Juneteenth in CapNY: 4 Changemakers Paving the Way

“Juneteenth is important because it is the beginning of our history.”
– Lashawn Hawkins, Founder of the I Can Breathe and I Will Speak organization in Fulton County New York
  • CapNY Celebrations

June 19th. Many Americans know that date as Juneteenth, a federal holiday that acknowledges and commemorates the legal ending of slavery in the United States of America. For Black Americans across the country, Juneteenth is our independence day as we honor the end of suffering for those who endured the hardships of slavery. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in the United States June 17, 2021, after President Biden signed it into a federal law. On Juneteenth weekend, organizations throughout CapNY hosted events where people can get together and celebrate the holiday.

  • Amplifying Voices in Albany

In Albany, there were many events celebrating the holiday. The Underground Railroad Education Center, a nonprofit in Albany located on Livingston Avenue, hosted the JuneTEENth Freedom Day Celebration. The celebration was put together by the center’s Young Abolitionist Leadership group, who planned the event, invited numerous vendors including Allie B’s Kitchen, and held activities and presentations for the community.

When asked about the event, cofounder of the center Paul Stewart stated, “Juneteenth is important to this organization because it celebrates the freedom of the African American people in the United States. I am delighted that the young people from the Young Abolitionist Group stepped up and did the work for this event. It had such a great turnout.”

The Underground Railroad Education Center’s mission is to rediscover the full complex history around the Underground Railroad and share it with the community. The center focuses not only on the routes that were taken with the railroad but also the journey of people who made those choices to take the route. Since the nonprofit was established in 2003, the center was able to uncover the railroad’s relationship with other places outside of America including places like Britain, Mexico, and Canada. “This is important work and we need to do this. We need to act on this,” says Stewart.

In addition to this event, families in Albany were able to participate in the Juneteenth celebration held at Ten Broeck Mansion. Located in Arbor Hill, the second oldest neighborhood in Albany, Ten Broeck Mansion held an arts and garden program that honored the holiday by sharing the history of African plants. These plants were then planted into the Mansion’s community garden. “There is such a rich beautiful history associated with these plants that not many know about. Having the opportunity to share this on Juneteenth is very special and important for us to do,” says executive Director of Ten Broeck Mansion, Kathryn Kosto.

Kosto further states, “Ten Broeck Mansion is part of a neighborhood with a lot of children and seniors. We love having the opportunities to give back to them. To make the museum more welcoming. We get the best reviews from our families who come to our events, they’ll invite others to come and join in on the fun.”

The nonprofit focuses on the initiative of sharing the history of Ten Broeck with the Arbor Hill neighborhood and the Capital Region. Ten Broeck Mansion offers many ways for everyone in the community to get involved. They host a free teen camp that supports the arts in the form of making movies, they hold free tours of the mansion where the share the history of it and will be hosting free children’s programs in the summer. “We are trying to be more inclusive and serve the needs of the community. We do a lot, but I still feel there is more we can do,” Kosto states.

  • Giving Back in Gloversville

Not directly in CapNY, but just adjacent to the west, in Gloversville, the I Can Breathe and I Will Speak nonprofit held an event at a local café. Lashawn Hawkins, founder of the organization states, “I knew nothing was going to happen here for Juneteenth, there is such a lack of education or care about it here. It being now a federal holiday, I knew we needed to bring more awareness and celebrate.”

At the event, Hawkins screened a documentary about the organization and had support from the mayor in Gloversville and the Gloversville Police Department. I Can Breathe and I Will Speak is a nonprofit that was created to bridge the gap between community and law enforcement, ultimately strengthening the relationship the people have with one another.

Hawkins, the founder of the organization, made it her personal goal to give back to the young people in her area after having her own difficult time in Gloversville. “Gloversville and Fulton County was the most racist place I’ve ever been when I first moved here. It was non- inclusive, and I knew I wanted to say something, but I didn’t know how then.” When social injustices began to arise during 2020, including the unjust murder of George Floyd, Hawkins went out to protest peacefully. “Young people reached out to protest with me, but me being a mother, I knew I didn’t want to lead them that way. So, I chose to start the nonprofit instead, “she says.

