19 Rochester trailblazers to celebrate this Black History Month

Rochester is well-known for its ties to former slave, abolitionist and publisher Frederick Douglass, who made his home in the region from 1847 to 1872.

But the region also has a rich past of stories and milestones from other notable Black pioneers who helped contribute to the progression of Rochester's Black neighborhoods. This Black History Month, the Democrat and Chronicle is recognizing the people and organizations that have added to the arts, sports and culture of Rochester and its surrounding communities.

Here's our list of 19 Black trailblazers everyone should know.

1. Aerial Springs Community Garden

Janelle Hines, a mother and former art teacher, owns Aerial Springs Community Garden. Located on the corner of Bay and Fifth streets in the city, this garden represents her kindness and dedication to the local community. Hines has been able to provide those in need with fresh produce, clothes and support while still overcoming challenges in her personal life. Learn more about Hine’s story here.

2. Aesha Ash

Wanting to make an impact in her hometown, Aesha Ash retired from her global career as a ballerina and returns home to Rochester for summer programs. Not only is she a mother to her two children, but she also mentors many young people who dream of becoming dancers as the first Black woman to become a permanent faculty at the School of American Ballet. Read Ash’s full story here.

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3. Bobby Johnson

Born on June 9, 1929, Bobby Johnson had an enthusiasm for poetry and jazz.

Growing up on Clarissa Street, Johnson's experiences seeing the challenges and barriers faced by the people in his community drove him to become an activist and a light for Rochester’s Black community. Get to know more about his life and legacy here.

4. Calvin Eaton

CEO and founder of 540WMain, Calvin Eaton has a passion for educating and learning about the history of structural racism in the U.S. and how this history influences the present-day experience. Eaton and his team work in the community to promote social justice, anti-racism and accessibility across platforms. They offer residents many workshops and classes for residents to learn about issues that directly impact them. Visit their website here to learn more.

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5. Charles H. Price

As the first Black man to join the Rochester Police Department, Charles H. Price dedicated his life and career to social issues and community-police relations until his retirement in 1985. Despite having to confront racism from colleagues and in his own neighborhoods, Price used his platform to make changes in his community. Learn more about his life and legacy here.

6. Constance "Connie" Mitchell

Constance Mitchell wasn't just a friend of civil rights activist, Malcolm X. Mitchell was the first Black woman to be elected to the Monroe County Board of Supervisors in 1961. The racism Mitchell had to confront in and out of the office fueled her mission for social change, and she became a role model for many women that had an interest in politics. Learn more about her contributions to the community here.

7. Danielle Ponder

Danielle Ponder uses her powerful voice in more ways than one. Before starting her global career as a musician, Ponder used her voice to be an advocate for the people of Rochester as a public defender and diversity, equity and inclusion officer. Now, Ponder hopes to continue to use her voice to not only speak on social issues but to share her life experiences as a Black woman. Learn more about her life and career here.

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8. David A. Paul

After receiving his Neuroscience degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, David A. Paul used his business and graphic design skills to become the founder and CEO of Bold & Gritty LLC, a company that sells coffee and other products.

Paul strives to highlight stories of Black males' successes within the community and change the narrative of what success looks like through events and sharing stories on their blog. He said he hopes to bring awareness to issues of Black mental health and racial equity and to promote the resiliency of Black men. Learn more about Paul and his journey here.

9. Franklin Florence

Miami native Rev. Franklin Florence grew up in the church and was a preacher in his hometown until he became the pastor at the Reynolds Street Church of Christ in Rochester in 1959.

He was one of many pioneers that became a representative of social justice for Rochester's Black neighborhoods and, following the summer of the 1964 uprising, Florence was elected the first president of FIGHT, an organization dedicated to ending civil unrest and racial inequities in local communities. Learn more about life and influence here.

10. FTP Rochester

Free The People Rochester is a small local organization dedicated to bettering Rochester's Black community. By hosting town hall meetings, workshops and many more events, FTP Rochester promotes the education of inequities happening in the community. They also provide resources for those in need by reaching out to residents who want to help. Learn more about their work here.

