On the evening of June 5, 2025, Troy's city council held a symbolic vote on the annual resolution recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride Month. For many reasons, this year's vote had a heightened sense of importance for Troy's LGBTQ+ community and allies from across the Collar City and Capital Region, including a local councilmember's opposition to the resolution which drew the attention of residents and advocates who sought to change his mind.

This episode draws heavily on the public comment of countless Troy residents who spoke out that evening. The original audio source is here.

Listen to our 2024 interview with Meagon Nolasco (Collar City Pride): https://troystorypod.com/chapter-08

Show Notes:

• Troy councilman votes against Pride Month support resolution (Albany Times Union, June 7, 2025)
• Tensions over Pride in Troy on display at latest council meeting (WAMC, June 6, 2025)
• Video: A Message from Collar City Pride (Instagram)
• Collar City Pride to Move Festival from Troy (Albany Times Union, April 27, 2025)
• Collar City Pride Festival plans to leave Troy, orgs pull out of city-sponsored Pride events (Troy Record, April 29, 2025)
• Mayor Madden Signs First-Ever Pride Month Proclamation, June 2019
• Stonewall Uprising (Documentary) - AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLwE45vd80A

Credits:

Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records

Visit troystorypod.com for upcoming episodes, guests, and bonus content.

Connect with Troy Story on:

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In this episode, we take a closer look at the life and accomplishments of Garnet Douglass Baltimore, one of Troy's most famous Black citizens. Baltimore, a civil engineer and landscape architect, was the first Black graduate of RPI (1881) and designed Troy's Prospect Park.

Many thanks to Suzanne Spellen for sharing her research and archive of materials for this episode.

Episode Notes:

• Spellen of Troy
• Video: Suzanne Spellen on Garnet Douglass Baltimore
• Hart Cluett Museum

Credits:

Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records

Visit troystorypod.com for upcoming episodes, guests, and bonus content.

Connect with Troy Story on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• YouTube
• Bluesky

Co-owner of the The Pickle, Collectiveffort, and Upstate’s Cold Brew, Jamel Mosely walks us through his decision to purchase a bar and music venue in downtown Troy, landing the front cover of Metroland Now, and the twists and turns that shaped his long career in multimedia, production and entertainment. We also explore his decision to leave the corporate world behind and become his own boss, along with memories of attending RPI.

Episode artwork photo: Adrian Lewis

Credits:

Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records

Visit troystorypod.com for upcoming episodes, guests, and bonus content.

Connect with Troy Story on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• YouTube
• Bluesky