A Call to Women of Color Celebrates 20 Years of Sisterhood

Community Submission
45 minutes ago
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A Call to Women of Color Founded by Jackie Dozier

Rochester, NY - What began two decades ago as a backyard gathering has grown into a treasured community tradition. This September, A Call to Women of Color will mark its 20th anniversary with three days of events Sept. 11 – 13 celebrating sisterhood, health and community.

Founded by Jackie Dozier, director of Community Health and Well-Being at the Combined Entity of Common Ground Health-Finger Lakes Performing Provider System-Rochester RHIO, A Call to Women of Color began as a simple gathering centered around a powerful idea: when Black women are healthy, our villages are healthier.

“Black women carry so much—in our families, in our workplaces, in our neighborhoods and in our faith and community spaces,” said Dozier. “This event has always been about reminding women that their health, their joy and their connections matter. When Black women are seen, supported and cared for, our whole community benefits.”

Black women continue to experience significant health inequities, including higher rates of maternal mortality and chronic conditions, while also navigating barriers shaped by access to care, economic opportunity, housing, education and other drivers of health.

“This milestone celebration is not only a tribute to Jackie’s leadership and dedication on this important issue, but also to the community members who have helped shape A Call to Women of Color into what it is today,” said Carol Tegas, CEO of the Combined Entity of Common Ground Health-FLPPS-Rochester RHIO.

This year marks the first time the celebration has expanded from a single event into a full weekend, creating new opportunities for women and girls to gather, reflect, celebrate and build meaningful connections around Black women’s health.

Anniversary weekend events are:

Friday, Sept. 11: Me Period film screening at The Little Theatre, including a discussion with the film’s director, Lisa Cunningham (6-9pm)
Saturday, Sept. 12: 20th Anniversary Social Gathering at Genesee Valley Park Roundhouse Pavilion with keynote speaker Lisa Cunningham, noted speaker, LGBTQ influencer, and EVP of Marketing and Communications at the Black Women’s Health Imperative. (12pm-6pm)
Sunday, Sept. 13: Little Black Dress Event at La Luna in High Falls (3pm-7pm)