Minority Reporter

12/11/2025

Rochester City Council President Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr. is sounding the alarm after the federal government paused critical HUD homelessness funds — putting more than 400 Rochester residents at immediate risk of losing housing. Meléndez is calling on the Trump administration to release the money now and protect Housing First programs that keep families safe.

Rochester City Council President Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr. is urging the Trump administration to immediately restore federal homelessness funding after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) abruptly paused its Continuum of Care (CoC) grant program, a primary funding source for lo...

12/03/2025

For a 206-year-old institution, the move to the historic Sibley Triangle Building signals more than a change of address. It signals a shift in moral posture, a renewed readiness to meet the world where it breathes, breaks, and rebuilds.

When a seminary built for contemplation decides its place is no longer above the city but within its noise, movement, and longing, the ground shifts beneath it. After more than a century overlooking Highland Park, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS) has stepped off its hilltop and into....

12/03/2025

🔥 Rochester Residents — Affordable Housing Alert! 🔥

Looking for safe, modern, income-restricted housing?
New 1-BR and 2-BR apartments are now accepting applications — and you won’t be rejected for credit or background check alone.

📍 Francis John Apartments & Frederick Douglass Towers Phase II
💡 Electric, gas, water, sewer, heat, hot water & trash included
🚍 On bus line • Cable ready • Laundry on site
♿ Mobility, hearing & vision-adapted units available

👉 1-BR: $1100/month
👉 2-BR: $1292/month
(Income restrictions apply. PBV program requirements must be met.)

✔ No application fee
✔ No broker fee
✔ Ongoing applications — don’t wait!

Tap below to see full details, income guidelines, and how to apply. These units are limited and will go fast — share with someone who needs affordable housing NOW!

12/03/2025

Syracuse-born rapper Toosii is coming HOME — to play football.

The platinum-selling artist behind hits like “Favorite Song” and “Love Cycle” will enroll as a student-athlete and compete for a roster spot with the Syracuse Orange. Coach Fran Brown says Toosii is “hungry, disciplined, and ready to work.”

Syracuse native and platinum-selling rapper Toosii is returning to his roots — not on stage, but on the field. The 24-year-old artist, known for hits like “Love Cycle” and “Favorite Song,” is set to join the Syracuse University football program, the school confirmed Monday.Toosii, born Nau...

11/25/2025

Sister Grace Miller passed away in Rochester, NY November 20, 2025. She was a tireless advocate for the poor who founded Sisters of Mercy and Sanctuary village to provide housing for homeless people.

In a statement, the Sisters of Mercy described Miller as “a welcoming provider of crucial services, an innovative problem-solver, a prodigious fundraiser and a fierce advocate for those on the peripheries.” City Council President Miguel Meléndez said Rochester “is poorer in spirit and compassion” following her passing.

Sister Grace Miller, who dedicated decades of her life to serving the city’s most vulnerable, died Thursday at age 90. Known for her radical compassion and unwavering advocacy, Miller’s work transformed Rochester’s response to homelessness and left a lasting legacy of care, dignity, and inclus...

11/20/2025

The Buffalo and Rochester faith communities are mourning the passing of Bishop Troy Anthony Bronner — founder of Elim Christian Fellowship, visionary pastor, teacher, and beloved mentor.

Bishop Bronner was a dynamic preacher, a church planter, and a builder of leaders whose ministry transformed thousands of lives across Western New York and the nation. From his early days at Calvary Baptist Church to the founding of Elim Christian Fellowship in Buffalo and Rochester, Bronner devoted his life to revival, reconciliation and empowering the next generation of spiritual leaders.

He was also an author, scholar, and educator whose most recent book, Preaching Made Doable, continues to guide pastors and preachers around the country.

As we remember Bishop Bronner’s extraordinary legacy, we lift his family and the entire Elim Christian Fellowship community in prayer. His impact will live on through every life he touched, every leader he trained, and every congregation he helped build.

Rest in power, Bishop Troy Anthony Bronner.
Your work continues.

Bishop Troy Anthony Bronner, a nationally respected preacher, author and the founding pastor of Elim Christian Fellowship in Buffalo and Rochester, died this week, leaving behind a transformative legacy that reshaped urban ministry in Western New York and beyond. He was 62.Elim Christian Fellowship....

11/17/2025

Global Entrepreneurship Week Rochester 2025 brings four days of workshops, tours, wellness events, and expert sessions to support startups and small businesses across the region. Running Nov. 18–21, the celebration connects entrepreneurs with tools, resources, and partners to grow and strengthen Rochester’s business ecosystem.

Rochester is joining a worldwide movement this week as Global Entrepreneurship Week Rochester 2025 (GEWROC) kicks off a four-day celebration aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the region’s business ecosystem.Running Nov. 18–21 at multiple locations across the city, GEWROC featur...

11/14/2025

The USPS is hosting job fairs

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is currently recruiting and will be holding several job fairs in the region. Representatives will be on-site to answer questions and walk applicants through the available positions.According to the announcement, interested candidates can view the full list of....

11/04/2025

George Cassidy Payne: Regarding reduced SNAP benefits "In a state of whole people, half measures leave us morally bankrupt and hungry."

Make America Great Again has become Make America Meh. In the richest nation on earth, some priorities get the full measure, luxury renovations, foreign policy posturing, law enforcement budgets, while feeding children is negotiable. Half a meal for kids. Half a check for struggling families. Half a....

10/24/2025

Minister Clifford A. Florence Sr., son of civil rights icon Rev. Franklin Florence, has officially launched his write-in campaign for Mayor of Rochester.

After being removed from the Democratic primary ballot, Florence says he’s continuing his fight to give the community “a true voice.” His campaign kickoff took place at Inner Faith Gospel Tabernacle, 601 Jay St., where supporters gathered to volunteer, donate, and rally behind his message of integrity and inclusion.

Minister Clifford A. Florence Sr., son of the late civil rights leader Rev. Franklin Florence, has officially launched a write-in campaign for mayor of Rochester, positioning himself as a community-driven alternative in the 2025 mayoral race. Florence announced his campaign during a public event hel...

10/14/2025

Legacy Makers, Inc. is partnering with New York State and Rochester’s faith community to host a series of Emergency Preparedness Trainings designed to help families plan for crises, safeguard their homes and assets, and preserve generational wealth.

📅 Friday, October 17 — Zion Hill MBC, 250 Dr. Samuel McCree Way
📅 Tuesday, October 21 — Ark of Jesus Ministries, 1000 N. Winton Rd.

Participants will receive hands-on training, valuable resources, and a free Go Bag filled with essential emergency supplies.

Legacy Makers, Inc., in collaboration with New York State and members of Rochester’s faith community, is hosting a pair of Emergency Preparedness Trainings aimed at helping families plan for crises — from natural disasters to financial instability.The sessions will be held Friday, October 17 at ...

10/01/2025

Rochester City Council, Metro Justice, and community advocates are calling on state regulators to reject RG&E’s proposed double-digit rate hikes, saying families can’t afford higher bills while shutoffs and profits rise.

RG&E argues the increases are needed to modernize infrastructure, including a new $17.6M substation upgrade in Irondequoit.

Public comments are open until Oct. 24 — make your voice heard!

Rochester Gas & Electric’s bid to raise electricity and gas delivery rates by double digits has sparked a wave of opposition from city leaders, community advocates and residents who say the proposal would deepen financial hardships for families already stretched thin.RG&E is seeking a 26 percent i...