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Key DEI Events

 

This is a collection of what is deemed to be events having impacts on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  

 

See the Diversity Beam for notable DEI projects. 

 

Start Date Title Description Tags
Jan 08, 2025 12:00 PM Beyond the Ballot: Black/Diverse Voices in Local Leadership In this episode, we take a deep dive into the transformative role of Black and diverse leaders in local politics and community organizations. Our presenters, Tawonda Burks and Walé Elegbede, will share their journeys, the unique challenges they face, and the powerful ways they are driving positive change. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'key', 'community engagement')
Jan 08, 2025 10:00 AM Rochester Housing Alliance January 8, 2025 Topics: Presentation & Discussion: Eyota Building; Presentation & Discussion: 2024 Real Estate Stats Review; Presentation & Discussion: Economic and Housing Conditions Report ('RAF', 'housing', 'openbeam', 'key')
Dec 20, 2024 10:00 AM Dec 20, 2024 Community Co-design We will be discussing a new format for co-design engagement, promotion, and expansion for this group in 2025 and hope that you can offer feedback. ('CMRC', 'key')
Dec 12, 2024 07:30 AM 4Q 2024 December Health HAPP Meeting Topics include: Prenatal Co-Design Project; Sarah Stevens and Sadie Swenson, OCPHS Julie Ruzek, Cradle 2 Career CHAP Process: Looking ahead to 2025 Derrick Fritz, CHAP Coordinator Efforts Being Done to Address Community Health Priorities All Core Agency Updates CHAP Core Group Community Announcements and Sharing All ('CHNA', 'community', 'Health/Wellness', 'Health', 'public sector work product', 'key', 'health work product')
Dec 11, 2024 11:30 AM Pathways to a Vibrant, Just, and Equitable Rochester Destination Medical Center and the City of Rochester, in partnership with Griot Arts and Barbershop Talks, invite the community to the next installment of the Equity Alliance Equity Series. This in-person event, titled Pathways to a Vibrant, Just, and Equitable Rochester, will take place on Wednesday, December 11, at 11:30 a.m. at the Chateau Theatre. The program will feature a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Nicole Asong Nfonoyim-Hara. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'key', 'community engagement')
Nov 23, 2024 01:30 PM Community Upstanding - Townhall One This week’s program effort is focused on Community Upstander Training 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, the first master’s degree of its kind in the nation, and a founding member of hospitality and fellowship resource. Thibodeau is a popular professor, talented public speaker, and an extremely active community member focused on ethical life, serving the common good, and addressing homelessness. ('diversity', 'community engagement', 'NAACP')
Nov 16, 2024 10:00 AM NAACP Rochester Branch Elections In accordance with the 2024 National NAACP Election Procedures, the election date was chosen during the Rochester Branch’s August 16 General Membership Meeting. Since then, and with guidance and oversight from the National NAACP, the Rochester Branch established the Branch Nominating Committee in September and the Election Supervisory Committee in October. ('NAACP', 'Diversity', 'governance')
Nov 13, 2024 12:00 PM Equity Alliance Equity Series Equity Eats: Power of Community Benefits Agreement In this episode, we look at best practices to both understand the power of community benefits agreements and how to begin strong campaigns to secure community benefits agreements if the policy is fitting to the needs of the community. ('DMC', 'Diversity', 'Entrepreneurship', 'key', 'latino')
Nov 13, 2024 10:00 AM Nov 2024 Coalition for Rochester Area Housing Alliance The non-profit housing provider Aeon, and their proposed local project at Mayo's West Transit Village. ('RAF', 'housing', 'openbeam', 'key')
Nov 12, 2024 10:00 AM RPS November Family Engagement Meeting: Students in Transition Information Session The focus for this meeting is a Students in Transition Information Session, featuring a presentation by Nicole Wibstad, RPS Students in Transition Coordinator, and Connie Cohen ('RPS', 'education', 'key')
Nov 08, 2024 08:00 AM FREC 2024 Annual Overcoming Racism Conference Morning keynote speakers: Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs and Rev. Pamela Ngunjiri Afternoon breakout workshops ('rps', 'community engagement', 'openbeam', 'key', 'Diversity')
Nov 02, 2024 05:00 PM Rochester Branch of the NAACP, 2024 Freedom Fund Banquet - Let Freedom Ring Featured Entertainment and Performers: • Patricia Lacy-Aiken Renowned vocalist Patricia Lacy-Aiken, who is a seasoned vocalist with Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness, and who had a decade – long global tour with Luther Vandross as a backup singer. • LaSonya Natividad and Madison Parish Ensemble Rochester’s own LaSonya Natividad accompanied by the Madison Parish Ensemble will grace the stage, captivating audience with unique blend of jazz, blues, and a sprinkle of R&B, reflecting deep musical roots and diverse influences. • Heart & Soul Drum Academy The talented youth of the Heart & Soul Drum Academy will deliver an energetic performance of African Djembe drumming and dance, led by founder Baba Jesse Buckner. Their captivating performance showcases the beauty of culture and the power of the arts in empowering young people and community. ('diversity', 'NAACP', 'openbeam')
Nov 02, 2024 02:00 PM Journie: Selma Movie Screening and Discussions Join us for a film exploring the history of voting rights, followed by a panel discussion featuring representatives from the DFL and GOP. It's a great opportunity to learn and engage in important conversations about this vital topic. Don't miss it! Journie is a nonpartisan organization committed to educating our communities about historical facts, youth development through lived experience, political agendas, resources, and the advancement of marginalized groups. ('diversity', 'governance')
Nov 01, 2024 05:00 PM Journie: Selma Movie Screening and Discussions Join us for a film exploring the history of voting rights, followed by a panel discussion featuring representatives from the DFL and GOP. It's a great opportunity to learn and engage in important conversations about this vital topic. Don't miss it! Journie is a nonpartisan organization committed to educating our communities about historical facts, youth development through lived experience, political agendas, resources, and the advancement of marginalized groups. ('diversity', 'governance')
Oct 30, 2024 05:30 PM Financial Liberation Workshop Financial Literacy, Credit Counseling, Leadership, Coaching, Personal Finance ('NAACP', 'education', 'Diversity', 'Entrepreneurship')
Document Actions

