On Sunday, June 28th two entities—Activists Against Racism Movement and Down In the Dirt Productions—pooled their ideas, time, and resources to create a venue to unite local community members with one another and with grassroots organizations, local political candidates, and small businesses in the Greater Rochester area. From progressive Democrats to radical students, performance artists to published authors, STD educators to crime preventers, the wealth of collective expertise shared at the Main St. Armory was rich indeed.

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The first of the two-part event, known as the Community-Networking Extravaganza was, in the words of AARM, "an opportunity for individuals and groups to meet, exchange contact information, distribute literature, sign petitions, give speeches, and network however they see fit. i.e. build relationships." The evening portion, a benefit performance put on by R.A.P.I.E.R and other performance arts coalitions, was named "Roc In the Community" and consisted of dancers, comedians, spoken word artists, singers, and oftentimes a fusion of all four.

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An indymedia correspondent was able to catch up with some of the organizers and participants of the day's event to discuss the importance of building strong communities.

Robert Djed Snead, who is working to organize this years MAAFA Celebration, was quite excited to answer the question and gave a very nice, in-depth answer. mp3 ogg.

Finally, we talked with two of the candidates for office at the event and asked them to describe their platforms.

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