Empowering Change, One Family at a Time
Rochester BCFF: Bridging the Gap to Equality
Join us in our mission to eliminate racial disparities and uplift black families in Rochester through education and empowerment.
Photo by Max Schulte/WXXI News
Evans Buntley is one of several hundred people receiving $500 per month from the city of Rochester as part of the city’s Guaranteed Basic Income year-long pilot program. Buntley works full-time at Rochester General Hospital and has used the money to help pay for rent, food, and gas. This program was administered by The Black Community Focus Fund for the City of Rochester.
Our Mission and Vision
The Black Community Focus Fund is dedicated to eradicating racial disparities affecting black families in Rochester. Our mission is to empower individuals through education, advocacy, and community-driven initiatives. By addressing the root causes of poverty and historical racism, we strive to create a future where equality is the norm, and every family has the opportunity to thrive.
Campaigning for a 5-year ” Living Water” GBI program for families with school-aged children to end poverty and ensure childhood thriving.
The Black Community Focus Fund Inc.
Our Impact
- In partnership with local communities and organizations, we work toward racial equity, especially in the areas of employment, housing, education, and economic revitalization.
- We sponsored, in partnership with SPARC ( Spiritus Christi Anti Racism Coalition), a Southern Anti-Racism Convoy trip, forming racial justice ambassadors to begin working locally to dismantle racism.
- We wrote a book on our Race Convoy, which is for sale at Magcloud.com, entitled “A Love that Does Justice,” chronicling our trip and experiences.
- Partnered with the City of Rochester to administer a year long Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Program for 351 families living at and below the poverty level with amazing results.
- Initiated Free food and food gift card giveaways.
- Assisted in securing increased local Black Voting Rights.
- We offer direct support to the poor and economically challenged black people and families living in some of the poorest zip codes across the city.
- Presented to the City of Rochester and attained a current partnership to collaborate to create an outdoor Civil Rights Park, which will break ground by the end of 2026.
- We host annual “Love and Justice” music concerts and keynote speaker events every February.
- Host an annual Roc Juneteenth 5k Run/Walk and Jazz concert to raise money for Rochester’s first outdoor Civil Rights Heritage Site, named after Minister Franklin D. Florence at Baden Park.
Provide Racial Justice Training upon request for groups, colleges, or organizations!
“Sista Circle” – The Black Community Focus Fund’s monthly gathering of empowerment with Black Women and Women of Color in the Rochester community!
- Provide critical community conversations by organizing discussions on important issues like Reparations, Childhood Well-being, Bail Reform, Mass Incarceration, Children’s Sabbath, and Systemic Racism.
- Fundraising for a five-year Guaranteed Basic Income program for families with school-aged children called ” Living Water” that will eradicate childhood poverty.
- Partnered to support a BIPOC Mental Health Fair, immigration rights protests, and support the work of DEI.
- Proposed and advocate for a new policing and public safety blueprint for Rochester in light of the police killings of George Floyd and Daniel Prude.
Educational Workshops
Providing Racial Justice Training to individuals and organizations to create workplace cultures of diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion
Financial Literacy Training
Equipping individuals with the skills to manage finances, build wealth, and achieve economic independence through financial empowerment program referrals.
Community Advocacy
Engaging with local leaders and policymakers to promote policies that support racial equality and justice.
Opportunity Access and Wellness Support
Offering programs and opportunity access that focus on mental, cultural, and physical health to ensure holistic well-being for black families.
Impact of Our Work
Our initiatives have reached many families, improving access to education, opportunity, community engagement, and economic support.
Education Access
Opportunity Improvements
Community Engagement
Economic Support
“Thanks to Rochester BCFF, my children now have access to quality after-school programs that have made a significant difference in their education.”
Jessica Thompson
Local Parent
“The support from this organization has been life-changing. I am now able to provide better for my family and feel hopeful about the future.”
Numa Robinson
Community Member
“Rochester BCFF has been instrumental in helping me start my own business, providing the resources and mentorship I needed.”
Lee Cooper
Program Participant
“Participating in The GBI program administered by The Black Community Focus Fund,” “Even though it’s once a month, it’s something that’s better than nothing, and it sure enough gives support to me and my family, it helps me more than I can think of.”
Evan Buntley
Program Participant
Upcoming Community Events
6.19.26 Roc Juneteenth Jazz Festival
Join us for a day of fun, food, and community bonding with activities for all ages.
June 07, 2026
Adult Tickets $35 dollars Kids Free!
Roc Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk
Register with hundreds of runners at Itsyourrace.com to support the creation of the Min. Franklin D. Florence Civil Rights Heritage Site at Baden Park! We will run the trail at Genesee Valley Park starting at noon.
July 19, 2026
$25 dollar registration at Itsyourrace.com!
"The Ron Carter Experience"
Join us at Hochstein Music School for a concert with the renowned three time grammy award winning Ron Carter. We will be celebrating Juneteenth- Jazz- and Youth! General and VIP tickets with reception available.
Photo by Pete Coco
June 19, 2026
General tickets $65
VIP Package Tickets $1000
Sista Circle
Third Friday of the month gathering of Women of Color for support, education, and empowerment!
April 17, 2026
FREE
