In a groundbreaking move, the Stonewall National Museum & Archives Photography Exhibit, titled “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes,” is set to arrive at The City College of New York from April 29th to May 7th. This exhibition will showcase the rich history and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, with a special focus on renowned LGBTQ+ activist and actress, Laverne Cox.

The highlight of the event is the panel featuring the remarkable Laverne Cox, who has been a trailblazer and advocate for the transgender community. Cox’s addition to the exhibit solidifies her status as a hero and role model for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. She gained widespread recognition for her groundbreaking role in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black,” and made history as the first transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category.

The evening of May 7th promises to be one of enlightenment and empowerment. It will commence with the screening of the short film “There are Things to Do” by documentary filmmaker Mike Syers. This film tells the inspiring story of Urvashi Vaid, an Indian-born American LGBTQ+ activist, writer, and author. Through her work, Vaid has played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Following the screening, a discussion will take place with both the filmmaker and Laverne Cox, adding even more depth to the event.

The event also aims to pay tribute to LGBTQ+ advocacy within the City College community. CCNY student Shantal Rodriguez and CCNY alum Blaze Levario will be honored with the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership Urvashi Vaid Award for LGBTQ+ Advocacy. These two individuals have made a significant impact on campus, fostering inclusivity and promoting acceptance among their peers.

The executive director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, Robert Kesten, and the Richard J. Henley and Susan L. Davis Dean of CCNY’s Colin Powell School, Andrew Rich, will deliver special remarks, emphasizing the importance of the exhibition and event. Their presence highlights the significance of this monumental event in promoting inclusivity and acceptance.

The exhibit will be displayed at Shepard Hall’s Lincoln Corridor, providing an opportunity for students and community members to immerse themselves in the rich history and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. Those interested in viewing the exhibit can get more information by emailing events@ccny.cuny.edu.

This monumental event is co-sponsored by The City College of New York, CCNY’s LGBTQ+ Student Center, the Stonewall National Museum Archives & Library, The Foundation for City College, the Office of Institutional Advancement, Communications & External Relations, and the Colin Powell School. These organizations collaborate to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and fostering an environment of acceptance for all.

The “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes” exhibit, featuring Laverne Cox and the remarkable individuals involved, is an extraordinary opportunity for the community to celebrate and honor the strides made by the LGBTQ+ community. It is a showcase of heroes past and present, highlighting the importance of standing up, speaking out, and continuing the fight for a more inclusive and accepting society.

About The City College of New York
Since 1847, The City College of New York has provided a high-quality and affordable education to generations of New Yorkers in a wide variety of disciplines. CCNY embraces its position at the forefront of social change. It is ranked #1 by the Harvard-based Opportunity Insights out of 369 selective public colleges in the United States on the overall mobility index. This measure reflects both access and outcomes, representing the likelihood that a student at CCNY can move up two or more income quintiles. Education research organization Degree Choices ranks CCNY #1 nationally among universities for economic return on investment. In addition, the Center for World University Rankings places CCNY in the top 1.8% of universities worldwide in terms of academic excellence. Labor analytics firm Emsi (now Lightcast) puts at $1.9 billion CCNY’s annual economic impact on the regional economy (5 boroughs and 5 adjacent counties) and quantifies the “for dollar” return on investment to students, taxpayers and society. At City College, more than 15,000 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in eight schools and divisions, driven by significant funded research, creativity and scholarship. This year, CCNY launched its most expansive fundraising campaign, ever. The campaign, titled “Doing Remarkable Things Together” seeks to bring the College’s Foundation to more than $1 billion in total assets in support of the College mission. CCNY is as diverse, dynamic and visionary as New York City itself. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stonewall-museum-exhibit-standing-on-the-shoulders-of-heroes-comes-to-ccny-lgbtq-activist-laverne-cox-features-on-may-7-302127974.html

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge

In a heartwarming display of commitment to the environment and the Plover community, McCain Foods has fulfilled its promise by planting 18,000 trees throughout Wisconsin. This inspiring initiative was part of the company’s pledge to replace and increase the number of trees cut down for the expansion of their appetizer processing plant in Plover.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony:
Celebrating this remarkable achievement, McCain hosted a special ribbon-cutting ceremony in Plover last Friday. Howard Snape, the president of McCain Foods North America, expressed his pride in the company’s contribution. “With this initiative, McCain has added three times the number of trees we had to clear in Plover, beautifying the community while increasing its sustainability,” Snape shared. This event not only marked a milestone for McCain but also highlighted their dedication to fostering thriving communities.