Two types of event information being shared in the following:

1. A list of Beam aware upcoming community events of all types. 

2. A list of noteworthy past events that have one or more of the following contents: presentation slides, video recordings as well as takeaways. 

Upcoming Events
Pulitzer Finalist Lee Hawkins--Author of I Am Nobody’s Slave Feb 06, 2026 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM — Hilton Rochestere - Downtown Mayo Clinic Area
Rochester Area Housing Alliance Feb 2026 Feb 11, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM — Virtual Meeting
The Art of Detachment Feb 14, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM — 1723 1st ST NW Rochester, MN 55901
Chinese New Year Celebration Gala Feb 15, 2026 02:30 PM - 05:30 PM — Lourdes High School Auditorium
Breathing and Brain Health – Seokmun Hoheup Method Feb 16, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM — 125 Live
Ready to Lead 2026 Spring Cohort Feb 17, 2026 04:30 PM - 07:30 PM — Rochester Area Foundation
Homeownership and Wealth Building Workshop Feb 21, 2026 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM — RAEDI Offices Downtown | 221 1st Ave SW Suite 600, Rochester MN
Ebony Night 2026: Once Upon A Night | Rochester Branch of the NAACP presents UMR Black Student Union Feb 21, 2026 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM — Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area (Rochester, MN) 10 East Center Street, Rochester, Minnesota 55904
Black Excellence Expo Feb 28, 2026 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM — 125 Live
Music Therapy and Cognitive Vitality: The Role of Music in Brain Health Mar 16, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM — 125 Live
Upcoming events…
Community News

This panel displays the latest community news. For a standalone view please click this LINK.



