Today is Saturday, August 22. August is National Civility month, an observance encouraging communities to practice respect, empathy, and constructive dialogue across cultural and political divides. Sundown Tuesday, August 25 through Sundown Wednesday, August 26 is Mawlid-al-Nabi, the observance of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is celebrated with carnivals, large street processions, and the decorating of homes and mosques.
Quote of the week: “Let me do it. You tell me when you want it and where you want it to land, and I’ll do it backwards and tell you when to take off.” Katherine Johnson born August 26, 1918 – February 24, 2020. NASA trailblazer
Featured civil rights activist/abolitionist/pioneer, August 22, 2026: Katherine Johnson born August 26, 1918 – February 24, 2020. NASA trailblazer
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Katherine-Johnson-mathematician
EVENTS
We are always looking for events related to race and culture, please share with us @ tcmitch1951@gmail.com
1. The University of Rochester will convene its Annual Conderence: Boundless Together 2026 will be held Friday, October 2026 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Cennter. The public is welcome but must register. See details at the link below.
Annual Conference: Boundless Together 2026 – Office of University Engagement and Enrichment
2. The Urban League of Rochester’s 7th Annual Interrupt Racism Summit is scheduled for November 2, 8:30AM to 4:30PM at the Hyatt Regency 125 E Main St, find the flyer below.
https://www.urbanleagueroc.org/interrupt-racism-summit
NEWS, HISTORY & RESOURCE
3. Here is a D&C story that should be read by all:
Trail of Tears (Atrocity also illustrates lessons of resilience, unity)
4. Here is a D&C Opinion piece that is critical of “Woke”. Good for consideration and discussion:
5. We share 5 pieces from the Medium Daily Digest, (some are Opinion pieces);
a. “Black People Defined Woke. Why Others Want to Redefine It“ by Dr. Allison Wiltz
b. “The Great Unraveling of The American Chosen Ones“ by The Color of My Politics
c. “America Did Not Misunderstand James Baldwin“ by The Color of My Politics
d. “America: The Country We Were Promised vs. the One We Got“ by William Spivey
e. “Bootstraps, Bookings, and Black Faces“ by The Color of My Politics (How MAGA Uses Black Surrogates As Cover to Mask Racism):
6. Find the latest Urban League of Rochester’s Interrupter Newsletter.
The Interrupter Newsletter – August 20, 2026
7. Here are two articles from the past 2 week’s Beacon:
a. Not his life story, but his life purpose
https://rochesterbeacon.com/2026/08/11/not-his-life-story-but-his-life-purpose/
b. An activist and educator rooted in Black history
https://rochesterbeacon.com/2026/08/17/an-activist-and-educator-rooted-in-black-history/
8. Here are two articles from the past 2 week’s Minority Reporter:
a. An Open Letter: It’s Time for a Permanent Gun Buyback Program
https://www.minorityreporter.net/post/an-open-letter-it-s-time-for-a-permanent-gun-buyback-program
b. Ward Family Scholarship Honors Rochester Couple’s Legacy of Education and Community Service
9. There are X articles that deal with Race, Poverty, Hate or Intolerance found in the D&C this past week.
a.Head Start changes generate pushback
b. Juneteenth Community, Circle Awards honors local pioneers
c. Civil rights group joins team seeking answers in death of Black teenager
d. Nearly 50 Rochester youths help plant flowers, brighten Genesee St.
e. Film brings focus on other Revolutionaries (Black reenactors, journalist help fill in history’s gaps)
OPPORTUNITIES:
10. 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”.
11. 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. 8/22, 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.
SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES:
12. 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)
13. 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”.