President’s Message Zola Brown The 19th Ward Convention brought in a new way of communicating and a new President for 2021. I enjoyed the Convention – especially the panel discussion – but missed the in-person interaction. I missed trying a new dish or supporting a local pizza business and the raffle. This year was certainly different but necessary. It was good to know so many of you registered and joined in the virtual convention! No matter what the obstacles have been through this pandemic we are still successful in the 19th Ward. Please make sure you send us your comments about the Convention, and I hope some of you plan to join the committee next year. My presidential term ends December 31, 2020. It was a pleasure serving the two executive terms. I never imagined a kid who grew up in the 19th Ward, who attended elementary school 2, 16 ,19 and Junior high at Wilson, would become President of this Association. When you really think about it, that is how it should be: you live and grow to become a person who cares about where you live. I learned a lot through this journey but also realize the work […]
Newsletter
Update 19 November 2020
President’s Message Zola Brown It is that time of the year: boots, scarfs, hats and mixed-match gloves because, just like little kids, we can never keep up with them. November is here and the New Year is around the corner. I imagine everyone is looking for a better year than what we have endured through 2020. The November election may determine the outcome of your new year, so please vote November 3, 2020. The 19th Ward Annual Convention is coming soon via zoom on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. The theme is Race, Equity and Rebuilding Trust. We will reflect on our past year and usher in a new group of leaders. All positions are open, and the bylaws of the organization regarding election are on the 19th Ward website. If you are a member in good standing and desire to be President, 1st or 2nd Vice President, Treasurer or Secretary you may be nominated on the floor of the convention. We look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening November 17th at 7 p.m. The students at the U of R have an annual student conversation series called “Breaking the Bubble” through the Center for Community Leadership office. The theme for our […]
Update 19 – September 2020
President’s Message Zola Brown How time flies as we come into Labor Day weekend: the well-known last family barbecue and the start of the fall season. Schools are delayed and remote learning is still a priority. We hope that the education system throughout this covid season recognizes the work of parent, teacher and student for virtual learning challenges and processes. On this Labor Day weekend, we want to acknowledge the union workers who are not working due to schools being delayed and essential workers on the frontline. The education system, housing, critical social services, and infrastructure programs depend on census-guided federal grants that provide millions of dollars in funding for our area. Participation in the census has real fiscal consequences for our community. We have certain areas of the 19th Ward where participation is very low. Please fill out the census and not dodge the census taker when knocking on your door. Our last day to get this right is September 30 and, like voting, you cannot complain if you do not participate. Quality of life begins with you. Our 19th Ward yard signs and Black Lives Matter signs dominate our neighborhood. This speaks volumes about how proud you […]
Update 19 – August 2020
President’s Message Zola Brown It’s August and many of us are either making plans to go back to work and/or school. We have had many hardships this year and we need everyone to hang in there! Our Community Association is here to help provide any information on resources you need. We will do our best to help you and get your delegate involved. Foodlink is providing free meals for our children throughout the city and are committed to helping local families. If you have resources that can help a family in our community or an idea to bring resources to families in need, please reach out to the 19th Ward Community Association office (585) 328-6571. Our community mourns the passing of civil rights leaders C.T. Vivian and U.S. Representative, John Lewis. Locally, we also lost phenomenal leaders that have had direct impact on the 19th Ward, the Honorable David Gantt who served our neighborhood for over thirty years, and retired Pastor James Cherry Sr. from the Aenon Missionary Baptist Church. Both were friends and mentors to many, and we are grateful for their contributions to our community. We are still committed to Black Lives Matter. This is an opportunity to […]
Update 19 – July 2020
President’s Message Zola Brown Thank you 19th Ward community for showing up for our historical Black Lives Matter Parade and Vigil on June 19th, the celebration of Juneteenth. With over 120 bicycles and cars joined in, our community was moved to work on issues to eradicate systemic racism. A special thank you to the district delegates and office manager for their hard work on this event. So what’s next for the 19th Ward community to show that Black Lives Matter? This will be up to you. Protests and demonstrations will continue but more must be done. There is always resistance when a group of people who have been oppressed realize there is no other way to bring about change without holding people accountable. Break the silence. Don’t be silent about police brutality, inequality in education, poor housing, low paying jobs and health disparities. The 4th of July weekend may not bring an end to the fireworks surge we have faced in the past couple of weeks. It appears our elected officials and law enforcement have heard our concerns and are addressing the issue. As you celebrate Independence Day, please be sure to read and reflect on Frederick Douglass’s speech, “What to […]
Update 19 – June 2020