Since creating the nonprofit, Hawkins has given back to her community in many ways. She hosted a job fair, held a back-to-school event for people in need of supplies, and organized a Halloween event during the pandemic where the nonprofit would go to registered houses and deliver candy to kids safely, so that they can still enjoy the Halloween experience. She even put together a “Christmas Eve Car Sleigh” where parents can register how many kids they had, and she would bring toys to the families on Christmas Eve to give to their kids. When asked what motivates her Hawkins states, “The future of the Children here in my community. The kids.”

  • Creating Supportive Spaces in Saratoga

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation celebrated Juneteenth with a “Summer Stroll” event over Juneteenth weekend. The Summer Strolls series is an event that happens every Sunday in the summer season and is hosted by the foundation; this event invites community members to take walking tours around historical areas in Saratoga. On Juneteenth, the foundation hosted a special stroll, led by author Carol Daggs who was able to share more history about the holiday and its relationship with Saratoga.

Membership and program director Nicole Babie believes Juneteenth is important to the foundation stating, “Juneteenth brings important conversations that this country needs to have. The history of Slavery, it can get swept under the rug but that’s important to talk about and recognize.”

The foundation works to strengthen the voices of the community. They hold black history month programs and women’s history month programs. The foundation also uses the history of the buildings in Saratoga to help the community learn and build together with one another. “What drives me everyday is being able to tell the stories of Saratoga Springs that people find both relatable and interesting. We are so much more than the racecourse and there is so much history here and that’s what our organizations preserves. It’s very exciting,” Babie says.

Sunday Summer Stroll spotlights Brandtville community for Juneteenth (WRGB), Credit: CBS 6
  • Written by: Naava Dae

5 Young Black Leaders: CapNY Influencers

Updated: July 2025

For these five up and coming black leaders, leadership is more than just leading a group or organization.
Each of them shows their love for the community in the work they do. Their stories showcase the beauty and outcomes that strong leadership provides.
  • Adaviah Ward: Guiding youth of a future to success!

Adaviah Ward, 26, is one of our young black leaders as a teacher at KIPP/ Albany Community Charter School. A native of the South End of Albany, she observed community problems like gun violence and drug use. These became powerful influences on her approach to leadership. She says, “These things made me want to impact change and do what I can for the young people in my area. I think Albany has endless good opportunities to offer.”

Adaviah’s love for young people led her to be a strong community leader. As a teacher she gets opportunities to impact her students. “My greatest accomplishment as a leader is being able to work with my students and watch them grow. I definitely pride myself in this each day,” she says.

She believes strong leadership starts with who you are as a person, because it’s important for people to be comfortable with you. Adaviah feels it’s important to show responsibility, accountability, and the ability to remain open minded to growth and guidance. Adaviah knows she exhibits these qualities when she leads, saying, “I am personal with my story. I am receptive and open to guidance. And I am consistently working to get better. I have the heart of a leader.”

Ignorance as an Opportunity for Growth

As a young black leader, Adaviah notices the assumptions that are made about the black community by people not of color. She says, “People who don’t look like us already having thoughts about us. They can be ignorant of our gifts and authentic selves.” But this doesn’t stop Adaviah; instead, it fuels her want to be better. She says, “When someone tells me I can’t, my goal is to prove them wrong. It becomes an opportunity for both of us. It teaches them not to label others and it helps me grow more into the leader I aspire to be.”

Adaviah’s inspirations comes from the community that she serves. She speaks on her family and how each of them play a huge role in her life: her mother’s strength, her father’s determination, her siblings’ encouragement, and her grandparents’/godmother’s religious support all helped shape her qualities as a leader. In addition to her family, Adaviah’s friends and coworkers keep her focused on her goal of continually making change in her community.

  • Deontae Guy is committing to positive leadership opportunities!

The next young black leader in this series is 19-year-old Deontae Guy. A full-time student at Ithaca College, Deontae is involved with the school’s student government, and he will be running for student body president. He also is a member of the public safety department and the information technology department.  In addition to his involvement at school, Deontae is a licensed youth and young adult minister, preaching sermons to inspire congregations to live a Christian life.

