Monroe County students engage in transformative discussions at the ROC2Change Student Summit, tackling complex issues of race, resilience, and relationships through collaborative breakout sessions

Monroe County, New York – On a chilly Friday morning, the halls of BOCES in Spencerport buzzed with anticipation as students from Monroe County prepared to dive deep into discussions on race, resilience, and relationships. The ROC2Change Student Summit, held on March 14, brought together young minds from schools such as the School of the Arts, Brighton, and LeRoy High Schools. These students were not just attendees but active participants, ready to challenge societal barriers and foster a culture of inclusion.

The event kicked off with a riveting performance by the Wilson Pearls, a step team from Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy. Their dynamic routine was not merely an entertainment piece but a powerful opener that energized the crowd, perfectly encapsulating the summit’s spirit of empowerment and change.

As the day unfolded, students engaged in various breakout sessions, each designed to tackle complex issues surrounding race and communication. These sessions served as a safe space for students to express their views and learn from one another. They discussed the impacts of social media on public discourse, strategies for maintaining dialogue despite disagreements, and the importance of self-awareness in understanding one’s own biases and those of others.

“I wanted to be here because I have a strong perspective on important issues, and I want to share that with others,” said Chesa-Renee Cooper, a School of the Arts junior.  “I love talking to people about topics they feel strongly about.  I hope to become more open-minded, but I also want to encourage and educate others to speak up and confidently express their opinions.”

Ruth Turner, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, emphasized the importance of preparing students to engage in meaningful discussions about race and diversity.  “We want our young people to be engaged, to recognize that we live in a global society with diversity of thoughts and backgrounds,” said Turner.  “It is important for them to come to a point of understanding and be able to discuss race and inclusion.”

Since its inception in 2016, ROC2Change has become a pivotal platform for addressing race relations among youth in Monroe County. The summit has grown significantly, with hundreds of students from over 30 schools participating in each event. These summits not only provide a forum for discussion but also equip students with the tools to bring what they learn back to their communities, fostering a ripple effect of change.

As the summit concluded, the resolve among the students to carry forward the lessons learned was palpable. They left with not just enhanced knowledge but also actionable plans to implement in their schools and neighborhoods. The ongoing success of ROC2Change highlights the power of youth engagement in societal discourse and the potential for student-led initiatives to shape a more inclusive future. For those interested in the continuous efforts of these young changemakers or in participating in future summits, further details can be found at this link.