Today is Saturday, August 30. Monday, September 1 is Labor Day, celebrated to recognize the achievements of the U.S. workers and the many contributions of those that labor. Thursday, September 4 – Friday, September 5 is the Islamic observance of Mawlid-al-Nabi for the birthday of the prophet Muhammad. It is celebrated with carnivals, large street processions, and the decorating of homes and mosques. August has been Black Business month, honoring Black-owned businesses in the United States. First celebrated in 2004, there are 2.6 million Black-owned businesses in America. This month is intended to push for equity in the business space and celebrate those who own a business despite daily challenges. Monday is the start of September. September has many designations including National Suicide Prevention month and National Recovery month.
Quote of the week: “You’re either part of the solution or you’re part of the problem.” Eldridge Cleaver born August 31, 1935 – died May 1, 1998; American activist.
Featured civil rights activist/abolitionist/pioneer: Eldridge Cleaver born August 31, 1935 – died May 1, 1998; American activist.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eldridge-Cleaver
EVENTS
1. Janet Barrett informs use that the Elders & Allies FTP Roc are holding a 5th year anniversary of the ‘SAY THEIR NAMES MEMORIAL SERVICE’ to remember victims of police violence. This service to be held Friday, October 3, 2025, Noon – 2:00 p.m. at the Genesee Valley Park, Tupelo Shelter. (Bring a chair or blanket.)
2. The Urban League of Rochester will hold it’s September Virtual Speakers Series, Friday, September 5 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. This month’s speakers are David C. Scott, Monroe County Chief Diversity Officer and Director of the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Liliana Ruiz, City of Rochester Special Projects Director.See link below to register.
Monthly Virtual Speaker Series
3. Liz Brown shares information on the FTPROC’s 2025 Resistance & Resilience Abolition Conference, September 6, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. See link below for details.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-resistance-and-resilience-abolition-conference
4. The M.K. Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence is hosting an Open House, Saturday, September 6 from 1:00 – 6:00 PM at 929 S. Plymouth Ave. See below to register.
Open House 2025 RSVP Page for MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence – Giveffect
5. Syd Bell shares that a subcommittee of the Rochester JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Collective (a community group that brings together folks working in and/or volunteering with DEI initiatives) has been working on bringing a screening of the documentary film Join or Die to Rochester, and they are excited to share that this will take place on Monday, Sept. 8, 6-9 p.m. at The Little Theater, 240 East Ave, Rochester, NY in Little 1. The program is free but you must register. REGISTER: Here! Your registration includes a seat in Little 1, one order of the famous Little Popcorn, and a soft drink or water.
This film shares a simple and urgent premise: “…why you should join a club… and why the fate of America depends on it.” Check out the trailer!
6. Amy Stein shares that Heather Booth, is coming to town on September 9. Heather is an inspirational social justice warrior who is said to be, “the most influential person that you’ve never heard of.” The National Council of Jewish Women, Rochester Section presents ‘If We Organize With Love at the Center, We Can Change the World‘, Tuesday, September 9 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Event is free (donations suggested) but registration is required.
7. His Branches holds it 2nd Annual Golf 2nd annual ‘Fore Rochester’ Golf Tournament at Ravenwood Golf Club on September 15, 2025. See below for details and to register.
8. The Urban League of Rochester’s 6th Annual INTERRUPT RACISM Summit is has been rescheduled to November from Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. More information to follow.
9. Registration for ‘In This Moment; Revolution, Reckoning, Reparation’ next Book Launch & Panel Discussion is LIVE! Scheduled for September 29th, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the George Eastman House, Dryden Theatre is live. See below for details.
Register Now For 9/29 ITM Book Launch + Awards News!
NEWS, HISTORY & RESOURCES
10. Here is an article from the Wall Street Journal that highlights the Trump administration’s actions against racial equity in higher education ‘The Trump administration is warning schools against using application essays, geography and other “unlawful proxies” for race to achieve diverse student bodies’
11. A D&C article that provides some history and concern for past and current displays of U.S. government racism. ‘Texas detention center alarms critics’.
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=05039984d_134faed
12. From the Medium Daily Digest we share 2 pieces;
a. ‘Gilded Age Healthcare: A Tale of How Black Women Doctors Saved People’.
b. ‘National Dog Day: A Black Woman’s Hangups with Hounds and History’ | by Dark Phrases of Womanhood
13. This week’s The Minority Reporter has two articles that we share;
a. ‘Rochester City Council Strengthens Sanctuary City Policy Amid Trump Crackdown’
b. ‘Gateways Music Festival Announces its 2025 Fall Festival with Events in Rochester, NY’
14. Sharing 1 article found in this week’s Beacon:
Bringing memories back to the 19th Ward community
https://rochesterbeacon.com/2025/08/25/bringing-memories-back-to-the-19th-ward-community/
15. Laurie Mahoney shares an article Deni Mack posted on Facebook on one man’s use of wealth to address homelessness.
https://www.facebook.com/share/172haCDP7d
16. There are 4 articles that deal with Race, Poverty, Hate or Intolerance found in D&C this past week.
a. ‘My journey has led me here’ (NYS Woman of Distinction).
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0010188c5_134faec
b. FL paints over crosswalk at Pulse shooting memorial (just pain mean).
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=28e192a02_134faec
c. Immigrant students fear deportation.
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0e3697f97_134faef
d. Rochester expands sanctuary city policy
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=1730c1461_134faf1
OPPORTUNITIES: We share opportunities to get involved in addressing some of the communities challenges. Please share any opportunities for employment, assistance, grants, etc. that you are aware of with the community by sending them to “tcmitch1951@gmail.com”.
17. Kit Miller shares the Judicial Observation Project (JOP) of the 7th (Western NY) judicial district is seeking volunteers. Now entering its 5th year, volunteers are trained to observe courtroom proceedings and identify implicit bias. For more information, email JOPRochester@gmail.com. JOP is a collaboration the between United Christian Leadership Ministry of Rochester and the 7th Judicial District.
18. Save the Date. The next ROC Community Table Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Professionals Gathering will be Friday, September 26, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. More details to follow.
SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES:
19. 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)
20. Beverly Brown suggests we support Women of Color International and associated businesses. Connie Marple has built and continues to expand a collaboration and association of powerful, innovative women. Help support them by “voting with your dollars”.
If you have an item to include in the week’s sharing we need to have it by noon on Friday.
Thank you!