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Third Race Relations Summit Planned

http://www.understandingrace.org

The third annual race relations community summit is planned for Saturday at Wilson Foundation Academy in Genesee Street. Organizer Kathy Sweetland of Facing Race, Embracing Equity hopes you’ll join in.

"You know, Rochester has really faced some terrible tragedies this past summer, and like the title of the program says, we really want people to pull together."

There are many facets of race relations in Rochester. Sweetland told WXXI that a dozen issues will get their attention during this third annual summit, one being Rochester Schools.

"So we have a breakout session that's about the 'school to prison pipeline.' We also have another breakout session that's about the history of race as it has been interpreted in an educational system."

Other topics of focus will be police, community and judiciary relations and low income housing, among others. FREE also plans to release an updated action plan.

"But it will talk about what FREE has been doing for the past three years, and what sort of impact we've had on local issues and what our plans are for what we'd like to do in the future."

Facing Race Embracing Equity Logo

For each issue it tackles, FREE asks participants for solutions and compiles them to share where they can help the community. She says anyone interested in getting involved will find opportunities to contribute their expertise and perspective.

Sweetland says she feels a strong energy in our town to pull together and deal with some serious issues.

"They're saying to themselves, this has to stop - whatever the 'this' happens to be - and I see more people saying okay this is serious. Let's get down to business. Let's do something about it. It's wonderful to feel that energy if you someone that works in the community."

You are welcome to join in, just show up at Wilson Foundation Academy, 200 Genesee Street at 11 am.