Somerville to Hold 'Community Conversations' About Racism

In light of ongoing national conversations surrounding racially charged issues, the City of Somerville will host a serious of informative “community conversations,” focusing on race and racism. The open discussions will begin on Oct. 5, Mayor Joseph Curtatone announced Monday.

Organized by the Office of Health and Human Services, conversations will be held in each of the City’s seven wards. Residents are invited to join these small-group discussions to share their experiences and learn from their neighbors.

“We, as a city, must do our part to move the national conversation on race forward,” said Mayor Curtatone. “Somerville can and should lead the way in showing how a city can reflect on itself and take action against injustice. I look forward to hearing from our residents and working with the community to ensure everyone has the same opportunities and is treated fairly.”

Over the summer, the City of Somerville decided to hang a “Black Lives Matter” banner from the front porch of City Hall.

Each conversation will be led by a trained facilitator and light refreshments will be served. Child care and translations services will be provided by request to enable more Somerville residents to participate in the dialogue.

“Systemic racism is a complex challenge that will result in various approaches, initiatives, and public conversations,” said Curtatone. “We will be using this time to listen to the experiences of residents and use that feedback to guide us moving forward.”

Community Conversations are scheduled for:

• Mon., Oct. 5, 6-8 p.m., at Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, 155 Powder House Blvd.
• Tue., Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m., at the Visiting Nurses Association, 259 Lowell St.
• Wed., Oct. 7, 1-3 p.m., at UCC, 89 College Ave.
• Wed, Oct. 14, 6-8 p.m., Greater Works Church of God, 12 Marshall St.
• Tue., Oct. 20, 12:30-2:30 p.m., at La Cantina, 247 Washington St.
• Thur., Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at Connexion, 149 Broadway
• Mon., Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m., at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave.