Black History Month
Source: BET NewsPublished: Feb 9, 2026Link:https://www.bet.com/article/sxgdr9/banned-by-bureaucracy-famu-students-say-they-cant-say-black-on-campus BET reports that students at Florida A&M University, an HBCU, criticized guidance they say limited language and branding tied to Black History Month activities, connecting the issue to state funding rules and political pressure. The article captures student frustration and frames the broader stakes: who gets to define acceptable […]
Did you know one of history’s most powerful voices once called Rochester home? Before publishing her landmark book, Harriet Jacobs managed the Anti-Slavery Office in the Talman Building—right next door to Frederick Douglass’s North Star. From 1849–1850, she was a vital link in the Underground Railroad, turning Rochester into a sanctuary for those seeking freedom. […]
From escaping slavery to building a sanctuary. Reverend Thomas James founded Rochester’s first AME Zion Church in 1831, creating a spiritual home that doubled as a powerhouse for the Underground Railroad. A minister, publisher, and fearless abolitionist, his life was a masterclass in resistance.
Ronald Houston, WROC-TV’s first Black reporter, is finally receiving recognition for his role in Rochester’s media history. Houston worked at WROC from 1968 to 1975, serving as a disc jockey, newscaster, announcer, and television reporter. Despite his significant contributions, his name was largely absent from historical accounts of Rochester’s Black broadcasters. His daughter, Carla Davis, […]
In honor of Black History Month, Mattel is celebrating the 45th anniversary of Black Barbie with a special collaboration alongside the Black In Fashion Council (BIFC). This initiative pays tribute to Kitty Black Perkins, the creator of the first Black Barbie, while encouraging diversity and inspiring young Black girls to explore careers in design. View […]
Students in the Greece Central School District honored Black History Month with a “Celebration of Black Excellence” event at the Greece Performing Arts Center. The special double-matinee performance showcased students singing, dancing, and speaking on stage. Adding to the excitement, Alan Mingo Jr., the lead actor from the Broadway musical “The Wiz,” joined the students, […]
June Bacon-Bercey was a pioneering African American meteorologist and one of the first women to hold a significant role in the field of weather science. Born in 1932, she made history in 1959 as the first African American woman to earn a degree in meteorology. She later became the first African American woman to work […]
The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) in Rochester hosted its 24th annual Black History Month celebration on Sunday, bringing the community together for an afternoon filled with music, dance, art, and cultural appreciation. The event featured a diverse lineup of live performances, including African dance and drumming, step teams, spoken word, contemporary dance, poetry, and a […]
Black History Month is a time to celebrate, recognize, and support the achievements and contributions of African Americans. In Rochester, there are many Black-owned businesses to explore, ranging from bakeries and bookstores to fitness centers and consulting firms. With help from Black Owned in Rochester, here are 15 businesses to support this month and beyond: […]
Jane Bolin, born in 1908 in Poughkeepsie, New York, overcame significant barriers as a Black woman in her pursuit of a legal career. The daughter of Gaius Bolin, the first Black graduate of Williams College, she faced a lonely college experience at Wellesley, where she was one of only two Black students. Despite discouragement from […]
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