City of Rochester
News Release
(Friday, Jan. 16, 2015) – In honor of Black History Month, Mayor Lovely A. Warren and the City’s Black Heritage Committee today announced a month-long program of events to celebrate our nation’s black heritage. This year’s theme is “A Century of Black History, Life and Culture,” to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month.
• MLK Youth Day Summit
In partnership with the Greater Rochester Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and Youth Voice One Vision, this event is targeted to youth leadership groups, with a focus on race and activism. This event is free, but tickets and advanced registration are required. Contact Jackie Campbell at jcampbel@libraryweb.org to register and obtain a ticket.
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2015.
Central Library, Kate Gleason Auditorium, 115 South Avenue
• 150 Ancestors Reception
A celebration to recognize of 150 African Americans who have contributed to the Greater Rochester community area, from the early 1800’s to the present.
5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, January 29
City Hall Atrium, 30 Church St.
• 3rd Annual Black Heritage Conference.
Conference Theme: Black Male Achievement; Keynote Presenter: David Miller, author of “Dare to be King.” City Council President Loretta Scott will be the moderator.
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, January 31 Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (REOC), 161 Chestnut Street
Tickets: $10 per person (purchase at City Hall, 30 Church St., room 100A).
• An Evening of Art & Jazz
A reception for the Black History Month art exhibit in the City Hall Link Gallery, which will be on display from Feb. 2 through March 23. Hosted by David Haygood, Jr., and featuring youth and adult artists.
5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, February 5
City Hall Link Gallery and Atrium, 30 Church St.
• Gospel Fridays
City Hall Atrium, 30 Church St., 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Celebrating an important tradition of Black Heritage with local choir performances.
o Friday, February 6, 15th Tabernacle Choir, Church of God and Saints of Christ Church
o Friday, February 13, Julius Dicks and Company
o Friday, February 20, Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Male Chorus
o Friday, February 27, Immaculate Conception/St. Bridget’s Church Choir
• Heritage Gospel Concert
Featuring Akoma and Voices of Thunder’s annual joint gospel songfest to support scholarships for graduating high school seniors
6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, February 15
First Genesis Baptist Church, 292 Hudson Ave.
• Black Heritage Story Telling and Book Reading
Noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 18
David F. Gantt R-Center, 700 North St.
• DRYS Youth Kings & Queens Showcase: “A Walk Through Time”
3 p.m.to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, February 19 Thomas P. Ryan R-Center, 530 Webster Ave.
• Food Tasting Event
In partnership with STAR, Inc. (Sisters Together Achieving Results) 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 20 City Hall Atrium, 30 Church St.
• 13th Annual Black Heritage Gala
6 p.m., Saturday, February 28
Hyatt Regency Hotel, 120 East Main Street
Tickets: $55 per person (purchase at City Hall, 30 Church St., room 100A).
The Black Heritage Month (BHM) Committee is a group of 14 City of Rochester Employees who meet year-round to plan events and projects throughout the year. For more information, call 428-9857 or send an email to blackheritage@cityofrochester.gov.
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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.