Today is Saturday May 20. Tuesday is the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib. A day observed by Sikhs to celebrate the first martyr in their faith. Thursday Shavuot begins. This holiday celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and a grain harvest. Shavuot ends on Saturday, May 27. May has been the month we recognize Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage month. It commemorates people with Asian and Pacifice ancestry and their contribution to the Unitied States. May is also Jewish American Heritage month honoring American Jews and their contributions to the United States throughout history.
Quote of the Week:
“You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.”; Malcolm X; May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965; Muslim minister and human rights activist.
Who was Malcolm X? See information below.
Malcolm X | Biography, Nation of Islam, Assassination, & Facts | Britannica
Events:
Here is what is going on in the Rochester area:
1. Acting to End Racism in America; Monday May 22nd 7:00pm at the Pittsford Community Library,
24 State Street Pittsford, NY 14534
Two local authors discuss their books on racism in America and what can be done to help end it. Hear from John Strazzabosco, author of Ninety Feet Under: What Poverty Does to People (and former Diocesan Social Ministry Gathering Presenter) and Bill Wynne, author of Understanding and Combating Racism: My Path from Oblivious American to Evolving Activist.
2. Frederick Jefferson shared Kit Miller, Director Emeritus of the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, will be facilitating a discussion on “The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice: Black Lives, Healing, and US Social Transformation” by Fania Davis for the Rochester chapter of SURJ, details: Solutions Not Suspensions; Part IV: Race & Restorative Justice Book Discussion. SURJ Roc May General Meeting, Monday May 22, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, virtual
3. Action for a Better Community (ABC) is holding its 53rd Annual meeting , May 24th, 2023, 5:30 – 8:00 PM at the Memorial Art Gallery. See information below.
4. Bill Wynne shares information on a talk by Dr. Laura Hill on her book “Strike the Hammer” on Wednesday, May 31, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the First Universalist Church. See below for more information.
5. George Yeadon has been instrumental in bringing the following film to WXXI TV on June 2 at 9:00 PM with repeat performances to be announced: Little Richard: The King and Queen of Rock and Roll
6. Stuart Mitchell announces the upcoming Pathstone Presents – Provoking Thought program on June5; 1:00 – 3:30 PM titled “The Color of Law and Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under to Color of Law”.
7. The National Coalition Building Institute – Rochester announces a new virtual program “America’s Future: Yours…Mine…Ours?, Friday, June 16. See below for more information.
Spring Greetings & Important Seminar Information (mailchi.mp)
8. Bill Wynne shares information on two Juneteenth events at Genesee Valley Park (see below). Juneteenth is less than a month away, June 19th.
Red Green Yellow Color Block Greetings/Slogans Poster (windows.net)
NEWS, HISTORY & RESOURCES:
9. Dr. Frederick Jefferson shares a link to the Inclusion Solution; the official podcast of The Winters Group, Inc., a Black woman-owned global diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) consulting firm.
The Inclusion Solution LIVE (wintersgroup.com)
10. Bill Wynne shares a message from the “Poor People’s Campaign”
11. Bill Wynne shares a periodical from the Catholic Charities Family & Community Services intended to provide reflection and action Racism.
12. We share 2 articles from this week’s Beacon;
a. The “Get the Lead Out Together” campaign launched this week aims to create a comprehensive water service line inventory and aid replacement efforts.https://rochesterbeacon.com/2023/05/16/rochester-seeks-community-led-effort-on-lead-removal/
b. The credit union gave 119 grants in the first quarter to organizations that provide critical services and programs for individuals, children, youth and families.https://rochesterbeacon.com/2023/05/16/esl-awards-nearly-9-million-in-grants-to-nonprofits/
13. Here are 3 items from the latest edition of the CNN Newsletter Race Deconstructed:
a. They left South Korea for the American Dream. Now their children are moning back.
b. ‘Our community is stronger’: Buffalo stands resilient one year after grocery store massacre
https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/14/us/buffalo-tops-anniversary-reaj/index.html
c. He fought for Native Americans to be recognized as people under US law. Now, he’s memorialized on a Forever stamp.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/16/us/usps-chief-standing-bear-forever-stamp-cec/index.html
14. Here are applicable and informative articles found in this past week’s D&C. We list 11 such articles in order of appearance:
a. ‘She’s always with me’
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0aa728a79_134ab96
b. Buffalo poet found light in the darkness after massacre
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0cd2a5a08_134ab96
c. SPIRITUAL HOMECOMING
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0ca67c9ac_134ab96
d. Anti-Asian hate is rising at a staggering rate. We must fight to prevent it
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=156652ddf_134ab96
e. School board races turn on diversity, book access
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=03e318772_134ab97
f. Study: Generous safety nets impact kids’ brains
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0930cd9ac_134ab98
g. Voters OK all spending proposals
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0ce23d806_134ab9b
h. Leaders of Seneca Indian Nation OK use of school’s ‘Warrior’ nickname and logo
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=1ce23d806_134ab9b
i. US agency head: Check AI ‘bossware’ tools for bias
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=21b162a1f_134ab9c
j. Limits on trans rights spreading
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=0340638db_134ab9c
k. Jim Brown, NFL great and social activist, dead at 87
https://rochesterdemocrat-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=2c6b79f39_134ab9c
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”.
15. Dr. Frederick Jefferson shares a grant opportunity offered by the Winter’s Group.
Live Inclusively® – The Winters Group
SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES:
16. Support the Black Community by supporting their businesses. Please share Black businesses you support and value.
a. Check out this business featured on the Black Owned in Rochester website;
RSquared Marketing System Providers (getrsquaredmarketing.com)
b. Here is an informaion piece from Black Owned in Rochester. “3 Mistabkes o Avoid When Hiring A Photographer in Rochester, NY”.
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 Friday.