritus of May Memorial church, officiating. The Masonic quartet will sing, and an escort from the Knights Templar will attend. Masonic services will be held at Oakwood cemetery. The honorary bearers have not yet been selected. The active bearers will be chosen three from the Knights Templar and three from the Elks.
Syracuse, New York
The Herald newspaper
Saturday evening, August 26, 1911
Page 6, Columns 1 thru 3
Omanii Abdullah and Nanette Bustanoby show the value of mentors
Published: Mar. 31, 2012, 9:48 a.m.
NEW!
By
Kheli R. Willetts | Guest columnist
2012-03-27-sdc-occmentoring.JPGStephen D. Cannerelli / The Post-StandardNanette Bustanoby mentored Omanii Abdullah when he was a child. The mentoring turned out to be the beginning of a life-long relationship.
Two months ago, a reader emailed and asked me to write about a local woman who had a significant impact in his life as well as the lives of other children growing up in the 15th Ward, on the South Side of Syracuse.
I am always interested in learning about people who are positive influences in the lives of children. Even so, this email had a special resonance.
The request brought to mind the words of sixth century B.C. philosopher Lao Tzu: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." In this case, the email suggested to me that one's journey through life often begins with a single act.
The email was from poet, playwright and entrepreneur Omanii Abdullah, of Syracuse. He was writing about Nanette Bustanoby, of Marietta, who worked at the Rescue Mission for more than 20 years, beginning in 1952.
Miss Bustanoby's single act was to care. That proved to be instrumental in shaping Abdullah’s world and how he lives his life today.
I was intrigued by his assertion. Why would a 6-foot-2 black man, who is Muslim, single out a petite Christian white woman as one of his greatest influences? How could they form a bond that has lasted more than 40 years?
So I contacted Abdullah and Miss Bustanoby. (I have to address her as Miss Bustanoby — even though she keeps asking me to call her by her first name. My upbringing and my respect for her 85-year journey is too great.) I also called two of Abdullah’s childhood friends, Larry Dowdell and Channie Myers. They share the same feelings about Miss Bustanoby.
Their stories begin in the 1960s, when as children Larry, Channie and young John Grace (Abdullah's name before he found his spiritual home in Islam) and their families went to the mission for Sunday school, church services, mid-week Bible study and camp, among other activities run by the mission and overseen by Miss Bustanoby. She provided a safe space for these young people who were living in a turbulent, politically charged and complicated era as cultural empowerment by African Americans was emerging.
Separately, Abdullah and Miss Bustanoby both recalled an incident to me. It offers insight into what makes their story so special, and it demonstrates the power that mentoring has in the lives of young people.
One day, Omanii came into the mission very upset because he was teased for being dark-skinned.
Omanii recalled, “Miss Bustanoby was very understanding. I could talk to her about things I couldn’t talk to my parents about.”
Miss Bustanoby, telling the same story, shared how she comforted him and began to explain “how some white people are not nice to black people because they don’t understand.” To Miss Bustanoby’s surprise, the child that had teased Omanii was not white but black, but she also knew it was important to offer comfort and support.
I believe this “single act” did something quite remarkable. Miss Bustanoby’s reaction showed Omanii that despite the political climate, there were white people who cared about and were aware of what was happening in the lives of black people, but it also it taught him and his friends that she saw them as black children and they were as important as everyone else.
Channie still remembers that about her mentor.
“Miss Bustanoby was a wonderful woman, great teacher, gentle and loving,” she said, later adding, “she could pull out the best in you, no matter your circumstances.”
Miss Bustanoby believes “it’s important to see race ... it matters.”
Omanii, Larry and Channie needed to be seen, to have their experiences recognized and validated. Miss Bustanoby did so by teaching black history in addition to scripture and the books of the Bible.
“Miss Bustanoby was a no-nonsense kind of person,” Larry reflected. “She taught us that if you are going to believe in something, you need to be very knowledgeable, read and study.”
In our conversations, all three said Miss Bustanoby’s lessons fortified them and helped them through challenging situations, even as they grew older. She created a love of culture, faith and humanitarianism that manifest in their lives today.
Kheli R. Willetts, executive director of the Community Folk Art Center, is a faculty member in the department of African American Studies at Syracuse University and an occasional columnist with The Post-Standard. Contact her at kheli_willetts@yahoo.com.
