Rochester Contemporary Art Center hosted the first in a series of panel discussions related to the video installation "Question Bridge: Black Males," at Rochester Contemporary Art Center last week. The discussion focused on the representation of black men in the media.

The need for positive representation in the media was reiterated many times, as well as the need for diversity in newsrooms to ensure that seemingly un-important details aren't overlooked and that stereotypes aren't perpetuated through reporting.

The panel also agreed that as the Internet has increased the speed and consumption of news, media professionals should slow down and think critically about the way they present information.

City would like to hear your perspective on these questions: "What is the role of the media in defining who you are?" and "How do the meanings behind hip-hop songs affect you?" We encourage commentary on all platforms.

Follow City Newspaper for coverage, featured questions, and use the hashtags #QuestionBridge and #bridgeCITY. You can also leave a comment at rochestercitynewspaper.com.

Rochester Contemporary will host the next panel discussion at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15. It will focus on the community art perspective with artist and community arts organizer Shawn Dunwoody; Thomas Warfield, the founder and artistic director at PeaceArt International; and Shabaka Mu Ausar, president of UTCHAT VISION.