Latest news with #SeanelleHawkins
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State Commission on Reparations looks to public for racial justice solutions during hearing in Rochester
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)- The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies heard from the Rochester community during a public hearing Tuesday at the Memorial Art Gallery. The nine-member commission is holding hearings across the state as it gathers input about the long-term impact of slavery. One presenter began by explaining that he didn't believe reparations were necessary until he researched the impact of slavery, redlining, housing discrimination, and urban renewal. Audience members were asked to think about who benefited from urban renewal and who was harmed by projects such as the Inner Loop and economic development. Following the presentations, participants were invited to share their personal experiences about living in Rochester. Dr. Seanelle Hawkins chairs the commission. She pointed out that previous hearings were held in Buffalo, Queens, and Albany. The goal, she says, is to gain insight into how slavery has produced long-lasting damage to the Black community in all areas of the state. 'We're learning about the specific harms in the community. We need the research to inform the recommendations,' Hawkins explained. Retired nurse's mission: CURE bears bring comfort to childhood cancer patients The group must present its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. 'We want to submit a quality report with strong recommendations and it will take some time,' Hawkins said. According to Hawkins, the group is seeking authorization to extend its work beyond the initial one year provided in the legislation that created the commission. The next public hearing will be held on April 10 in the Bronx. For more information about the commission and to provide input, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State CCRR to host hearing on impact of slavery, discrimination
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies (NYSCCRR) will hold a public hearing Tuesday in Rochester at the Memorial Art Gallery at 4 p.m. The hearing will provide a platform for the public to share personal testimonies and insights on the enduring harms and impact of slavery and institutional discrimination on the descendants of the Enslaved and African Americans. Those who attend are invited to share their stories and describe how the impact of slavery affected their lives. The hearing will explore the long-term impact of urban renewal policies that resulted in the widespread displacement of Black communities in Rochester and across New York State. Those with NYSCCRR say the demolition of the Clarissa Street neighborhood exemplifies how discriminatory policies erased the Black community and contributed to the loss of generational wealth. They went on to say the construction of the Inner Loop further isolated Black neighborhoods, deepening racial disparities in housing, and economic opportunity. Those who attend will get the opportunity to meet Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, Chair of the NYSCCRR, who has been charged to work on the statewide initiative. NYSCCRR, established under Senate Bill S1163A, was signed into law in 2023 by Governor Kathy Hochul. 'It is essential community members not only share their experiences, but also put forth recommendations and ideas that will lead to remedies that will right the wrongs of slavery,' Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, Chair of the NYSCCRR, said. 'At previous hearings, we heard powerful testimonies about who has been harmed and who should receive reparations. Now, we seek todeepen our understanding of the policy solutions and systemic changes necessary to addressthese harms. Conversations with NYS residents are critical in shaping our recommendations toconfront the structural inequities rooted in slavery and systemic discrimination in New York State.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Urban League hosts 60th Anniversary
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — On Valentine's Day, the Urban League of Rochester brought back its annual gala calling it the Love and Legacy Gala. Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, the President and CEO of the Urban League explained it's the first gala in sixteen years. 'We're just thrilled the community chose to love on us on Valentine's Day and this is a sold-out affair, and we couldn't be more grateful.' The President and CEO of the National Urban League, Marc Morial delivered the keynote address during the event at the Rochester Convention Center. Speakers including Mayor Malik Evans, issued a call to action and emphasized the need to support the Urban League and its programs. Several community leaders including the former CEOs of the Urban League, William A. Johnson, Jr. and William G. Clark were honored along with Essie Calhoun-McDavid, Emerson U. Fullwood and Robert Duffy. For sixty years the Urban League has been a strong advocate for the underserved. Some of the services include programs for first time homebuyers and young people. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