February 22, 2023 Rev. LeRoy Glenn Wright was born in Detroit, MI and raised in Nashville, TN. After graduating Nashville's Pearl High School, he went on to attend Fisk University where he began a lifetime of activism. Most notably he was part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a Freedom Rider in the summer of 1961 and an organizer for the historic March on Washington. For his civil rights work Rev. Wright has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey show, PBS, in the New York Times, and numerous museums of African American history. In 1962 he moved to Syracuse, NY where he continued his life of activism and service through the Congress of Racial Equality (C.O.R.E.) and as a life member of the NAACP. His career spanned social work, psychiatric care, drug and alcohol counseling, church leadership and prison ministry. Rev. Wright was ordained through the Northeastern District Baptist Association and furthered his theological education at the historic Colgate Rochester Divinity School. He faithfully served the Faith United Methodist Church as pastor, and as chaplain for the Onondaga County Justice Center. A lifelong advocate for women in ministry, he used these positions to give preaching opportunities to women who had been denied opportunity in their own churches. He remained a resident of Syracuse for more than 60 years. Rev. Wright is survived by his son Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Wright, 2 children by marriage; Eric and Amelia Winfree; 3 siblings and 4 grandchildren. Services will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Greater New Testament Missionary Baptist Church (1121 S. Salina St. Syracuse, NY 13202). Public viewing will begin at 9:00am with service following at 11:00am. Condolences can be sent to Gethers Funeral Services, 1520 South Ave. Syracuse, NY 13207 or Gethers_Trusts_God@verizon.net. GETHERS TRUST GOD 315-476-0157 Please leave Memories and Condolences on syracuse. com/obits
loudoun Heritage Farm Museum Blog
All Posts
Syracuse Chilled Plows by Fred Hinke
December 14, 2020
In a previous blog, “Is a Chilled Plow Very Cold?”, we highlighted the invention of the chilled plow. The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum has several plows, including plows manufactured by the Syracuse Chilled Plow Company. The company was a major plow manufacturer, employing over 300 people. From their 1900 product catalog, we know they had product distributors in Boston, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Columbus Ohio, Jackson Michigan, Madison Wisconsin, Marshalltown Iowa, and Wheeling West Virginia. In the early 1900s, they shipped over 100,000 plows a year all over the world.
Their 1900 product catalogue is seventy-one pages long and includes, in addition to dozens of different types of walking and riding plows, a wide variety of cultivators, harrows, haying tools, road scrappers and over 15 different models of wheelbarrows. This page shows a few of the company’s right-handed and left-handed plows.
Syracuse Chilled Plow Company Catalog
Syracuse Chilled Plow Company Catalog
One of these plows, the Model # 1, is a right hand 2 horse plow; the soil lifted by the plow is turned over and pushed to the right as the plow moves through the field. From the product description in the 1900 catalog, the plow weighs 138 pounds and cuts a furrow 5 to 8 inches deep and 12 to 15 inches wide and is “Unequaled for hard and stony ground”. Our own Syracuse Model # 1, first manufactured in 1878, is displayed in the Work Horse Collection Barn, which is open for special events and by appointment.
Right-handed Syracuse Plow Model #1
Right-handed Syracuse Plow Model #1
John Deere also manufactured plows but they didn’t sell very well. So, in 1910, John Deere, looking to expand their product line and sales, purchased the Syracuse Chilled Plow Company. The Farm Museum has a John Deere plow, but the Syracuse name and Syracuse Model # 30 are in raised letters on the backside of the plow moldboard. The plow was almost certainly manufactured in the Syracuse plant which continued in operation until 1955. The Model # 30 is a left hand 3 horse plow, weighs 170 pounds and cuts a furrow 6 to 9-1/2 inches deep and 14 to 16 inches wide. It is also displayed in the Work Horse Collection Barn.