11. Gloria (Jackson) & Andrew Langston

In 1968, Gloria & Andrew Langston founded WDKX, the first Black-owned radio station in Rochester. After relocating to Rochester in 1960, Langston was offered a job at a local radio station, but the job offer was rescinded when the employer saw that he was Black. Today, WDKX remains family-owned by Andre Marcel Langston. Learn more about the legacy his parents left here.

12. Hester C. Jeffrey

Hester C. Jeffrey will always be remembered for her contributions to women's suffrage and voting rights for Black women in Rochester. Jeffrey helped create local groups that offered education and advocacy for Black women, and her work during the suffrage movement led her into speaking at statewide conventions. Learn more about Jeffrey's life here.

13. Howard Coles

Howard Coles had the mission "to achieve better housing, schools, and jobs for African Americans, and to support education reform to include more African American history." In 1933, he founded Rochester's first black newspaper, The Fredrick Douglass Voice, and became Rochester's first Black radio announcer.

He became a pioneer for social change to improve the lives of Black Rochesterians, including the betterment of city housing conditions and the fight to end discrimination against Black homebuyers. Learn more about the work he's done for the community here.

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14. Miss Sweet Potato Pie

Dianne Snowden-Johnson is not just a teacher in the City School District; on some weekends and evenings she is Miss Sweet Potato Pie, the 'edutainer.' Edutainer is a portmanteau, a combination of "educator” and "entertainer."

The first documented use of the word was in the early 1990s, by magician Kerry Blair. Johnson is loved throughout Rochester and in some parts of the country. She embodies what it means to be an edutainer and loves doing it. Learn more about her journey here.

15. Reenah Golden

Founder and artistic director of The Avenue Blackbox Theatre, Reenah Golden To the Avenue, Reenah Golden is dedicated to the development of performing arts, after working in the performing arts for 20 years locally, nationally, and abroad.

Golden, an 'Artivist', cares deeply about the future of this community and offers youth fellowships to teens and young adults who want to pursue a career or interest in the art, performing arts or social justice. Learn more about The Avenue Blackbox Theatre here.

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16. Reverend Thomas James

Abolitionist and religious leader Reverend Thomas James was a slave up until he ran away to Canada when he was 17.

Three months later he returned to America as a laborer and began to teach himself and other freed slaves how to read and write. By 1830, he founded AME Zion Church and was ordained as a minister in 1833. He chose the name Thomas James from the names "Tom," his slave name, and "Jim," the nickname that was given to him while he worked as a laborer.

Prior to building the church, he became heavily involved in the anti-slavery movement, founded his own abolitionist society and was a co-founder of the civil rights newspaper "The Rights of Man" alongside William Bloss. Read more about his life, as told by him, here.

17. Save Rochester

This local group aims to help residents face challenges with poverty and discrimination through community-based programs supported by their five pillars: Food and Nutrition, Housing and Employment, Academic Education (The Academy), Environmental Education (Clean World), and Social Advocacy.

Save Rochester says poverty is a multi-faceted problem that negatively impacts people of color in Greater Rochester, and so the five pillars are designed to dismantle or lessen the impact. Learn more about the organization here.

18. Shawn Dunwoody

Born and raised in Rochester, Shawn Dunwoody has used his talents to spark change in his communities. As a local artist and activist, Dunwoody has a passion for creative implementation and innovative planning. He's also worked with a variety of businesses and youth groups.

He once said, "Activism informs art, and art affects activism. They go hand-in-hand." Listen to more of his take on bridging communities with art here.

19. T.J. Jackson

Born in Cordele, Georgia, Treton James "T.J." Jackson, and his family moved to Rochester when he was young. A graduate of Franklin High School, Jackson began his career as a professional football athlete and record-breaking Olympian in football, track, basketball, and baseball.

He was a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles and the team most recently known as the Washington Commanders. After retiring he began teaching and coaching in the same place he started at Franklin High School.

He was a mentor and educator until his passing in 2007. To friends and family, he will always be remembered as an important figure and inspiration on and off the field. Learn more about his life and career here.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect Aesha Ash's city of residence.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Black History Month notable people, groups from Rochester NY