Ripple Art Exhibit during Legacy ’64 Rochester, NY event

It has been more than 50 years since the Rochester Riots of July ’64. These events precipitated an epidemic of over 300 riots across the country spanning the course of two years. While much more is known today about the unfortunate circumstances leading to these events, very little has been documented about what was done to restore and heal these communities. The Ripple Art exhibition engages artists in exploring the impact the arts have on healing, connecting, and inspiring communities. To learn more, visit www.legacy64.org.

Research by Dr. Melody Cofield revealed the positive ripple effect of many unsung heroes whose collaboration stories should be told. Because all communities are affected by riots, we believe these stories would help to prevent history repeating itself. For this reason, we have created a forum for recognizing these heroic contributions, titled: Legacy of ’64 Ripple Hall of Fame. On July 30, 2016, over 250 people in the Rochester, NY community attended an event honoring leaders who came together after the 1964 riots to create jobs.

Thank you to the artists who joined in support of the #legacy64 memorial soiree where we honored multiracial community business leaders (some posthumously) that collaborated strategically after the 1964 Rochester riots to create jobs as a way to improve people’s lives. Jacqueline Cofield, Founder of J Rêve International, managed the event exhibition and volunteers. The event recognized those who make positive social impact so we maintain references of how to overcome socioeconomic issues. Artists explore these issues in their works. We are grateful for their ability to bring people together.

Thank you Don Alhart, main news anchor and Associate News Director for WHAM-TV (Channel 13, ABC Affiliate), for emceeing the #legacy64 soiree July 30th, 2016 in Rochester, NY. Among the posthumous honorees of the evening, were Saul Alinksky, American community organizer and writer. It has been more than 50 years since the Rochester Riots of July ’64. These events precipitated an epidemic of over 300 riots across the country spanning the course of two years. In 2013, Dr. Melody Cofield began an oral history research study to determine the positive outcomes resulting from the interracial collaborations that came together for the purpose of rebuilding the City of Rochester. Among her many discoveries were the “Spirit of Humanity” and the true “Legacy of ’64.” Both these discoveries have inspired the creation of Legacy of ’64: Spirit of Humanity, a social enterprise dedicated to building the beloved community and uplifting humanity.

Participating artists include:

TAFA, David Haygood, Richmond Futch, Kim Rowlands, Michael Slattery, Shawn Dunwoody