Today is Saturday, April 5. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month to remind us the importance of protecting children from harm. Thursday, April 10 the Jain faith celebrates Mahavir Jayanti, the birth of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. The Jewish Passover begins at sundown on Saturday, April 12 and is observed through nightfall of Sunday, April 20. Passover is the celebration of the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt into freedom with the help of God. Saturday, April 12 the Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Memorial of Jesus’ Death, the death of Jesus Christ.
Quote of the week: “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.” Maya Angelou born April 4, 1928 – died May 28, 2014; American poet, memoirist, and actress.
Featured civil rights activist/abolitionist/pioneer: Maya Angelou born April 4, 1928 – died May 28, 2014; American poet, memoirist, and actress.“
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Maya-Angelou
EVENTS
1. Today is the day! 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:
2. Nanette Massey is presenting another ‘Beyond The White Echo Chamber: “Am I a Racist”‘ discussions on Sunday, April 6, 3:00 EDT. See below for details and to register.
3. Rochester’s Second Annual Black Maternal Health Conference, planned and organized in celebration and observance of Black Maternal Health week will be held Friday, April 11 · 10am – 5pm EDT at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County115 South Avenue Rochester, NY 14604. Doors at 9:30am The theme of this years conference is Our Black Joy! See link below for tickets.
4. The 2nd Annual Black Maternal Health Walkathon will be held Saturday, April 12 @ 10:00 at Marketplace Mall. See below for more information.
Healthy Baby Network’s 2nd Annual Black Maternal Health Walkathon: Walking for Wellness
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. The Trump administration has directed the retelling of our nations racial history. ‘Trump orders markers, memorials be scrubbed of all DEI language’.
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=07bcc18f1_134f8fd
8. ERG Alum Dr. Andre’ Hudson had this piece providing his opinion and reasoning for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access. See below:
DEIA and meritocracy: Partners in scientific progress
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=082b59bbf_134f8fe
9. Steve Gaudioso shares an article on the University of Michigan’s elimination of its DEI initiatives in response to the Trump administration’s actions.
U-M announces important changes to DEI programs | Michigan Today
10. Here is the latest Pink Elephant Newsletter by Janice Gassam Asare, Ph.D., ‘The History Of Diversity Resistance In America’.
(7) The History Of Diversity Resistance In America | LinkedIn
11. Here are 2 articles found in the current The Minority Reporter:
a. ‘Nathaniel Sheppard Joins HCR Home Care as Diverse Care Project Director’
Nathaniel Sheppard Joins HCR Home Care as Diverse Care Project Director
b. ‘PAB Survey Data Shows Strong Demand for Police Accountability; Board to Release More Details’
PAB Survey Data Shows Strong Demand for Police Accountability; Board to Release More Details
12. Here is an article from this week’s Beacon:
New insights into RPD traffic stops – Rochester BeaconRochester Beacon
13. Here is the latest Interrupter Newsletter from the Urban League of Rochester:
The Interrupter Newsletter – April 3, 2025
14. Here is Bill Wynne’s April Sharing.
15. There are 7 articles that deal with Race, Poverty, Hate or Intolerance found in D&C over the past week.
a. Trump’s museum executive order sparks national debate
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=2a7c6c483_134f8fe
b. ‘IT WAS PAINFUL AND HEARTBREAKING’ (Daniel Prude’s death and City government’s response).
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0013541d4_134f8fe
c. Haitians in Rockland decry nixing of parole program (30 day notice to leave the U.S. to return to a country in crisis).
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0aada6cc5_134f8fe
d. OFFERING A LIFT (a remedy for unreliable transportation that impacts marginalized communities).
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=3586dee36_134f8fe
e.US embassies tell suppliers to comply with DEI policy ban
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=118b0caa2_134f945
f. UR, 19TH WARD IN TRANSITION
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=08e9a621b_134f949
g. High court lets Trump cut teacher grants
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=146e3e61e_134f949
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”.
16. 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 have passed as early as March 1, 2025.
Scholarships — Urban League of Rochester (urbanleagueroc.org)
SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES:
17. 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)
18. Have a taste for Caribbean & American cuisine? Try Island Wraps in West Henrietta. See link below:
Island Wraps – Restaurant & Catering Rochester NY Reviews – Black-Owned In Rochester
If you have an item to include in the week’s sharing we need to have it by noon on Friday.
Thank you!