Deontae genuinely loves to lead. The qualities that he believes are necessary are being vocal, staying true to yourself, and being committed to your goal. He says, “Commitment is key because as leaders we stand for something greater than ourselves.” His three brothers/mentors, Michael Poindexter, Randy Stith, and Liam Staley, all offer him their support, giving him advice in his spiritual leadership as a minister, and how to balance Christianity in daily life outside of church. It was with their help Deontae was able to grow into a stronger leader.

Learning To Be a Young Black Man in a Predominently White Society

Deontae’s environment also encouraged him to develop strong leadership skills. He was born in Albany but lives in the Clifton Park area. He says, “There [Clifton Park] I had to learn to be a young black man in a predominantly white society.” He faced some racial discrimination, especially by administration at the all-white high school he attended. But Deontae wasn’t letting those difficulties hold him back. He says, “While I couldn’t do things the way I wanted then, I could take the experience of people using my blackness against me and pour it into my leadership. I could help bring solutions to those problems.”

Deontae receives his motivation through God. “I’ve tried hanging in the back, but I don’t think I can get away from [leadership]. I think being a leader is just who I am. When God gives you the talent, you can’t run from it. Leading is what I’ve been called to do!”

  • Theresa Ford is creating safe places for everyone to heal!

Theresa Ford, 26, is a licensed master social worker located in the Capital Region. Additionally, she is working on becoming a doula, and is a healing jeweler. Born in Harlem, NY, and living in NYC most of her life, Theresa noticed a big difference between her hometown and the Capital Region. But her ability to lead is something she can do anywhere, and she has chosen to do so in the Albany area.

To Theresa, leadership is all about honoring safety in yourself and your community, being responsible and sustainable, and valuing what your community looks like. “I do that every day. Encouraging other people to share by creating those safe spaces,” she says.

Healing Herself And Others

Through her leadership, Theresa is able to heal not only herself but others, and that motivates her to keep going. In addition to healing, she encourages others to unite and lead in their own lives.  She takes an active role in many young people’s lives. “I am supporting them while they heal. And this is changing the dynamics of their lives and their household. Their world is becoming more positive because of my work.”

Theresa gets a large amount of motivation from her family including her late grandmother. “Even though she isn’t physically here with me, I have a strong connection with my grandmother. I think it is important to connect with your elders especially when leading,” she says. Theresa also receives support and strength from her mother and coworkers. Theresa’s biggest leadership achievement was continuing to work and inspire through 2020 despite all the challenges that it presented. She says, “I worked the whole year as a therapist and a jeweler. I kept true to myself in a moment of adversity. I’m proud of myself for that.”

  • Ozymandias Mercy Morris Jr. is inspiring through his connections!

Ozymandias Mercy Morris Jr., 27, is a direct support member for the company Lexington Arc, where he supports people with disabilities. He also has a successful art platform on Instagram where he shares his music and love for positive mental wellness. All of these roles in Ozymandias’ life demand strong leadership skills. And Ozymandias definitely possess them!

Using Connections As Community

As a young black leader, Ozymandias builds connections with the people around him. “I’ve lived in Albany my whole life. I lived uptown and downtown; I’ve had friends from different hoods and suburbs. All of these environments gave me new perspectives as I navigated different communities and social systems. That is important to leadership.” He emphasizes learning from people around you, which can only happen when you’re actively seeking connections. “Being there for each other is necessary. Especially for the younger generation, because they need that guidance,” he says.

Ozymandias’ greatest accomplishment is the development of a music program for kids at the Albany Public Library. Impacting young lives for the better is extremely rewarding for him. He says, “Leadership is being able to produce, connect and inspire. I was able to inspire and connect with the kids over my music program. I am happy I was able to do that for them.”

  • Arielle V. King is prioritizing healthy communities for all!

Having integrity. Using really good listening skills. Knowing how to problem solve in a group effectively. Being confident in yourself and your team. Staying loyal to the groups you lead. These are some of the qualities that make good leadership in the eyes of 22-year-old Arielle V. King.

Arielle is a law student located in the DMV area in Washington DC. Her main focus is her environmental justice career path, which will help her advocate for cleaner and healthier communities. She also pushes herself to make other impacts, too. She helped found the club E.L.E.V.A.T.E 518, an all-female club in the Capital Region that is designed to bring women together and bring more visibility to political issues that concern them.

