About The Author

Jessica Bonadio has been an elementary school teacher for the past twenty years. Jessica spent her childhood in the suburbs of Rochester before moving to various states and countries around the world. She returned home to Rochester to be with family. While teaching her third graders, she struggled to find a book about the history of the city. Her curiosity grew and with it came research. The more she learned, the more she wanted to share with her students.

While telling her son about the various stories she uncovered, her son kept asking if events were taking place during "Black and White Times". It was a realization for Jessica. To capture the attention and understanding of her intended audience, she would have to bring these stories to light in a colorful way. Thus, the idea to write this book was born.