2024 INTERRUPT RACISM Summit

HONORING FROM WHENCE WE CAME.

September 18, 2024 - Rochester Riverside Convention Center
Presented by ESL Federal Credit Union

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: CHERYL BROWN HENDERSON

Embodying this year's theme of 'Honoring From Whence We Came', we are honored to announce Cheryl Brown Henderson as our keynote speaker. The selection of Brown Henderson holds profound significance. She's not only a powerhouse in education and advocacy, but she is also the daughter of the late Reverend Oliver Brown, the lead plaintiff in the landmark Brown vs Board of Education case.

Ms. Brown Henderson is the Founding President of The Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence, and Research, and the owner of Brown & Associates, an educational consulting firm. Her remarkable journey of leadership spans across education, business, political advocacy, public policy implementation, and federal legislative development.

We eagerly await her presence at our Summit in September!

Purchase your tickets here!

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

The INTERRUPT RACISM™ Summit is an immersive learning experience for youth and adults, thoughtfully curated for attendees to identify, interrupt, and dismantle processes of systemic racism. This year's theme is Honoring From Whence We Came. 

This theme holds special significance as we commemorate several pivotal milestones in our nation's history: the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act, the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision, and the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Unrest in Rochester, NY. These events were not just historical events but catalysts that ignited the journey leading to the founding of the Urban League of Rochester in 1965.

Our Summits concentrate on four distinctive areas:

Personal Development (Individuals): This track is perfect for individuals who are on their personal journey to growth, betterment, and understanding. We will explore how racism colors our lens of ourselves and others and influences our behaviors.

Institutional Change (Businesses): This track is designed for audiences dedicated to driving organizational change. By the end of this session, participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective strategies for addressing and interrupting racism within their organizations.

Structural Equity (RASE): Following the work of the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity, this track is designed to help your understanding of laws and policies that perpetuate inequity and how to work collectively to dismantle them.

Youth Voice (ages 16-21): Preparing the next generation to take action and continue the work to achieve equity.

Program Schedule

8:15 Doors Open: Registration and Networking

9:00 Program Begins

  • Opening Remarks: Dr. Candice Lucas - Senior Vice President, Equity and Advocacy, Urban League of Rochester

  • Plenary Speaker: Dr. Seanelle Hawkins - Chair, New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies

10:00 Breakout Sessions I - Panel Discussions:

  • Structural Equity (Highland EF)

    • From Whence We Came - Moderator: Tiffany Owens, Panelists: Carvin Eisen, Erika Rosenberg, Essie Calhoun-McDavid, Shane Wiegand, Councilmember Stanley Martin, Stuart J. Mitchell III

  • Institutional Change (Highland DG)

    • DEI: What Does the Future Hold? - Moderator: Kevin Spencer Beckford, Panelists: Chris Dobson, Cornell Johnson, Dr. Donna M. Harris, Jessica Savage, Kelly A. Reed

  • Personal Development (Highland CH)

    • State of Black Rochester - Moderator: Jamila Evans-Rogers, Panelists: Ernest Lamour, Jackie Dozier, Rev. Myra Brown, Unique Fair-Smith

  • Youth Voice (Highland AK)

    • Fight the Power - Featured Speaker: J. Lamar Hannah

12:00 Lunch and Legacy Awards

1:00 Keynote: Cheryl Brown Henderson

2:10 Breakout Sessions II - Workshops

  • Structural Equity (Highland EF)

    • Take Action in Protecting Human Rights: Filing Federal Complaints and Advocating for Policy Change - Presenter: Katie Blum, Esq.

  • Institutional Change (Highland DG)

    • Staying the Course with DEI: Addressing the Successes, Challenges, and New Opportunities During the Recruitment and Hiring Processes - Presenters: Dr. Donna M. Harris, Erika Rosenberg

  • Personal Development (Highland CH)

    • Finding the Words to be an Interrupting Force Now and Forward - Presenter: Jim Armstrong

  • Personal Development (Highland BJ)

    • Witness to Injustice - Presenters: Ronalyn Pollack, Shira May, Ph.D., Milo Obourn, Ph.D.

  • Youth Voice (Highland AK)

    • Youth Voice Civic Engagement Panel - Assemblymember Demond Meeks, Regent Adrian Hale, Commissioner Isaiah Santiago, Cynshei Wilson, Jayde Lucas

3:20 Breakout Sessions III - Workshops

  • Structural Equity (Highland EF)

    • Commission on Racial and Structural Equity (RASE): What’s Happening Now

  • Institutional Change (Highland DG)

    • Policing: Recognizing Harm, Changing Structures; and Building Trust in Our Community - Presenters: Jill Paperno, Esq., X’Novia Quick

  • Personal Development (Highland CH)

    • Breaking the Silence: Addressing the Mental Health Impact of 'What Happens in This House, Stays in This House' - Presenters: Wiljar Ojuro

  • Personal Development (Highland BJ)

    • Practicing Grace and Empathy - Presenter: Kayleigh Ferra

4:30 Closing

Sponsors

Thank you to our generous sponsors and partners for this year’s Summit!

 
 

QUESTIONS?

Contact our Equity & Advocacy team at interruptracism@ulr.org.