UPCOMING CLASSES & LATEST NEWS

20Oct 201820 Oct 2018

A Wakandan Vision for Rochester | Guest Blog by Marlana Zink

Check out a very special guest blog written by Marlana Zink and be sure to register to attend today’s conference…

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19Oct 201819 Oct 2018

Meet the 540WMain Gentrification Conference Community Panelists | October 20

We are pleased to announce the community panelists taking part in Fall 540WMain Gentrification Conference Saturday’s Conference themed “Who are…

18Oct 201818 Oct 2018

All About the 540WMain Gentrification Conference Sponsors | October 20

We are pleased to announce the official sponsors for the Fall 540WMain Gentrification Conference We are thankful to our sponsors…

WHAT THE COMMUNITY IS SAYING

Via Facebook: 540WMain is a treasure in Rochester and the vegan baked goods are to die for.

Carolyn Joelle, Community Member

Via Facebook: I just attended the appropriation and assimilation discussion. Loved it as always and came away with such a broader perspective.

Kel Rene, Community Member

Via Facebook: Best classes and a great place to learn. They have something for everyone! Also great place to host any event !

Michaela DC, Community Member

Via Facebook: This is a great spot in the community. A place for our people to come together and have meaningful discussions and network with like minded people. Attend an event at 540, you will not be disappointed

Lex Pointer, MCC Student

Via Facebook: Great environment with great people and they have vegan cookies definitely the place to be! You have to go and be apart of the conservations AMAZING!

Derrick Alford, Entrepreneur

Addressing Fears of Displacement in the Rust Belt | Guest Blog by David Riley

18 Oct 201819 Oct 2018

Each week on Tuesday and Thursday through October 20th 540Blog will feature guest blog's from city residents themed around gentrification. Today's blog comes courtesy of David Riley. Check out David's…

All About 540Gentrification Conference Planning Committee | October 20

18 Oct 201819 Oct 2018

There's no I in team and anyone that has ever planned a mid-large scale community event understands that there is no shortage of moving parts and hands that make for…

NEWS

Gentrification and The Policing of Black Bodies | Guest Blog by Calvin Eaton

17 Oct 201819 Oct 2018

'Fall 2018 Gentrification Conference // Who Are the Gentrified? Saturday October 20th // 10am-4pm Thomas P. Ryan Community Center Gentrification and The Policing of Black Bodies by Calvin Eaton D’Arreion…

EVENTS

All About the (Fall) 540WMain Gentrification Conference | October 20

17 Oct 201819 Oct 2018

Dear Community,We are so excited for the Fall edition of the 540WMain Gentrification Conference. The spring edition was such a success that your feedback initiated planning for a fall edition.…

Announcing the 540Gentrification Conference | October 20

17 Oct 201817 Oct 2018

540WMain Communiversity presents: 540WMain Gentrification (Fall) Conference Saturday October 20th // 10am-4pm Dear Community, We are pleased to formally announce the fall edition of the 540WMain Gentrification Conference In March…

What is Your Role in Gentrification?| Guest Blog by Ray Ray Mitrano

16 Oct 201817 Oct 2018

Each week on Tuesday and Thursday through October 20th 540Blog will feature guest blog's from city residents themed around gentrification. Today's blog comes courtesy of our Class Coordinator Ray Ray…

class

Introduction to Gentrification | October 16

15 Oct 201817 Oct 2018

540WMain Community Learning Academy presents: Introduction to Gentrification Thursday October 18 // 7-8:30 PM This is an introductory course to the concept and effects of gentrification and intersecting concepts like…

The Affordable Housing Crisis – What We Can Do | Guest Blog by Mary Lupien

11 Oct 201817 Oct 2018

Each week on Tuesday and Thursday through October 20th 540Blog will feature guest blog's from city residents themed around gentrification. Today's blog comes courtesy of Mary Lupien. Check out Mary's…

“We Are All Gentrifiers” | Guest Blog by Calvin Eaton

9 Oct 201810 Oct 2018

Each week on Tuesday and Thursday through October 20th 540Blog will feature guest blog's from city residents themed around gentrification. Today's blog comes courtesy of our Founder Calvin Eaton (aka…

540WMain Brings Deaf Instructor to ASL Programming

8 Oct 201810 Oct 2018

Dear Community, As part of 540WMain’s #ChangeIsComing Campaign; I am pleased to announce a programming change to 540's ASL instruction. Beginning Monday Oct. 15th; 540WMain's beginners level ASL class will…

540Community Open House | Every Friday Beginning October 5

5 Oct 20188 Oct 2018

Dear Community, As part of 540WMain's #ChangeIsComing Campaign; we are pleased to announce weekly 540Community Open House What is 540Community Open House? Each Friday starting October 5th 540WMain will be…

Space, Place & Why Murphy’s Law Dress Code Matters | Guest Blog by Calvin Eaton

4 Oct 20184 Oct 2018

Each week on Tuesday and Thursday through October 20th 540Blog will feature guest blog's from city residents themed around gentrification. Today's blog comes courtesy of our Founder Calvin Eaton (aka…

art…

Featured Artist Interview | Jeremy Belair

3 Oct 20185 Oct 2018

We are pleased to spotlight Jeremy Belair our October Featured Artist About Jeremy Belair Local Rochester artist Jeremy Belair has been creating unique woodburned art, multimedia pieces and acrylic paintings…

