Willsboro, NY, Dec 04, 2009 — This week, New York's state Senate rejected a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. The North Country's three Senators, Darrel Aubertine, Betty Little and Joe Griffo all voted against the bill. The vote was a blow to gay rights activists. One of the most unlikely advocates for same-sex marriage is Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward. Sayward is a former dairy farmer who lives in Willsboro. She describes herself as a Roman Catholic and a conservative Republican. But after wrestling with homosexuality in her own family, Sayward has become a national spokeswoman for what she views as marriage equality. She has traveled to Florida and New Jersey to campaign for gay rights. Sayward spoke in depth with Brian Mann about her personal and political journey - and about this week's vote.  Go to full article

Jan 23, 2009 — A group of SUNY Potsdam students performs an excerpt from Amiri Baraka's play Slave Ship live in NCPR's studios. It chronicles African-American history from the 19th century slave trade to the civil rights and black power struggles of the '60s and '70s. "Slave Ship" will be performed at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Canton next month as part of Black History Month.  Go to full article

Jan 16, 2009 — For NCPR Station Manager Ellen Rocco, two stories of slavery add meaning to the Obama inauguration.  Go to full article

Sep 27, 2006 — The Rev. William Sinkford, preseident of the Untarian-Universalist Association, brought a message of pluralism, tolerance and justice to Canton this week. He spoke with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Jul 01, 2005 — A radical anti-gay group from Kansas plans to picket churches in Plattsburgh this weekend. The Reverend Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church have targeted Plattsburgh because the city's popular Republican Mayor, Dan Stewart, is an openly gay man. Stewart will host the Mayor's Cup celebration this 4th of July weekend. Phelps is an extremely controversial figure. His organization has begun picketing the funerals of soldiers who die in Iraq. A press release issued by his church says, "Thank God for improvised explosive devices killing Americans in strange lands." According to Phelps, the bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan are God's retribution for America's tolerance of gays. Brian Mann will be covering the story this weekend. He spoke with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Jun 22, 2005 — In the days before their deaths in Mississippi, in 1964, two civil rights activists from New York State visited the Adirondacks. Michael Schwerner, who was 24-years-old, vacationed with friends on Great Sacandaga Lake. Andrew Goodman, who was twenty, visited his family's retreat, Shelter Cove Camp, on Tupper Lake. Goodman grew up spending his summers at the lake. People there have worked to make sure that the Goodman name is remembered in the community. In 2002, they petitioned the Federal government to name a mountain in Andrew Goodman's honor. Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Jun 22, 2005 — In the summer of 1964, the civil rights struggle in the South seemed remote and unreal to many North Country residents. African Americans were rare in this part of New York State. Andrew Goodman's murder brought the conflict home for many people. On June 25, 1964, the Tupper Lake Free Press ran a local story about the case. Bill Frenette reads the entire article that ran that day.  Go to full article

May 29, 2003 — St. Lawrence County lawyers have joined lawmakers in Potsdam and Albany in voicing opposition to parts of the USA Patriot Act. They say the law violates some civil liberties. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Jan 07, 2003 — Last month the city of Burlington, Vermont joined two dozen cities across the country to pass resolutions against parts of the USA Patriot Act, saying it violates civil liberties. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Jan 18, 2002 — Gay rights advocates say 2002 presents the best chance ever for passage of a non-discrimination act in the Republican led New York State Senate. Now that Governor Pataki has made that legislation a top priority in is state of the state message. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article