Today is Saturday, March 22. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar is being observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community from the evening of Friday, February 28 through the evening of Saturday, March 29th. March is Women’s History month, an annual observance to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. Tuesday, March 25 is Feast of the Annunciation, a Catholic celebration of the announcement made by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus, Son of God. At sunset on Saturday, March 29 the Islam faith celebrates Eid al-Fitr the breaking of the fast, Ramadan.
Quote of the week: “I’m trying every day, when I meet a new human being, to not have the first thought that comes into my mind be, ‘Are they going to like me?’ I’m allowed to say, ‘I like this, and I don’t like that.’” Keegan Michael Key born March 22, 1971 – present; American actor, comedian, and screenwriter.
Featured civil rights activist/abolitionist/pioneer: Keegan Michael Key born March 22, 1971 – present; American actor, comedian, and screenwriter.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Keegan-Michael-Key
EVENTS
1.Nanette Massey is presenting another ‘Beyond The White Echo Chamber: “Making Black Friends 101″‘ discussions on Sunday, March 23, 3:00 EDT. See below for details and to register.
2. The Little Theatre’s Black Cinema Series presents Dystopian Film, ‘Executive Order’ at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, at The Little Theatre (Theatre 1), located at 240 East Ave. in Rochester’s East End District.
Black Cinema Series Presents Dystopian Film, Executive Order on March 26
3. Lindsay Phillips suggests you join Deborah Archer, president of the ACLU National and esteemed legal scholar, for a discussion of her upcoming book Dividing Lines, where she explores how America’s transportation infrastructure has reinforced racial segregation and inequality over the past century. From highways that separate communities to sidewalks that exclude, Archer reveals how seemingly neutral infrastructure choices have perpetuated division. Drawing on history, legal analysis, and real-life testimonies, she offers a critical look at the enduring impact of these systems and outlines a vision for a more equitable future. Tuesday April 1, 2025; In-person free public event with optional livestream. Lecture 5:30-7pm | Networking Reception 7-7:30pm
Click here for more info and RSVP
4. Is there a program or cause you don’t want the government to cut or one you want restored? Join the “Hands Off” National mobilization on Saturday, April 5th, 2:00 PM @ Cobbs Hill Park See flyer below:
5. Join Action for a Better Community on April 16 at 7 PM for a night of comedy in celebration of 60 years of service to the Rochester community! See flyer below for details and registration:
6. George Yeadon shares the follwoing event:
Scholars’ Day Keynote, MCC Theater, Brighton Campus (Parking: Lot F)
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 – 7:00 pmESL presents a conversation with Dr. Clint Smith. Clint Smith is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of #1 New York Times bestselling book, How the Word Is Passed. Through his vital writing and talks, he argues that understanding our history not only enables us to understand our world, but also empowers us to fight for racial justice.
NEWS, HISTORY & RESOURCES:
7. Causewave Community Partners is rolling out a city-wide survey to analyze the State of Hate in Rochester according to perceptions and lived experiences. Data will allow partner organizations to address a variety of needs in the Greater Rochester area. The survey takes 10-15 minutes and is available in Spanish and traditional Chinese. Please share widely so that we may capture as many experiences as possible. The survey will close at the end of March. Link to survey: https://qrco.de/bfjA42 – pdf attached. Please contact info@endhateroc.org for more information.
8. Nanette Massey shares her insights on items #9 and #10 below:
9. Repeating Jalil_Muntaqim sharing this insight from Abbas_Muntaqim. Abbas_Muntaqim says he wouldn’t call himself African-American because he can’t identify with a country that has committed genocide against his people. https://x.com/thesobhshow/status/1898070346827214935?s=51
10. We share again John Engels sharing this article from The Atlantic ‘DEI Has Lost All Meaning’, the problem of unclear language – and the resulting confusion – in combating racism:
11. Rev. Amy Walter-Peterson shares this podcast from NPR: ‘How Did DEI Become Part Of A Political Agenda — And A Slur?’
How Did DEI Become Part Of A Political Agenda — And A Slur? : Fresh Air : NPR
12. Jeanne Strazzabosco shares In This Moment (ITM), Revolution, Reckoning, Reparation items including a link to Connections with Evan Dawson interview
Celebrate Women’s History Month with ITM!
13. Drew Saur shares this article from The Guardian warning the US on a path to educational authoritarianism
14. Here is the latest Pink Elephant Newsletter by Janice Gassam Asare, Ph.D., ‘Is It Possible To Change An Oppressive Workplace From The Inside?’.
15. The following 2 articles were published in this week’s edition of the Beacon;
a. ‘The Cost of Reparations’
https://rochesterbeacon.com/2025/03/17/the-cost-of-reparations/
b. ‘READY’s first school incubator cohort to share insights’
16. Here are 2 articles found in the current The Minority Reporter:
a. ‘The Musk-Trump Alliance Threatens Black Americans’
https://www.minorityreporter.net/post/the-musk-trump-alliance-threatens-black-americans
b. ‘Rochester City Council Member LaShay Harris Unveils Report on Childhood Poverty in Rochester’
17. Liz Brown invites all to Join the Daniel’s Law Coalition In A Week of Action to Support Daniel’s Law. See draft law and events at the link below.
18. Here is the latest Interrupter Newsletter from the Urban League of Rochester:
https://mailchi.mp/ulr/micro-advantage-loan-program-13860727?e=25818c1f26
19. There are 6 articles that deal with Race, Poverty, Hate or Intolerance found in D&C over the past week.
a. Five years later, Taylor’s death still hurts
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=032739d46_134f8f0
b. DEATH OF AMERICAN DREAM
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=1ada24e49_134f8f2
c. DOE probes 3 colleges in NY over civil rights
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=24dc25219_134f8f3
d. 1st Trump term polarized teens’ views
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=00f49df39_134f8f3
e. Black workers set back by DEI attacks
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0da7c2d20_134f8f4
f. Arlington cemetery’s website altered
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=04f937fa2_134f8f4
OPPORTUNITIES: Please share any opportunities for employment, assistance, grants, etc. that you are aware of with the community by sending them to “tcmitch1951@gmail.com”.
20. Causewave Community Partners has 2 open positions, Senior Manager, Grant Capacity Building and Senior Program Manager. See below:
b. Causewave Community Partners Seeks: Senior Program Manager
21. Interested in scholarships for next year’s college expenses? Check out the Scholarships that the Urban League of Rochester organizes. Applications are now open. Deadlines vary for the various scholarships. Don’t delay some deadlines started as early as March 1, 2025.
Scholarships — Urban League of Rochester (urbanleagueroc.org)
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 great place for breakfast? Try the Toast Factory. See link below:
If you have an item to include in the week’s sharing we need to have it by noon on Friday.
Thank you!