SeanKirst
@seankirst.bsky.social
Columnist with The Central Current, journalist-in-residence at Le Moyne College, occasional TedX speaker, author, friend to Mattydale Terriers, Godfather of global Tolkien Reading Day, lifetimer in Upstate America, 51 years & counting as working journalist
Reposted by SeanKirst
Gary Kabeya, 24, was detained by federal agents on Oct. 31. A judge on Thursday granted bond.
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
Immigration judge grants release of asylum-seeker who was volunteering across Buffalo
Gary Kabeya, 24, was detained by federal agents on Oct. 31. A judge on Thursday granted bond.
buffalonews.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Gary Kabeya, 24, was detained by federal agents on Oct. 31. A judge on Thursday granted bond.
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
I tell students of journalism: The ending is everything. Piece by Jere Longman of NYT on passing of Robert Stirm, American POW whose homecoming is shown in this iconic Slava Veder image: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/o...
November 20, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I tell students of journalism: The ending is everything. Piece by Jere Longman of NYT on passing of Robert Stirm, American POW whose homecoming is shown in this iconic Slava Veder image: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/o...
Went to Canandaigua for 231st anniversary of treaty signing last week with Mike Greenlar, legendary photojournalist with deep perspective - here’s Greenlar image of revered Haudenosaunee Tadodaho Leon Shenandoah leading treaty procession on 200th anniversary, 1994. My column:
November 19, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Went to Canandaigua for 231st anniversary of treaty signing last week with Mike Greenlar, legendary photojournalist with deep perspective - here’s Greenlar image of revered Haudenosaunee Tadodaho Leon Shenandoah leading treaty procession on 200th anniversary, 1994. My column:
Typically stunning work by photographer Mike Greenlar for my column on the annual commemoration of the treaty of Canandaigua - including return of longtime organizer Peter Jemison of the Seneca Nation, at moment when treaty’s meaning as imperative as ever. My piece:
November 18, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Typically stunning work by photographer Mike Greenlar for my column on the annual commemoration of the treaty of Canandaigua - including return of longtime organizer Peter Jemison of the Seneca Nation, at moment when treaty’s meaning as imperative as ever. My piece:
At Canandaigua this year, a generational commitment to lasting power of 1794 treaty by direct descendant of Timothy Pickering - whose family still has wampum given by Haudenosaunee as enduring bond. My Central Current column, with Mike Greenlar images: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-c...
Sean Kirst: Centuries later, original wampum still evokes living truth of Canandaigua
At an annual remembrance, generational witnesses to the flesh-and-blood commitments of a treaty.
centralcurrent.org
November 18, 2025 at 4:15 PM
At Canandaigua this year, a generational commitment to lasting power of 1794 treaty by direct descendant of Timothy Pickering - whose family still has wampum given by Haudenosaunee as enduring bond. My Central Current column, with Mike Greenlar images: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-c...
At The Central Current, Chris Libonati writes with power of Syracuse couple - one spouse from France - ICE agents at door, plans now to self-deport to avoid a husband being detained, probable result departure of couple considered vibrant stalwarts of Hawley-Green: centralcurrent.org/before-the-d...
Before the deportation
ICE agents on Veterans Day came looking for a French national and the husband of a beloved Hawley-Green business owner. Now, a new life.
centralcurrent.org
November 12, 2025 at 3:37 PM
At The Central Current, Chris Libonati writes with power of Syracuse couple - one spouse from France - ICE agents at door, plans now to self-deport to avoid a husband being detained, probable result departure of couple considered vibrant stalwarts of Hawley-Green: centralcurrent.org/before-the-d...
As part of my column on the possible beautification - think illumination! - of a forlorn Erie Canal monument in Syracuse, Mike Greenlar’s photos of a hidden and dramatic 185-year-old canal bridge downtown raise one giant question: Why can’t this be part of Creekwalk?
November 11, 2025 at 10:27 PM
As part of my column on the possible beautification - think illumination! - of a forlorn Erie Canal monument in Syracuse, Mike Greenlar’s photos of a hidden and dramatic 185-year-old canal bridge downtown raise one giant question: Why can’t this be part of Creekwalk?
On Veteran’s Day, Joe Watson’s daughter recalls how he was ‘overwhelmed’ by torrent of birthday cards for his 103rd birthday in August, many from graying Central New Yorkers who saw a reflection of their own mothers or fathers in the tale of this WW II veteran:
November 11, 2025 at 10:08 PM
On Veteran’s Day, Joe Watson’s daughter recalls how he was ‘overwhelmed’ by torrent of birthday cards for his 103rd birthday in August, many from graying Central New Yorkers who saw a reflection of their own mothers or fathers in the tale of this WW II veteran:
A few months ago I wrote about Joe Watson, a World War II vet about to turn 103. His family has a message of gratitude to all of you on Veterans Day, for your response. My piece for The Central Current: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-o...
Sean Kirst: On Veterans Day, Joe Watson's family has a message for Central New York
Gratitude over love and support for a 103-year-old World War II vet., a symbol of the veterans community, writes Sean Kirst.
centralcurrent.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:57 PM
A few months ago I wrote about Joe Watson, a World War II vet about to turn 103. His family has a message of gratitude to all of you on Veterans Day, for your response. My piece for The Central Current: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-o...
