Journalism and Media Literacy (Student-Created Guide): Black Lives Matter - Rochester

Free the People ROC is the primary activist group coordinating protests and marches in Rochester, New York. The group has consistently hosted news conferences aimed at updating residents on local criminal justice issues while also standing in solidarity with other communities across the nation.

The Rochester Police Accountability Board is comprised of nine city residents who volunteer their time to independently investigating misconduct complaints. Minutes from board meetings and addition information about members can be found online.

The Rochester Police Department launches its Open Data Portal in 2017 in effort to be more transparent with the community. The application shares geographic information, weapon type, in addition to victim and arrestee background for each homicide incident. It also contributes material regarding whether a case was closed or if it remains open. The open data portal updates weekly with a three-day lag from an incident’s report date. This information provides valuable information for evaluating the department’s ability to solve crimes.

Tianna Mañón is a freelance journalist and media specialist. Much of current her work aims to coordinate storytelling and social media for local organizations. Mañón, who graduated from RIT’s Journalism Department in 2015, is the former editor-in-chief of Open Mic Rochester, an online news source serving the local black community

Danielle Ponder is a public defender turned musician. Ponder has been a force in amplifying black voices and equality in Rochester, New York while also assisting in organizing protests and marches. Her music also encourages listeners to pursue change.

Shawn Dunwoody is a local artist who has curated many art installations and interactive experiences in Rochester, New York. Some of his most notable projects include the painting of “Black Lives Matter” on Court Street as well as “The Empire Strikes Back” which blacked out Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park and created a space for positivity to be spread in chalk.