Current Conversations: I-81 & Environmental Inequalities

ArtRage Gallery and Central Current are partnering to host a panel conversation exploring urban environmental challenges and inequalities here in Syracuse. The discussion will be centered around lead exposure and air quality as the Interstate 81 viaduct is removed and replaced.

The event will be held on Wednesday, October 15th from 5:30 to 7 pm at the ArtRage Gallery, located at 505 Hawley Ave. Admission is free, and drinks and appetizers will be served.

Featured Panelists:

• Lanessa Owens-Chaplin (Director of the Racial Justice Center, NYCLU)
• Oceanna Fair (Chair of Families for Lead Freedom Now!)
• Darlene Medley (community member, activist)

The panel will be moderated by Central Current reporters Debadrita Sur and Eddie Velazquez.

Drawing on similar themes, the exhibit currently on display at ArtRage is Najee Dorsey’s Poor People’s Campaign — described as "a powerful collection of work grounded in the environmental struggles of today’s impoverished communities." More information about the exhibit and the artist can be found on the ArtRage website.

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What are Current Conversations?

When we started Central Current in 2022, we made it part of our mission to engage with our local community. We’ve always focused our reporting on what matters most to Central New Yorkers. As we continue to grow our staff and our coverage, we’re also working to create new ways for our readers to connect with our team. We want to better understand which topics interest you and what information you need to know, so we can publish more meaningful stories.

To that end, Current Conversations brings you face-to-face with the people and issues shaping our city and region. These ongoing events are an opportunity to:

• Hear from local guest speakers
• Connect with other readers
• Engage with our journalists
• Learn about our reporting process

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Can’t make it? We will publish a video recording of the event on our website. To stay informed (1) Sign up for our newsletter and (2) Follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn as Central Current.

Host or Publisher Central Current