RPS Family Engagement Opportunities

Jan 2026 Announcements

Family Engagement, Caregiver and Parent Empowerment 

Last Updated January 30, 2026



Community Health Improvement Plan Update

2026 CHNA Info: Jan 2026 Newsletter

2025 Community Health Needs Info: Admin Message, Oct 2025 Newsletter 

Ref: PB Report

Last Updated January 29, 2026



Black History Month Series of Events

Black History Month Press Releases: 

2026, 2025, 2024,

2023, 2022, 2021 

Last Updated January 28, 2026



Rochester Announcements

Jan 2026 Immigration Enforcement Updates

Jan 2024: The City of Rochester welcomes applications for the Community Building Fund.  This fund is all about supporting projects, programs, and events in the city that actively promote equity and inclusion.

Last Updated January 28, 2026



RPS Strategic Plan and Goals Review

Strategic Plan Goals Review  

  • Background
  • Presentation Slides
  • Part 1 Goals and Part 2 Goals

Last Updated January 23, 2026



Collider Foundation Updates

Jan 2026 Newsletter: Notes from the Executive Director; Thanks to Our Supporters; Our events; What's New

Last Updated January 18, 2026



Lifestyle Wellness

2026 Healthy Brain Community Workshops: strengthen memory and cognitive health

March 2020: Rochester Mayor Proclamation  

Last Updated January 18, 2026



Restorative Justice Circle Collaboration with RPS

RPS Family Engagement Jan 2026 Intro

Gemini Perspectives of PB Op Ed

2025 Restorative Justice Circle Training; RPS Collaboration to improve school attendance

2024 Project Legacy Collaboration

 References: About Restorative Justices; 

Last Updated January 17, 2026



Chateau Theatre Upkeep

Jan 2026 City Council Study Session

Dec 2025 DMCC Board Meeting

Feb 2025 DMCC Board and  City Council Proceedings

References: AI summary of PB Reporting  

Last Updated January 13, 2026



Public Transit Sustainability

Jan 2026 City Council Study Session

Rochester Public Transit (RPT) is currently operating under financial conditions that are not sustainable over the long term.

Last Updated January 13, 2026



Community Education Connector Wanted

Connector Description and Application:

A stipend of $2,000 is available to individuals (age 17+) or organizations who are selected
Last Updated January 13, 2026



Rochester Cultural Center Grand Opening

Announcement

Grand Opening Flyer

Photos

 

Last Updated January 10, 2026



Del Webb Senior Housing

Jan 5, 2025 City Council Meeting: Request for Actions: Adopting a Resolution approving Major Land Subdivision No. CD2025-042PLAT, by Pulte Homes of Minnesota LLC, to subdivide approximately 141 acres into 300 residential lots and six outlots.

AI Summary 

Last Updated January 07, 2026



1Q 2026 Announcements

Jan 5, 2026: Resolution: Reaffirming Rochester’s Support for its Somali Community and Commitment to Inclusion.

2026 Summer Paid Internship Positions: City Clerk, community Development, Communications & Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Legislative Affairs, Library Communications, Office of the Mayor, Parks & Recreation , Public Music, Rochester Public Utilities Safety, and Transit & Parking.

 

 

Last Updated January 05, 2026



Loom Apartments (Onward)

Dec 2025 DMCC Board Meeting: Request for Extension Authorize an extension of the $4 million GSIA allocation to this project until August 15, 2026.

May 2025 DMCC Board Meeting

Last Updated December 20, 2025



Civic Center North (Sherman)

Dec 2025 DMCC Board Request 

 May 2025 DMCC Board Meeting

Last Updated December 19, 2025



2026 County Property Tax

Press Release: Olmsted County’s 2026 budget was approved by the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners on December 16, 2025.

Olmsted County Truth in Taxation Info

Last Updated December 17, 2025



DMC Home Innovation Lab - Aging in Place

Dec 2025 DMCC Board Meeting: The Home Innovation Lab will combine research, technology, and design to create and evaluate “tech-enabled age-in-place” living environments that improve health, comfort, and independence for older adults.

Apr 2025 DMC Real Estate Summit: Aging in place talk

Last Updated December 15, 2025



Discovery Square Biolbab In Rochester

December 2025 DMCC Board Meeting:

  • Request for Action Memo
  • Business Development Quarterly Review about Biolabs

Last Updated December 14, 2025



10 Year Housing Units

2025 YE Housing Development Metrics: 2025 Downtown  All Housing Units

2025 Maxfield Report

Last Updated December 13, 2025