Posts Tagged ‘Diversity’

Monday, October 24, 2022

Report: NY has more work to do to be more inclusive, accessible

accessibility

The New York Outdoor Recreation Coalition and the Open Space Institute released a report on how the state needs to do more when it comes to making open spaces and parks more inclusive, equitable and accessible. This issue was part of our solutions reporting on how to make sure the Adirondack Park is welcoming for all people. You can see our series on solutions to visitor management here: https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/solutions.

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, August 12, 2021

Safety in numbers: Outdoor Afro’s Adirondack outings

Outdoor AfroA couple of weekends ago, I paddled along with a group of mostly first-time Adirondack canoeists as they watched loons and enjoyed the soothing waters of Little Green Pond and Little Clear Pond — adjacent water bodies near Paul Smiths and the St. Regis Canoe Area wilderness. It was a rare occasion in this park when I stood out for the color of my skin — white. And that was by design.

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, June 26, 2021

Indian Lake banners celebrate diversity

indian lake bannerSoon visitors, permanent and summer residents and travelers along NYS Routes 28/30 will be greeted with banners welcoming everyone to the Town of Indian Lake.  The banners read “All Are Welcome Here” followed by the new Indian Lake Logo and multicolored hand-prints framing the perimeter. 

The banners are the result of a partnership between the Indian Lake Equality and Justice Committee (Committee) and the Indian Lake Town Council (Board).  Funding for the banners is coming from private and organizational donations.  The Town Highway Department will install the banners on designated utility poles.  

In response to numerous events demonstrating racial intolerance both at the national and regional level, a resolution was proposed and approved last July by the Board endorsing the Town’s commitment to be a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all.  In part, the resolution reads:  “WHEREAS, it is essential that the Town of Indian Lake commits itself to ensuring equality, equal justice and opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation”.  The resolution further encourages all residents to take actions to support that goal.   

The Committee was formed to demonstrate through the creation and sponsorship of activities, that our community is truly committed to equality and justice for all.  In addition to the Banner Project, the Committee was an active participant in the Hamilton County Police Reform and Reinvention Collaboration Plan; providing input to the plan by suggesting additional considerations to include the use of body cameras and policies for their use.  As the Committee moves forward it will partner with the County, Town, community organizations, local businesses, religious institutions and the Indian Lake Central School to enhance awareness of social issues and to be more tolerant and welcoming toward others different from ourselves.  


Wednesday, January 15, 2020

ADKX, Wild Center Working on Diversity

The Adirondack Experience (ADKX) and The Wild Center have received significant grant funding to advance their own diversity goals and those of the region.

The funding is expected to enable them to conduct research and staff training, and revise internal policies and procedures. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency, is supporting the initiative with a $211,874 grant from its “Museums Empowered” program. Empire State Development (ESD)’s “Market New York Program” will provide an additional $129,945 in funding. » Continue Reading.


Thursday, November 14, 2019

Adirondack Diversity Initiative Hires Director

Nicole Hylton-PattersonThe Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI) has hired its first director. Nicole Hylton-Patterson of Bronx, N.Y., will take on the leadership position for the Initiative, which aims to make the Adirondack region a more welcoming and inclusive place for all residents and visitors.

Hylton-Patterson, acting director of a Westchester County college’s social justice center, will begin serving as ADI’s diversity director on December 2, 2019.  She will be based at The Adirondack North Country Association’s office in downtown Saranac Lake. » Continue Reading.


Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Diversity, Inclusion Drive Saranac Lake’s Hip Vibrancy

Lake Flower in Saranac Lake courtesy wikimedia user MwannerI have spent a fair amount of time in Saranac Lake and have come to very much appreciate “The Little City in the Adirondacks.” While I recognize that tourism is a vital part of its economic identity, I have always seen Saranac Lake as a community distinctly of and for its residents, possessing quite a different feel than the international resort atmosphere found in its neighbor Lake Placid.

Yet Saranac Lake’s variety, its youthful vibe, its cultural amenities and its sophistication belie its small-town size (a shade over 5,000 people) and gives it a more urban feel than one would expect to find smack dab in the middle of the Park.

But if I already knew that Saranac Lake was a nice, even surprising town, it took participation in the inaugural Saranac Lake Street Fest last month to discover that it deserves a much more rarified descriptor. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Saranac Lake is hip. » Continue Reading.


Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Adirondack Diversity Initiative Seeks Director

The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA), on behalf of the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, is welcoming applicants for the Initiative’s Diversity Director position. The new director will join ANCA’s staff at the regional nonprofit’s Saranac Lake office.

The Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI) is a volunteer-run collaboration of organizations and individuals who develop and promote strategies to help the Adirondack Park become more welcoming and inclusive to all New Yorkers, including visitors, seasonal residents and permanent residents.

» Continue Reading.


Saturday, June 22, 2019

Kelly Metzgar on LGBTQ Pride Month

stonewall 50th anniversaryJune is LGBT Pride Month, a time when LGBTQI+ community members, family, friends and advocates acknowledge and celebrate the gift of diversity that is unique to each of us. Many municipalities host “Pride Parades” where LGBTQI+ community members outwardly profess their rights to live freely and openly as themselves. This is also a time to acknowledge the many accomplishments of LGBTQI+ community members both past and present as well as mark strides in our current social/political arenas. » Continue Reading.


Saturday, June 1, 2019

A North Country Man Exposed Racism, Confronted It, and Helped Bring About Change

In the late 1970s, the New York State Human Rights Commissioner was about to find the Plattsburgh Elks Club guilty of violating state laws against racial discrimination. Rather than acquiesce, the club opted for a drastic, self-punishing move: refusing all public rentals of its facilities rather than allow local blacks to rent them. Surrendering their official “public accommodation function” (under state regulations, renting the building or grounds to anyone) was accomplished by adopting a new rule: “The use of the club’s facilities and accommodations shall be granted only to members of the Elks, to sodalities, auxiliaries, and other organizations associated or affiliated with the Elks, and to their guests.” » Continue Reading.


Saturday, May 25, 2019

1970s Plattsburgh Elks Resisted Local Integration

Context is everything. So, without cherry-picking, here’s the exact, complete quotation from a longtime member and former leader defining a prominent group in Plattsburgh back in 1976. “The Elks are a fraternal organization based on the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. Membership is open to men 21 years of age or older who are citizens of the United States, believe in God, and have not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral issues. There is no discrimination against race, religion, politics, economic status, or any other circumstances.” » Continue Reading.


Sunday, April 28, 2019

2019 First-Time Camper Program Registration Opens

DEC logoThe NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) have announced that New York will once again provide free First-Time Camper weekends this summer. Families that have never camped before will have the opportunity to enjoy the popular outdoor activity and be provided equipment, guidance, and programs at select campgrounds. » Continue Reading.


Saturday, March 9, 2019

Remembering Jackie Archer: A North Country Inspiration (Conclusion)

At Plattsburgh’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration in 1990, Chairperson Vivian Papson shared a personal recollection of Jackie Archer with the Press-Republican’s Anne Smith:

“The first time I made contact with Jackie was in 1987. My introduction to her was a firm yet musical voice on the phone saying, ‘I’m Jacqueline Archer. I live in Plattsburgh and I think that this community needs to have a way to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday. I would like to organize a commemorative gathering; would you be interested in working with me?’ Everyone is very proud of Jackie. She is confined to a wheelchair but has tremendous spirit and interest in the community. She is unbelievably active.” » Continue Reading.


Thursday, February 28, 2019

Adirondack Global Festival Returning to Lake Placid

I’ve always tried to present a global view to my children, but it is always easier to bring them somewhere to help them understand how diverse a world we live in.

Music, art, and dance are a universal language. Coming off the heels of the successful Petrova Elementary School Cultural Fair, The Adirondack Global Festival continues to use the arts as a way to bridge cultural gaps. » Continue Reading.


Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Jackie Archer: A North Country Inspiration (Part 3)

Jackie Archer In early 1967, Jackie Archer, president of Plattsburgh’s NAACP chapter, twice addressed the Beekmantown PTA, once on the subject of teen drinking, and later about the importance of maintaining mental health.

When Black Power stories filled the media, she gave interviews to the press, explaining that whites needn’t fear violence. “They think Negroes want to take over, but they only want the rights that have been promised them.” she was quoted saying. “Some laws have helped the status of the Negro… but are only a scratch on the surface. If the men in Newark or Detroit had jobs they would not be rioting.” » Continue Reading.


Sunday, February 24, 2019

Global Arts Festival in Lake Placid

adirondack global arts festivalHarlem-based Mwenso & the Shakes and Brooklyn-based Alsarah & the Nubatones will be the headlining performers at the 2019 Adirondack Global Arts Festival in Lake Placid March 7-9th.

The Adirondack Global Arts Festival is an annual community event that was created with the purpose of promoting culturally diverse arts programming in the Adirondacks. The festival this year includes opportunities for the whole family to engage in exploring world culture and arts. » Continue Reading.



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