Walk the Walk – Encounters with Rochester’s African American Ancestors

Walk The Walk teaches about our shared heritage.

[Please note: This performance on February 7 at 10 AM is a school performance only, open to grades 3 and up. Advance registration is required. See the Event Listing on February 8 for information on the free public performance. See our February Events Calendar for additional school performances on February 5 and 8 at 10 AM. Feb. 5 performance for grade 2 only.]

Austin Steward never gave up on his dream of owning his own shop. Despite great obstacles he faced, including threats and bullying, the former slave became successful businessman and the proud proprietor of one of the finest meat markets in town. Many have heard the name of Frederick Douglass, but did you know he was a world traveler? He crossed the globe, speaking to heads of state and kings. Yet despite his stature, his wife Anna struggled daily for equal treatment while home raising their family. And George Brown was once bought and sold like property for $1,450. This incredible man also served his country in the Civil War, and actually fought on both sides of the conflict!

Each of these folks – some of Rochester’s most remarkable citizens – helped to pave the way on the long road towards equal rights for all people. Come join us as they return to the city they made home to entertain, educate and inspire during Walk the Walk: Encounters with Rochester’s African-American Ancestors.

Now in its 16th year, Walk the Walk is offered to the public during a single performance only, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams Street, Rochester. The morning programs on February 5, 7 and 8 are available to schools that have registered in advance. See registration information below.

Information for Teachers:

School-specific performances that meet NYS Learning Standards are scheduled for for the mornings of February 5, 7 and 8 at the Hochstein Music School. These performances are for children in grades 2 and higher. Please note: advance registration is required.

• Limited transportation subsidies available based on need.
• These performances include one-on-one chats and interaction between the student audience and the “Ancestors,” and help educators bring to life the difficult decisions faced by their historical predecessors. Walk the Walk is also aligned with the District’s emphasis on English and Social Studies partnerships. Students experience local history in a literary context.
• The program supports NYS social studies learning standards (1, 2) English Language Arts (1, 2, 3 and 4) and Arts (1, 3.) Pre and post visit student materials will also be provided.
• Click on the links below for printable registration packets:
  • 2013 Walk the Walk Registration Packet (PDF)
  • 2012 2nd Grade Walk the Walk Registration Packet (PDF)

For additional questions call Cindy Boyer at 585-546-7029 x12 or email cboyer@landmark.layer8group.com.

A NEW revised program for Rochester City School District Second Grade Classes!

“Walk the Walk: Encounters with Rochester’s African-American Ancestors”
The Second Grade ABC Rochester Black History Rap

This program has been specially adapted for the younger students and will take place the morning of Tuesday, February 5th. The program supports second grade curriculum standards, including study of “My Community.”

Major support for Walk the Walk comes from:

Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation

Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation

The Community Foundation

M & T Bank 

Bergmann Associates, Inc. 

The Links, Inc., Rochester Chapter

Guido and Ellen Palma Foundation