This year, Millard E. Latimer & Son Funeral Directors Inc. (Rochester), the oldest African American business in that city and one of the oldest in the state, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. As part of that celebration, the firm recently held two events.

On August 13 was the firm’s sixth Community Healing & Wellness Fair from 12-5 p.m. Open to the public, the event featured live music, refreshments, raffles and a “champagne” (sparkling cider) toast. Visitors could also participate in health screenings and gather information about heart disease, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

On August 20, the funeral home held an invitation-only Centennial Gala from 2-5 p.m. Guests were encouraged to wear white attire, as well as masks, while enjoying jazz and soul musical performances, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a champagne toast. The event also celebrated living history and featured memorial reflections and an announcement of Latimer’s Legacy-Vision.

Millena E. Latimer, executive assistant and office manager at Latimer Funeral Home, and Dr. Betty Palmer, CEO of B.G. Palmer Coaching and Training (Stone Mountain, Georgia) served as co-chairs for the event. Honorary chairs included James and Carolyne Blount, publisher and executive editor, about...time magazine; William Johnson, former Rochester mayor; Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, former special assistant to the president at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School; Rev. Dr. Rickey B. Harvey, pastor, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church; and Lesli Myers-Small, Ed.D., superintendent, Rochester City School District. melatimerfuneralhome.com