Rochester Chapter NAACP and Mayo Clinic AD MERG present ‘Honest to Society’

Nov. 19 — ROCHESTER — The Rochester Branch of the NAACP and the Mayo Clinic African Descendants Mayo Employees Resource Group (AD MERG) invite the Rochester and Olmsted County communities to a town hall on community solidarity in Rochester on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 Civic Theater 1:30 p.m. – between 15:30

The town hall is part of the Love Wins: Community Strengthening Initiative, a pilot program that will run from now until the end of 2024. Supported by Mayo Clinic’s ongoing Commitment Against Racism, this initiative aims to provide educational support and resources to uplift local Black people. /Equipping the African American community as well as the community with vital information and education on how to be honest; equipping community members with critical tools to succeed and thrive.

The week’s program work focuses on Community Fan Education and will feature Tom Thibodeau, Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership from Viterbo University. Thibodeau is the founder of the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership Program, the first master’s degree of its kind in the country, and a founding member of the resource for hospitality and fellowship. Thibodeau is a popular professor, gifted speaker, and highly active community member focused on ethical living, serving the public good, and addressing homelessness.

NAACP Rochester Chapter President Walé Elegbede shared the following in a press release:

“The Love Wins initiative is more than a response to hate; it is about creating a foundation for empowerment, education, and opportunity at both the systemic and individual levels. To overcome the historical barriers that continue to plague society, everyone needs to support and make a demonstrable commitment.” At the NAACP, we envision an inclusive community grounded in freedom where everyone can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination. This initiative is another example of Mayo Clinic’s commitment to making lasting change against racism and good work done together. “We can contribute to the work.”

The initiative is a timely response to recent incidents targeting members of the Black and Brown community in Rochester and underscores the need for systemic change and proactive community engagement. The Love Wins initiative aims to elevate and unite society by addressing issues such as financial literacy, access to housing and personal development, while also building community resilience.