Strong Role Models in the South End

Growing up in the South End of Albany, Arielle always had strong leaders to look up to. She says, “I felt so loved and supported growing up because of the networks I’ve made. Seeing people that look like you in roles that you want is so empowering.” Among the people she admired growing up is her mother, who continues to inspiration Arielle in how she leads today. She also receives support from other black leaders in Albany as well as black women in her career field. She says, “There have been so many men and women who have supported me. They know who they are, and I am grateful for each of them.”

Though Arielle is doing various forms of leadership in her life right now, she believes the biggest accomplishment she made was during elementary school. She says, “In the winter during fourth grade I noticed other kids walking to school without a hat or scarfs. I knew that wasn’t right, and I went to my mom to figure out how I could help.” Arielle began raising awareness of the issue and asking her community to donate winter gear so that she could distribute it to schools for kids who need them. Her initiative provided hundreds of children with coats and winter gear. This coat drive is something that the Capital Region is still doing today. She says, “I think my greatest achievement is still yet to come, but being able to make an impact at such a young age was really amazing!”

This is just a peek into the lives of these young black leaders as they continue their work to making the world a better place. 

  • Written by: Naava Dae

CapNY Community: Free Food Fridge Albany

Jammella Anderson, the founder of Free Food Fridge Albany, wanted to make fresh, perishable food available to marginalized communities.

Food accessibility was already an issue, and the pandemic compounded these problems. So Jammella and a group of volunteers decided to take action with a community food project in Albany.

  • Times Magazine Recognizes Jammella

In the March 2021 edition of Time Magazine, Jammella was recognized as a woman making a difference in her community. Oh, and she was featured on the cover!

The article starts, “Just before 3 p.m. on a warm Wednesday in February, 30-year-old Jammella Anderson—­donning heart-shaped glasses, a Black Lives Matter tee and 2-in. platform boots—strolls up to a small bicycle-­repair shop just north of Albany, NY. She’s here to persuade Troy Bike Rescue to let her use an electrical outlet so she can plug in a new refrigerator just outside the shop’s front door.

Click here to read the full article!

  • How the Free Food Fridge Began

29-year-oldAlbany resident, Jammella Anderson, has always been concerned about food security. “It’s part of my personal journey and quest,” says Anderson. “I wanted to work with underserved communities because I am a black woman.”

“And I know, being someone who has grown up without that security was really difficult. So this has a personal place in my heart.” As a result of Covid, Jammella and a few friends came together with the idea of a food fridge. “Other cities like New York have similar projects, going with more of a give-some-take-some idea. My idea is a restoration project,” Anderson says. “Thankfully, we received a lot of media presence, so people were really excited to help amplify it,” she explained. And she has successfully raising money to support the food fridge project for the past 10 months.

  • Supporting the Free Food Fridge Project

Anderson is grateful for all forms of support, but she outlined some specific ways that you can get involved. “The members of the community with the financial means can support the mission financially. This allows us to provide food for the fridges through donations to the project,” explained Anderson. “Monetary donations are a huge help.” You can find Free Food Fridge Albany on PayPal by searching for freefoodfridgealbany@gmail.com. Or, you can Venmo @Jammella-Anderson or use Cash App at $JammellaAnderson.

If you’re looking for other ways to contribute, they’re always looking for fresh foods. For example, perishable items like milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, and any meal enhancers you can think of. “If you want to donate food regularly, we can assign you specific things for a specific fridge,” explained Anderson.  One time donations are certainly welcome, but the Free Food Fridge goal is to create sustainability. On their website, you can also see what volunteer positions they’re looking to fill like fridge managers, and administrative work. Even artists can help by making the fridges beautiful! 

  • Where to Find A Free Food Fridge and How it Works

If you need food, you can just walk up to a Free Food Fridge and help yourself – simple as that. If you want to put food in the fridges, you must first contact the organization.

“We want to help monitor what’s going in and out and it’s crucial that we abide by health rules and regulations,” explained Anderson.

Click here to locate one of the Free Food Fridges!

  • Connect with The Free Food Fridge
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jess kelly
  • Written by: Jessica Kelly

Jess is a journalist and photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment. She’s written for over 10 different local publications in New York State, in addition to the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, AAA Northeast, Eater, Dame Traveler, Food52, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Kitchn, AAA World Magazine, Thrillist, and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Adventures.Are.Waiting.

