Today, Saturday, February 18 is Laitat al Miraj, this Muslim holy day celebrates Muhammad’s pilgrimage from Mecca to Jerusalam. When Muhammad arrived, he ascended into Heaven. Wednesday, February 22 is Ash Wednesday, a day of prayer and fasting that begins the Christian season of Lent.
We past midway through Black History month. There are still many associated events and resources listed below.
The Black History Month 2023 theme, “Black Resistance“, explores how “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings,” since the nation’s earliest days.
Black History Month; February was named African American History month because it holds the birthdays of two men who helped eliminate slavery; Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.
Quote of the Week:
“I leave you hope. The Negro’s growth will be great in the years to come. Yesterday our ancestors endured the degradation of slavery, yet they retained their dignity. Today, we direct our strength toward winning a more abundant and secure life. Tomorrow, a new Negro, unhindered by race taboos and shackles, will benefit from more than 330 years of ceaseless struggle. Theirs will be a better world. This I believe with all my heart.” Mary McLeod Bethune (1875 – 1955), information on Mary McLeod Bethune found in the News, History and Resources section.
Events:
There are still many events planned for Black History Month in the Rochester area:
1. February 18 (Saturday) & February 19 (Sunday): Black History Month at the Rochester Museum and Science Center from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This weekend’s theme is “Black Excellence in Art and Culture”
The RMSC has programs each weekend during the month in addition to it’s permanent exhibits.
2. Richard Glaser shares information on a program at the Kusler-Cox Auditorium 3rd Floor Rundel Memorial Library, Saturday, February 18, 2023, 1:00 – 2:30 PM. Lavelle Lewis will speak about his ancestor, John W. Thompson a dedicated activist, abolitionist and politician.
3. Dan Drmacich shares information on the Spirit of Mandela “The People’s Senate – Introductory Webinar” today, February 18 at 12:00 PM.
4. Kathleen Pringle shares information on a webinar for building successful DEI programs.
5. Sandra Katz shares a link to National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) of Rochester’s series of two (2) remaining Friday workshops. Next one is Friday, February 24. You can sign up for all at this link:
https://mailchi.mp/47a997898363/right-around-the-corner?e=5a02a19f93
6 Bill Wynne shares a message from Rev. Myra Brown of Spiritus Christi church “Hi, friends! I pray you will consider joining us for this incredible fundraising event virtual and in person to support our work in building the Franklin D. Florence Civil Rights Park. Tickets available at eventbrite.com Check out the Rochesterbcff.org website for more info.”
7. Jeff Wight shares information on the Town of Brighton “The 1619 Project – Slow Read Discussion Group”
8. Save the date, Nanette Massey will have Debby Irving, author of Waking Up White, as her my guest speaker on her “Real Talk About Racism” program on Sunday, March 5.
9. Join the 2023 Greater Rochester Antiracist Education Virtual Conference: Teaching, Action, Equity, & Justice on March 11th
Register here (zoom events link will be emailed the week of the conference): https://forms.gle/4xPD8tekyANaagqX6
Our goal is to bring together local educators, administrators, activists, students and parents to learn from each other as we create a more just and equitable community.
NEWS, HISTORY & RESOURCES:
10. Fred Dewey shares information on Mary McLeod-Bethune, educator, activist, national leader, founder of Bethune-Cookman University.
11. Richard Glaser provides this narrative of one of Frederick Douglass’ most famous speeches.
“There Is No Dignity in This Kind of America” https://nyti.ms/3IdX8vN
12. Bill Wynne shares this article by James Mulholland, “If we treated airline fatalities like we treat police brutality”
13. Bill Wynne, author of “Understanding and Combating Racism” shares his latest blog:
14. We share two articles from this week’s Beacon (support the Beacon, Donate to Support Our Work – Rochester BeaconRochester Beacon);
a. The Debate Over Dangerousness: Support for a dangerousness clause in gun charges is gaining popularity, but will it work to bring down violence?https://rochesterbeacon.com/2023/02/16/the-debate-over-dangerousness/
b. RCSD: Thoughts on Suspensions: I agree that children that violate a well-articulated code of conduct shouldn’t be removed from the school setting first because some students may desire to not be in school. Second, there may not be adequate supervision at home or a safe place for students to go. We should support in-school suspensions, but not in a […]https://rochesterbeacon.com/2023/02/14/thoughts-on-suspension/
15. Have you subscribed to the CNN Newsletter Race Deconstructed? Here is the latest edition:
“Two Black quarterbacks in Super Bowl LVII were ‘standing on shoulders’ of greats before, says Patrick Mahomes”
16. Once again there were many informative articles in the D&C (We need the D&C to survive and thrive, subscribe!). I list 14 such articles in order of appearance:
a. Parents, advocates push for accessible playgrounds (Page 1)
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=06c08dd4e_134aa68
Parents, advocates push for accessible playgrounds (Page 2)
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=09ebf5fbd_134aa68
b. ‘I DIDN’T GET A CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE’
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0feaa1c68_134aa68
c. Black History Month: Unraveling how school served watermelon
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=099f2cc19_134aa68
d. Lawsuit seeks arrest in Till kidnapping
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=2d294f7c8_134aa68
e. NOTHING ‘MUNDANE’ ABOUT TRAFFIC STOPS
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=32ae03aae_134aa68
f. WORDS WITH LOVE
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=1673cccf0_134aa68
g. ‘Veterans have it easier than those who haven’t served, but it’s not like we’re safe’
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=1741c227c_134aa68
h. Stopped 22 times in 2 years; ‘My crimes? Driving a brand new car’
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0741c227c_134aa68
i. Survey: Antisemitism fears rising for US Jews
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0b544b464_134aa6a
j. Shooter apologizes to victims before his sentencing
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=28c3ae7b1_134aa6c
k. Historic civil rights city faces long recovery from tornado
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=086a07c6f_134aa6d
l. White House hosts screening of ‘Till’
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=186a07c6f_134aa6d.
m. Trailblazers to know for Black History Month (page 1)
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0f56ae4c3_134aa6e
Trailblazers to know for Black History Month (page 2)
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=007dd6630_134aa6e
n. ‘I WAS FINALLY HEARD’
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=14dcd3eab_134aa6e
OPPORTUNITIES:
17. Is there a person in the community that has done outstanding work and making a significant impact to improve the lives of the people in our community? Consider them for the 85th Annual Rochester Rotary Award. See the information below:
18. Are you aware of the Venture Jobs Foundation? This foundation is revitalizing underserved neighborhoods and improving the quality of life by supporting and investing in entrepreneurs and growing businesses to foster job creation. See the file below for more information:
Support Black owned businesses:
19. Support the Black community by supporting their businesses. We have listed one below. Please share ones you know with us!
a. ZOC OF THE MORNIN’ TO YA
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=13ae7244f_134aa6d
That is all for this week!
Please note, if you click on the “Resources” and then “Weekly Sharing” in the upper part of the page you will find all the Weekly Sharings from weeks past. If you have an item to include in the week’s sharing we need to have it by noon Friday. Please send items to “tcmitch1951@gmail.com”. Please place “Weekly Sharing” or “WS” in the subject line. Thank you!
Enjoy the weekend!