Update Week Ending 11/11/2023

Today is Saturday, November, 11. Tomorrow, Sunday, November 12 is the day the Hindu faith celebrates Diwali. On this day a variety of deities are praised. Thursday, November 16 is International Day of Tolerance. The UN Holiday was founded to encourage respect among various people regardless of culture, language, religion, or ethnicity. Thursday is also Dutch American Heritage Day. This day applauds the long friendship between the Netherlands and the United States.

Quote of the Week:

“If you want to go quickly, go alone; If you want to go far, go together” African Proverb .

Who was Clarence Clyde Ferguson, Jr.? See information below.

For ERG alumnus and current participants,

Have you been wondering how to share what you learned in the ERG program with your Board or organization team? Although we are not directly affiliated, we have thought that the Urban League of Rochester – Interrupt Racism program could be a wonderful next step in your anti-racism journey. See file below:

EVENTS:

Here is what is going on in the Rochester area:

1. Our friend Grequan Carter invites you to the Healing is Heroic Meditative Retreat presented by Eye of Nature Retreats today, Saturday, November 11 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. See attached flyer below and more information in the “Black Owned Businesses” section.

2. Matthew Geherin shares an announcement about the Venture Jobs Foundation (Mission (venturejobs.org) 2023 Prosperity Conference on Tuesday, November 14, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. See details at the link below.

3. Bill Wynne, author of ‘Understanding and Combating Racism: My Path from Oblivious American to Evolving Activist’ is offering his revamped and final antiracism presentation for the year on November 16, 6:00-7:30 PM at the Victor-Farmington Library (15 W Main St, Victor). 

Note that registration is recommended  at https://victorfarmingtonlibrary.libcal.com/event/10730868

4. Dr. Frederick Jefferson shares information on URMC Center for Community Health & Prevention Grand Rounds program Friday, November 17, noon to 1:00 PM featurig Alsiha Moreland, MD, MACPysch titled “Building Trauma Informed Organizations and People: Why Healing must be the Way Forward”. See below for registration.

Webinar Registration – Zoom

5. The Webster FIRE has provided information on the Spark Change workshop on Friday, November 17, 9 AM – 3 PM. Spark Change is a day of learning and connection related to systemic advocacy policies in the educational system.

6. ERG Alumnus, Jeanne Strazzabosco announcing the In This Moment (ITM) Book Launch & Community Discussion, December 7, 2023, 7-9:00PM at the The Little Theatre. See details at the link below.

7. Frank Staropoli suggests visiting the Eastman House to view the gallery exhibit “GILLIAN LAUB: SOUTHERN RITES” that runs through December 31. See links below for details and times.

https://www.eastman.org/southernrites

8. ABC has announced is 2024 Signature Conference Series – Beyond Trauma…A Journey to Wellness, January 11, 18 & 25. See details below.

9. Several of you have shared the information on the announcement of RIT’s 42nd Expressions of King’s Legacy program featuring keynote Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on Tuesday, January 31, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. It is not too early to register, see below.

NEWS, HISTORY & RESOURCES:

10. Ruhi Maker shared an important report released last week by the NYS Attorney’s General office, “Racial Disparities in Homeownership”. It is an important report for all to read.

https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/reports/oag-report-racial-disparities-in-homeownership.pdf

11. George Yeodon shares a piece from the National Archives Foundation that provides the historical background on the Osage tribe and the story that inspired the book and film “Killers of the Flower Moon”. See link below.

This Actually Happened – National Archives Foundation

12. Here is the latest Interrupter Newsletter from the Urban League of Rochester, Equity and Advocacy division.

E&A Newsletter 11.7.23 (1).pdf – Google Drive

13. Gary Curwin shares a piece from the LA Times on Sally Hemings with an argument for her to be considered a First Lady.

