Out of Tragedy & Conflict Toward Justice & Healing

It is with our deepest sympathies that we send condolences to the family of Mr. Daniel Prude regarding his tragic death at the hands of some members of the Rochester Police Department. We are outraged and discouraged by the officers' actions in failing to respond humanly to Mr. Prude which ultimately led to his death.  This is yet another, all too frequent, egregious failure to serve and protect.

We are in critical times that demand change to systemic and institutional racist policies that allow for incidents like this to become the norm in our community and society. We must redouble our commitment to forge new systems that recognize that black lives are not disposable; re-envision what true public safety is and how it is best accomplished in a just and equitable society where Black, Indigenous, People of Color Lives Matter.

Helping individuals, groups and communities resolve disputes peacefully is in our agency DNA as reflected in our Vision Statement to "To use and promote peaceful dispute resolution processes throughout our communities.'' Formed in 1973, CDS was established amidst the polarization occurring in Rochester and cities across the country in response to the civil rights movement. We are steadfast in our commitment to support the work that engages our community towards transformative change that will ensure there will not be another death like Daniel Prude’s in our community or country. We stand for systemic change to bring justice and equity for all our residents.

To quote author Alice Walker, “Healing begins where the wound was made.”

This IS the MOMENT!!