Kaciem Swain Has A Vision: CapNY Entrepreneur

Kaciem Swain was born and raised in Arbor Hill and the South End of Albany, in an underserved community. His plan was to move away when he had the chance, but for his whole adult life, he’s stuck around to serve those very same communities he grew up in.

Currently, Kaciem Swain is in the midst of launching a few entrepreneurial ventures, including Capital Curbside. His goal is “to hire creatives of color, bring them into my company, give them equity in it.” We were curious to learn more…

  • How did you become an entrepreneur?

I’ve worked for several corporations, and I tried to contribute ideas or to get them to see things differently, but they didn’t want to. I’ve been working since I was nine. My dad told me it was time for me to start learning how to make money. I was always mowing lawns or helping him with some side hustle. My father taught me how to take care of myself so I could help take care of others. I’ve been entrepreneurial my whole life. I also work part-time for AVillage, where I instilled my vision of a Night Market.

  • Can you talk a bit more about the South End Night Market and its mission and importance in the Albany community?

AVillage has always been an advocacy platform that focuses on social justice issues, including economic and health disparities in the community. Originally, the organization started running a small farmers market on Saturdays. I didn’t think it fit what the community or market needed at the time. I had a vision for a night market where people could stop by when they get out of school or on their way home from work. We decided that the South End Night Market would run on Thursdays from 4pm – 7pm. This would be best way to reach the people who need access to food, fresh veggies, etc.

This space was designed for black people and people of color to come and create equity, ownership, and black wealth. We’re currently looking to add more black vendors to the market.

  • Aside from the Night Market, you’re launching Capital Curbside. Tell us about your vision for this new business.

After the market launch, I started thinking…what if there was a way for these foods to be delivered to people who can’t make it to the market? What if there was a more economical delivery service for markets & restaurants? The amount of money GrubHub and DoorDash are taking from restaurants is substantial. I started asking myself, what is a better way to serve small local restaurants and provide a better service than these apps? That’s where Capital Curbside comes in.

In January, I signed a lease for a new restaurant in Troy (more to come on that) and in March, when COVID-19 became more serious, I decided to get Capital Curbside going. These common app based services have no standard operating procedure across the line for PPE. The drivers aren’t concerned with building relationships with the restaurants. All of our workers are on payroll and we have a weekly team meeting. We’re starting deliveries this week! Please visit our website and give us a call if you’re interested in learning more about our services.

  • What piece of advice would you like to leave fellow entrepreneurs and/or our readers?

You don’t need to work for somebody else. Ultimately, what you’re giving to a company is your intellectual and creative capital. I’m always looking for people who are willing to collaborate, do the work themselves, and share equity in a project. A lot of times we want to come into a pre-developed infrastructure and make change when ultimately, you can be the change yourself.

  • Connect with Kaciem Swain & Capital Curbside
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  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

Gabby is a brand strategist, entrepreneur, real estate investor, matchmaker, & hypewoman. She is also the Lead Consultant on the CapNY Brand Initiative. She lives in Schenectady with her poodle Mochi and 60+ houseplants. Check out her website!

CapNY Community Impact: Street Soldiers

The amazing spirit of CapNY’s generosity shines bright in Street Soldiers.
What started in 2016 as a small grassroots effort by founders Renee and Mike Fahey has grown into a tri-city initiative that helps hundreds of people every week.
  • Providing Essentials

On Thursdays in Troy, Fridays in Albany and Sundays in Schenectady, those who are struggling know that they can turn to Street Soldiers for a hot meal and much, much more. Anyone visiting a Street Soldiers event will find tables of essentials such as food, clothing, toiletries, appliances, pet supplies. Other donations are always available. It’s all based on genuine kindness – no questions asked, and no paperwork. “We don’t have any red tape,” Renee said. “If you need something, we’re there.” 

Maura Furey is the site coordinator for Street Soldiers Schenectady.

With an extensive network of volunteers, donors and partnerships, they serve approximately 400 community members each week. In Albany, where the program first started they serve 100, another 100 in Troy, and up to 200 in the most recently established Schenectady site.

