Rochester, N.Y. — A pre-grand opening event at TRUTH, a new Black-owned resto-lounge on East Main Street, marked a celebration of Juneteenth and honored local Black women for their contributions to the community.

The event offered guests an exclusive first look inside the venue before its public opening.

A highlight of the evening was the Black and Boujee Awards, which recognized five local Black women for their cultural, social, and entrepreneurial impact on Rochester.

Nicholas Fitts, owner of TRUTH Lounge, emphasized the importance of creating safe social spaces. “I think it’s important to have places where you can come and socialize and be in a safe environment,” he said. “And I said hey rather than complain about the problems we have here why not come back and be a solution.”

The celebration featured two DJs playing classics from the ’90s, 2000s, and beyond, aiming to uplift the community and spotlight Black excellence in Rochester.

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