John Deere Syracuse Model #30 - Left-handed
John Deere Syracuse Model #30 - Left-handed
Syracuse, John Deere, and other manufacturers sold a wide variety of both left hand and right-handed plows. But why both left handed and right-handed plows? For unknown reasons, farmers in Indiana and Ohio generally preferred left-handed plows; right handed plows were generally used everywhere else. Manufacturers had a significant incentive to only manufacture right handed plows including a reduction in inventory, spare parts, and tooling. In 1917 plow manufacturers entered into an agreement to discontinue manufacturing left handed plows; an agreement which would almost certainly have been a violation of antitrust law. Naturally, farmers who favored left handed plows rather strongly voiced their displeasure and the agreement died.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse police arrested two men they say took part
in an exchange of gunfire last month that damaged two homes and injured
a 79-year-old man.
Court papers filed in Syracuse City Court say the victim was shot in
the head, however, police have said a bullet pierced the windshield of
the victim's car and grazed the top of his head.
Police charged Miequin O. Cheese, 26, and Joe L. Washington Jr., 23,
with second-degree assault and first-degree reckless endangerment, both
felonies.
Cheese also was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a
weapon and a parole violation, for which he remains at the Onondaga
County Justice Center without bail, according to the county website.
There is no record of Washington at the county jail currently.
State prison records show Cheese served a 3 1/2-year sentence,
starting in December 2012, for a felony criminal possession of a weapon
conviction from Onondaga County. He was released from Willard, a drug
treatment campus operated by the state Department of Correctional
Services, in August 2016. He was scheduled to be released from parole
Nov. 22, 2018, records show.
Police say Cheese was a passenger in a 2005 Mazda Tribute that
Washington was driving when they "acted in concert" and "recklessly
engaged in conduct which created a grave risk of death to another
person" at 11:56 p.m. Oct. 18 in the 200 block of Furman St., court
records say.
Court records allege Cheese fired a loaded firearm at another person, in the exchange of gunfire.
Investigators have said they do not believe the 79-year-old man was the shooter's intended target.
After the man was shot, he drove himself down the street to the Furman & Salina Auto parking lot and asked for help.
When officers arrived, the victim was conscious and able to
speak, police have said. The man was then taken to Upstate University
Hospital in Syracuse for treatment.
This wasn't the first time Cheese was involved in a shooting, records show.
In 2008, Cheese, then 17, was the victim of a drive-by shooting
on Syracuse's South Side. In that shooting, Cheese suffered a gunshot
wound to his left arm, and the projectile traveled through his shoulder
and lodged in the base of his skull, according to a police report.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A Syracuse man has been accused of stabbing
a man to death during a Fourth of July gathering at Oneida Shores Park,
according to Onondaga County Sheriff Gene Conway.
Joe L. Washington, 24, of 1310 Midland Ave., Syracuse, was charged
Thursday with second-degree murder and third-degree criminal possession
of a weapon, Conway said.
Maurice B. Crawford, 26, of Syracuse, was stabbed the evening of July
4 during an argument at the Bartell Road park in Cicero. He was rushed
in a private vehicle to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse where he
died a short time later.
Valerie Mae Flanagan, 61, of Syracuse, passed away on Saturday.
She was born in Syracuse and lived in Atlanta Georgia for 26 years.
Valerie graduated from Corcoran High School, attended Spelman College
and was currently attending Syracuse University. She had a career in
human resources which included 14 years with the USPS in Atlanta and 12
years as an Administrative Assistant for Coordinated Care in Syracuse.
She was predeceased by her parents, Curtis "O'toole" and Fannie Mae Flanagan and brother, James A. Flanagan. She is survived
by her daughter, Maya Mae High of Syracuse; sons, Taj Shaheed Ferrell
of Atlanta, GA and Kemet Howard High of Syracuse; sisters, Linda
(Thomas) Martin and Janice (Phil) Turner both of Syracuse; brothers,
Billy (Kate) of New Paltz, NY, Melvin L. (Inez) of Syracuse, Johnny L.
(Dortha) of Syracuse, Ronald E. (Gloria) of Clay and Steven L. of
Syracuse; grandson, Zion Taj Mosley of Syracuse; several nieces and
nephews.
Calling Hours: Saturday, September 8th, 10-11:30 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11:30 a.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 149 Beattie Street, Syracuse.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mohawk Valley Jr. Frontiers, PO BOX 712, Syracuse Branch, Attn: Unice Elliot, Utica, NY 13503. Share condolences at www.faroneandsoninc.com
Published: Mar. 31, 2012, 9:48 a.m.
