Today is Saturday, December 7. December is 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 10 is International Human Rights Day to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.
Quote of the Week: “I always think about the next generation and creating a different blueprint for them. That’s my goal: to let them know there’s another way.” Janelle Monáe Robinson, American singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress born 12/1/1985 – present.
Featured Civil Rights Activist/Abolitionist/Pioneer for this week: Janelle Monáe Robinson – The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer – American singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress, born 12/1/1985 – present:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Janelle-Monae
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. 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
3. 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
4. There is a Black Holiday Market being held today, Saturday December 7 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM at Urban Euphoria, 35 S Washington St, Rochester, admission is FREE.
5. 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
6. Rochester City Council will take up the Good Cause Eviction legislation on December 17. You are urged to attend the meeting on December 12 to express your support for the legislation. See below for details.
7 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.
8. 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:
9. We repeat this item from last week. 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 be a 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 find this and other books listed on our resources page: https://exploringracism.org/recommended-books/
10. Here are two (2) important items on the impact of Project 2025, the plan for the President Elects administration for dismantlng Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programs and initiatives:
a. The Impact of Project 2025 on DEI Initiatives
advancingdei.meltzercenter.org/resources/the-impact-of-project-2025-on-dei-initiatives/
b. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Project 2025
11. Drew Saur shares this article from CNN Style; ‘By reviving a century-old paten,t for blue paint, this architect reflects on a powerful, lesser-told history’. An interesting, brief history of an achievement of scientist and inventor George Washington Carver.
12. Here is the Urban League of Rochester’s latest Interrupter Newsletter:
The Interrupter Newsletter – December 5, 2024
13. Here is the latest from The Pink Elephant Newsletter, by Janice Gassam Asare, PhD.; ‘Black Exodus: Why X Users Are Deactivating And Building New Digital Communities’.
14.Here are two (2) articles from the recent Minority Reporter;
a. ‘Black Faith Leaders Regroup to Strengthen Disappointed Voters’
https://www.minorityreporter.net/post/black-faith-leaders-regroup-to-strengthen-disappointed-voters
b. ‘The Department of Education Under Attack’
https://www.minorityreporter.net/post/the-department-of-education-under-attack
15. There are 2 articles that deal with Race, Poverty, Hate or Intolerance found in D&C over the past week.
a. Oneida Nation unveils gift mural to the MVHS (honorng highly advanced medicine and world-class, technologically progressive care MVHS provides the community, including the Oneida Nation people).
b. Feds trying to stop rent price-fixing (practice, intentional or unintentional harms low income renters).
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 open November 1st.
Scholarships — Urban League of Rochester (urbanleagueroc.org)
17. 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:
18. 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)
19. 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!