Black Heritage Rochester

04/13/2026

On behalf of the Black Heritage Committee, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the Black Heritage Gala. Your presence, energy, and support made the evening truly meaningful and a celebration to remember.

Congratulations to all of our honorees—your dedication, excellence, and impact in our community continue to inspire us all. This night was a reflection of your hard work and commitment.

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the members of the Black Heritage Committee for your tireless efforts in planning and executing such a phenomenal event. Your passion, teamwork, and commitment brought this vision to life.

We are sincerely grateful to Mayor Malik Evans and the Rochester City Council for your continued support and partnership in uplifting our community.

Together, we celebrate legacy, excellence, and unity. Thank you all for being a part of this unforgettable evening.

— Hazel Washington
Chair, Black Heritage Committee

@topfansBlack Heritage Rochester

04/11/2026

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Black Heritage Gala tonight! ✨

Doors open at 5:30 PM and the program begins at 6:30 PM.

Let’s celebrate together!

@topfansBlack Heritage Rochester

04/02/2026

The 2026 Black Heritage Gala is Officially SOLD OUT!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support. We look forward to celebrating with you.

@topfansBlack Heritage Rochester

03/24/2026

Join Mayor Malik Evans and the City of Rochester’s Black Heritage Committee in celebrating Black Heritage!

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Black Heritage Gala on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Program Starts: 6:30 PM

This special evening will honor the remarkable contributions of Rochester's African American community, highlighting the achievements, leadership, and lasting legacy of our local community leaders. As 2026 marks 100 years of national commemorations of Black history, we will come together to celebrate, uplift, and preserve the rich culture and heritage that continues to shape our city and beyond.

🎟 Tickets are on sale and available now!
Tickets: $115 per person

Purchase Tickets:
Online: Eventbrite
In Person: City Hall, Room 100A
(Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of celebration, reflection, and community. Please share this invitation with your friends and family.

For more information, call 585-428-9857 or email [email protected]

@topfansBlack Heritage RochesterAKOMA Rochester's African American Women's Gospel ChoirVoices Of Thunder@

03/04/2026

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Black Heritage Committee honored ten influential local Black women at City Hall on Tuesday night. The event celebrated their efforts in breaking boundaries and helping their communities thrive.Organizers emphasized the importance of such events to ensure the contrib...

02/28/2026

Last evening, we gathered at City Hall for a powerful and inspiring Black History Month Panel Discussion commemorating 100 years of Black History celebrations.

Thank you to everyone who attended, engaged in the conversation, and helped make the evening impactful. Your presence, your voices, and your continued commitment to preserving, protecting, and advancing Black history truly matter.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Mayor Malik Evans for his continued support and leadership. We are also grateful to the Panel Discussion Sub-Committee for their thoughtful planning and coordination, and to the Black Heritage Committee for their unwavering support in making this event possible.

A special thank you to our distinguished panelists for sharing their insight, wisdom, and lived experiences: Wade Norwood, Tae’lor Jackson, Student Minister Kenneth Muhammad, and Dr. Shetara Bouie, MPA, Ed.D.

As we commemorate 100 years of honoring Black history, we remain committed to ensuring that our history is not only remembered, but actively celebrated and carried forward for generations to come.

@topfansBlack Heritage Rochester

02/27/2026

Last night, we were honored to host a meaningful panel discussion celebrating 100 years of Black History commemorations, reflecting on our past, examining our present, and envisioning our future.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, engaged in the conversation, and helped make the evening impactful. Your presence, voices, and continued commitment to preserving, protecting, and advancing Black history truly matter.

The Black Heritage Committee gathered at Rochester City Hall for a panel discussion about the future of Black history celebrations.

02/26/2026

Join us tomorrow for an exciting Black History Month Panel Discussion!

Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month

The City of Rochester Black Heritage Committee invites the community to a special Black History Month Panel Discussion commemorating 100 Years of Black History Commemorations.

📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM (Doors open at 5:15 PM)
📍 Rochester City Hall Atrium, 30 Church Street

✨ This event is FREE and open to the public.

Please note: All guests will be required to undergo a security screening and bag check upon entry.

🌟 Featured Guest Panelists

Dr. Wade Norwood – Chief Advancement & Government Relations Officer, Common Ground Health

Tae’lor Jackson – President, Panther Graphics, Inc.

Student Minister Kenneth Muhammad – Muhammad Study Group of Rochester

Dr. Shetara Bouie, MPA, Ed.D – Student Engagement Specialist, University Office of Enrichment & Engagement, University of Rochester

This engaging discussion will reflect on the historical significance of Black History Month, examine present-day challenges and achievements, and explore pathways toward a more equitable and inclusive future for generations to come.

🚗 Parking is available in nearby public garages and street parking where permitted.
♿ Rochester City Hall is ADA accessible.

We look forward to celebrating Black history with you—see you tomorrow!

Heritage RochesterBlack Heritage RochesterAKOMA Rochester's African American Women's Gospel ChoirVoices Of ThunderBlack Heritage RochesterUnited Way's African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP)

02/22/2026

What an amazing night!

Saturday evening was a powerful continuation of the City of Rochester’s Black History Month celebrations, highlighted by a joint concert featuring AKOMA, an African American Women’s Choir, and Voices of Thunder, a dynamic male chorus. Together, they delivered an unforgettable sound that celebrated and reflected the rich history of Black music and gospel.

Phenomenal performances from both groups—they truly rocked the house!

On behalf of the City of Rochester Black Heritage Committee, thank you to AKOMA and Voices of Thunder for sharing your incredible gifts and helping us celebrate Black history, culture, and faith through music.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A concert to recognize Black History Month was held at Mt. Olivet Church on Saturday evening. Together, AKOMA, an African American Women’s Choir, and Voices of Thunde…

02/21/2026

Join us tonight for an unforgettable night of gospel music!

The City of Rochester Black Heritage Committee invites the community to the Black Heritage Gospel Concert, a powerful evening of praise and celebration featuring two of Rochester’s top gospel choirs— AKOMA Rochester's African American Women's Gospel Choir and the Voices Of Thunder Gospel Choirs.

Experience soul-stirring vocals, uplifting music, and an atmosphere filled with spirit and joy as these renowned choirs take the stage.

Tonight — Saturday, February 21, 2026
6:00 PM
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams Street

This concert is free and open to the public. Bring your family, friends, and community and be part of an extraordinary evening of gospel excellence.

Black Heritage RochesterCity of Rochester Black Heritage Gala

02/21/2026

Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month

The City of Rochester Black Heritage Committee invites the community to a special Black History Month Panel Discussion commemorating 100 Years of Black History Commemorations.

Thursday, February 26, 2026
5:30 PM (Doors open at 5:15 PM)
Rochester City Hall Atrium, 30 Church Street

This event is free and open to the public.

Please note: All guests will be required to undergo a security screening and bag check upon entry.

Panel Moderator:
Ms. Racqui, Award-Winning Event Host
Radio Personality, The Beat 105.5 FM
News Reporter, WXXI News

Featured Guest Panelists:

Dr. Wade Norwood, Chief Advancement & Government Relations Officer, Common Ground Health

Tae’lor Jackson, President, Panther Graphics, Inc.

Student Minister Kenneth Muhammad, Muhammad Study Group of Rochester

Dr. Shetara Bouie, MPA, Ed.D, Student Engagement Specialist, University Office of Enrichment & Engagement, University of Rochester

This engaging discussion will reflect on the historical significance of Black History Month, examine present-day challenges and achievements, and explore pathways for shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for generations to come.

Parking is available in nearby public garages and street parking where permitted. Rochester City Hall is ADA accessible.

We look forward to celebrating Black history with you.
Heritage Rochester United Way's African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP)AKOMA Rochester's African American Women's Gospel ChoirVoices Of Thunder