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-jones-sally-hemings-first-lady-20190104-story.html

14. Here is the latest article from the Pink Elephant Newsletter by Dr. Janice Gassam Asare; the “What The ‘Blind Side” Lawsuit Teaches Us About Allyship And White Saviorism”.

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-pink-elephant-newsletter-6761846236518641664

15. One article is provided below from the Beacon; the Women’s Foundation of Genesse Valley is changing its approach.

https://rochesterbeacon.com/2023/11/10/after-30-years-a-new-mission/

16. 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”.:

As a boy he lived on the streets for years. Now he’s opened his home to kids as a single foster dad.

Once homeless, Peter Mutabazi opens his home to kids as a single foster dad | CNN

17. Here are 7 of articles that deal with Race, Hate or Intolerance found in D&C over the past week. We list in order of appearance:

a. Mississippi voters see signs of change (Black community reengaging in their political races).

b. Data: More babies dying in 1st year (significant disparties still exist with non-White births).

c. Black doulas help moms give birth (service could improve outcomes, not covered by medical insurance in many cases).

d. 2nd Colorado officer acquitted in the death of Elijah McClain (need change to police policies and procedures to save lives).

e. Video-streaming site brews online hate (hate continually finds new pathways, here is information on a current avenue).

f. Conservative school board candidates flop (we are careful to not favor political parties, but school boards have been come a political battleground worth observing).

g. Needs vast for child shooting survivors (victims often forgotten left to endure the pain and cost of recovery).

OPPORTUNITIES:

18. The Community Foundation (RACF) promotes two broad grantmaking goals that align with our vision for community change: 1) creating an equitable community and 2) strengthening our region’s vitality. Check out details on their website:

Grant Opportunities – Rochester Area Community Foundation (racf.org)

19. Joseph Searles shared there are Open Positions at Trillium Health. See the attached list.

Please apply at www.trilliumhealth.org/careers!

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:

20. 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)

21. Our friend Grequan Carter invites you to the Healing is Heroic Meditative Retreat presented by Eye of Nature Retreats on Saturday, November 11 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (see attached flyer below).

Join this transformative meditative retreat at Respite and Restoration at Lagom Landing: 7966 Reeds Corners Road, Dansville, NY 14437. This in-person event offers a unique opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Immerse yourself in a serene environment that encourages self-reflection, personal growth, remedying anxiety and PTSD.

hroughout the retreat, an expert facilitator will guide you through various meditation techniques, mindfulness exercises and therapeutic arts to nurture your spirit. Learn to cultivate inner peace, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being. Connect with like-minded individuals and share in the collective healing energy.

Escape the overwhelmingness of daily life and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Discover the hero within you as you navigate the path towards healing and self-empowerment. Take this chance to pause, reflect, and recharge.

From the sacred hours of: 11:00AM to 5:00PM dive into:

  • Mystical aromatherapy sessions
  • Powerful sound healing resonances
  • Guided meditations rooted in age-old traditions
  • Therapeutic group dialogues that bridge souls
  • Serene nature trails that whisper tales of rootedness
  • Creative arts to ignite your inner spark

And as the sun arcs overhead, indulge in a nourishing, healthy lunch, tailored to rejuvenate both body and spirit.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to embark on a healing adventure. Reserve your spot today, unlock your inner hero by Finding Peace Within the Stillness of Nature.

This Self-Care Investment is only $50.00.

In a gesture of gratitude for the paths you’ve walked, veterans are bestowed with a 20% discount.

The spirits of nature and the call to heal crescendo together, URGING SWIFT ACTION. Seats are a precious few and dwindling swiftly.

Embrace this beacon of transformation. YOUR TIME IS NOW! Reserve your sanctuary of healing and become the peace you seek.

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.

Written By

ERG - Co-Founder Former CEO – Bergmann, Trustee Rochester Museum & Science Center & Rochester Area Community Foundation

ERG - Co-Founder Former CEO – Bergmann, Trustee Rochester Museum & Science Center & Rochester Area Community Foundation

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