Urban League of Rochester’s 5th Annual INTERRUPT RACISM Summit – Honoring From Whence We Came
ROCHESTER, NY (September 11, 2024) — The Urban League of Rochester is proud to announce its 5th annual INTERRUPT RACISMTM Summit, presented by ESL Federal Credit Union. This year’s event, the area’s premier anti-racism conference, will be held in-person on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
The theme, "Honoring From Whence We Came," holds special significance as it marks several pivotal milestones in our nation’s history: the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act, and the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Unrest in Rochester, NY—events that were catalysts for the founding of the Urban League of Rochester in 1965.
The Urban League is honored to welcome Ms. Cheryl Brown Henderson as the keynote speaker. Ms. Brown Henderson is the youngest daughter of the late Rev. Oliver L. Brown, who led the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case that challenged segregation in public schools. On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Brown et al., shaping the course of civil rights history. Her father passed in 1961, never fully witnessing the profound impact of his case, but Ms. Brown Henderson continues his legacy.
This year’s summit promises to be educational, inspiring, and a powerful catalyst for progress. In addition to Ms. Brown Henderson’s keynote, the Summit will feature remarks by Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, Chair of the NYS Community Commission on Reparations Remedies, as well as four morning panels discussing: the state of Black Rochester, the future of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), using our history to guide future change, and the role of music in the Black liberation movement. The event will also include a variety of afternoon workshops aligned with Structural Equity, Institutional Change, Personal Development, and Youth Voice (ages 16-21).
Dr. Candice Lucas, Senior Vice President of Equity and Advocacy at the Urban League of Rochester, emphasized the importance of this year's summit in light of current challenges facing DEI initiatives. “In a time where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts are being attacked across the nation, it is crucial that our community remains bold and vocal about its commitment to demanding diversity,” said Dr. Lucas. “We must continue to create a more equitable Rochester and ensure progress for future generations.”
During the Summit, the Urban League will host its Legacy Luncheon to honor ten individuals who have left, or are leaving, a lasting legacy on our community. The main award, named in honor of Joan M. Allen, a founding member of the Urban League of Rochester, will be awarded to The Honorable Loretta C. Scott. Her legacy includes a 30-year career serving Rochester, becoming the city’s first Black female department head, championing police accountability, and co-founding several critical local initiatives.
Other awardees include: William Bryant, MaryBeth Elko, Dr. Fredrick C. Jefferson Jr., Jayde Ashanti Lucas, MPH, CaTyra Polland, M.A., Rosemary Rivera, Nefetari Pinnock Smith, Keyvo Owens, and Miguel Velázquez.
The Urban League is deeply grateful to its presenting sponsor, ESL Federal Credit Union, and other supporters, including Key Bank, M&T Bank, News 10 NBC, and J.P. Morgan Chase. Tickets are available now at https://www.urbanleagueroc.org/summit. Open to ages 16 and older.
For questions and press inquiries, please contact Dr. Candice Lucas at clucas@ulr.org.