• National Day of Racial Healing Premiere Event
  • Video created by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
    • 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Online/Virtual
    • Every year, the National Day of Racial Healing spotlights the important work of truth-telling about the historic and contemporary harms caused by racism, and the importance of trust-building and relationships in efforts to create a more just society. When we unravel our deeply held racial biases, we can bridge divides, restore one another to wholeness and transform our communities into places that affirm the inherent value of all people – today and for generations to come. We know positive transformation is possible, because we’ve seen the work in action in communities and institutions of all kinds. Please join us for the annual virtual event celebrating The National Day of Racial Healing 2022. The event includes speakers, music, poetry, and more.
    • Registration: Community members are invited to register through the website here.

• Talking Circles
  • Hosted by PiRI & FCSD
    • 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
    • Online/Virtual
    • Description: Please join parents, community members, and staff for a community building experience. Attendees will participate in a restorative circle conversation to explore what “racial healing” might mean to our own community. The conversation will be facilitated by Partners in Restorative Initiative (PiRI) in collaboration with Fairport staff. PiRI is an organization that brings restorative practices to the people of Western New York. Through the use of these powerful tools, they work to build relationships, strengthen communities, and repair harm in schools and communities.
    • Registration: Community members are invited to register through this link. A meeting link will be shared with registered participants the day of the event.

• Panel discussion:  Racial Unity and Restoration
  • Facilitated by BTP Accountability Partners, LLC
    • 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
    • Online/Virtual
    • Description: Parents, community members, and staff are invited to join a panel discussion exploring racial unity and restoration. Panel participants include representatives from our Fairport community and larger Rochester community who work in peaceful dispute settlement, law enforcement, and more. The discussion will be an open and honest dialogue about beginning to navigate the path to greater understanding and racial empathy.
    • Registration: Community members are invited to register through this link. A meeting link will be shared with registered participants the day of the event.

• Presentation:  The Haudenosaunee Path to Peace and the Healing Power of Forgiveness
  • Presented by Ms. Ronalyn Pollack, previous Executive Director of the Native American Cultural Center
    • 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
    • Online/Virtual
    • Description: Please join Ms. Ronalyn Pollack, Executive Director of the National American Cultural Center in Rochester, NY to learn about the Haudenosaunee approach to peace, which involves healing and reconciliation through forgiveness. Her presentation includes personal narrative and experiences to illuminate her message.
    • Ronalyn (Ronnie) Pollack has previously served as the Executive Director of the Native American Cultural Center in Rochester, New York. Prior to her time at the Native American Cultural Center, she worked as a Forgiveness Coach utilizing the healing power of forgiveness to transform lives, while incorporating the seven generations principle into her work. She is an Adjunct Professor at Monroe Community College and has taught in the Health and Physical Education Department for over 14 years. Her background also includes being a holistic health coach, while having 12+ years’ experience as a social worker in the early part of her career. Ronnie is a member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, in Ontario, Canada, but currently resides in Rochester, New York. Working with Indigenous peoples in the area of forgiveness is something that is sacred and personal to her heart, as she desires to see all Nations heal.
    • Registration: Community members are invited to register through this link. A meeting link will be shared with registered participants the day of the event.

Please contact Kelly B. Weishaar at kweishaar@fairport.org with questions or for more information.