Our nation’s first Thanksgiving celebrated the cooperation of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans who helped the Pilgrims learn how to succeed in a new home. Today, more than ever, that spirit of unity still defines America’s values. It remains a cause for celebration and a reason to give thanks.
Rochester has always been a city that has stood out as a beacon of hope. Whether we were fighting for the abolition of slavery, women’s rights or LGBT equality, we have been a city that believed in equal rights and equal opportunity for all. That’s who we were then, and that’s who we are today.
On this Thanksgiving, I ask all people of Rochester to consider and act upon the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he said “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving. God bless you all.
Lovely A. Warren, Mayor
City of Rochester