Who Are My Neighorbors Living Downtown? | Guest Blog by Michael Corey

2 Oct 20184 Oct 2018

Each week on Tuesday and Thursday through October 20th 540Blog will feature guest blog's from city residents themed around gentrification. Today's blog comes courtesy of Michael Corey; a downtown resident.…

COMMUNITY EDUCATOR…

Finale Pain Warrior Campaign | Interview w/Jill Anne Collins

28 Sep 201828 Sep 2018

We are happy to share Jill Anne's Pain Warrior Interview to culminate this year's Pain Awareness Campaign We are happy to finally share Jill Anne's Pain Warrior Interview with everyone.…

Special Announcement 540WMain Founder Joins RocCity Coalition Advisory Committee

27 Sep 201828 Sep 2018

Dear Community, I am excited to announce that I have joined RocCity Coaliation's Advisory Committee as an At-Large-Member. The vision is to inspire and support an inclusive, thriving community with…

540WMain Adds New Staff to Growing “Communiversity”

27 Sep 201828 Sep 2018

Dear Community, Running a grassroots "communiversity" is hard work! Developing, curating, and (yes) cancelling courses based on the needs and wants of the community at any given time makes my…

Introducing the Inaugaral 540WMain Pain Warrior Campaign

17 Sep 201817 Sep 2018

540WMain Learning Academy is pleased to announce the first ever 540WMain Pain Warrior Campaign Background Did you know that September is National Pain Awareness Month? Pain Awareness Month is a…

540WMain Launches Mini Fundraiser for Parking & Signage

14 Sep 201821 Sep 2018

Dear Community, I'm excited to announce 540WMain's Mini Parking & Signage Fundraiser set for September 13-30, 2018 Background 540WMain is seeking to fundraiser $350 for the design and purchase of…

Special Announcement 540WMain Founder Accepted into Leadership Rochester Program

31 Aug 201815 Sep 2018

Dear Community, I am excited to announce that I have been accepted into the 2018-2019 cohort of Leadership Rochester. Leadership Rochester's mission is to develop and advance leaders through participation in…

Whitewashed: the Rosewood Massacre | by Erin Egloff

28 Aug 201830 Aug 2018

When an individual, group, or institution whitewashes something, they intentionally conceal information that they deem unworthy, unimportant, or unpleasant. Whitewashing occurs within families, communities, systems, art, and, most commonly, historical…

Special Announcement 540WMain Launches Signature Lip Balm in Collaboration with Cire d’Abeille Skin Care

25 Aug 201828 Aug 2018

540WMain Learning Academy is pleased to introduce our new Basil & Lime Lemonade Signature Lip Balm Dear Community, After many months of planning, discussions, emails and preparation we can finally…

540WMain Expands Anniversary Celebration to a Weekend Celebrating Women’s Equality Day

20 Aug 201831 Aug 2018

Dear Community, I am excited to commemorate 540WMain's 2nd Year Anniversary (June 16) with a week-long social media campaign highlighting a second year of growth and success as well as…

A Wednesday Word from the Director | RSVP Etiquette at 540WMain

15 Aug 201815 Sep 2018

Dear Community, A few months ago we updated 540WMain;'s registration policy: All classes held at 540WMain HQ will require registration/RSVP online with payment at the door. No one will be…

NEW 540WMain Launches K-12 Teacher & Professional Development Classes

8 Aug 201812 Aug 2018

We are pleased to announce a brand new set of classes designed for teachers and professionals committed to diversity and inclusion Intro to Teaching In A Culturally Diverse Classroom The…

Introducing 540WMain’s Tried & True Classes

29 Jun 20182 Jul 2018

Since 2016 540WMain Learning Academy has offered over 100 low cost classes and events for the Susan B. Anthony Preservation District and the Rochester community. During this time we have…

Why I Sold My Vehicle & Became A Car Free Professional by Calvin Eaton

29 Jun 201830 Jun 2018

It's been exactly four weeks since I sold my car and joined the ranks as a car-free professional in Rochester. What made me decide to take the plunge? Read about…

540WMain Introduces New Book Discussion Series; Unpacking™

28 Jun 20184 Aug 2018

540WMain Learning Academy is pleased to introduce a new discussion series; Unpacking™ Unpacking™ is a series of informal and thought provoking discussions (book chats) based around socially conscious books that…

Black Women Roc! Month Spotlight | Commissioner Natalie Sheppard

27 Jun 201830 Jun 2018

We are pleased to highlight Commissioner Natalie Sheppard as our final Black Women Roc! feature for the Month of June About Commissioner Sheppard Natalie Sheppard is the newly elected…

Memorable & Unexpected Gifts: Baby Showers, New Children | Guest Blog by Erin Egloff

22 Jun 201825 Jun 2018

New additions to families are usually joyous occasions, whether a baby is born, a child is adopted, or a family decides to foster a child in need. They can also…

