Today is Saturday, October 3. Sundown October 2 – sundown October 3 is the Jewish observation of Shemini Atzeret, the eight and last day of the Fall festival of Sukkot. Starting sundown today until sundown Sunday, October 4 is the Jewish joyous festival of Simchat Torah in which the reading cycle of the Torah is completed and its first book begun again. Hispanic Heritage month, honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities is celebrated September 15 – October 15. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Indigenous Peoples’ Day, honoring the history, resilience, and cultures of Indigenous peoples is Monday, October 12.
Quote of the week: “When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something good for people, to help humanity free itself from its hang-ups.” John Coltrane born September 23, 1926 – July 17, 1967.
Featured civil rights activist/abolitionist/pioneer: John Coltrane born September 23, 1926 – July 17, 1967.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Coltrane
EVENTS
We are always looking for events related to race and culture, please share with us @ tcmitch1951@gmail.com
1. Check out this interpretive program at Genesee Country Village & Museum intended to share and engage with the history of enslavement in New York State. The initiative shares the powerful stories of enslaved individuals, freedom-seekers, Black and white abolitionists, and even enslavers, highlighting a history that has shaped our society in ways we cannot ignore.
Seeking Freedom – Genesee Country Village & Museum https://www.gcv.org/interpreting-enslavement/
2. Third Presbyterian Church presents ROC Community Table’s paper “Claiming Your Seat At The Table”, Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 – 9:00 PM at the Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St.. See link below for more information and to find the QR for the paper. It is suggested that you read it in advance of the presentation.
3. The Monroe County Family Coalition is hosting a FREE Youth and Family Wellness Conference on Saturday, October 10 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Monroe County Hospital. Dr. Ibram X. Kendi will be the keynote speaker. Here is a link to register for the conference: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrGtASckme_4MD6Vwkym9cmqz8Ko-bKC3HVCKEgocVtywnqA/viewform Here also is a link to MCFC’s website that describes the conference in more detail: https://mcfamilycoalition.org/
4. Kit Miller reminds us that October 12 is Indigenous Peoples Day and shares that the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC) with activities from sunrise to sunset with most of the activities at 657 East Main St. from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. See below for details.
5. Michael Boucher shares that the film “The Injured Body: A Film About Racism in America”, a screening and director Q&A will take place Wednesday, October 14 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at RIT. See link below for details.
6. The University of Rochester will convene its Annual Conference: Boundless Together 2026 will be held Friday, October 23 2026 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Kit Miller provides an overview of the event below:
The public is welcome but must register. See details at the link below.
Annual Conference: Boundless Together 2026 – Office of University Engagement and Enrichment
7. 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
8. We share 3 pieces from the Medium Daily Digest, (some are Opinion pieces);
a. “The Reading of Thomas Jefferson’s Last Will and Testament“ by William Spivey
b. “Why Has Segregation Never Disappeared in America?“ by William Spivey
c. “The Origin of Racism“ by William Spivey
9. Gary Domenico shares this piece that casks doubt on reports of possible lynching.
New investigations probe recent hangings across U.S. – The Washington Informer
10. Drew Saur shares shares this piece that overviews some of the controversies affecting the Smithsonian Institute.
11. Find the latest Urban League of Rochester’s Interrupter Newsletter.
The Interrupter Newsletter – October 1, 2026
12. Pat Mitchell shares a video story by Clarissa Ward ‘Something truly beautiful happened in Rome this week. Palestinian mother, Reem Al-Hajajreh, and Israeli mother, Yael Admi, led a march for peace.’
https://www.facebook.com/reel/920085657475280/ https://www.facebook.com/reel/920085657475280/?hpir=1
13. Here are 2 articles from this week’s Beacon:
a. Renewal of a community hub
https://rochesterbeacon.com/2026/10/01/renewal-of-a-community-hub/
b. Health care workers join national push to protect immigrant caregivers
14. Here are 2 articles from this week’s Minority Reporter:
a. Rochester’s International Plaza 2026 Season Ends With Two Events in October
b. Rochester’s Peace Village Plan Draws Concerns From Homeless Advocates
15. ‘How Flock Cameras Became a Conspiracy’
The claim was false. The threat was real.
16. There are 4 articles that deal with Race, Poverty, Hate or Intolerance found in the D&C and U.S. Today this past week.
a. 2nd arrest made in Mississippi hanging death
b. Businesses failed DEI (Companies didn’t have to give in to pressure emanating from the Trump administration)
c. Police say woman’s hanging was staged
d. Rush-Henrietta promises safety changes after 7 fights https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/communities/henrietta/2026/09/30/rush-henrietta-school-safety-plan-security-fights/92032064007/
OPPORTUNITIES
17. 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”.
18. Check out many of the programs available for City students to prepare for their education and careers. See link below.
Urban League of Rochester https://www.urbanleagueroc.org/youth
19. It is not too early to start planning and preparing for the many scholarships available to support students education. See link below.
Youth Education and Development — Urban League of Rochester https://www.urbanleagueroc.org/scholarships
SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES:
20. 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)
21. Get your car or truck looking good for the upcoming holidays. Check out Touch of Perfection On the Go – Car Wash and Detail Shop. See link below,
If you have an item to include in the week’s sharing we need to have it by noon.