MLK Day Event in Rochester Sparks Community Dialogue on Black Economic Independence

Our Voices Project LLC, in collaboration with Legacy Drama House, presented Being Black in America: Discussion and Collective Action on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Legacy Drama House, located at 112 Webster Avenue in Rochester, NY. Dr. Mary Tina, the owner of Legacy Drama House, has operated the space for more than eight years.

The event was well attended, filling the venue. Our Voices Project Founder, Director, and Co-Producer Jackie McGriff, along with Outreach Facilitator and Co-Producer Courtney Shouse, opened the event with greetings and introductions.

The program focused on how Black people feel about being Black in America, which is also the title of the documentary film presented during the event. Following the film, panelists participated in discussion, and a collection of pre-submitted ideas was presented through a slide presentation centered on the topic: “How do you imagine Black economic independence and systems beyond capitalism?”

The documentary Being Black in America starred Gabrielle Brannigan, Evelyn Holmes, Dr. Katrina Overby, Tiffany Porter, Taurus Savant, Kim Smith, and Ann Marie St. Rose. The film was produced by Jackie McGriff and Courtney Shouse and was developed over a two-year period beginning in 2024 by Our Voices Project LLC. Camera operators included Jackie McGriff and Cocoa Rae David, and filming took place at Da Purp Studios in Rochester, NY. Several Irondequoit students also assisted in the development of the film.

Highlights from the film included Ms. Smith sharing concerns that her “professor wanted her to write a paper explaining why slavery was economically beneficial for America.” Ms. Porter shared that she “experienced a lot of trauma growing up in the suburbs,” but emphasized that she is proud to be Black, a mother, and to live in this country. She also spoke about teaching her sons the great history of being Black, adding, “I think we do not know our power until we know our ancestry.”

Following the screening, Evelyn Holmes and Dr. Katrina Overby served as panelists, with discussion centered on Black capitalism. Ms. Holmes spoke about monopolies, stating that “RG&E, Rochester Gas & Electric, and Spectrum are two big monopolies,” and suggested that conditions would improve if communities had more options. She referenced Fairport, NY Electric as an example of a system that does not face the same issues. Dr. Overby shared that she is very intentional about where she spends her money, noting that she has not shopped at Target as part of her spending choices.

Ms. Holmes also shared practical business information and tips. She emphasized the importance of preparing a business plan when starting a business, explaining that during the pandemic many businesses closed, while pizzerias succeeded because they already had pickup and delivery plans in place. She observed that many businesses were not properly structured, which led to missed financial opportunities and funding. Ms. Holmes stressed the importance of having business accounts and not co-mingling personal and business funds.

After the panel discussion, Jalil A. Muntaqim shared additional insights related to the event’s theme. He is also the author of We Are Our Own Liberators: Selected Prison Writings.

The collective action question posed during the event was: “How do you imagine Black economic independence and systems beyond capitalism?” This question was shared prior to the event, and community responses were compiled and displayed during a slide presentation. Sample responses included:

• More entrepreneurship in the trades (such as construction and HVAC), noting that these pathways are not emphasized enough for financial independence

• Inspiration drawn from the resilience of the Black community in overcoming adversity, particularly in education and media representation

• A bartering system

• Community gardening and food production

• Empowerment

Event participants Windell and Darlene Gray shared why they attended. Mrs. Gray said she wanted to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, while Mr. Gray had learned about the event and encouraged them to attend. Mrs. Gray expressed pride in being Black in America. Mr. Gray added that he is proud to be an African American man, stating, “We are warriors,” and emphasized the importance of understanding the system.

Another participant, Paul Flansburg, shared that he attended because he believes it is important for organizations to come together and be part of an activist community, noting that attending events like this is one way to do so.

The event concluded with continued networking among participants.

For more information about "Our Voices Project" visit their website at https://www.ourvoicesproject.com/