The 19th Ward has a new voice. Meet Judge Marbury

When people ask me what part of Rochester I’m from, I always tell them I’ve lived all over the place, but some of my most treasured memories, filled with laughter and warmth, were made in the 19th Ward.

My mother worked evenings for the state, so on Fridays my younger sisters, Tisiah and Leilani, and I would go to my cousin’s house on Genesee Street. We would call her our “Friday Mom.”

We did crafts, helped with gardening, and took walks in Genesee Valley Park. As we walked around the park, we watched people running with their dogs, heard the cheers from nearby baseball and Frisbee games, and collected pine cones and rocks.

On Sundays we would leave New Life Fellowship Church on Arnett, go to the Julep lady across the street, and visit my great-grandparents near Genesee Park Blvd.

I remember the chalk, the skipping ropes and the bikes waiting for us. When we got tired, we would sit on their porch with Lipton green teas and greet the neighbors as they passed by.

I’m Judge Marbury, the Democrat and Chronicle’s new 19th Ward community reporter.

When I was offered this position, I knew I wanted to do justice to this role, no pun intended. I wanted to make sure I told the stories about the community I know and love and the coverage it deserves.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of participating in the Square Fair hosted by the 19th Ward Community Association. I met many of you and learned more about what makes our community unique. A few of my D&C colleagues and I handed out surveys, inviting you to share your story ideas and the aspects of the 19th Ward you wanted to see reflected in our stories.

Your contribution is invaluable and will shape the stories we bring to you.

The 19th room“It’s about community.” The 2024 Square Fair was held Saturday in Rochester

The feedback and engagement has been incredible, and we want to give readers a chance to do the same by filling out our survey using the form below or scanning the printed QR code. In the coming weeks, we’ll let you know when one of you suggests a story we’re writing!