The ongoing series spotlights Rochester icons who are reshaping society. MMM CEO Tianna Mañón had the opportunity to pen the latest book featuring Stanley Martin, Rochester City Council member and organizer of Free the People Roc.
By: MMM Editorial Team
Manon Media Management is proud to share that our CEO Tianna Mañón had the incredible honor of being an essayist for In This Moment, a powerful project that documents and uplifts contemporary Black leaders in Rochester. This initiative, which pairs Black writers and photographers with impactful community leaders, works to preserve and amplify Black voices in a city with a deep, complex history of racial justice activism.
The essay focused on Stanley Martin, a Rochester City Council member and a dedicated organizer with Free the People Rochester—one of the city's largest activist organizations fighting for Black liberation. Stanley’s commitment to dismantling systemic oppression, advocating for police accountability, and ensuring community-led solutions has made a lasting impact on Rochester. Writing about their journey was both an honor and a responsibility.
On January 27th, In This Moment: Revolution, Reckoning, Reparation was celebrated with a book release event at the George Eastman Museum. This gathering was more than just a launch—it was a space for community, reflection, and dialogue about the ongoing work of Black leaders in the city. The chapbooks, which are distributed for free, serve as an important resource for educators, students, and community members to engage with the stories of those shaping Rochester’s future.
The In This Moment project is a testament to the power of storytelling. By capturing the lives and work of Black leaders through essays and photography, it ensures that their contributions are documented and recognized. Amanda Chestnut, the project’s curator, has been instrumental in making sure these narratives reach the community and beyond.
Being part of this project reinforces the importance of narrative justice. It is essential to tell these stories, challenge historical erasure, and highlight the voices of those who are shaping a more just and equitable future. Manon Media Management encourages everyone to explore the In This Moment chapbook series and learn more about the incredible leaders featured in its pages.
To learn more about In This Moment and find ways to support this initiative, visit their website! Let’s continue amplifying the voices that are shaping history—right now, in this moment.
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