NEW!
By
Kheli R. Willetts | Guest columnist
2012-03-27-sdc-occmentoring.JPGStephen D. Cannerelli / The Post-StandardNanette Bustanoby mentored Omanii Abdullah when he was a child. The mentoring turned out to be the beginning of a life-long relationship.
Two months ago, a reader emailed and asked me to write about a local woman who had a significant impact in his life as well as the lives of other children growing up in the 15th Ward, on the South Side of Syracuse.
I am always interested in learning about people who are positive influences in the lives of children. Even so, this email had a special resonance.
The request brought to mind the words of sixth century B.C. philosopher Lao Tzu: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." In this case, the email suggested to me that one's journey through life often begins with a single act.
The email was from poet, playwright and entrepreneur Omanii Abdullah, of Syracuse. He was writing about Nanette Bustanoby, of Marietta, who worked at the Rescue Mission for more than 20 years, beginning in 1952.
Miss Bustanoby's single act was to care. That proved to be instrumental in shaping Abdullah’s world and how he lives his life today.
I was intrigued by his assertion. Why would a 6-foot-2 black man, who is Muslim, single out a petite Christian white woman as one of his greatest influences? How could they form a bond that has lasted more than 40 years?
So I contacted Abdullah and Miss Bustanoby. (I have to address her as Miss Bustanoby — even though she keeps asking me to call her by her first name. My upbringing and my respect for her 85-year journey is too great.) I also called two of Abdullah’s childhood friends, Larry Dowdell and Channie Myers. They share the same feelings about Miss Bustanoby.
Their stories begin in the 1960s, when as children Larry, Channie and young John Grace (Abdullah's name before he found his spiritual home in Islam) and their families went to the mission for Sunday school, church services, mid-week Bible study and camp, among other activities run by the mission and overseen by Miss Bustanoby. She provided a safe space for these young people who were living in a turbulent, politically charged and complicated era as cultural empowerment by African Americans was emerging.
Separately, Abdullah and Miss Bustanoby both recalled an incident to me. It offers insight into what makes their story so special, and it demonstrates the power that mentoring has in the lives of young people.
One day, Omanii came into the mission very upset because he was teased for being dark-skinned.
Omanii recalled, “Miss Bustanoby was very understanding. I could talk to her about things I couldn’t talk to my parents about.”
Miss Bustanoby, telling the same story, shared how she comforted him and began to explain “how some white people are not nice to black people because they don’t understand.” To Miss Bustanoby’s surprise, the child that had teased Omanii was not white but black, but she also knew it was important to offer comfort and support.
I believe this “single act” did something quite remarkable. Miss Bustanoby’s reaction showed Omanii that despite the political climate, there were white people who cared about and were aware of what was happening in the lives of black people, but it also it taught him and his friends that she saw them as black children and they were as important as everyone else.
Channie still remembers that about her mentor.
“Miss Bustanoby was a wonderful woman, great teacher, gentle and loving,” she said, later adding, “she could pull out the best in you, no matter your circumstances.”
Miss Bustanoby believes “it’s important to see race ... it matters.”
Omanii, Larry and Channie needed to be seen, to have their experiences recognized and validated. Miss Bustanoby did so by teaching black history in addition to scripture and the books of the Bible.
“Miss Bustanoby was a no-nonsense kind of person,” Larry reflected. “She taught us that if you are going to believe in something, you need to be very knowledgeable, read and study.”
In our conversations, all three said Miss Bustanoby’s lessons fortified them and helped them through challenging situations, even as they grew older. She created a love of culture, faith and humanitarianism that manifest in their lives today.
Kheli R. Willetts, executive director of the Community Folk Art Center, is a faculty member in the department of African American Studies at Syracuse University and an occasional columnist with The Post-Standard. Contact her at kheli_willetts@yahoo.com.
Valerie Mae Flanagan, 61, of Syracuse, passed away on Saturday.
She was born in Syracuse and lived in Atlanta Georgia for 26 years.
Valerie graduated from Corcoran High School, attended Spelman College
and was currently attending Syracuse University. She had a career in
human resources which included 14 years with the USPS in Atlanta and 12
years as an Administrative Assistant for Coordinated Care in Syracuse. 