What happens when you set the great Mike Greenlar free to roam with his camera: Some images for my column today about a ‘forlorn’ Erie Canal monument … Mike captured some spots where you can still touch original canal in Syracuse.
November 11, 2025 at 2:09 PM
What happens when you set the great Mike Greenlar free to roam with his camera: Some images for my column today about a ‘forlorn’ Erie Canal monument … Mike captured some spots where you can still touch original canal in Syracuse.
Two centuries after opening of Erie Canal, 1935 Syracuse monument made of stones from canal meant to commemorate exact route - but few know what it is. Two museums hope to hunt down long-missing plaques. My Central Current column, with beautiful Mike Greenlar art: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-t...
Sean Kirst: Two centuries after Erie Canal transformed Syracuse, museums seek lost plaques that make the point
One of world's leading experts on the Erie Canal recalls how an Erie Boulevard monument, now missing key plaques, ignited his childhood curiosity.
centralcurrent.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Two centuries after opening of Erie Canal, 1935 Syracuse monument made of stones from canal meant to commemorate exact route - but few know what it is. Two museums hope to hunt down long-missing plaques. My Central Current column, with beautiful Mike Greenlar art: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-t...
Reposted by SeanKirst
James Cook is back in Miami, the city where, at 3 years old, he kept interrupting his brothers' football practice because he wanted to be part of their team.
Miami is also where he blazed his own path, one that helped him become a top NFL running back.
buffalonews.com/sports/profe...
Miami is also where he blazed his own path, one that helped him become a top NFL running back.
buffalonews.com/sports/profe...
November 9, 2025 at 1:14 PM
James Cook is back in Miami, the city where, at 3 years old, he kept interrupting his brothers' football practice because he wanted to be part of their team.
Miami is also where he blazed his own path, one that helped him become a top NFL running back.
buffalonews.com/sports/profe...
Miami is also where he blazed his own path, one that helped him become a top NFL running back.
buffalonews.com/sports/profe...
Tale of Sharon Owens becoming mayor of Syracuse really began more than 60 years ago, when her 19-year-old mother left Florida home & Jim Crow conditions to travel North alone in search of better life. In speech, Owens thanked elders who understood so well. Michelle Gabel image:
November 6, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Tale of Sharon Owens becoming mayor of Syracuse really began more than 60 years ago, when her 19-year-old mother left Florida home & Jim Crow conditions to travel North alone in search of better life. In speech, Owens thanked elders who understood so well. Michelle Gabel image:
A whole lot of no-paywall Election Day reading from the growing staff of the nonprofit Central Current: centralcurrent.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:55 PM
A whole lot of no-paywall Election Day reading from the growing staff of the nonprofit Central Current: centralcurrent.org
On day Sharon Owens became first Black mayor in 178-year annals of Syracuse, she campaigned at the Syracuse Dunbar Center ... whose "settlement house" history represents deep forces that shaped her life. My Central Current column, with Mike Greenlar images: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-a...
Sean Kirst: As Owens becomes mayor, a stop at Dunbar is testament to epic length of shared journey
Like so many in the city's Black community, Sharon Owens holds deep family gratitude for the meaning of a "settlement house," writes Sean Kirst.
centralcurrent.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:22 PM
On day Sharon Owens became first Black mayor in 178-year annals of Syracuse, she campaigned at the Syracuse Dunbar Center ... whose "settlement house" history represents deep forces that shaped her life. My Central Current column, with Mike Greenlar images: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-a...
Reposted by SeanKirst
You have to appreciate the care that went into the color-matching on the wigs
In a Syracuse auto garage, on one wet Halloween, silver beards, heavy metal, communal notion of the world as one Dave Brown. My Central Current column, based on surprising sight as I waited for our car: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-o...
Sean Kirst: On one wet Halloween, in a Syracuse garage, being Dave Brown
It was a joke, sure, but at an auto shop with deep Syracuse history, something more, Sean Kirst writes.
centralcurrent.org
November 2, 2025 at 3:58 PM
You have to appreciate the care that went into the color-matching on the wigs
I was waiting for my car at mechanic’s Friday when I noticed how all the guys working on the cars seemed like they had the same kind of 1980s hair … before I realized what was really going on, tale that was gut-deep funny, but also with touch of sadness and tribute. My column:
November 2, 2025 at 3:34 PM
I was waiting for my car at mechanic’s Friday when I noticed how all the guys working on the cars seemed like they had the same kind of 1980s hair … before I realized what was really going on, tale that was gut-deep funny, but also with touch of sadness and tribute. My column:
In a Syracuse auto garage, on one wet Halloween, silver beards, heavy metal, communal notion of the world as one Dave Brown. My Central Current column, based on surprising sight as I waited for our car: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-o...
