history
With America’s once-in-a-generation 250th birthday around the corner, WXXI compiled a list of local celebrations around the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. Events include community festivals, historical reenactments, educational programs, and public gatherings planned throughout the Fourth of July holiday period and beyond. Rochester and surrounding communities are among thousands of cities and towns nationwide […]
Karen S. Carter will become the first Black woman to serve as CEO of Dow Inc., taking the reins at the chemical giant on July 1 after more than 30 years at the company. Carter’s appointment was announced alongside other corporate leadership changes at Dow. Her promotion places her at the helm of one of […]
His nickname is the same as the sound caused by hitting everyone over the head with what he just did, because of course it is. Yes, this morning or afternoon, whenever you read this, you are certainly asking yourself what just happened and still woozy from the Bam! Wilt Chamberlain, 100 points. Kobe Bryant, 81 points. […]
Thousands gathered in Selma, Alabama, to mark the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday with speeches, tributes, and a commemorative crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The 1965 attack on marchers helped lead to passage of the Voting Rights Act, and this year’s events included calls for continued action on voting access. Concerns were raised by […]
The remains of U.S. Army Private Harland J. Hennessey, a WWII soldier who died in a Japanese POW camp in 1942, have been returned to Rochester for burial in his hometown of Boonville, NY. Identified through DNA and dental records in 2018, Hennessey was honored with a military escort upon landing. His remains will be […]
The Sons of Confederate Veterans filed a lawsuit against Georgia’s Stone Mountain Park, challenging the state’s plan to install a “truth-telling” exhibit about slavery, segregation, and white supremacy. The park, which features the largest Confederate monument in the U.S., has faced calls for change following the 2020 racial justice protests. The exhibit aims to contextualize […]
The Pentagon’s directive to remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) content has resulted in the flagging of over 26,000 images for deletion, including historic military figures, war heroes, and notable achievements of women and minorities in service. Among the images flagged for removal are references to: WWII Medal of Honor recipient Pfc. Harold Gonsalves The […]
In the first episode of “Honoring My Enslaved Ancestors,” Code Switch co-host B.A. Parker explores her family’s history at Somerset Plantation in Creswell, North Carolina. Despite passing the site every summer, Parker had avoided visiting it for years. Following the death of her Grandma Doris, Parker grapples with how to honor her enslaved ancestors’ legacy. […]
Robert Persichitti, a 102-year-old World War II veteran from Fairport, NY, died while traveling to Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Known for his generosity and zest for life, Persichitti frequently attended WWII commemorations and shared his wartime experiences with younger generations. Pastor William Leone, a friend for 46 years, praised his vibrant […]
150 years later we are still systemically dealing with slavery. Coming up on the midterm elections there will be five states voting on slavery in the United States. It’s interesting how some people will say that slavery and racism never happened or does not exist event though it is written in the U.S. Constitution. It […]
WDKX Holiday Stream