Today is Saturday, August 8. Sunday, August 9 is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This day is established by the United Nations to raise awareness and protects the rights, cultures, and traditions of indigenous populations. Saturday, August 15 is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, a Catholic celebration of Mary’s assumption into heaven at the end of her earthly life. August is National Civility month, an observance encouraging communities to practice respect, empathy, and constructive dialogue across cultural and political divides.
Quote of the week: “Hearts are the strongest when they beat in response to noble ideals.” Ralph Bunche born August 7, 1904 – died December 9, 1971; American diplomat.
Featured civil rights activist/abolitionist/pioneer, August 8, 2026: Ralph Bunche born August 7, 1904 – died December 9, 1971; American diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize winner
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ralph-Bunche
EVENTS
We are always looking for events related to race and culture, please share with us @tcmitch1951.com
1. Juanita Washington shares that the Front Porch Festival will take place today, August 8, 4:00 PM at Baden Park, this is a great opportunity to meet and engage with people from different neighborhoods, cultures and backgrounds. The flyer can be found below.
2. Action for a Better Community (ABC) is holding the Community Action Day Resource Event on Friday, August 14 from 3:00 PM – 8 PM on Parcel 5, Downtown Rochester. See below for details.
3. Consider attending St John Missionary Baptist Church Community Day- August 15, 11:00AM to 2:00PM, 37 Edward Street. See flyer below.
4. The Little Theatre’s Black Cinema Series is presenting the screening and discussion of the film “Seeds”, Monday, August 17, 7:00 PM at the Little Theatre 1, 240 East Avenue. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
https://thelittle.org/seeds-bcs/
NEWS, HISTORY & RESOURCE
5. If you don’t receive Heather Cox Richardson’s “Letter from an American” you should read this one that explains the reason and need for the Voting Rights Act.
August 6, 2026 – by Heather Cox Richardson
6. We share 3 pieces from the Medium Daily Digest, (some are Opinion pieces);
a. “Racism Today Is Just A Bunch Of White People Calling Other White People Racist“
b. “How The Label “Criminal” Dismisses the Value of Black Lives“ by Dr. Allison Wiltz
c. ““With All Deliberate Speed”: Nashville and the First Instance of School Busing After Brown v. Board“ by William Spivey
7. We repeat Bill Wynne’s Declaration of Independence … Essay #13: ‘To Renew a Broken Republic’. Subtitle: ‘Restoring the Declaration’s Promise After Trumpism’
8. Find the latest Urban League of Rochester’s Interrupter Newsletter.
The Interrupter Newsletter – August 6, 2026
9. We continue to repeat the ROC Community Table release of its thought paper on June 30, “Claiming a Seat at the Table”. The ROC Community Table consists of a group of citizens that came together after the 2024 Presidential election to plan for the repair, resist, repair and rebuild of the elimination of many civil rights, programs and funding threatened by then, the President-Elect of the Project 2025 policy platform. The paper addresses many fundamental aspects of our democracy and rights including the 2nd section “A Community Vision for Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”. The full paper is found at the link below.
10. Here are two articles from the past 2 week’s Beacon:
a. Councilmembers approve funding, but disagree on what caused delay
b. R-Centers offer space for Rochester teens – Rochester BeaconRochester Beacon https://rochesterbeacon.com/2026/07/31/r-centers-offer-space-for-rochester-teens/
11. Here are two articles from the past 2 week’s Minority Reporter:
a. Jordan Health Holds Front Porch Festival and Health Fair
https://www.minorityreporter.net/post/jordan-health-holds-front-porch-festival-and-health-fair
b. Eastman to release new album “In Plain Sight: The Black Anthology” on August 21, 2026
12. There are 6 articles that deal with Race, Poverty, Hate or Intolerance found in the D&C this past week.
a. Tenants rally, protest apartment conditions
b. Oneida heroine Polly Cooper featured at the Smithsonian (It would be interesting to learn how many other native tribes share in the Oneida sentiments)
c. Our pride sits on stolen land. We must 2x harm done. (An Op-Ed piece from a child)
d. Homelessness rises by 13.1% in Monroe County
e. NY congressman talks ICE facility conditions
f. Hearing airs child poverty struggles
OPPORTUNITIES:
13. 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”.
14. Connected Communities Parcel x Parcel Volunteer Event. See below and the additional dates below that for an opportunity to assist in an inventory. Meet at Connected Communities HQ, 1337 E. Main St. :
If you’re able, please consider signing up for another shift. We’ve added dates:
- Sat. 8/8, 10 AM – 1 PM
- Thu. 8/20, 3-7 PM
- Sat. 8/22, 10 AM – 1 PM
- Thu. 9/17, 3-7 PM
- Sat. 9/19, 10 AM – 1 PM
We’re asking residents and partner organizations to commit at least 2 hours (preferably a full 4‑hour shift). Meetups include a quick training, team assignments, and all materials — no experience needed.
15. The Center for Governmental Research has undertaken an important survey ‘Understanding Black & African American Participation in Health Survey’ Please share with your network: https://www.cgr.org/understanding-black-and-african-american-participation-in-health-survey/
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. Check out one of Rochester’s newest restaurants, Table 19 at 366 Arnett Blvd, Rochester, NY 14619. See link to website below.
If you have an item to include in the week’s sharing we need to have it by noon on Friday. Send to “tcmitch1951@gmail.com”.