Sean Kirst: On one wet Halloween, in a Syracuse garage, being Dave Brown
It was a joke, sure, but at an auto shop with deep Syracuse history, something more, Sean Kirst writes.
centralcurrent.org
November 2, 2025 at 1:03 PM
In a Syracuse auto garage, on one wet Halloween, silver beards, heavy metal, communal notion of the world as one Dave Brown. My Central Current column, based on surprising sight as I waited for our car: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-o...
Seventy-five years ago, Earl Lloyd shattered
NBA racial barrier, in Rochester. Five years later, in Syracuse, he & Jim Tucker - close friends for life - were first Black players on NBA champion. Contemporaries like Bill Russell, with deep gratitude for Earl, understood: His impact remains alive.
NBA racial barrier, in Rochester. Five years later, in Syracuse, he & Jim Tucker - close friends for life - were first Black players on NBA champion. Contemporaries like Bill Russell, with deep gratitude for Earl, understood: His impact remains alive.
November 1, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Seventy-five years ago, Earl Lloyd shattered
NBA racial barrier, in Rochester. Five years later, in Syracuse, he & Jim Tucker - close friends for life - were first Black players on NBA champion. Contemporaries like Bill Russell, with deep gratitude for Earl, understood: His impact remains alive.
NBA racial barrier, in Rochester. Five years later, in Syracuse, he & Jim Tucker - close friends for life - were first Black players on NBA champion. Contemporaries like Bill Russell, with deep gratitude for Earl, understood: His impact remains alive.
Earl Lloyd always emphasized groundbreaking achievements of others, but such contemporaries as Bill Russell understood: When Earl shattered NBA racial barrier 75 years ago, he began profound transformation in basketball. My Central Current column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-a...
Sean Kirst: A moment for honoring Earl Lloyd, Syracuse legend who shattered NBA racial barrier 75 years ago today
The late Earl Lloyd was a humble guy, but his contemporaries understood: His courage helped transform American basketball.
centralcurrent.org
October 31, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Earl Lloyd always emphasized groundbreaking achievements of others, but such contemporaries as Bill Russell understood: When Earl shattered NBA racial barrier 75 years ago, he began profound transformation in basketball. My Central Current column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-a...
Delores Howard used to tell me she’d be in the kitchen, doing dishes, and she’d hear the front door - and long after she lost him, for a split-second, she’d think it was Wallie. Thirty-five years after her oldest son gave his life for this community, my column:
October 31, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Delores Howard used to tell me she’d be in the kitchen, doing dishes, and she’d hear the front door - and long after she lost him, for a split-second, she’d think it was Wallie. Thirty-five years after her oldest son gave his life for this community, my column:
Thirty-five years after Syracuse Investigator Wallie Howard Jr. was slain in line of duty - and two years after death of his mom Delores, who shouldered the public memory for decades - a younger brother reflects on loss and legacy. My @Central_Current column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-t...
Sean Kirst: Thirty-five years after death of Wallie Howard Jr., family circles of ongoing love and legacy
Wallie's brother Wayne, at 60, reflects on staggering impact of the lives of too many in his family, lost too soon.
centralcurrent.org
October 30, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Thirty-five years after Syracuse Investigator Wallie Howard Jr. was slain in line of duty - and two years after death of his mom Delores, who shouldered the public memory for decades - a younger brother reflects on loss and legacy. My @Central_Current column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-t...
For a group of teens from Lockerbie, a @syracuseu.bsky.social Flight 103 remembrance ceremony, in cold rain, reinforced idea of lifetime mission based on magnitude of so many lost. My Central Current column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-i...
Sean Kirst: In cold rain, Flight 103 rose laying at SU reinforces lifetime missions
Ten young visitors and their teachers from Lockerbie find Syracuse bond the sorrow of a shared loss, Sean Kirst writes.
centralcurrent.org
October 28, 2025 at 1:40 PM
For a group of teens from Lockerbie, a @syracuseu.bsky.social Flight 103 remembrance ceremony, in cold rain, reinforced idea of lifetime mission based on magnitude of so many lost. My Central Current column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-i...
The @washingtonpost.com identified nine major cities with the best claim to being the greatest sports city in the nation. @davelevinthal.com makes a passionate argument on why Buffalo ought to be first in line: www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/int...
Opinion | What is America’s best sports city? Nine compete for the crown.
Grit, glamour and green energy define some of the nation’s top sports towns.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 25, 2025 at 12:03 PM
The @washingtonpost.com identified nine major cities with the best claim to being the greatest sports city in the nation. @davelevinthal.com makes a passionate argument on why Buffalo ought to be first in line: www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/int...
The Central Current - which is hosting a Syracuse mayoral debate Thursday at the @eversonmuseum.bsky.social - has released its new election guide, including strong and thorough Q and As with all the mayoral candidates: centralcurrent.org/onondaga-cou...
Onondaga County elections guide 2025
Central Current reporters have conducted policy-focused Q&As with city and county candidates. See what they said.
centralcurrent.org
October 22, 2025 at 8:17 PM
The Central Current - which is hosting a Syracuse mayoral debate Thursday at the @eversonmuseum.bsky.social - has released its new election guide, including strong and thorough Q and As with all the mayoral candidates: centralcurrent.org/onondaga-cou...