Tree Planting Locations:
The 18,000 newly planted trees can be found in various locations, including the Douglas County Forest and throughout the Plover community. This carefully planned distribution ensures that the positive impact of the initiative is widespread. Local elementary schools, homes of growers, and the residences of McCain employees have all benefited from this sustainability effort. By incorporating trees into these areas, McCain aims to enhance the overall beauty and vitality of the community.

Commitment to Rural Areas:
With a network of 3,500 farmer partners worldwide, McCain has a significant presence in rural areas, often serving as the largest employer within those communities. The company values its role in creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering community development through donations, volunteering, and similar initiatives. The tree planting project is yet another testament to McCain’s dedication to these principles.

Sustainable Mission:
Sustainability lies at the core of McCain’s mission, as the company strives to celebrate real connections through delicious, planet-friendly foods. In line with global efforts to combat climate change, McCain has committed to reducing its emissions by 50% by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with the international push to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C.

A Greener and More Sustainable Community:
McCain Foods’ tree planting initiative showcases the company’s dedication to the environment and the communities it serves. By fulfilling their promise and planting 18,000 trees, McCain has not only beautified Plover but has also helped create a greener and more sustainable community. This initiative reflects their ethos of promoting environmental stewardship, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.

McCain Foods’ commitment to replanting and increasing the number of trees cut down for their expansion project in Plover is truly commendable. By planting 18,000 trees throughout Wisconsin, they have not only fulfilled their promise but have also made a significant positive impact on the environment and the Plover community. McCain has once again demonstrated their dedication to sustainability, showcasing their determination to make a difference for future generations.

About McCain Foods USA
McCain Foods USA is a leading supplier of frozen potato and snack food products for the foodservice markets, retail grocery chains and private label brands in restaurants and supermarket freezers across the country. McCain Foods USA Inc., headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, employs 4,000 people and operates production facilities in Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, Washington and Wisconsin. https://www.mccainusafoodservice.com/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge

In a display of unity and generosity, Baltimore’s major league franchises, the Orioles and the Ravens, have joined forces to donate $10 million towards the recovery efforts following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. The donation will be channeled through the Baltimore Community Foundation’s “Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund,” aiming to provide financial assistance to the families of victims, port workers, first responders, and others impacted by this devastating event.

New Orioles owner, David M. Rubenstein, emphasized the city’s resilience in the face of adversity, noting that the donation reflects a commitment to supporting those who play pivotal roles in maintaining the city’s operations. Ravens owner, Steve Bisciotti, expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, acknowledging the bravery and dedication of the first responders involved in the rescue efforts.

The collapse, triggered by a container ship losing control and striking a pier, resulted in the tragic loss of six construction workers with two individuals fortunate to be rescued from the river. This catastrophe has undoubtedly shaken the community, but the response from the Orioles, Ravens, and the wider Baltimore community speaks volumes about their solidarity and determination to stand together during times of crisis.

As the city mourns the lives lost and works towards recovery, the support from these sports franchises serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity. The resilience and strength displayed by Baltimore and Maryland in the wake of this tragedy are a testament to the unwavering spirit of its people. Through collaboration and compassion, the community is coming together to heal and rebuild, showcasing the true essence of unity in the face of adversity.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/baltimore-ravens-orioles-donate-10-million-key-bridge/story?id=108945428#:~:text=The%20Baltimore%20Ravens%20and%20Baltimore,Baltimore%20Strong%20Key%20Bridge%20Fund.

About the Key Bridge Collapse

Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024, at 01:27 EDT (05:27 UTC) due to a collision with a Singapore-registered container ship named MV Dali. The ship lost power and hit the southwest supporting pier of the main truss section. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the bridge was built before the use of redundant support structures, which are now commonly used in modern bridges. The NTSB stated that these structures would have prevented the collapse.

During sonar exploration, it was discovered that several vehicles were submerged underwater, and two individuals were rescued alive from the river. Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, acknowledging that the situation could have been much worse. However, the actions of the ship’s crew, who sent a distress signal, and the workers on the bridge, who prevented other vehicles from crossing the bridge moments before the collapse, helped to save many lives. Following the incident, insurers are expected to face multi-billion dollar losses due to damages, business disruptions, and liability claims.

An eight-worker repair crew was working on a bridge when a collision occurred. It is believed that the crew members are the only victims of the disaster. During the search and rescue operation, two of the victims were found inside a red pickup truck, submerged under 25 feet of Patapsco River water, near the mid-span of the collapsed bridge. Due to the unfavorable water conditions, further search operations have been suspended. (Wikipedia)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Scott_Key_Bridge_(Baltimore)

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