Today is Saturday, January 27, the International Day of Commemoration in the Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, commemorating the victims who died and suffered during the Holocaust before and during World War II. Thursday, February 1 is World Hajab Day, an annual event that encourages people of all backgrounds to experience wearng a hajib, a tranditional headscrapf worn by many Muslim women. February 1 is also the start of World Interfaith Harmony week established by the United Nations to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. February 1 is National Freedom Day in the United States. This day commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1865, which abolished slavery. Friday, February 2 is the Presentation of Christ commemoration celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith. Also known as Candlemas, the day commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem. February is Black History month.
Quote of the Week:
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher..”, Oprah Winfrey.
Featured Civil Rights Activist/Abolitionist/Leader for this week: Oprah Winfrey, American television personality, actress, and entrepreneur, January 29, 1954 – present
Oprah Winfrey | Biography, Talk Show, Movies, & Facts | Britannica
EVENTS:
Here is what is going on in the Rochester area:
1. Our friend, Nanette Massey is hosting the 3rd part of her 3 part program titled “Reckoning With Racism for Nurses” today Saturday; January 27 from 2 – 4 PM. See updated details with video introduction below.
The video message can best be viewed here:
2. The MLK Jr. “Living the Dream” series takes place in Pittsford at the United Church of Pittsford with 4 different dates in January. See link below for information. There is still 1 date left. Bill Wynne advises that the earlier events are recorded and placed on Youtube.
https://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/content/mlk-living-dream-series-building-coalition-love
3. RIT’s 42nd Expressions of King’s Legacy program featuring keynote Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. To register, see below.
Expressions of King’s Legacy | Diversity and Inclusion | RIT
4. There will be a Town Hall Meeting – “Intersectionality of Poverty in Rochester” tentatively scheduled for February 9, 2024, interested stakeholders please contact Jalil Muntaqim at the link below:
5. Bill Wynne shares information and a link to Virtual Antiracist Education Conference titled ‘JOY, COMMUNITY, RESISTANCE, SUSTAINABILITY’, Saturday 3/2, 9:00 – 3:30 PM.
Information is below with a link to the free registration form below that.
http://tinyurl.com/acpcon2024
6. The Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative is pleased to present “Poverty, by Rochester: A Conversation with Matthew Desmond” at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6 at Innovation Theater.
The #1 New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer-Prize winning author returns to Rochester to continue the conversation about poverty. In his most recent book “Poverty, By America,” the acclaimed sociologist draws on history, research, and original reporting to show how affluent Americans knowingly and unknowingly keep poor people poor and how all Americans can become “Poverty Abolitionists.”
Desmond will present his new book and its findings – along with potential solutions to poverty in America – during this lively event, including an audience Q&A and a book signing.
For tickets go to:
Poverty, By Rochester: A Conversation with Matthew Desmond via Th (thundertix.com)
More information about the event can be found here:
Poverty by Rochester
NEWS, HISTORY & RESOURCES:
7. Do you know the lyrics to the “Black National Anthem”? You can find them on the “Resources” page. We have provided a link below as well.
8. Nanette Massey wrote the following article related to the seminar “”Reckoning With Racism for Nurses” that she produced (see item #1).
9. Richard Glaser shares 2 items;
a. An article from the Washington Post titled ‘He’s 14. He’s been to five funerals. Can he avoid his own?’.
b. Will minority firms get their fair share of Bills Stadium?
10. Alan Ziegler shares an article describing the impact of racism on a people that many of us have forgotten, the “boat people”.
11. The Commission on Racism and Structural Equity (RASE) Housing Community Advancing Recommendation Team (CART) has been active seeking solutions to protect renters rights and affordable housing for the Greater Rochester area. Below is a piece of legistation proposed to streamline the process for Faith-Based Affordable housing. To join the Housing or any of the eight (8) CART teams check out this site RASE (rocrase.com)
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S7791
12. Here is the Urban League of Rochester – The Interrupter Newsletter:
Second Annual Upstate NY Supplier Diversity Summit (mailchi.mp)
13. We share one item from the latest edition of the CNN Newsletter Race Deconstructed this week, there are two more at “racedeconstructed@newsletters.cnn.com”.:
A Virginia tribe says racism wiped their Native identity from historic records. Nearly a century later, they’re still fighting for recognition
https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/20/us/patawomeck-tribe-federal-recognition/index.html
14. Two articles are provided below from this week’s Beacon; ‘A portal for learning about racism and local history’
a. https://rochesterbeacon.com/2024/01/23/a-portal-for-learning-about-racism-and-local-history/
b. ‘Bull’s Head revitalization plan previewed’
Bull’s Head revitalization plan previewed
15. This latest article from the Pink Elephant Newsletter by Dr. Janice Gassam Asare; “5 Ways DEI Has Been Ineffective and How We Make It Better”.
(15) 5 Ways DEI Has Been Ineffective And How We Make It Better | LinkedIn
16. Bill Wynne provides an update on the failed improvements in Pines of Perinton renovation project. Community action is needed to correct this unfortunate situation.
17. There are 5 articles that deal with Race, Poverty, Hate or Intolerance found in D&C over the past week.
a. NY rep wants $14 trillion in reparations for Black Americans (A big number is proposed, on an individual it may be reasonable, but…).
b. 1866 civil rights law used to challenge equity policies (have people of all races been treated equal in the past?).
c. Free speech or inclusivity? Tensions rise on campuses (Students increasingly favor curbs on speech that marginalizes). Part I
d. Free speech or inclusivity? Tensions rise on campuses (Students increasingly favor curbs on speech that marginalizes). Part II
e. U Prep gives up on move to suburb (remember the African Proverb “the child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.”).
OPPORTUNITIES:
18. The Urban League of Rochester has opened its Black Scholars Common Scholarship Application process. The deadline to apply is April1, 5:00 PM. See link below for information.
Scholarships — Urban League of Rochester (urbanleagueroc.org)
19. Jennifer Suppe shares information on the 2024 Greater Rochester Chamber MWBE Awards. See information at the link below:
20. Joseph Searles shares information on the 2024 Ibero American Action League Scholarhip program. See below.
21. The Community Foundation (RACF) provides scholarships and awards helping students achieve their goals in education and life. Check out the link below.
Rochester Area Scholarships and Award Resources – Rochester Area Community Foundation (racf.org)
Please share any opportunities for employment, assistance, grants, etc. that you are aware of with the community by sending them to “tcmitch1951@gmail.com”.
SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES:
22. Support the Black Community by supporting their businesses. Please share Black businesses you support and value. A good resource is “Black Owned in Rochester”
Black Owned Businesses Rochester NY Black-Owned In Rochester (blackownedinrochester.com)
23. Looking for a Home Cleaning Service? Below are some recommendations:
24. It is not too early to get ready for Valentine’s Day. Black Owned in Rochester provides all the information you need for a great day. Check them out at the link below.
That is all for this week!
If you have an item to include in the week’s sharing we need to have it by noon Fridays.