Black Women Roc! Month Spotlight | Prudence Anderson-Leusch

20 Jun 201825 Jun 2018

We are pleased to highlight Prudence Anderson Leusch as our third Black Women Roc! feature for the Month of June About Prudence Anderson-Leusch How does it feel to…

540WMain Celebrates Two Year Anniversary with the 2018 Anniversary Mingle

16 Jun 201822 Aug 2018

Today marks our two year anniversary of opening 540WMain Community Learning Academy Dear Community, Exactly two years ago today I embarked on a journey that has forever changed my life!…

540WMain Seeks Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator

8 Jun 201812 Jun 2018

540WMain is officially hiring for a brand new volunteer leadership position Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator About the Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator Under the direction and supervision of the Executive Director the Volunteer…

540WMain Seeks (High School) Baking Apprentice

6 Jun 20187 Jun 2018

Dear Community, I am pleased to announce that 540WMain is officially hiring for a brand new internship position Baking (Highschool) Apprentice Intern About the Baking Apprentice Under the direction and…

Special Announcement | Black Women Roc! Campaign 2018

6 Jun 20187 Jun 2018

We are thrilled to announce our 2018 Black Women Roc! Campaign Today is the official launch of our June 2018 Black Women Roc! Campaign All month long we will spotlight…

Introducing 540WMain’s Signature T-Shirt Fundraiser

1 Jun 20185 Jun 2018

We are pleased to launch 540WMain's Signature T-Shirt Fundraiser for summer 2018 About the Fundraiser We had overwhelming community (Facebook) support in helping us vote on a final design for…

Top Three Ways to Be A Successful Social Entrepreneur

1 Jun 20182 Jun 2018

It's no secret that I consider myself a Social Entrepreneur. I've shared this revelation right here on 540Blog and the more I grow as a leader the more I accept…

A Wednesday Word | NEW Community Research Internship & Neighborhood Survey

30 May 201830 May 2018

Dear Community, I am pleased to announce that 540WMain is officially hiring for a brand new internship position Community Research Intern About the Neighborhood Survey The Community Intern Intern will…

Memorable & Unexpected Gifts by Guest Blogger Erin Egloff

29 May 201830 May 2018

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." - Mother Teresa Gift giving and making gestures are opportunities to show someone that you care,…

Special Announcement 540WMain Welcomes Ray Ray Mitrano as New Advertising & Social Media Associate

25 May 201828 May 2018

Dear Community, Join me in welcoming Ray Ray Mitrano as 540WMain Community Learning Academy's newest part-time hire of Advertising & Social Media Associate* Ray Ray was 540WMain's April Featured Artist…

There’s No Such Thing As An Overnight Success

23 May 201824 May 2018

There's no such thing as an overnight success There I said it. But to my chagrin, I hear this "expression" (if you can call it that) much too often. I…

All About The 2018 Inclusive Prosperity Conference | May 22

18 May 201822 May 2018

Dear Community, I am thrilled to announce that 540WMain Learning Academy will be represented for the first time at the 2018 Inclusive Prosperity Conference About The Inclusive Prosperity Conference The…

Special Announcement RSVP Online // Pay at the Door at 540WMain

16 May 201821 May 2018

Dear Community, Leading a grassroots "Communiversity" means that I always have to have my "ear to the street" and my heart in tune with the needs of 540WMain's students, patrons,…

Special Announcement** 540WMain Receives Its First Ever Grant courtesy RocGrowth

11 May 201813 May 2018

Dear Community, I am thrilled to announce that 540WMain Learning Academy has received its first ever grant funded by the local organization RocGrowth! About RocGrowth Led by Richard Glaser and…

Pushing Pause on Our Reactions | by featured blogger Erin Egloff

8 May 20189 May 2018

It's no secret that Americans are divided on many topics of critical importance and that they often feel very passionately about their perspectives. While it's a show of character to…

special announcement

Special Announcement How to Teach A Class at 540WMain | Class/Course Proposal Portal

3 May 20184 May 2018

Dear Community, As 540WMain approaches it's 2 year anniversary in June 2018, I am pleased to share that over 200 classes have been taught in the community room. Coordinating and…

A Wednesday Word from the Director | May Days & Productivity

2 May 20183 May 2018

Dear Community, Happy May to you! I don't know about you but I am more than relieved that we seem to finally be across the threshold of the iron clad…

art…

May Featured Artist Spotlight | Mike Kraus

1 May 20183 May 2018

We are pleased to spotlight Mike Kraus the May Featured Artist About Mike Kraus Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts…

Starbucks and The Intersection of Microagression, Gentrification and Racial Profiling

26 Apr 201826 Apr 2018

With the never ending news cycle and provocation from social media; viral incidents like the arrest of two black men waiting at Starbucks make a black man and content creator…

Everyday People Working Against Gender-Based Wage Discrimination | by featured blogger Erin Egloff

24 Apr 201824 Apr 2018

Close your eyes and take a moment to let your mind play Everyday People by Sly & The Family Stone. (If you don't know Sly or his family, we won't…