Today is Saturday, November 30. Tomorrow is the start of December, the Universal Human Rights month, a time to celebrate the fundamental rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or other characteristics. Tuesday, December 3 is Giving Tuesday, a day intended to inspire people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Tuesday is also International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
Quote of the Week: “People think my life has been tough, but I think has been a wonderful journey. The older you get, the more you realise it’s not what happens, but how you deal with it.” Tina Turner (birth name Anna Mae Bullock); singer, songwriter, actress born November 26, 1939, died May 24,2023.
Featured Civil Rights Activist/Abolitionist/Pioneer for this week: Tina Turner (birth name Anna Mae Bullock); singer, songwriter, actress born November 26, 1939, died May 24,2023.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tina-Turner
EVENTS
1. ERG Alumni and Participants please open the link directly below. The Exploring Racism Group program is for individual work on our own bias, prejudice and contribution to racism. The Interrupt Racism program is for organization teams to work to enhance policies, practices, and cultures to create a more equitable work environment where all employees can thrive. Please consider for your organization.
INTERRUPT RACISM — Urban League of Rochester (urbanleagueroc.org)
2. Joe Searles annouces the World Aids Day fund raiser will be held Thursday, December 5, 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Native, 180 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester. See below for more information, tickets and donations.
3. Garth Fagan Dance returns to their home base in Rochester, NY, at MCC Theater for a three-day showcase, December 6-8. This performance celebrates their 54-year legacy of captivating audiences with innovative choreography, a distinct dance technique, and artistic excellence. See details below:
Garth Fagan Dance Puts Rochester on the Global Map: Join Us December 6-8 For Our 2024 Home Showcase
4. The MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence holds its annual Holiday Talking Circle on Saturday, December 7 at 1:00 PM. See below for details.
Holiday Talking Circle RSVP Page for MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence – Giveffect
The Little Theatre’s Black Cinema Series features the film ‘JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY’, Screening and Discussion, Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | 7:00pm. Little Theatre 1 (240 East Ave.) Doors open at 6:30pm
Black Cinema Series | The Little Theatre
5. Action for a Better Community (ABC) will hold it’s 2025 Signature Conference on January 9th & 16th (virtual both days) and January 23rd, In-person Awards Breakfast. ABC is celebrating 60 years of “Empowering Communities and Inspiring Change”. Here are the program and presentation details as well as sponsorship opportunities.
6. George Yeadon shares that registration is now open for RIT’s Expressions of King’s Legacy featuring Deborah Archer to be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. See flyer below.
NEWS, HISTORY & RESOURCES:
7. An important book to read and reread; “Poverty By America” by Matthew Desmond. With the prospects that tax cuts for the rich and corporations are likely, the impact will likely will be a on reduction of benefits and services for the poor. It is important that all concerned advocate for the poor. This book serves as a guide for programs and actions that can benefit all. You can this and other books listed on our resources page: https://exploringracism.org/recommended-books/
8. Drew Saur shares a couple of articles that report the impact of anti-DEI programs embolden by the incoming administration.
a. Walmart Rolls Back DEI Programs.
b. Christopher Rufo Has Trump’s Ear and Wants to End DEI for Good.
9. Richard Glaser shares an opinion piece from the New York Times. The author shares that Frederick Douglas’s words of concern for the U.S. Republic voices 130 yearas ago can relate to the post Presidential election of 2024
9. Here is one article from the Minority Reporter this week on an award for the Center for Teen Empowerment – Rochester.
https://www.minorityreporter.net/post/center-for-teen-empowerment-rochester
10. Here are two (2) articles from this week’s edition of the Beacon.
a. Gloria Winston Al-Sarag, ‘A fearless voice for the community’.
b. Meredith Dragon shares her thoughts on “Why the ‘wanted’ posters at the University of Rochester are antisemitic”
11. Here is Bill Wynne’s Monthly Update for December:
12. There are 6 articles that deal with Race, Poverty, Hate or Intolerance found in D&C over the past week.
a. This Thanksgiving tradition involves a good bit of arguing (this form of arguing could have lasting benefits).
b. Douglass’ words spoken in Rochester resonate now as then (Opinion piece).
c. Hazardous Housing (Children’s health, well-being at risk amid rental housing code violations).
d. Trump poised for ‘woke’ crackdown (intent to eliminate DEI programs).
e. How local legend Rosa Wims transformed Thanksgiving.
f. Good cause eviction vote stalled as City Council debates ordinance.
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”.
13. Interested in scholarships for next year’s college expenses? Check out the Scholarships that the Urban League of Rochester organizes. Applications open November 1st.
Scholarships — Urban League of Rochester (urbanleagueroc.org)
14. The Rochester Area Community Foundation (RACF) Scholarship program portal will open on December 1, 2024.
Rochester Area Scholarships and Award Resources – Rochester Area Community Foundation (racf.org)
SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES:
15. 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)
16. Looking for a wonderful photographer for your holiday family photos or other occasion? Try Denise Batiste Photography. See below.
https://www.DeniseBatistePhotography.com
If you have an item to include in the week’s sharing we need to have it by noon on Friday.
Thank you!