Black Heritage Month

Celebrating Black History

In honor of Black History Month each year, the City’s Black Heritage Committee hosts a program of events to celebrate our nation’s Black heritage.

2024 Event Schedule

All of the following events, except for the Black Heritage Gala, are free to attend:

City Hall Supers 

Watch out, Gotham and Wakanda — Rochester boasts its own league of superheroes! 

City Hall is home to a remarkable ensemble of African American trailblazers. Get acquainted with Mayor Evans and members his dynamic team, who are tirelessly working every day to ensure Rochester's safety and prosperity:

Mayor Malik D. Evans

Malik D. Evans, Rochester's 71st Mayor, prioritizes positive, systemic change through transparent leadership, equitable municipal services, and partnerships for a vibrant city future. Inaugurated in 2022, he's committed to enhancing quality of life by fostering vibrant neighborhoods and job opportunities. Born and raised in Rochester, Evans graduated from Wilson Magnet High School, later earning degrees from the University of Rochester and Nazareth College. Inspired by his parents' civic activism, he aims to serve both in elected office and the banking industry to promote prosperity and community welfare.

Evans' dedication to public service emerged early, founding a City-County Youth Council in high school to cultivate community advocacy. He began his political career at 23, becoming the youngest member elected to the Rochester Board of Education, later serving on the City Council until 2021. During his tenure, he prioritized consensus-building, believing in finding common ground to address challenges effectively. Before his mayoral role, Evans held leadership positions in the banking sector for over two decades, advocating for equitable financial services for all.
 

Beyond politics and banking, Evans actively participates in community initiatives, serving on various boards including the Rochester Area Community Foundation and the Commissary Downtown Kitchen Incubator. A family man, he and his wife Shawanda cherish time with their two sons, enjoying concerts and exploring new destinations together. Mayor Evans embodies a commitment to Rochester's growth, combining civic leadership, financial expertise, and community engagement to shape a promising future for the city.
 

Chief of Staff, Tamara Mayberry

Tamara “Tammy” Mayberry has more than two decades of experience in government affairs and public engagement in Washington, DC and Rochester, NY. Tammy, a Buffalo native, is currently Rochester Mayor Malik Evans’ chief of staff, and has previously worked in two Presidential Administrations, for the House of Representatives, former U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, and the City of Chicago. Most recently, she was Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Empire State Development within the New York State government. Tammy is a graduate of Ithaca College and the George Washington University Law School. 

Neighborhood and Business Development Commissioner, Dana Miller

Dana oversees programs for business growth, housing rehabilitation, real estate management, zoning, permits, and structural compliance. With a background in engineering and business, he spent 34 years at Xerox before transitioning to roles at the Rochester Area Community Foundation. Miller, a lifelong Rochester resident, holds an MBA from the University of Rochester's Simon School of Business and is actively involved in various community organizations.

Having previously served as Deputy Commissioner and a twelve-year tenure as an at-large member of the Rochester City Council, including four years as Vice President, Miller brings extensive experience to his current position. His dedication to Rochester extends beyond his professional roles, evidenced by his involvement in community associations and volunteer activities for over three decades, including leadership positions in the 19th Ward Community Association and the Sector 4 Common Council.

Alongside his wife Freda, Miller raised their two sons in Rochester's 19th Ward neighborhood, reflecting his commitment to the city's historic and diverse communities. Currently, he chairs the board of the Rochester Economic Development Corporation and serves on boards for organizations like the Greater Rochester Housing Partnership, NextCorps, and ROC2025, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to fostering Rochester's growth and prosperity.

Department of Recreation and Human Services Commissioner, Dr. Shirley Green

Dr. Green, a proud Rochester native, boasts an impressive academic journey with degrees in Mathematics, Computer Science, Educational Administration, and a doctorate in executive leadership. Her commitment to education and community empowerment led her to serve as a teacher, principal, and executive director of special education within the Rochester City School District. Now, as the Commissioner of the City of Rochester’s Department of Recreation and Human Services (DRHS), she focuses on providing wholesome programming for youth and residents, ensuring fair access and tailored services for all.

Driven by her upbringing and Christian values instilled by her late parents, Sallie and George Alexander, Dr. Green embodies humility and service. Her dedication extends beyond her professional role; she actively engages in community advocacy through leadership in the Rochester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and participation on multiple boards. With her spouse Thomas Green, she is a proud parent of two remarkable individuals, Thomas Jr. and Courtney, nurturing strong family bonds amidst her service-oriented life.

From promoting R-Center programs to providing staff leadership training, Dr. Green's hands-on approach reflects her commitment to better serving the Rochester community, particularly its children. Her enduring belief in the transformative power of education fuels her lifelong mission to empower individuals and foster social change, echoing her mantra that education is the key to unlocking boundless potential.

Jeff Bostic designed this poster series at the Central Library Digital Media Lab as a contribution to The Rochester Public Library's Black History Month initiative. For further details about the series, please visit: https://roccitylibrary.org/spotlight/black-history-month/

Learn more

The Black Heritage Committee: The Black Heritage Committee is a group of City of Rochester employees who meet year-round to plan events and projects throughout the year.