Rochester Reporter

Mayor Malik D. Evans, in collaboration with the City of Rochester's Black Heritage Committee, has announced the sale of early bird tickets for the 2025 City of Rochester Black Heritage Gala. The event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

The gala serves as a highlight of the city's Black History celebrations and will focus on this year's theme: African Americans and Labor. Mayor Evans stated, “Each year, we take special time to honor the contributions of Black Americans, and this year, we focus on their significant impact in unions and labor rights.” He added that Black Americans have played a crucial role in advocating for workplace equality and better conditions.

Rochester will begin its Black History celebrations with a Gospel Concert by the School of the Arts Choir at noon on Wednesday, February 5th at City Hall. This will be followed by an Evening of Art and Jazz at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 6th.

Throughout 2025, several events are planned by the City's Black Heritage Committee:

- Gospel Concert featuring School of the Arts Choir: February 5th

- An Evening of Art & Jazz: February 6th

- Gospel Concert featuring Strings for Success: February 12th

- Akoma and Voices of Thunder performance: February 22nd

- Keynote Address by Tracey Harrison from United Healthcare Workers East: February 21st

- Black Heritage Youth Gala: March 13th

Tickets for the main gala event are priced at $90 until February 7th before increasing to $100. They can be purchased at City Hall or online.

Additionally, a Juneteenth Block Party and Flag Raising is planned for June 18th outside City Hall.