Today is Saturday, April 18. Tuesday, April 21 the Baha’i period of Ridvan begins. Ridvan commemorates the declaration of Baháúllah to his followers in 1863. The first, ninth and twelfth days of Ridvan are major Baha’i holy days. Ridvan runs through May 2.
Quote of the week: “I love myself enough to be who I am.” Essex Hemphill born April 16, 1957 – died November 4, 1995, American poet and activist.
Featured civil rights activist/abolitionist/pioneer: Essex Hemphill born April 16, 1957 – died 2. November 4, 1995, American poet and activist.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/essex-hemphill
EVENTS
1. Dr. Candice Lucas shares information on the “Black Is Beautiful” Art Event – April 20, 6:00PM to 8:00PM, 75 Woodbury Blvd Rochester, NY 14607. See the flyer below.
2.Antisemitism 101 For Allies, free course offered by the Levine Center to End Hate to be held April 23rd, 11:30 – 1:00 (kosher lunch included). See attachment for details and to register. Registration is required by 4/20.
3. 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
4. Clean Sweep | City of Rochester, Saturday, May 2, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Meet at ESL Field (Home of the Red Wings). This is the 20th year of an event that brings together all area communities and individuals in service to the City. It is a mixing pot of all races, cultures and neighborhoods and a great way to get to know your neighbor. Register below:
https://www.cityofrochester.gov/clean-sweep
NEWS, HISTORY & RESOURCE
5. From the Medium Daily Digest, we share 3 pieces (some are Opinion pieces);
a. “How to Confront Cruel, Unusual Comments on Black Hair“ by Dr. Allison Wiltz
b. “Can Geno Auriemma Walk Back His Disrespect Towards Black Women?“ by William Spivey
c. What You Need To Know About Broken Promise of 40 Acres by Dr. Allison Wiltz
6. Some of you may receive this newsletter ‘The Intersection’ (Where Anti-Racism and Healthcare Meet). Here the latest edition:
7. Find the latest Urban League of Rochester’s Interrupter Newsletter.
The Interrupter Newsletter – April 16, 2026
8. Liz Brown shares this request from FTP Elders and Allies to read and sign a petition to the Governor, the Senate and Assembly to support the raising of taxes to fund vital public programs. Read below.
A letter to the “three people in the room” negotiating the final budget – SIGN ON TO OUR JOINT LETTER: We are asking organizations to sign on to our coalition letter, Tax the Rich, Fund Our Future. You can review the letter HERE and SIGN ON HERE.
9. Here is a piece of history that most of us are not aware of, the story of Elizabeth Cotton.
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1420081193251515&id=100057489427956
10. Here is one article from this week’s Beacon:
‘Immigration at the crossroads’
https://rochesterbeacon.com/2026/04/16/immigration-at-the-crossroads/
11. There are 5 articles that deal with Race, Poverty, Hate or Intolerance found in the D&C this past week.
a. Evans: Rochester is resilient, robust, ready
b. RPD teen academy to address shortage (RPD Officer & ERG Alum Justin Collins leads this program).
c. ‘INHUMANE AND UNNECESSARY’ (Member of Congress makes surprise visit to Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ ICE detention center).
d. Rochester lawmaker targets high transit costs residents (impacts Black, Brown and senior communities)
e. West Bloomfield church event supports immigration rights
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”.
12. ERG Alumnus Suzanne Mayer shares information on The Hinge Neighbors proposal for self developing affordable housing (11 townhomes) at 125 Charlotte St. Please read and consider supporting.
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 ROC Youth Employment Network applications are now open, offering summer work experience to ages 14–20:
15. The Urban League of Rochester’s Scholarship Program is open. Some application deadlines have passed other deadlines quickly approaching, so apply now. See below for information and application.
https://www.urbanleagueroc.org/scholarships
SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES:
16. 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)
17. Graduations, weddings and family reunion season is upon us. Do not miss the opportunity for quality professional photos. Call Denise Batiste Photography of Rochester (see link below):
https://denisebatistephotography.com
If you have an item to include in the week’s sharing we need to have it by noon on Friday.