Category: Blog

Connie Mitchell passed away on December 14th at age 90. This iconic African American pioneer leaves deep impressions in the Rochester community and beyond, including lessons for anyone who leads an organization or group. Her family decided to hold her wake and funeral at St. Monica Catholic Church on Genesee Street (my church) and I… Continue reading Leadership Lessons from a Legend

I am white, male, straight, well-educated, well-off, able-bodied, etc. - in the “up” position in virtually every category. How can I possibly relate to the Black experience of discrimination? In the late 70’s/early 80’s, I worked for the Catholic Diocese of Rochester. I was one of a few lay people heading a department in the… Continue reading Angry Black People

Several years ago I began paying more attention to Rochester’s status as one of the most segregated communities in the country (One aspect of white privilege is that we don’t have to pay attention). Because of where I lived (Penfield) and how I lived, I was complicit in this racial segregation. I hung out with… Continue reading An Antidote to Tribalism

Picture the “Welfare Queen”. I know you can because you’ve absorbed the same images I have, from hundreds of campaign ads, news reports, and the sneering comments from dozens of relatives, co-workers or neighbors.  Some typical components: Black Heavy Several kids by several fathers, all absent The disheveled kids wander the hood while she plants… Continue reading Meeting the “Welfare Queen”

Guest Blog from Howard Eagle: I would like to thank Frank for the opportunity to "speak directly [and somewhat extensively] to all" of you. That is, providing you actually take the time to read this. It is important for us to be completely honest and acknowledge the fact that, part of the critical missing element… Continue reading A Critical Missing Element – Urgency!