Rochester, New York’s 50+ homicides in each of the years 2004–2007, including the murder of James Slater, a community activist whose mother was a founding member of Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church.

In response to Rochester, New York’s 50+ homicides in each of the years 2004–2007  on January 5, 2008, Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church launched a countywide anti-snitching billboard campaign entitled, “You Bet I Told.”

In December, 2009, Baber’s “You Bet I Told” campaign merged with Baber’s Center for Social Change and Economic Development  to officially form Rise Up Rochester, a new cutting-edge nonprofit that would empower the community to establish and maintain a nonviolent culture.