Arlington Schedules Community Series On Racism, Police Reform

ARLINGTON, MA — The town this week announced a series of community conversations centered around racism, racial equity and policing in Arlington. The four-part series starts June 23 and is intended to open up a dialogue to address past and present challenges the town has faced, acknowledge plans for moving forward to dismantle systemic racism and provide an opportunity for community voices to be heard and discussed.

Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m. Calling Out the Issues- A Time of Reflection and Action

Moderated by Jillian Harvey, DEI Coordinator and Allentza Michel, DEI Community Consultant-
Powerful Pathways, the panel discussion with town leadership will reflect upon the roots of
systemic racism, its implications for Arlington and acknowledge the calls for action now. Topics
will cover town racial equity initiatives and goals, school data and racial disparities, and policing
policies. Panelists will include Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine, Police Chief Juliann Flaherty,
and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Roderick MacNeal. Attendees will be able to submit questions
before hand and during the event. Add to your iCalendar.

Tuesday July 7, 7 p.m. APD Visions, Inc. Bias & Discrimination Assessment

Dr. Michelle Holmes and Doug Weinstock of Visions, Inc. will be presenting on the Arlington
Police Department: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Climate Assessment and Final Report that
that they conducted. The presentation will review the process of conducting the assessment and
participation, a document review of the Departments policies, procedures and practices, and will
provide the findings and recommendations. The report will be available soon. Community
members will be notified so they can read it prior to the presentation. We encourage that
questions be submitted before the event. Add to your iCalendar.

Tuesday July 21, 7 p.m. Elevating Suppressed Voices

Elevating Suppressed Voices will be a conversation in which strictly POC (people of color)
community members will be heard, but the session is open for all to attend. Far too often
community members of color are spoken for or on behalf of. This session is meant to highlight
the voices of People of Color that go unheard or are drowned out by the loudest and most vocal
voices. Perspectives and experiences will be shared, concerns can be voiced and visions of
change will be explored. We will be talking with long time and new residents, youth including
students who are a part of the METCO program and individuals who work in town. Add to your iCalendar.

Town of Arlington

Department of Health and Human Services

27 Maple Street
Arlington, MA 02476

Tel: (781) 316-3170
Fax: (781) 316-3175

Tuesday, August 4, 7 p.m. Closing the Circle- Acknowledgment & Apology

Acknowledgment & Apology is the theme for this segment in which Lt. Pedrini will be participating. This is an opportunity for Lt. Pedrini to address the community, and we will continue the conversation of civil rights and advocacy. Add to your iCalendar.

True Story Theater Dialogue

Watch, listen, or share personal experiences.

Paralleling the Town hosted conversations, you are invited to attend an online “story theatre dialogue” to reflect on the issues discussed, put on by True Story Theater. All are welcome to watch and listen, or share personal experiences that will then be respectfully and creatively reflected by Arlington’s improvisational improv group. The purpose of these True Story events is to help all of us in town more deeply understand each other in an honest, human way, from the heart. These sessions will be held every other week and information regarding registering for the events will be made available shortly. But please visit their website for more information.

As the conversations continue to develop, additional information will be provided. At this time if
you wish to submit a question or topic to be addressed please email Jillian Harvey
at jharvey@town.arlington.ma.us