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All 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 21, 2025 05:30 PM Rochester Area Foundation Racial-Healing Please join our local National Day of Racial Healing Event (details below) 𝐂𝐨-𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐲: Olmsted County and Rochester Area Foundation ('youth', 'anti-racism', 'Diversity', 'Diversity Council')
Jan 20, 2025 08:30 AM January 2025 Annual MLK "We Have A Dream" Virtual Celebration Join us and NAACP Rochester Branch MN to celebrate Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with the annual We Have a Dream Celebration on Monday, January 20 from 8:30am to 10:30am. ('NAACP', 'Diversity')
Jan 17, 2025 05:00 PM 2025 Bowling Night by Journie Discover Journie programs and network. ('Diversity',)
Jan 17, 2025 03:00 PM Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Policies and Practices to Expect; How to Prepare if You Do Not have Legal or Permanent Status; Overview of Immigration Court Process ('diversity', 'immigrant')
Jan 17, 2025 12:00 PM Messaging Training on Race Class Gender Narrative Learn how to craft messages that fight back against our opposition's divide-and-conquer tactics, cultivate multiracial solidarity, and move people on issues you care about. ('community engagement', 'education', 'Diversity')
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')
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 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
Black Excellence Expo Feb 28, 2026 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM — 125 Live
Town Hall: Using Advanced Technology in Policing Mar 03, 2026 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM — Heintz Center, Commons Area (enter through Door H8) 1926 Collegeview Road East
SE MN MDH Regional Listening Session Mar 05, 2026 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM — Olmsted County Community Services (01 161 Multipurpose Room)
Candidate Training Program by Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Mar 07, 2026 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce [220 Broadway Ave S. Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55904]
Mar 2026 RPS Family Engagement Mar 10, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM — Virtual
City of Rochester & RCTC Community Engagement Mar 11, 2026 04:30 PM - 06:30 PM — Sports Center (851 30 Ave SE)
1Q 2026 County Health Assessment and Planning Partnership (HAPP) Mar 12, 2026 07:30 AM - 09:00 AM
RALC Mural Night Mar 13, 2026 04:30 PM - 06:30 PM — Rochester ALC - 37 Woodlake Dr. SE
Music Therapy and Cognitive Vitality: The Role of Music in Brain Health Mar 16, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM — 125 Live
Lifestyle Medicine Community of Wellness Symposium & Gala 2026 Apr 09, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026 — Assisi Heights
Upcoming events…
Community News

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



City Council and Mayor-Better Public Hearing Meeting

Feb 9, 2026 Study Session: Report, Video, Presentation

Summarizing interviews, survey responses, scorecard and public forum 

Last Updated February 27, 2026



Hope at Home

Nearly $60,000 has been distributed to help prevent evictions

Last Updated February 26, 2026



2026 and 2025 Action Plan Updates

Feb 2026 Action Plan Update

Jan 2025 City of Rochester’s Action Plan, first implemented in 2021, serves as our roadmap for success. It outlines current initiatives aimed at advancing City Council's Strategic Priorities. 

Last Updated February 26, 2026



Downtown Historic District Investment

Feb 23, 2026 City Council Study Session 

DMCC Board Meeting Dec 10, 2025

  • Request Memo
  • Video Recording
  • Presentation 

Last Updated February 26, 2026



Olmsted County Press Release:

We are Water MN Traveling Exhibit Feb 25 thru Apr 20, 2026

Last Updated February 19, 2026



Rochester Area Volunteer Administration

2026: April 15 Volunteer Fair

2023: RAVA October 19 2023 Meeting Notes; RAVA Meeting Notes: 6/15/2023 featuring inclusive language and use of pronouns; 2. 2021 survey announcement 

2021: Survey

Last Updated February 18, 2026



DMC 2025 5 Year Plan Updates

Feb 5, 2026 DMC Board Meeting: Final DMC Plan Update

Dec 15, 2025 DMC Board Meeting  :Request for Action; Video Recording; Presentation';2025 5-year plan draft

References: Nov 2025 City Council Study Session Materials; Feb 2026 DMCC Annual Report

Last Updated February 10, 2026



MDH 2026 Announcements

MDH Regional Listening Sessions March 5, 2026 

Feb 2026 MDH Minnesota Health Equity Networks Newsletter

 

Last Updated February 07, 2026



Braver Angels News

Listen to (and learn from) the other side

  • Feb 2026 Citizens Commission on Immigration Outreach
  • Mar 2025 Newsletter: End birthright citizenship?
  • Apr 2024 Braver Angels Newsletter: 2024 National Convention; National Debate: Should we be colorblind?

 

Last Updated February 04, 2026



Rochester as a Compassionate City

Feb 2, 2026 City Council Meeting

Council Initiated Action - Reaffirming Rochester as a Compassionate City

Last Updated February 03, 2026



2025 YE Housing Statistics

Jan 2026 Housing Alliance:

2025 Real Estate SEMN Marketing Data

2025 Coalition Investments

 

Last Updated February 02, 2026



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