President’s Message Zola Brown Black Lives Matter. The nation is speaking out regarding the death of George Floyd and many others and the everyday racist acts and behavior against Black people. As a community, we must remove ourselves from our comfort zone and discuss and assess how we eradicate systematic racism. Black Lives Matter. The 19th Ward Community Association was formed to suppress the oppressive behavior regarding discriminatory housing practices. Members of the Association have spent years on committees trying to fight for education, housing and criminal justice reform. Black Lives Matter. People of all races must unite against racism. However, we must recognize the trauma, racism and emotional toll that Black people in the community deal with. Issues around the COVID-19 health pandemic does not help. If your only focus was on the looting and violence, then you missed a chance to understand the real issues: police brutality, education reform, decent housing, good paying jobs, slumlords and a chance of history repeating itself. Black Lives Matter. What can we do to move forward in the Association? Increase diversity amongst our committees so all voices can be part of the decision-making process. Fill in the Census 2020 so […]
Update 19 – May 2020
President’s Message Zola Brown Governor Cuomo quoted “We are New York tough, smart, disciplined, unified and loving.” I interpret this as we care about one another and if we stick together, we can make it through anything. During this pandemic, the rules have been a challenge. Most of us have complied and now we must get ready for reopening. What plans do you have in place to prepare for work and community engagement? Otherwise, let’s continue to practice social distancing and wear masks to protect each other. I want to thank Adrian Hale, Senior Manager at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce for delivering 200 disposable masks to the 19th Ward Community Association for distribution to our area business community. Over 17 businesses received a 19th Ward care bag. Businesses shared the masks with those who entered their establishments. Thank you, Eleanor Coleman for the great idea to help keep the community safe. Thank you Rotary Clubs, who are also handing out masks to the community. Thank you to John DeMott, Chris McDonald, Demond Meeks, Ruth Jenerson and Fran Villegas for volunteering to deliver masks and carry out the vision. While the sunshine is trying to make its way through, we […]
Update 19 – April 2020
President’s Message Zola Brown Life as we know it has changed in so many ways since the CDC community mitigation plan for Covid-19 has been in place. I follow the rules by wiping everything down and I even order online to keep my distance. As an essential employee for healthcare workers and a caregiver for a senior citizen I find myself glued to the governor’s daily updates. My routine is off, but my anxiety is down as I adjust to our current state. No situation is the same – we all deal with this matter in our own way, but I don’t want anyone in the 19th Ward to ever feel they are alone during this time of uncertainty. The city and county are doing their best to take care of families in need by offering free food and other services. 19th Ward District Delegates were asked to take this opportunity to keep in touch with neighbors. We are checking in with churches and community services to keep you informed of any vital services through our weekly update. The office manager is still coming into work to take your calls, but we are not currently accepting any visitors. Also, the […]
Update 19 – March 2020
President’s Message Zola Brown Celebrating 55 years as the 19th Ward Community Association says a lot about the people in the neighborhood who care and are trying to support the quality of life in our area that many of us take for granted. We are keeping our history alive and focusing on the needs of our neighborhood. We are known for fighting for fair housing, education, good jobs and supporting our neighborhood businesses. This year we start with a new logo and an updated website so that we are communicating effectively. We want all our neighbors to feel proud about living in the 19th Ward and being a member of the Association. When celebrating Black History month, I related to the year I was born, 1965, and the 1965 Voter Rights Acts. This Act, which was signed into law, prohibited the unfair and discriminatory practices used to prevent black people from voting. Congressman John Lewis continuously reminds us about March 7, 1965, in Alabama, known as Bloody Sunday, when civil rights marchers crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge were attacked and 17 hospitalized. This incident sparked President Johnson to sign the Voter Rights bill into law. So many sacrifices were made so […]
Update 19 – January/February 2020
President’s Message Zola Brown The 19th Ward Community Association celebrates 55 years of activism and strong community participation in 2020. During our annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, we received Governor Cuomo’s statewide proclamation for contributions for Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The proclamation will hang in 19th Ward Community Association office. February is Black History Month and we had one of our history makers as the keynote speaker at our annual MLK program. The Honorable Ruth Scott was first woman and person of color as president of 19th Ward Community Association. During her speech, she spoke about our charge for the education of our children and their success. Think about it—55 years later we are still fighting for good education and economic justice for our future leaders. Our Candlelight Dinner event is coming up on February 8, 2020. It’s also Square Fair time! We have started our planning process and we can use your help. The next meeting is February 19, 2020, at 216 Thurston Road, 6pm to 7pm. We hope to see you there. Tax time is here and the Empire Justice Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope Program will launch on February 10 , 2020, to help low income […]