November 19 anniversary gala will celebrate six years of organizing for justice, recognize Clean Slate champions, and feature keynote speaker Alicia Garza.
HUDSON, NY – November 11, 2026 — As New York prepares for full implementation of the Clean Slate Act in 2027, the Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition (HCHC) is bringing together the organizers, advocates, elected officials, and directly impacted community members who helped turn years of grassroots advocacy into a historic statewide victory.
On Thursday, November 19, HCHC will celebrate its sixth anniversary with a gala themed “We Cleared the Way: Clean Slate. Collective Freedom.” The evening will recognize the people and communities who helped advance the landmark legislation while reaffirming HCHC's commitment to housing justice, racial equity, and lasting change.
Signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in November 2023, the Clean Slate Act establishes a process for automatically sealing eligible criminal records after specified waiting periods, helping remove barriers to employment, housing, education, and economic opportunity for New Yorkers with conviction histories.
From Local Organizing to Statewide Victory
HCHC was among the grassroots organizations advocating for Clean Slate long before the legislation became law. In September 2021, Hudson became the first municipality in New York State to pass a resolution endorsing the Clean Slate Act. That early victory helped pave the way for other municipalities to take a stand, strengthening the statewide movement for Clean Slate.
Alongside directly impacted New Yorkers, community advocates, and statewide partners, HCHC helped demonstrate that meaningful change begins when communities organize and demand it.
“Clean Slate didn't happen because people in power suddenly decided to do the right thing. It happened because directly impacted people, grassroots organizations, and communities across New York organized and demanded change,” said Quintin Cross, Interim Executive Director of HCHC. “As we approach implementation, we're celebrating what grassroots organizing made possible while recognizing that the fight for justice is far from over.”
Honoring the Movement Behind Clean Slate
HCHC's sixth anniversary gala will recognize Clean Slate champions and community leaders who contributed to the movement, including New York State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Michelle Hinchey.
The celebration will feature a keynote address by Alicia Garza, co-creator of Black Lives Matter and founder of Black Futures Lab. Garza's work has helped shape national movements for racial justice and political power, emphasizing the importance of investing in Black-led organizations and building strong multiracial coalitions.
Earlier that day, Garza will facilitate a free Community Leadership Workshop at the Hudson Area Library, bringing together grassroots leaders and community partners for an interactive discussion about shared challenges, organizing strategies, and building lasting power.
The workshop and gala reflect HCHC's commitment to honoring the movements that have created change while preparing the next generation of community leaders to carry that work forward.
Beyond Clean Slate: The Fight for Justice Continues
While Clean Slate represents a significant victory, HCHC continues to confront the systemic barriers that prevent residents from building stable and secure lives.
This week, the organization released the third installment of its Voices From Our Communities video series, featuring residents of Albany, Hudson, and Catskill sharing their experiences with rising housing costs, displacement, deteriorating rental conditions, and barriers to homeownership.
Watch the latest video: https://youtu.be/uowiT8q3diw
Media note: The video is available for sharing and embedding in news coverage.
Their stories underscore why HCHC's work continues beyond legislative victories. Whether fighting to remove barriers created by criminal records or organizing to protect residents from displacement, the goal remains the same: ensuring that people have the opportunity to live with dignity, stability, and freedom.
We cleared the way. Now we keep moving forward.
Join HCHC for Its 6th Anniversary Celebration
Community Leadership Workshop with Alicia Garza
Thursday, November 19, 2026
1:00–3:00 PM
Hudson Area Library, Hudson, NY
Free admission; registration required
Register: https://bit.ly/hchc-workshop
HCHC 6th Anniversary Gala
We Cleared the Way: Clean Slate. Collective Freedom.
Thursday, November 19, 2026
6:00–9:00 PM
Elks Lodge, Hudson, NY
Keynote Address: Alicia Garza
Reserve tickets: https://bit.ly/rsvp-hchc-gala
Members of the press are invited to attend and cover the anniversary celebration. Media interested in attending, arranging interviews, or learning more about HCHC's Clean Slate organizing are encouraged to contact the organization in advance.
About the Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition
The Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition is a Black-led nonprofit advancing housing justice, education equity, and criminal justice reform across the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. HCHC leads the Albany Free School and works across generations to build grassroots power through organizing, advocacy, and cultural programming. In partnership with community members, HCHC creates space for Black, Brown, low-income, and working-class families to thrive.
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Media Contact:
Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition
communications@hudsoncatskillhousing.org
