URBAN LEAGUE OF ROCHESTER'S 6TH ANNUAL INTERRUPT RACISM SUMMIT

Rochester, NY — The Urban League of Rochester will host its 6th Annual Interrupt Racism Impact Summit on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. This year’s summit, themed Impact. Ignite. Inspire., will unite thought leaders, activists, executives, educators, and youth to chart actionable solutions that advance racial equity, build community, and strengthen hope for generations to come.

Now in its sixth year, the Interrupt Racism Impact Summit has become one of the region’s most anticipated gatherings for cross-sector collaboration and courageous conversation. The 2025 Summit also marks a historic milestone — the Urban League of Rochester’s 60th Anniversary, commemorating six decades of service, leadership, and social change.

The day will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Deanna Dewberry of NEWS10NBC, who has championed the Urban League’s mission as media partner since the Summit’s inception.

“This year’s theme, Impact. Ignite. Inspire., captures exactly what this moment demands,” said Dr. Seanelle Hawkins. “We gather not to talk about change, but to create it. For 60 years, the Urban League of Rochester has stood at the intersection of hope and action. This Summit reminds us that progress is built by people who show up, speak out, and work together.”

The luncheon keynote will feature Dr. Ashley Cross, Founding Executive Director of HOPE585, a nationally recognized nonprofit transforming the child welfare system through the Science of Hope. A sought-after leader and practitioner, Dr. Cross will deliver an inspiring message on “The Healing Power of Hope” — exploring how data, compassion, and collective responsibility can change the trajectory of families and communities.

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MORNING PANELS:

(The morning program will include four concurrent discussions designed to elevate dialogue and drive strategy)

• Wisdom of the Ages (Elders’ Circle): Grounding the movement in history, lessons, and legacy.

• Keeping Our Promise (Presidents’ Panel): CEOs and presidents sharing the blueprint for equitable leadership.

• Claim Your Seat at the Table (ROC Community Table): Civic engagement for a stronger, more connected Rochester.

• Youth Voice: From Doctrine to Disenfranchisement: Students from Wilson Magnet High School and ROC the Future Alliance exploring the generational impact of racial equity.

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LEGACY LUNCHEON HONOREES:

(During the Legacy Luncheon, the Urban League will honor five exceptional leaders whose work embodies the pillars of the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity (RASE): Business Development and Job Creation, Community Engagement, Education, Health and Wellness, and Housing.)

• Shelly D. Clement – Labor Relations Specialist, NYS United Teachers; President, Rochester Chapter, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists

• Leslie Gordon-Ogden – Social Worker and Crisis Response Leader

• Dr. Tunya Griffin – Community Advocate and Captain, Fifth Street Block Club 7

• Dr. Corey Hepburn – Principal, Educator, and Community-Police Dialogue Facilitator

• Dr. Evelyn Parker – Founder, All Things DEI Consulting; Chief Diversity and Culture Officer, CCFCS

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS AND CLOSING PLENARY:

(Afternoon breakout sessions will explore critical themes shaping today’s equity landscape)

• RASE: The Next Phase – Translating policy into practice

• Education: Where Hope Grows – Equitable education as a catalyst for systemic change

• To DEI or Not to DEI – Navigating diversity and inclusion in a changing climate

• Environmental Justice: AI in Social Change Work – Innovation, equity, and responsibility

• Law and Policy: Planning for the Inevitable – Preparing for economic and legislative shifts

The Summit will conclude with Securing Your Legacy, a closing plenary on wealth-building, sustainability, and generational empowerment — urging participants to carry forward the momentum of the day.

EVENT DETAILS:

Event: 6th Annual Interrupt Racism Impact Summit

Theme: Impact. Ignite. Inspire.

Date: Monday, November 3, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Location: Hyatt Regency Rochester, 125 East Main Street, Rochester, NY

Host: Deanna Dewberry, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, NEWS10NBC

Presented by: The Urban League of Rochester