The smell of yellow rice and Cuban sandwiches wafted through the air as visitors energetically discussed human rights and feminism at the Community Folk Art Center on Saturday night. It was the third night of the second annual Caribbean Cinematic Festival, which brought filmmakers, dancers, poets and photographers together to celebrate the culture of the Caribbean islands.

Making the cut. Whether it’s styled short, long, buzzed or any other form imaginable, it’s a skill that’s widely respected.

Men trust their barbers to take the concept of self-expression they desire and make it a reality.

“There’s just a bunch of different elements that go into it, outside of that one quick haircut that you get,” said Dexter McKinney, a graduate student in the public diplomacy program at Syracuse University. “For the most part, if my barber’s not available, I’ll go without a haircut for a while.”

At 16 years old, Renee Curkendall told her mother that she wanted to have six children with special needs when she grew up. When she met her husband, Peter, she warned him not to ask her out unless he was up for the challenge.

Now in their mid-forties, Renee and Peter have six children between the ages of 5 and 21, four adopted and two biological. All but one has significant physical and developmental impairments, ranging from cerebral palsy to bipolar disorder. Renee says that each child’s story draws her to them and motivates her to provide them with a strong loving home.

Democrat Sam Roberts soundly defeated Republican John Sharon with 67 percent of the vote to win a second term as Syracuse assemblyman.

The two candidates were vying for the state's newly designated 128th Assembly District that represents the towns of Salina, Onondaga, DeWitt and parts of Syracuse.

Known for his personable character, Roberts always seems eager to interact with his constituents.