Robert Hoggard
Interview No. 217
Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.
Published February 14, 2020.
Where are you from? How did you end up in Rochester?
I’m from Middletown, Connecticut. I came to Rochester in 2014 to attend Colgate Divinity School for my master’s. While there, I felt called to get involved in activism and social justice. It just made sense to stay here. I’m currently pursuing my PhD at the Warner School of Education at U of R.
What's your favorite part of living in Rochester?
The restaurant culture is rich here- we have so many places to go for a bite to eat. They all speak to different niches or vibes or experiences. It’s nice, and unique about Rochester! I love going to places like Monte Alban, Dogtown, and Plum House.
What's the most unique event you've attended in Rochester?
I lived on campus at the Colgate Divinity School, so I love the Lilac Festival. Once that comes, there’s a break in the weather and we’re done with the cold. People travel from all over to come see it! We’re all like, “alright, it’s festival season now.”
What are some of your favorite local nonprofits to support?
Metro Justice- I’m a Board member there. It started off as an ally organization back in 1965. We fought on the issue of redlining and took it all the way to the Supreme Court in the 70s. More recently, we helped with the Fight for $15 movement and the cash bail movement. We’ve fought on a lot of social issues and civil rights. We’re looking at climate change initiatives now and the New York Healthcare Act. We do quite a bit of lobbying and have over 400 members.
I also appreciate the work Center for Youth is doing, especially the new LGBTQ homeless shelter. We have to look at having after school programs that really speak to literacy and numeracy, but also look at how we can push students to realize the power and potential they already have within themselves.
The House of Mercy is amazing too. What they’re doing with the homeless population is remarkable.
If you had $100 and two hours to kill in Rochester, how would you spend the money/time?
I would start the day at Arnett Cafe- they just reopened. It’s a nice spot for breakfast; I’d probably order some grits and eggs. Then I’d go to Monte Alban for lunch and order a shrimp and chicken fajita. I’d spend the rest of my money at Radio Social. I always enjoy the vibe there and there’s quite a bit to do.
What is your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather?
I’m always watching some Netflix documentary or PBS. I like to stay inside and soak up information. I’m trying to read 100 books this year.
What's one memory you have that captures what Rochester means to you?
Probably the Fight for $15 movement- we were interrupting business at McDonald’s and Burger King, and I felt a lot of adrenaline. It felt empowering. We could really make change happen. I love activism so much, because you’re out making things happen and building relationships with people. We have a rich history of activism with Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, but we say their names so much, we almost forget how many risks they took.
What makes Rochester unique?
Again, I’d point to our history of activism. So many people have taken risks so that we can live in a better place. It’s incumbent on us to pick up where they left off. Not just by citing what they said, but by recreating what they’ve done in different places. You don’t have to pick up a picket sign or attend a protest, but within our own spaces, we can build up organizations and do great things.
What would you like to see change in Rochester in 2020?
The political space needs to change. We see a lot of overpromising and under delivering. I’d love to see our political leaders take risks and provide for the most marginalized people. We can really build a better world. Government is supposed to solve our most fundamental, biggest issues.
What advice do you have for people who want to get more involved in the community?
We all have issues we’re passionate about. Pick an organization that is working on an issue you want to solve. Volunteer to help them. You can give an hour of your time a week, every week this year, and that can make a huge impact.
Robert Hoggard is an activist and PhD student who loves Rochester's festivals and food scene. For more of his perspective, visit our Instagram.
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