Today is Saturday, 3/21/2026. March is Women’s History Month, a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. We are currently in the season of Lent, the Christian 46-day period of preparation for the Easter (April 5) through reflection on the life and death of Jesus Christ. Friday, March 20 – Saturday, March 21 has been the Baha’i festival of Naw-Ruz, the Baha’i New Year. Wednesday, March 25. is the Feast of the Annunciation, a Catholic celebration of the announcement of the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus, Son of God. Thursday, March 26 is Rama Navami, the Hindu festival celebrating the birth of the most supreme God in Hinduism, Lord Rama.
Quote of the week: Vanessa Williams born March 18, 1963 – present, American actress and first Black Miss America.
“Whether it’s your family, friends, community that you connect with, don’t be afraid to reach out. That’s my biggest advice that I can say for anyone going through any kind of obstacle or trials or tribulations. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Ask for help, because you never know where you’ll find it.”
Featured civil rights activist/abolitionist/pioneer: Vanessa Williams born March 18, 1963 – present, American actress and first Black Miss America.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001853/
EVENTS
1. Kit Miller suggests attendance at the Six Nation Spirituality seminar on three (3) days, March 11, 18 and 25 from 7:15 – 8:30 PM at the Temple Sinai, 363 Penfield Rd, Rochester. This three-part series explores Haudenosaunee history, values, and teachings through story and tradition.
2. Shannon Regelsberger shares McQuaid Jesuit is hosting Black Student Union Summit – Shattering Limitations on Thursday, April 9. Registration deadline: March 21, info attached,
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9pOybAy5rCZ2YZmNcux-Yfp-wk22uAGMC-m2LUfZGBu0qCQ/viewform
3. Daniel’s Law Week of Action, Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27. See below for the list and location of activities.
2026 Daniel’s Law Week of Action, March 23-27
4. Sister Beth LeValley shares that Protecting Human Rights will be held on March 26, 7:00 to 8:30 PM, First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. See below for details.
5. Urban League of Rochester – INTERRUPT RACISM™ Speaker Series, April 10, 2026, 12:00 – 1:00 PM, featuring Our Local History program; Jeanette Adams-Price, Syd Bell, and Shane Wiegand
Urban League of Rochester – April 2026 INTERRUPT RACISM™ Speaker Series
6. The film “The Ebony Canal: A Story on Black Infant Health” will play at the Dryden Theatre, George Eastman House at 900 East Avenue on April 26, 3:00 – 6:00 PM. See below for details and tickets.
The Ebony Canal: A Story on Black Infant Health
NEWS, HISTORY & RESOURCE
7. We provide another Letter from an American, Heather Cox Richardson that has an important piece of abolitionist or anti-slavery history:
(1) March 14, 2026 – by Heather Cox Richardson
8. From the Medium Daily Digest, we share 3 pieces (some are Opinion pieces);
a. “Why is West Virginia so White?” by William Spivey:
b. “Was Charlie Kirk a Racist and a Fascist, or a Free Speech Advocate on the Cutting Edge of America’s…“ by William Spivey:
c. “Three Times When Supposed Progress Only Led to the Next Phase of Racism” by William Spivey:
9. Find the latest Urban League of Rochester’s Interrupter Newsletter.
The Interrupter Newsletter – March 19, 2026
10. Here is one article from this week’s The Minority Reporter:
2026 Cleanup Season Kickoff
2026 Cleanup Season Kickoff at Bee Relentless Boxing https://www.minorityreporter.net/post/2026-cleanup-season-kickoff-at-bee-relentless-boxing
11. Here is an article from this week’s Beacon:
The politics of authenticity
https://rochesterbeacon.com/2026/03/17/the-politics-of-authenticity/
12. There are 3 articles that deal with Race, Poverty, Hate or Intolerance found in the D&C this past week.
a. Advocates criticize GOP walkout at Muntaqim forum (Is there no redemption for someone that has served their jail term?).
b. IS THIS THE END OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION? (Upending Civil Rights law could be detrimental).
c. You can help vet police recruits (Rochester is seeking volunteer interviewers).
OPPORTUNITIES: We share opportunities to get involved in addressing some of the communities’ challenges. 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. Lewis St. YMCA Food Cupboard is in need of donations. Can you or your organization help out? See below.
14. The City of Rochester announces the Upstate NY MWBE Conference, March 30 – April 1, 2026. See below for details.
https://www.cityofrochester.gov/departments/finance-department/upstate-ny-mwbe-conference
15. The City of Rochester announces ROC Youth Employment Network applications are now open, offering summer work experience to ages 14–20:
16. The Urban League of Rochester’s Scholarship Program is open. Application deadlines are approaching, so apply now. See below for information and application.
https://www.urbanleagueroc.org/scholarships
17. The Rochester Area Community Foundations Scholarship Program is now open. Check out the link below for Rochester Area Scholarships and Award Resources – Rochester Area Community Foundation
https://www.racf.org/scholarships/search-for-scholarships/
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. Enjoy wine and a great atmosphere? Check out the Apogee Wine Bar:
If you have an item to include in the week’s sharing we need to have it by noon on Friday.