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Jan 22, 2025
Culture

Mayor Evans to celebrate Black Heritage with slate of programming

Photo of two people dancing happily in love at the 2023 Black Heritage Gala.

Mayor Malik D. Evans and the City of Rochester’s Black Heritage Committee announce that early bird tickets are now on sale for the 2025 City of Rochester Black Heritage Gala, which will take place, 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St. 

The annual celebration, serves as the culminating event of the Committee’s Black History celebrations, highlighting the year’s theme, African Americans and Labor. 

“Each year, we take special time to honor the contributions of Black Americans, and this year, we focus on their significant impact in unions and labor rights,” Mayor Evans said. “From standing up for equality in the workplace to pushing for better wages and conditions, Black Americans have long been a driving force in the labor movement. I invite the entire Rochester community to join us in celebrating these efforts all year long.” 

The City will kick off its Black History celebrations at 12 noon, Wednesday, Feb. 5, with a Gospel Concert by the School of the Arts Choir, followed by an Evening of Art and Jazz, 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6, both at City Hall, 30 Church St. The Evening of Art and Jazz will feature the opening of an exhibit featuring local artists in the City Hall Link Gallery, a live jazz performance and a food tasting.  

The City’s Black Heritage Committee is hosting the following events in 2025: 

  • Gospel Concert: School of the Arts Choir, 12 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, City Hall, 30 Church St.. Free and open to the public. 
  • An Evening of Art & Jazz, 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6, City Hall, 30 Church St.. Free and open to the public. 
  • Gospel Concert: Strings for Success, 12 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, City Hall, 30 Church St.. Free and open to the public. 
  • Akoma and Voices of Thunder, 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 351 Joseph Ave.. Free and open to the public. 
  • Keynote Address by Tracey Harrison, Vice President, Upstate, 1199SEIU, United Healthcare Workers East, 5:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21, City Hall, 30 Church St., Free and open to the public. 
  • Black Heritage Youth Gala, 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 13, Location TBD. 
  • Black Heritage Gala, 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 12, Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St. Tickets: $90 until Feb. 7, then $100. Purchase at City Hall, Room 100A, or online (with $7.88 service charge): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-rochester-black-heritage-gala-tickets-1109407911929?aff=oddtdtcreator. 
  • Juneteenth Block Party and Flag Raising, 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 18, outside City Hall, 30 Church St.. Free and open to the public. 

Learn more: Celebrate Black Heritage