Press

ALBANY, NY – Albany County District Attorney David Soares will speak about hate crimes on Thursday, June 10 at the New York State Museum as part of a series of June programs to be held at the Museum in recognition of Gay Pride Month.

In a presentation that will take place in the Huxley Theater at 7 p.m., Soares will draw on his own experiences as a person of color and talk about offenses that have occurred in the Capital Region and around the nation in explaining why hate crimes should be a matter of concern to everyone.

A graduate of Albany Law School, Soares was elected district attorney in 2004 in what was characterized as a “stunning political upset.” His outspoken and sometimes controversial views have garnered him extensive national attention and recognition.

Other Museum programs include a panel discussion on Tuesday, June 8 at 7 p.m. in the Huxley Theater focusing on the history of the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council (CDGLCC). The oldest continuously operating organization of its kind in the nation, CDGLCC is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

On Saturday, June 12 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., the Museum will hold Family Diversity Day, a celebration of the diversity of family life featuring hands-on educational activities for children. Mayor Gerald Jennings has declared June 12 Family Diversity Day in the city of Albany. In addition to the Museum’s activities, there will be outdoor events at Washington Park, including live music on the stage.

Further details about State Museum Gay Pride events are available by calling (518) 473-2936.

Established in 1836, the State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located at the Empire State Plaza on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free and the Museum is fully accessible. Further information about Museum programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website at .

www.nysm.nysed.gov