  • The Street Soldiers Story
Founders, Mike and Renee

Renee has made a habit of helping those less fortunate than herself since childhood, through small acts like providing blankets or buying meals for people in need. She’s expanded that initiative to a much larger scale over the years.

Renee started Street Soldiers at a difficult time in her life. “It’s always kind of been in my heart, but when I lost my dad in 2016, I needed an outlet,” she shared. So, she and her husband Mike went out in Albany on a Friday night with a card table, some soup and sandwiches. “We met probably four or five guys that night,” she recalled. “After that, we went back the following Friday – same time, same location. Word of mouth just got out on the street. We kept going back, we saw the need. And we saw the appreciation that they had for us putting in our time to go out.”

Friends started getting involved after Renee posted on social media. Through their donations and volunteering Street Soldiers was born.

  • Four Years of Growth

Over the past four years, the Albany program has grown from a couple of volunteers and one small table to 25 six-foot tables, set up by dozens of volunteers each week. To further fulfill needs in a neighboring city, in 2018 extended its reach to Troy. This operation grew in a similar manner, through word of mouth and assistance from lots of volunteers.

Under the direction of local resident Maura Furey, a third site was established in Schenectady in 2019. This has quickly become the largest volume location for the organization.

Volunteer Rich Brown proudly sports his Street Soldiers shirt

With sites now operating in the region’s three largest cities, each week Street Soldiers is making a difference in the lives of hundreds of people throughout the CapNY community.

  • My Experience
200+ people visit Street Soldiers each week

Recently, I checked out Street Soldiers firsthand, and I was extremely impressed. Every week they hold an outdoor event, no matter the weather conditions. “We’re outside in the elements with them,” Renee said. “Rain, shine, blizzard. We’ve been out in it all.”

On a particularly cold afternoon I visited the Schenectady site. Though the temperature was below freezing, spirits were still high. Volunteers made sure that each individual in line had gloves or mittens, and even hand warmers if necessary. The Street Soldiers at this site kept everything operating smoothly. At a time when Covid-19 is of great concern, I felt entirely confident that this event was safe. Proper protocols are in place the whole time, no exceptions. When talking with some of the volunteers, even with masks on, it’s easy to see they truly care.

More than one Street Soldiers representative told me they look forward to this event all week. I suspect this has to do with the sense of community that Street Soldiers has created over the years. “Street Soldiers is like being part of a family, an extended family” Maura said. “It’s created a lot of lifelong friends.”

As a community, Street Soldiers has safely and successfully brought people together, spreading some goodness throughout CapNY, despite the pandemic. “Being on the street, being involved with volunteers, and meeting the people firsthand that you’re helping is such an incredible experience,” Maura said, “to not just know you’re making a change but to be there for the change.”

Over 200 people visit Street Soldiers Schenectady each Sunday at 4pm, at Zion Lutheran Church
  • Getting Involved
Volunteers Amelie and Bri smile under their masks while helping their community

As the Faheys’ reach continues to grow, its mission remains simple: to lend a helping hand. “Nobody has ever gotten through life without help,” Renee said,. So, basically we are just there to do what we can when we can.” The organization is constantly seeking more helping hands to keep expanding the effort.

Age is no limit to volunteering. “We think it’s really important that kids are involved,” Renee said. “It teaches them empathy. It shows them that you shouldn’t be judgmental, and everybody needs help at some point in life, as a stepping stone.”

  • Connect with Street Soldiers

Each community location has its own Facebook page:

Albany / Troy / Schenectady

To learn more about volunteer opportunities or how to make donations, message the Facebook page of the community you would like to help. Not sure what to donate? Check out the Amazon Wishlist for each site!

Albany / Troy / Schenectady

Make monetary donations online. Click the links associated with the location you’d like to donate to: 

Albany / Schenectady

  • Written by: Lauren Halligan

CapNY native Lauren Halligan is a lifelong Saratoga County resident. She studied journalism at The College of Saint Rose in Albany. She has worked as a full time reporter for The Saratogian and The Record newspapers for the past seven years. Her favorite part of living in the Capital Region is frequenting the local live music venues. Lauren also enjoys exploring the many parks and nature trails within the area, as well as traveling around the globe.