Capitalizing on Rochester's Local History

So I was able to view the video of Pepsy Kettavong's Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass "Let's Have Tea" sculptures and was very moved by the thought and intention that went into this local artistic expression of several very deep themes: women's empowerment, slavery, freedom trail, race relations, and most importantly for me, conflict resolution (coming to the table to talk even during disagreements).

I learned that a "Let's Have Tea" teaching packet was recently sent to all area school principals that, among other things, provides the video and a useful timeline of the history associated with Susan B. and Frederick Douglass. So I said to myself, "Hey, you like resolving conflicts and you like tea - why not capitalize on this local piece of history that represents a national and international beacon for women's rights, voting rights for African-American males, freedom from slavery, advocacy, empowerment, and more?" Maybe we can create an "outdoor, hands-on classroom" to which our youth and area families can relate and connect.

I am continually struck by the many neighborhood residents who have so many talents and bits of history to offer, some right out there and some more hidden. The more we talk to each other, the more we find out about these community assets. We have goldmines in our backyards. Entertaining and fostering conflict just delays us from mining all those riches. So that's the connection for me. Work through the conflicts we have with each other; put all the cards on the table with a cup o' tea ... or coffee ... and get about the business of building and supporting relationships. Things don't matter like people do.