Exciting News! Urban League of Rochester introduces W.H.O. – When History Is Owned

The Urban League of Rochester is proud to unveil an exciting new initiative designed to bring families closer while strengthening identity, academic skills, and community connection.

Introducing W.H.O. – When History Is Owned, a transformational 12-week intergenerational genealogy competition for Rochester middle and high school students and their parent or guardian.

This innovative experience invites families to uncover their lineage, explore historical records, document oral histories, and reclaim the stories that shaped them. With guided support from genealogy experts and access to curated research tools, participants will work together to trace ancestral lines and connect their family narratives to broader moments in history.

Throughout the program, families will earn milestone discovery points for research achievements, storytelling, and documentation. The journey culminates in a public showcase where teams present their findings to community leaders and supporters. The highest scoring team will receive a commemorative award and a meaningful heritage experience to deepen their understanding of their roots.

W.H.O. is more than a competition. It is an opportunity to reconnect across generations, build pride in family history, and strengthen the foundation our young people stand on.

Registration for the inaugural cohort opens March 1, 2026 and closes March 31, 2026, or once seats are filled.

For more information, please contact Tiffany Owens towens@ulr.org or Sierra Birmingham sbirmingham@ulr.org