About the Project and Collaboration

“The people of this community have had enough of status quo politics and have a lot to say about dealing with the pandemic of racism in Rochester while simultaneously dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.”  - Rashaad Parker

The growing Rashaad Parker Rochester Black Lives Matter Archive includes photographs and videos, including an 18-minute documentary short film, Black Lives Matter: A sanctuary for Daniel Prude, and an on-the-street 20-minute video series entitled ROC City Speaks. Both projects seek to document the racial justice protests that unfolded after the murder of George Floyd and escalated in August with news of the March killing of Daniel Prude while in the custody of Rochester police.  

 RBSCP is interested in holding a space for a community of people and organizations engaged in work that progresses and contributes to our understanding and knowledge of Rochester, New York’s social justice movements during the 20th and 21st centuries. Building on the legacy of so many inspiring social justice advocates of the 19th century, the intention is to further scholarship, programming, collection development, and community partnerships. Social justice is not just about organizing around legislative and political action; it includes the documentation of civic advocacy, protests, and community action through artist interpretation and expression. This project exemplifies a model of how libraries and community organizations can partner to archive, preserve, and make accessible our shared cultural heritage.

To learn more about the archive, the collections, or to get involved, contact RBSCP at RAREBKS@library.rochester.edu or Rashaad Parker at rparker14619@gmail.com